FULL REVIEWS / "Deeper & Deeper"  some from version 1 the current version 2 is much improved with more chapters and subjects.

Review in February 2003
"Hypnosis-hypnotherapy UK Yahoo group"
by Barry Thain www.mindsci-clinic.com
I think there is much for the hypnotherapists to learn from the stage hypnotists and vice versa. I say this as someone whose practice is based on stage hypnosis techniques rather than psychologically based therapeutics. In a way I've been doing a kind of stage hypnosis in my consulting room for the last 8 years and only resort to hypnotherapy when, for whatever reason, I can't get a good enough trance.

I don't want to suggest anyone else approach their work the way I do. But I do think there are some cumbersome aspects to hypnotherapy (and, yes, I've done the courses) that are worth questioning.

Why, for example, is anyone ever taught to do a progressive relaxation?

Why spend 10 to 30 minutes getting someone physically relaxed when you can have them in trance in a minute or two using other techniques? Any hypnotherapist who can't induce a somnambulistic trance in under five minutes ought at least to be curious about what they're missing (and what else they could be doing with their time). If you can make someone fall in love with a mop (on stage) then you can make them get along with mice off stage even if they were rodent- phobic before. And you can do it in minutes. You might still want to do deep muscle relaxation, SUDs and systematic desensitization over several sessions, but you at least have another string to your bow. (Incidentally, I did the mice phobia thing five years ago with someone and it's held good to this day.)

It's only my opinion, but I think an awareness of stage hypnosis techniques is more relevant to the hypnotherapist than knowledge of NLP, EFT or Bach Flowers. Come to think of it, I think a knowledge of stage hypnosis techniques is more relevant to NLP and EFT practitioners than hypnotherapy. Why? Because the key to stage hypnosis lies in the management of the relationship between the hypnotist and the hypnotee.

I'm writing this now having just finished reading Deeper and Deeper, by our very own Jon Chase. The book is required reading for his course in stage hypnotism and should be required reading for anyone seeing patients too.

Deeper and Deeper claims to be "a complete instruction course" in stage hypnosis, and actually is. Of course, and as it makes clear, no book can gift you the natural talent to hold an audience let alone entertain it. But if you have the personality and professionalism to carry it off, you probably wouldn't ever need another book on stage hypnotism to make a career of it. It is just what you would expect such a volume to be, covering everything from setting up the venue to turning the lights out as you leave. The techniques necessary for volunteer selection, rapid inductions, deepenings and entertainment routines are all dealt with clearly and concisely, and Jon includes his `super suggestion' which every therapist should have in their armoury.

Equally important are the sections on what can go wrong and how to avoid it. Jon goes to some length stressing how careful one should be about the preparation of the stage. The considerations are no different from the things one should think about when organizing one's own consulting room.

Deeper and Deeper is very matter of fact. It is written with great weight and authority because it is the distillation of decades of real life experience, devoid of speculation or theory. Everything Jon writes can be done, has been done. And it doesn't take much imagination to recognize the practical applications for the consulting room.

So if you are in the habit of spending the first half of your therapy session trying to get your patient in trance, or if you just want to read a modern treatise on the art of stage hypnosis, I'm not aware of any better read currently available than Deeper and Deeper.

Best wishes barry

ps Regular readers here will know that Jon C and I do not see eye to eye on everything. We have never met, he isn't paying me for this, and Ohio isn't in Canada. ;)

Review amazon.co.uk 2006 Den Laithwaite
A straight forward, no-nonsense guide to basic stage hypnotic procedures. Engagingly written with a good balance of background information and practical exercises. It was the first book on hypnosis I had read and as a result I ended up studying several courses with Jonathan Chase.I can guarantee that this man knows what he's talking about! A great reference work on the subject. Recommended.

Review in June 2001
*Hypnotes* e-zine. by Grant Boddington
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been reading Jonathan Chase’s e-book 'Deeper and Deeper' with interest. It’s a very 'nuts & bolts' approach to Stage Hypnosis a 'Complete Instruction Course' in an e-book; and should be appreciated by those with experience, as well as by newcomers to the profession.

 I linked instantly to Jonathan's wit and directness in 'Deeper and Deeper' and read parts of the book several times. If you get only one piece of useful information from any book then it’s well worth the time and money. From this book, I’m sure most Stage Hypnotists (whatever their level of ability or experience) will get a great deal more!

I especially liked Jonathan’s obvious concern for the safety and well-being of his volunteers as well as his attention to the 'behind the scenes professionalism”' of a successful Stage Hypnotist.

I recommend this e-book very highly and look forward to any subsequent writings from Jonathan.

'HYPNOTES' is available free from www.nzhypnosis.com

Review at www.magictalk.com by Bryan Dean
For some very peculiar reason these days there are a lot of books and seminars on Stage Hypnosis. Some of these courses run into the thousands of dollars, but are they worth it?

Perhaps. Well, here, in a wonderful new book by England's hypnotist, Jonathan Chase, is a great way to start performing the art of Stage Hypnosis.

Jon begins by giving you a fine intro into what hypnosis is, how it is recognized, etc. Also about the "dangers" of Stage Hypnotism. (I learned one safety technique here that was worth the whole price of the book.)

Then he teaches you not a long drawn-out but very quick induction where your subjects are hypnotized by the time they are on stage. This is a newer technique unlike what is known in the United States. He teaches you how to structure your show and how to put it together with props, etc. There is only a basic outline for the show Pre-Talk (no scripts is included, but he shows you how to create one yourself). He includes ten pages of routine ideas which should help you along. Highly recommended for all magicians and related arts. www.magictalk.com

Review amazon.com 2007 J. P. Lobaza
A friend recommend that I read this book to help me understand why "newbies" must learn from stage hypnotists, as I am someone who just got started in this field in April 06.

Being in front of the audience the pressure is on, and who better to learn from the master at stage hypnotism? Jonathan Chase is extraordinarily talented at what he does, and his book, Deeper and Deeper, not only demystified stage hypnotism for me, but provided and easy to read discussion on hypnotism, suggestibility and trance phenomenon.

I am more secure in knowing I can do stage hypnotism after having read his book, and now know what it takes to ensure a safe and fun show.

Review amazon.com 2007 Basil Basilesk "Basil B"
Deeper and Deeper, by Jonathon Chase, is worth reading and rereading. Full of practical information on all phases of hypnosis and stage hypnosis, DAD highlights the important practical aspects of hypnosis as a performance art, including many practical scenarios for a successful show. Safety concerns for the audience and the hypnotist are addressed, in addition to the inclusion of several induction methods. Chase's fine-tuning of the inductive process is noteworthy, as is his skepticism about the so-lengthy-relaxation inductions indulged in by many stage hypnotists. He is oriented to a more dynamic and less boring stage presence--which, to my mind, is a good thing.

Buy this book and take a gander at the world of stage hypnosis from the viewpoint of someone who has been doing classy hypno-performances for decades. Better yet, buy this book and take one of Jonathon Chase's seminars in hypnosis, chinosis, or stage hypnotism.

Review amazon.com 2007 J. Nagle
Jonathan Chase is a hypnotist who has REAL world experience and it shines nicely through his 2nd revision of his book 'Deeper and Deeper'. This second edition offers more information on making money with Stage Hypnosis and on the business side of things which is a great idea. Most people don't realize when you are a Stage Hypnotist EVERYWHERE you go is a chance to increase your marketing!

Jonathan's book offers a great amount of information that can easily be used by the new Stage Hypnotist or the seasoned veteran. One of the nicest things I liked about the book is Jonathan's concern for safety of the hypnotist and the members on stage. This is something I have not seen in other Stage Hypnosis books, but Jonathan makes sure when you finish the book there is no doubt that 'Safety ALWAYS comes first!'. He has lots of good tips such as in some skits you should say, "You may get upset at the hypnotist, but you will not hit him, anyone else, or throw anything!" (paraphrasing).

The books also covers the things we all need to know like pre-setup, inductions (several), overall flow of the show, ending the show, and various skits in the back that can be used for a nice 'frame work' to build on. The way Jonathan writes is clear, concise, funny, and easy to follow (the way I like it!). His years of experience definitely shine through and will save you lots of headaches no matter what your level of experience! Again, this is one book you want to have in your Stage Hypnosis arsenal!

 

 

© copyright 2005 Jonathan Chase. Academy of Hypnotic Arts Ltd