'''Harry the Hypno-potamus: More Metaphorical Tales for Children' is an original and involving book that provides a framework for developing knowledge and practice associated with pediatric hypnosis. The book is embedded in real-life practice and considers a range of disorders, presenting creative solutions to familiar problems. The scripts are interesting and engaging and will help children to overcome distress and develop positive ways of to coping with trauma and difficult life events. Linda Thomson offers tips for successful therapy and reflects upon likely challenges. The introduction provides an excellent summary of 'Metaphorical Approaches' and the various chapters are supported by helpful practice notes. The book will appeal to both children and parents and is a vital reference book for hypnotherapists and indeed anyone involved in child and family care services.'' - Andy Young, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing ''A delightful book with helpful language patterns to introduce a child to hypnosis and deal with childhood problems. I thought in the story '' Yapko Elephant'' the words scratch and itch were reapeated too many times. This could make a child scratch even more. I find words such as comfortable and soothing maybe more appropriate. Thought it is a wonderful concept.'' - Christine Richaud, broadcaster Newlights Radio ''The idea of setting the stories in that mythical zoo provides continuity for children so the variety of stories can be used with the same child with their interest maintained. Sometimes the metaphors are a little too direct but generally they provide useful stories that can be used by themselves or as the basis of stories that can be developed by the therapist. Older children will get a lot out this book by reading it for themselves.'' - Stuart Harragan GQHP Dhip, Harragan Hypnotherapy at
www.harragan.org.uk ''Her first book was good, but this one is brilliant. Linda Thomson has used hypnosis, NLP and several other techniques and demonstrated how they can be interwoven into metaphors that children of all ages will find entrancing. It is a remarkable source of teaching tales that can be used to deal with a wide variety of problems, from phobias to going into hospital. Her creative style shows such imagination and gives power to the child to find their own ways of overcoming problems. This is a truly invaluable resource for anyone who works with children and, due to the ease of use of this book, it can be used by teachers and health care workers as well as therapists. Even parents could benefit from reading this book.'' - Terri Bodell, Deputy Chair and Editor, NACHP ''Yet again another great piece of work from Linda Thomson! I found volume 1 to be a must have, but now volume 2 has captivated younger audiences alike. Linda Thomson's work just gets better and better. These metaphorical short stories intended for children, helping them overcome phobias, fears, habits, pain or anxiety, so that these young ones can face the future feeling more confident. '' - Ms Jas Bassi, Adv Dip Hyp, GQHP, GHR, Hypnotherapist September 2009 ''The animals at Ashland Zoo turn to Dr Dan, their veterinarian, who teaches them hypnotic skills to overcome anxiety, fears, phobias, physical pain and behavioural problems. ''Harry'' is a hippopotamus who has become so good at using his imagination to help himself when he feels scared or sick that everyone calls him Hypno-potamus. Among the other, endearing, animals there is Burbridge, the sad and spoiled kookaburra, who learns that things don't fix it or make him happy and is taught how to find happiness within himself, and Eric the platypus who learns to change his thinking from ''couldawouldashoulda' to ''can do-will do-did do''. The aim of the stories is to help children, guided by clinicians - and it is easy to see that they can similarly help addiction patients. Both can benefit from the process in these engaging tales which leads to enhanced self-esteem and a focus on solutions rather than problems... ''Would you like to be the boss of your fears?'' Dr Dan asks Babor the beluga whale. ''I sure would! I'm tired of missing out on fun stuff because I am scared.'' The stories would also be wonderful tools for working with your 'inner child'. Harry contains references to other books about hypnotherapeutic techniques for children, including cyberphysiology - hypnosis and biofeedback - for readers who want to go further. - BENTE SORENSEN, Addiction Today, Sept/Oct 2009 Vol 21 No 120 
