Regarding the article "A closer look at hypnosis, first-hand":

I thank the Herald-Tribune and Thomas Becnel for the informative article on hypnosis, first-hand. It will go a long way to help demystify clinical hypnosis, as what most of the public is exposed to is stage hypnosis (purely entertainment), and the stuff of Hollywood movies (mostly outrageous exaggerations). And thanks also to hypnotherapist Cynthia Kasper for doing such a good job in explaining how modern hypnosis works and how it is a powerful intervention to increase self-confidence, enable changing long-standing habits like smoking, and improve sports performance.

As a certified master practitioner of hypnosis, I have ample evidence of how well it can work to: increase test scores in school and also on mandated standardized tests; lower golf scores; decrease marathon running time; and stop smoking. It can also help in a number of other examples.

Your paper's approach, a random selection of a hypnotist by a typical new client who is skilled in reporting accurately what he experienced, is refreshing and well timed.

Arthur Emrich

Sarasota