The Inner Source : Exploring Hypnosis (Rev. ed)

This work chronicles the breathtaking evolution of hypnosis as a modern healing tool through "founding father" Herbert Spiegel's legendary discoveries.

A clinical psychologist, Spiegel was a 20th-century pioneer in the use of hypnosis as a means to conquer pain, anxiety, addiction and phobias.

By finding a method to measure susceptibility to trance and emphasizing the self-healing potential of the patient, he has turned a vaudeville act into a significant form of alternative healing.

This account showcases the discoveries that made Spiegel the "leading expert in the country" (60 Minutes), sparked a roaring TV controversy and set the foundation for his famed Columbia University course.

The book offers no-nonsense explanations on the science and practice of hypnosis, such as the human ability to enter trance, the personality traits associated with this ability, the myths about hypnosis and the problems it helps to solve.

Taking a critical look at popular myths, positive and negative, the book provides curious readers with a clear outlook on the possibilities and limits of this exciting field. A new introduction by the author relates the significance of hypnosis in the context of current events, such as the treatment of post-traumatic disorders, wrongful conviction cases and the therapy versus medication controversy.