Using Guided Imagery and Hypnosis in Brief Therapy and Palliative Care

In this review of Using Guided Imagery and Hypnosis in Brief Therapy and Palliative Care, the reviewer finds a focused clinical resource for therapists who need single-session interventions and tools for end-of-life work. The book presents a clear model and numerous case transcripts that make methods immediately usable, so clinicians seeking applied techniques will appreciate the mix of theoretical frame and hands-on examples. This review highlights the book's value as a practitioner-oriented guide rather than a general self-help title.

Key Features

• Single-session model: Presents a practical framework for effective single-session therapy so clinicians can structure brief interventions with confidence.
• Case transcripts: Includes more than a dozen detailed case studies with transcripts and commentary that illustrate how techniques are applied in real clinical encounters.
• Remen healing circle adaptation: Describes an adapted model of the Remen healing circle for preparing patients for surgery, giving therapists a structured preparation protocol.
• Palliative care approaches: Offers guided imagery and related approaches specifically tailored to enhance palliative care and address end-of-life concerns compassionately.
• Extensive appendixes: Supplies a variety of tools and resources in appendixes that therapists can copy or adapt for use with clients facing death and bereavement.

Who It's For

This book is best for licensed psychotherapists, counselors, clinical social workers, and hypnotherapists who work with medical patients or in palliative settings and who want concrete, session-ready techniques. The emphasis on brief therapy and single-session structure makes it especially useful for clinicians who need effective, time-limited interventions.

Those looking for an introductory textbook on hypnosis theory or a layperson self-help manual should look elsewhere, because the focus here is clinical application and case-based instruction rather than basic popular overview.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical case transcripts provide clear examples of technique in action.
• Tools and appendixes make translation to clinical practice straightforward.
• Specific sections on preparing patients for surgery and palliative care broaden clinical utility.

Cons

• Not written as a general self-help guide, so nonclinicians may find it too technical.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Using Guided Imagery and Hypnosis in Brief Therapy and Palliative Care is a strong clinical resource for therapists who need applied, session-ready methods for brief and palliative work. The combination of a clear model, rich case material, and usable appendixes makes it good value for clinicians seeking to integrate guided imagery and hypnosis into time-limited therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include practical examples?
Yes; it contains more than a dozen case studies with full transcripts and commentary to demonstrate application.

Is it suitable for nonclinicians?
The book is written for practicing clinicians and may be too technical for general self-help readers.

Does it address surgical preparation?
Yes; it presents an adapted Remen healing circle model specifically for preparing patients for surgery.