Hypnosis Book Reviews...

THE POWER OF YOUR VOICE
by Patrick K Porter PhD

With The Power of Your Voice Patrick Porter has produced a basic spiral bound workbook of ideas and scripts. The scripts and observations are based on his work in Psycho Linguistics and Awaken the Genius and many readers will recognise his use of Eriksonian language patterns. There are perhaps no new tools for a practising therapist in this book, however the framework and language used within the scripts are interesting and worthy of attention. Porter begins by setting out briefly his philosophy towards his clients followed by somewhat simplistic and strangely old fashioned advice around dress,

‘For women it is essential that your mode of dress is professional plan for a business style attire, suits, full length dresses and hosiery is a must'.

He then continues his advice for the therapist in a script for Success. As in all the scripts he appears to promote the idea that the text should be recorded on tape whether for play back use by the therapist or the client. This can be disconcerting on the first reading of the scripts, however if the reader can remove that concept it becomes more apparent that the scripts can be easily adapted into the consulting room and into a therapist/client session.

Each script is detailed and specific and shows careful and consistent sequencing. It is interesting to note that the author incorporates therapy within the framework of induction and deepening e.g ‘Move your awareness to the bottom of your feet now allow the circulation of new thoughts, new ideas you are now feeling the freedom of standing on your own two feet. ' On re-reading the scripts this particular technique becomes quite attractive and I feel worthy of attention. Each script also utilises the idea and visualisation of “white light” as an energy force and also as a means of inducing dissociation allowing the client to observe conditioned patterns and to reframe. Pseudo orientation in time, modelling, favourite place of relaxation and ego strengthening are also contained in every script.

Chapters are divided into specific categories, Smoking Cessation, Weight Control, Improved Learning, Improved Communications, Deep Relaxation and Release of the Past. There is a brief discussion prologue to each chapter before moving on to the relevant script. These discussions although brief show a sensible approach to the subject matter. The discussion on Weight Control was especially informative. Again there is perhaps nothing new offered, however the text is set out in simple, easily understood language and the overview of acceptable and non acceptable foods is sensible and can form a basis for dialogue with the client. The script included in 'Release of the Past' is formed around reframing and regression. Regression in this context appears to be handled carefully, always encouraging feelings of safety and security. Personally I feel that this might be a script where it would be preferable initially that the therapist be present to observe any abreaction of the client. Indeed the therapist may feel it more appropriate to use all of the scripts with the client in the consulting room either instead of or before putting it into tape form.

The book is illustrated throughout with quotations and “jewels” by many philosophers which are most attractive and thoughtful. Within the limitations of a spiral bound book this is put together in a practical and competent style. I am sure that many people will find the simplicity of the contents useful. It comes as a refreshing dip into familiar and tested approaches at a time when the new dynamics of hypnotherapeutic work are pushing every hypnotherapist into more complex and revolutionary areas of learning.

Reviewer: Mary McCallum

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