The Thin Book : Hypnotherapy Trance Scripts for Weight Management (Book and Cassette)

The first is that it is, literally, a thin book. It is 108 pages of double spaced type. Personally, I believe most books, and most certainly those in the mental health field, are much too long. The Thin Book sets a great example of what is possible.

Another reason to love The Thin Book is the simplicity of its organization. It is a terrific book, and that, it seems, was Brickman's intention. He has given us fourteen chapters, each of which is a well-developed trance script addressing the subconscious meaning of a specific weight loss challenge. Some of these scripts, such as "Compulsive Eating as a Defense Against Anxiety," "Craving Fruit and Vegetables," or "Late Evening Eating," I might expect to see in a book for weight management.

To my delight, Brickman goes beyond the expected by offering scripts on, "Being Overweight as an Expression of Passivity and Hostility," "Slowing Down the Act of Eating," "Exercising," "Feeling Deprived After a Successful Effort," and "Lacking Resolve when Eating Away From Home."
The book is also unique in that the only writing Brickman presents other than the well-constructed and structured scripts is a 3-page preface. Here he describes himself as a "specialist in weight management." He states, "The scripts use positive suggestions or positive hypnosis in the form of metaphors, analogies, empathy and confrontation that contradict the effects of the unconscious mind." This description offers an accurate portrayal of his work, but understates the sensitivity and richness of his work.

The Thin Book is accompanied by an audiotape, read by Brickman, containing three of his trance scripts: "The Resistant Part of Me," "Saying 'No' to Important Others," and, "Compulsive Eating as a Defense Against Feelings." Hearing Brickman's perfectly soothing voice is as satisfying as a double-layered chocolate cake, and is quite helpful as a teaching tool.

I highly recommend Brickman's The Thin Book to any professional that works with weight issues as well as to any one interested in reading and hearing well done hypnotic scripts.


An interested reader from Tarrytown, New York   April 9, 2000
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Hal Brickman is to be commended for an easily digestible book, which transforms complex clinical issues around weight management into simple-to-follow steps. The steps identified encourage creative customization to meet specific individual needs, and would be equally beneficial to either the general public or practicing clinicians. This book makes an important contribution to maintaining/renewing one's wellbeing!


INTRIGUING, WELL-THOUGHT OUT.   February 28, 2000
joseph coleman (New York)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The Thin Book is the first weight control book I EVER READ THAT MADE SENSE TO ME. The approach is spelled out so clearly and concisely that it was almost too good to be true. But my pants are all looser now and that's living proof that following the book's teachings were so helpful. I'm so excited with my progress.