Hypnosis Book Reviews...

The Principles of Hypnotherapy
By Dr. Dylan Morgan

Established subscribers to the ECJH will already be familiar with “The Morgan Proposition” articles published in this Journal during 1994/5, and I am sure that this concise and accessible book will add to the understanding of this unique way of looking at hypnotherapy in both practice and theory.
Dr. Dylan Morgan is the only writer to have put hypnotherapy on a par with other sciences through his theories - explaining them clearly with the use of examples and analogies which prove to be very powerful ways of making his new ideas understood.
Dr. Morgan takes us through a logical step by step process straight to the heart of his proposition - i.e. that the systems and processes that occur during hypnosis can be studied systematically, so that hypnotherapy can be discussed and examined in a scientific way.

The book is clearly ordered, so that the foundations for understanding of this new way of looking at hypnotherapy are well comprehended by the reader. The ideas of organic systems and their basic properties prepare the ground and he takes a close look at the processes that take place within these systems.
The processes of hypnotic induction are explained in the new light, so that as therapists we can understand how they work and the purposes of their component parts.

The second section of this book examines in detail the whole process of hypnotherapy in the order that it takes place in real life and, building on the systems approach, it shows how a variety of hypnotic phenomena are produced. Even Milton Erickson's wonderful metaphors and seemingly highly unusual methods can be shown to be based on a sound understanding of the way the mind functions. Important areas are the making of a sound diagnosis (asking the right questions) in order to determine the therapy required, understanding feedback loops - most people are familiar with the ‘vicious circle' idea - and effecting the desired changes.

The necessity of establishing that any changes made are wholly appropriate and will not lead to a worsening of the problem in the future is considered in detail. This area of establishing long-lasting and effective change is tied in with ensuring the change is ‘ecologically sound' for all parts of the mind - a truly holistic approach sometimes not considered by other therapies.
The final part of this book focuses on specific areas of therapy - such as the use of pairs of systems, where by making a symptom worse for a short while the symptom can be reduced over the longer term. Dissociation is also discussed from the systems point of view in detail, and along with the use of indirect suggestions analogies he explores how other therapies can also be looked at in this way.

The notion of the existence of complex feedback loops in explaining many of the systems of the mind and their influence on behaviour is very helpful in enabling a studied approach to the needs of each client we see - and to allow us to produce effective and ecologically sound treatment for that client. Useful summaries at the end of each chapter - and the use of analogy throughout - reinforce the understanding of the proposition.

The triumph of this book is the long reaching effects it will have on the way hypnotherapy is practised; by knowing how the tools in our tool kit of expertise are working we can continue to expand our knowledge and improve the effectiveness of our therapy in a systematic way. This new view of the subject of hypnotherapy should also be an important step to its acceptance within the scientific community, as Dr. Morgan has shown that “it has a ,foundation of a clear and measurable concept and a theoretical framework which underpins its many techniques “. Dr. Morgan's theories have evolved since his series of articles began in the journal and doubtless will continue to evolve as advances are made by hypnotherapists over the coming years. Hypnotherapy is in itself an organic system and therefore dynamic and ever changing.

Dr. Morgan has given us much food for thought. He will enhance the growth of the science of hypnotherapy for the benefit of practitioners and clients alike.

Reviewer: Heather Wood

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