Section 1:The history and nature of hypnosis - Overview of the history of hypnosis. The nature of hypnosis: suggestion and trance. Hypnotic susceptibility and its measurement . Theories of hypnosis

Section 2: Basic procedures in clinical hypnosis - Preparation for clinical hypnosis. Hypnotic induction and deepening procedures: first approach. Hypnotic induction and deepening procedures: second approach. Further ethical matters and precautions during the preparation phase of hypnosis. Self-hypnosis. Variations in style: permissive, indirect and alert approaches . Suggestion, posthypnotic suggestion and ego-strengthening in therapy. Behavioural techniques for self-control. Metaphor and story technique. Basic procedures with children

Section 3: The application of hypnotic procedures in psychological therapy - Orientation to the psychotherapies and the concept of a 'working model'. Introduction to psychodynamic and humanistic approaches . Ericksonian approaches to psychotherapy. The unconscious mind and the repression of memories. Hypnotic procedures in psychodynamic therapy. Behaviour therapy and the application of hypnosis . Cognitive therapy: an introduction. An eclectic approach to psychotherapy augmented by hypnosis. Risks, precautions and contraindications

Section 4: The applications of hypnosis to specific medical, dental and psychological problems - Hypnosis for smoking cessation, weight reduction and insomnia. Hypnosis in the treatment of psychosomatic problems. Hypnosis and pain. Hypnosis and cancer. Hypnosis in obstetrics and gynaecology. Hypnosis in dentistry. Hypnosis for anxiety disorders. Hypnosis in the treatment of miscellaneous psychological problems and disorders. Medical and psychological problems in children and adolescents

Section 5: The professional practice of hypnosis - Evidence for the benefits and the adverse effects of hypnosis. Issues in professional practice
Appendix I: Clinical hypnosis and memory
Appendix II: Ethical guidelines of the international society of hypnosis
Index