This section will be evolving. Here will be WEB sites on a wide variety of topics, personal growth programs I have used and found helpful and an on-going bibliography. Some of the bibiliography is annotated and some not. Enjoy!

Benson, Herbert with Stark, Marg. (1996). Timeless healing: The power and biology of belief. New York: Scribner.

There are two primary concepts in Timeless Healing. The first is that the "placebo effect" would be better termed "remembered wellness." Benson believes that the mind's response to treatment is to recover that knowledge within the body of how it can be whole. As remembered wellness is activated through the beliefs of the treatment team and the individual, the body responds in the direction of healing. The second primary concept is that we are "wired for God." Benson reviews the literature on faith and prayer and relates his own personal history. His conclusion is that individuals are healthier and happier when they have an active spiritual life.

Barasch, Marc Ian. (1993). The healing path: A soul approach to illness. New York: Arkan.

Marc Barasch not only chronicles his own healing journey with thyroid cancer, but also investigates the effect of the body/mind upon illness. He uses a combination of personal interviews, investigative reporting, evaluation of research and self-examination. The result is a book which delves into the various parameters of body/mind. There are the celebrations and the sorrows. There is the clash between the left brain and the right brain. Conflicting traditions are also investigated. His own hopes, dreams and fears, as well as those of others bring this book to the heart of what mind/body is all about.

Borysenko, Joan. (1987). Minding the body, mending the mind. New York: Bantam Books.

Minding the body, mending the mind, focuses on the mind/body connection. In this book, the author introduces meditation to induce the relaxation response, stretching exercises, and various cognitive techniques to bring about relaxation and change in thought and attitude. Dr. Borysenko carefully illustrates the impact thoughts and attitudes can have on the body. She also emphasizes the effect that moderate exercise and proper nutrition can have on the body. The mind and body are viewed as interdependent upon each other.

Childre, Doc Lew. (1994). Freeze Frame. Boulder, CO: Planetary Publications.

Childre relates original research demonstrating the calming effect focusing on the heart has on the brain. He also presents his technique, Freeze Frame, which enables the individual to step out of the emotional roller coaster and open to new options presented by intuition.

Chopra, Deepak. (1989). Quantum healing: Exploring the frontiers of mind/body medicine. New York: Bantam New Age.

Deepak Chopra brings together information from quantum physics, the biology of neurotransmitters and principles Eastern healing into one system. The key component of healing--intelligence, the mind, is contained in every cell of the body. To heal, one need only tap into "the mind" contained within every cell and let "the mind" know how you want your body to respond. Chopra uses the holographic model, Candice Pert's work on neuropeptides, Ayurvedic medicine and anecdotal evidence to demonstrate to the reader the power within the mind which resides in every cell of our bodies. By giving the body what it needs in regards to nutrients, giving the spirit what it needs through meditation, and giving the mind what it needs through clear communication by imaging, the body/mind/spirit will work together to bring healing to the whole person.

Dossey, Larry. (1993). Healing words: The power of prayer and the practice of medicine. San Francisco: Harper.

Dossey reviews the literature on the efficacy of prayer. He finds prayer is an effective means of change. Particular types of prayers appeared most effective. Those who submitted themselves to the will of God, lived longer than those who just gave up. Those who had people praying for them, even if they were unaware of the prayers, did better than those who did not have people praying for them. The effectiveness of prayer extended to positive effects on plants, animals and one celled living organisms.

Dossey gives evidence to the effectiveness of prayer being non-local. Not only does the one praying and the one prayed for not have to be in the same place, they can be on the other side of the room. There are also experiments demonstrating that prayer is not bound by time, as long as there has not been anyone to observe the effects of that which is prayed for. Once observation has been made, the situation is "locked in." Dossey then proposes: If a woman discovers a lump but does not know if it is malignant, then it is possible to pray that the lump be benign and the lump will become benign. If, however, the biopsy has already been done and the lump found malignant, prayer outside of time will not be effective.

Dossey, Larry. (1996). What's Love Got to Do with It? Alternative Therapies, 2(3), 8-15.

In our technical medical world, feelings, whether they be the provider or the patient, are not taken into account. Dossey relates several incidents in which the feelings of the individual resulted in an increase of severity of symptoms and then death. In one case, the sterile actions of the medical staff lead directly to the breaking of the spirit of an elderly woman, resulting in her death.

Dossey goes on to discuss the non-locality of love and consciousness. Although love cannot be defined in specific terms, the effects of love or empathy or mutual feeling can be documented in human beings, animals and bacterium. The positive feelings we call love are powerful. The presence of love can help heal. The absence of love can lead to death.

Feldenkrais, M. (192). Awareness through movement. New York: Harper & Rowe.

One of the early pioneers in the mind/body field. The body holds memories which can be released through movement.

Green, Judith & Shellenberger, Robert. (1996). The healing energy of love. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2(3), 46-56.

Green and Shellenberger give an overview of how love affects health. The difficulty in ascertaining the effects of love is in defining love. In many cases love was implied in questions regarding social support. Evidence demonstrates that social support and caring relationships positively impact an individual?s health. The authors also discuss the importance of support groups and the caring nature of the healer.

Three "healing mechanisms of love" were proposed. The psycho-physiologic process occurs when the body responds in the direction of wellness as a result of a "positive interaction" with a caring individual. The psychophysics process occurs with the exchange of energy between two people. The psycho-social/behavioral process occurs when an individual or social group encourages healthy behaviors in the individual.

Hay, L. (1984). Heal your body. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House.

This is a book I use frequently. Louise Hay lists various illnesses and parts of the body and then gives the symbolic meaning of the body part or disease. I will read from the book to clients and ask if this relates to them. Reading from the book often opens the client up to hearing the information.

Hendricks, G. (1995). Conscious breathing. New York: Bantam Books.

There is much information coming out about healing and correct breathing. This is a good introduction with excellent exercises.

Knaster, M. (1996). Discovering the body's wisdom. New York: Bantam.

An excellent resource to discover a multitude of therapies involving the body/mind connection.

Lowen, Alexander. (1975). Bioenergetics. New York: Penguin Books.

Bioenergetics is an excellent historical introduction into the field of mind/body psychology. Alexander Lowen is a student of Wilhelm Riech, one of the initial people to work with the body as a means of tapping the mind. Lowen took Reich's work further and developed a technique known as Bioenergetics. Bioenergetics combines knowledge of the body and body type, exercise and manipulation of the body to attain emotional release and clarity.

McClenon, James. (1997). Spiritual healing and folklore research: Evaluating the hypnosis/placebo effect. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3(1), 61-66.

Students taking an introductory anthropology course collected stories of unexplained healings. These healings were categorize by independent judges according to certain specified criteria. The data was analyzed to ascertain the correlation of hypnosis or placebo theory in relation to the various healings. The findings were mixed. There was support for the view that such healings were related to hypnosis or placebo effect; however, the were healings which did not fit the standards for hypnosis or placebo and had no "natural" explanation.

Myss, C. (1996a). Anatomy of the spirit. New York: Harmony Books.

A excellent introduction to the chakra system and its symbolism as related to the physical body. Inherent in her discussion is the belief that we can affect our reality by our thoughts and beliefs.

Myss, C. (1997a). The energetics of healing [video]. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

An excellent video that is a good introduction to her work. Has some new information that Anatomy of the Spirit does not have.

Myss, C. (1997b). Why people don't heal and how they can. New York: Harmony Books.

This book continues her discussion of the body/mind connection in relation to the human energy field.

Myss, Caroline & Shealy, Norman. (1988). The Creation of health. Walpole, NH: Stillpointe Publishing.

Myss, a medical intuitive, and Shealy, a holistic medical doctor, combine to provide a book which investigates the energetic, mental, emotional and physical reasons for illness. Most of the books investigating the mind/body connection do so from the theory of Western medicine and psychology. Myss and Shealy introduce the Eastern theory of the human energy system into the paradigm. The result is an explanation of illness based upon the effect our thoughts and actions have upon our chakras, one part of our human energy system. Just as bacteria and viruses provide an explanation of physical illness, the energy system is used to demonstrate how our thoughts and feelings weaken it and illness is produced. The "why" of dis-ease is now explained on a deeper level.

Pert, Candace. (1997). Molecules of emotion. New York:Scribner.

Pert not only discusses her research leading to the discovery of neuropeptides, but also discusses the politics of research. Her work on neuropeptides demonstrated the chemical effects of emotions upon the body.

Pierrakos, J. (1990). Core energetics. Mendocino, CA: Life Rhythm.

A good mind/body book incorporating the human energy field, psychological positions.

Rossi, Ernest. (1993). The psychobiology of mind-body healing: New concepts of therapeutic hypnosis. New York: WW Norton.

Although Rossi's book is in the bibliography for Mind/Body, it could also be listed in the bibliography for the Hypnosis course. Rossi goes into extensive detail regarding the biochemical changes within the individual during various periods of stress, memories and illnesses. Within each chapter are tutorials of applicable hypnotic techniques. This book is an excellent resource and distillation of the research in the area of Body/Mind Psychology.

Singh, R. N. (1996). Self-healing: Powerful techniques. London, Ontario, Canada: Health Psychology Associates, Inc.

This book is a result of his doctoral work on the effects of meditation and sound on the body. I attended a workshop of his and was impressed. He has some excellent research in here. He claims that doing his simple meditation involving sound can "cure" many illnesses. His research does find that his method raises various markers of the immune system.

Upledger, J. E. (1995). CranioSacral therapy. Subtle Energies, 6(1), 1-54.

Upledger has a series of articles on cranio sacral therapy in Subtle Energies. They are excellent description of the theoretical basis of his work. I have had a series of cranio sacral treatments and have found them beneficial mentally and physically. With no manipulation my neck was restored to perfect range of motion. The effect was not permanent, but it was as effective as the chiropractor.

Andrews, Sperry. (1996). "Promoting a sense of connectedness among individuals by scientifically demonstrating the existence of a planetary consciousness?" Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2(3), 39-45.

Sperry Andrews gives a brief review of the literature of human beings and their sense of connectedness and communication over distance. References to situations of knowing when one is being stared at, telepathy, and the positive influences of group meditation on people who are unaware of the meditation are discussed. Mr. Sperry then discusses possible reasons why we human beings have chosen to disassociate ourselves from each other. The author believes that we can tap into the planetary consciousness and join "conscious" forces to bring about positive and possible planetary change.

Bessinger, C. Donivan. (1996). "Reflections on reality, healing, and consciousness." Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2(2), 40-45.

Dr. Bessinger introduces the concepts of nuon and nuocontinuum to bridge the theoretical gap between the linearity and determinism of orthodox medicine and the nonlinear world of complementary medicine. The missing element stems from the concept of consciousness. He proposes the use of the word "nuon" to denote a unit of psyche. He then uses neucontinuum as the "unlimited, infinite connecting principle that binds all that is" (p. 44). Dr. Bessenger believes that the introduction of a term, which, by the nature of naming also limits, will help those who need parameters to explore ideas and concepts. Since the neucontinuum is infinite, he believes this concept will be acceptable to those in the complementary medical field. The usefulness of "nuon" and "nuocontinuum" as constructs can only be ascertained if they gain popularity within both the orthodox and complementary medical fields.

Dossey, Larry. (1994). "Healing, energy, & consciousness: Into the future or retreat to the past?" Subtle Energies ,5 (1), 1-33.

In this paper Larry Dossey proposes that there is no such thing as "subtle energy." "Subtle energy" is used in an attempt to explain what happens in healing, either local or distant. Dossey believes that healing is a nonlocal event and will be best described by consciousness. Research demonstrates that healing occurs outside of time and space. The healing "energy" travels faster than the speed of light. What is known of consciousness contains the same non local characteristics. Dossey does not want researchers to limit themselves to studying a "thing" such as subtle energy, when consciousness which is limitless and omnipresent, may be the explanation for "energy" healing.

Dupr?, Louis. (1976). Transcendental selfhood. NY: Seabury Press.

Dupr?'s background is in Roman Catholicism. Dupr?'s experience from his lived spiritual experience is similar to the lived spiritual experience of the Eastern traditions. Spirituality was a natural outgrowth, or, perhaps, "ingrowth," to his spiritual development as a member of a Catholic Religious community. In this book he gives a history of the growth of objectivism which led to the diminishment of the importance of spirituality and the transcendent. His historical description of the demise of spirituality includes the scientific method, but also includes the advent of historical criticism of the Bible. Before theologians began to look at the Bible from an historical context, the Bible was accepted as fact. He also discusses how religious piety moved from the public sector to the private sector, from being expressed outwardly through actions to being experienced only inwardly. Just as transpersonalists such as Charles T. Tart observe that science has to find external reasons for loneliness and despair Dupr? agrees the true reason for such feelings results from an internal lack of spiritual life.

Eliade, Mircea. (1964). Shamanism: Archaic techniques of ecstasy (Willard R. Trask, Trans.). Princeton University Press: Bollingen Series LXXVI.

This extensive work in considered by Eliade to be an overview of shamanic traditions throughout the world. Although he does not consider it an exhaustive overview, I find it to be extremely detailed. Similarities and differences are noted in the call of the shaman, the shamanic ritual of accepting the call and the various rituals of the many shamanic traditions. The spirit world is integral to each shamanic tradition. For the shaman, the spirit world is "more real" than what most people consider the reality of this three dimensional world in which we believe we live.

Elliot, William. (1994). "Love, life and cosmic consciousness: A conversation with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross." The Quest, 7,(3), 18-25,84-87.

In this interview, Dr. Kubler-Ross discusses her growth as an individual. One of the most significant experiences in her life was when she had a cosmic vision in which she was one with the universe. She believes that when we realize we are all one, then life is lived from love. Love can perform miracles, which she attests to through experiences with her AIDS babies. Fear is the greatest divider of human kind. People who live in fear, no matter what their belief system, live in agony and, even, hatred. One powerful point she made was that those who lived their lives "totally", no matter in what area, died with the greatest peace.

Grof, S. (1985). Beyond the brain: Birth, death and transcendence in psychotherapy. Albany, NY: State University of New York.

In this fascinating book, Grof brings together the findings of his 25 years of consciousness research through altered state work by LSD or breath work. He believes transpersonal experiences are normal and are the desire for an individual to achieve wholeness. Only by integrating the sense of self as an individual with limits with the sense of self as transpersonal and limitless, can the person live with joy and spontaneity. An individual achieves this state by working through Basic Perinatal Matrixes (BPM's). BPM I refers to the time in the womb. BPM II is the time in the womb when contractions begin but the cervix is not dilated. BPM III is the travels down the birth canal. BPM IV is birth. Each stage has challenges which can result in pathology. The resolution of the birth process is the one area that will lead to mental health and wholeness.

Grof, S., & Bennett, H. Z. (1990). The holotropic mind. San Francisco: HarperCollins.

The Holotropic Mind contains much of the information of Beyond the Brain but written for the layperson.

Harmon, Willis W., & de Quincey, Christian. (1994). The scientific exploration of consciousness: Toward an adequate epistemology. Sausalito, CA: Institute of Noetic Sciences.

This monograph examines the need for an epistemology in the exploration of consciousness. The authors briefly explore the paradigm of Western science and how it has brought the scientific community to where it is now. The inadequacies of the paradigm for the exploration of consciousness are discussed. The authors believe that the scientific method can be adapted to the study of consciousness if the epistemology of consciousness is agreed upon.

McNeill, Barbara & Guion, Carol (Eds.). (1991). Noetic Sciences Collection, 1980-1990: Ten years of consciousness research. Sausalito, CA: Institute of Noetic Sciences.

This is a collection of research and talks on various aspects of consciousness. The topics range from the powers of the mind over the body to multiple personality disorder. Consciousness is approached from the standpoint of the Western mentality and sports is approached from the mindfulness of Eastern thought. Energy medicine is discussed as well as the placebo effect.

Tart, Charles T. (ed.). (1975). Transpersonal Psychologies. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers. (pp. 1-151.)

Charles T. Tart wrote the first three chapters of this book. His purpose is to bridge the area between traditional Western Psychologies and the Transpersonal Psychologies, those of the East and those birthing in the West. Tart gives an excellent comparison of the paradigms of traditional Western Psychology and Transpersonal psychologies. Since Western Psychology is based upon the scientific method, everything must be observed and measured. Most of the transpersonal realm is objective in nature and labeled as "unreliable" or "pathological" by the scientific method. The assumptions made due to the paradigms of our belief system, determine what data we notice and how we interpret the data, be it objective or subjective.

Wilber, Ken. (1977). The spectrum of consciousness. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books.

Wilber's first book is an exploration of the various levels of consciousness and the types of psychotherapy most applicable to a particular level of consciousness. Those who live in a dualistic belief system of matter vs. spirit would make greater progress in therapies from the behavioral model of cause and effect. When one is at the level of consciousness of a realization that all is one, the individual will heal through transpersonal psychotherapies. The level of consciousness will also determine which of the religions, if any, the individual will find suitable.

Borysenko, Joan. (1993). Fire in the Soul: A new psychology of spiritual optimism. New York: Warner Books.

Dupr?, Louis. (1976). Transcendental selfhood. NY: Seabury Press.

Dupr?'s background is in Roman Catholicism. Dupr?'s experience from his lived spiritual experience is similar to the lived spiritual experience of the Eastern traditions. Spirituality was a natural outgrowth, or, perhaps, "ingrowth," to his spiritual development as a member of a Catholic Religious community. In this book he gives a history of the growth of objectivism which led to the diminishment of the importance of spirituality and the transcendent. His historical description of the demise of spirituality includes the scientific method, but also includes the advent of historical criticism of the Bible. Before theologians began to look at the Bible from an historical context, the Bible was accepted as fact. He also discusses how religious piety moved from the public sector to the private sector, from being expressed outwardly through actions to being experienced only inwardly. Just as transpersonalists such as Charles T. Tart observe that science has to find external reasons for loneliness and despair, Dupr? agrees the true reason for such feelings results from an internal lack of spiritual life.

Linn, D., & Linn, M. (1978). Healing life's hurts. Ramsey, New Jersey: Paulist Press.

This is the book that introduced me to using imagery and prayer. The book is about forgiveness. The stages of forgiveness are the same as the five stages of grieving. Forgiveness occurs at different levels as does grief.

Linn, D., Linn, M., & Fabricant, S. (1985). Healing the greatest hurt. Ramsey, NJ: Paulist Press.

Loss due to death is the subject of this book. There is an excellent chapter on the loss of children due to miscarriage or abortion.

Sanford, Agnes. (1947). The Healing light. New York: Phoenix Press.

A wonderful combination of traditional Christianity and the metaphysical aspects of healing.

Walsch, Neale Donald. (1995). Conversations with God: An uncommon dialogue. Chalottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing. (There are two more volumes which deal with other aspects of life.)

In this book, Walsch has a conversation with God about personal topics relating to individual life challenges in relationship, money, power and suffering. God is portrayed as an all-loving being who is non-judgmental and only wants us to learn. That last statement sounds rather simplistic. Walsch's conversation with God takes us to a depth which places responsibility for what happens to us squarely on our shoulders and, if we took these words to heart, would relieve us of all guilt. We would understand that everything that we do is a learning experience.

This book discusses on a personal level what it means that we are all interconnected, that God truly loves us unconditionally and that we manifest our own reality. There is strong discussion about the importance and power of thoughts, words and actions. These topics are being researched now in research on consciousness, energy work and quantum physics.

Baginski, B. J., & Sharamon, S. (1985). Reiki: Universal life energy. Mendocino, CA: LifeRhythm.

An introduction to Reiki.

Bailey, A. A. (1953). Esoteric healing. (Vol. IV). New York: Lucis Publishing Company.

Lots of information and not very easy to read.

Brennan, B. A. (1987). Hands of light. New York: Bantam Books

This introduction to Brennan's work contains a combination of physics, metaphysics, psychology and energy work. This is a book you would read several times, especially if you are an energy worker.

Brennan, B. A. (1993). Light emerging. New York: Bantam Books.

Barbara Brennan places the events of healing by means of manipulating the human energy field within the context of the holographic model. The human energy field and various energetic methods of healing the individual are presented in depth. The author discusses the importance of healing being a partnership between the individual, traditional health care professionals and non-traditional health care professionals. Whereas traditional medicine usually downplays individual responsibility in health and healing, Brennan emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in both healing and wellness.

Bruyere, R. L. (1994). Wheels of light. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Bruyere discusses the chakras in general and then focuses on the first chakra for most of this book. It is excellent.

Capra, Fritjof. (1991). The Tao of physics (3rd edition). Boston: Shambhala.

Capra brings together the evolving views of the "new" physics and Eastern mysticism. As he precedes through the elements of protons, neutrons, quarks, hadrons and other elements, he gives his theories on how the interrelationships of all elements is complementary to the views of Eastern mysticism. Basically, he proposes that the findings of the new physics demonstrate there are no fundamental elements, but only relationships of interconnection. are in accordance with mysticism which, also, views the world as a series of interconnections.

Davies, Paul & John Gribbin. (1992). The matter myth: Dramatic discoveries that challenge our understanding of physical reality. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Davies and Gribbin explore aspects of physics from a cosmological basis. The other sources I have read regarding quantum physics have delved into the microcosmic aspect of physics rather than the macrocosmic universe. Constructs such as space-time, black holes and cosmic holes are examined on the cosmological level. Photons, neutrons, particles and anti-particles are examined on the microcosmic level.

Gerber, R. (1988). Vibrational medicine. Sante Fe, NM: Bear & Company.

Gerber examines vibrational medicine from the standpoint of what is used today (lasers, PET, MRI and CT scans, radiation) and those vibrational medicines not accepted in the traditional medical community (homeopathy, crystals). He has an excellent introductory chapter on the "new" physics.

Gunther, B. (1983). Energy ecstasy and your seven vital chakras. North Hollywood, CA: Newcastle Publishing Company, Inc.

Contains good information and exercises.

Hayes, J. S. (1990). Comparison of Therapeutic Touch and casual touch in stress reduction of hospitalized children. Pediatric Nursing, 16(4), 483-485.

Heidt, P. (1981). Effect of Therapeutic Touch on anxiety level of hospitalized patients. Nursing Research, 30(1), 32-37.

Hill, L., & Oliver, N. (1993). Technique integration: Therapeutic Touch and theory-based mental health nursing. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 31(2), 19-22, 7.

Horan, P. (1992). Empowerment through Reiki. Wilmont, WI: Lotus Light Publications.

Hover-Kramer, Dorothea, Janet Mentgen and Sharon Scandrett-Hibdon. (1996). Healing Touch: A resource for health care professionals. New York: Delmar Publishers.

Healing Touch is an excellent explication of hands-on energy medicine. The authors give introductory information, introductory and advanced techniques, and references for further study, on the energy body. Various techniques used in the Healing Touch program from Level I through Advanced Practice are discussed. Being a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and having attended classes on all these techniques, the discussion of the techniques was an excellent review. I'm not sure how effective it would be for those having no experience in hands-on energy work. The authors pay particular attention to the intention of the healing facilitator and to the development of the healer.

Hughes, P. P., Meize-Grochowski, R., & Harris, C. N. D. (1996). Therapeutic Touch with adolescent psychiatric patients. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 14(1), 6-23.

Hunt, Valerie V. (1996). Infinite mind: Science of the human vibration of consciousness. Malibu, CA: Malibu Publishing Co.

This book is for anyone who wants to see the scientific measurement of the human energy field. Dr. Hunt brings together her 30 years of research into the human energy field. The book contains exhibits of the various graphs of the energy field under various circumstances.

Woven into Infinite mind is Dr. Hunt's personal views on healing and spirituality. Although her view on spirituality contain little "scientific" basis as seen through graphs and charts, her views on healing are extrapolations of her measurements of the human energy field of both "healer and healee." Dr. Hunt believes that the measurement of the human energy field will diagnose illnesses before they are manifested in the physical body. Diagnosing in this manner would revolutionize medicine as we know it today.

Hunt, V. (1993). The human energy field and health [video]. Malibu, CA: Bioenergy Fields Foundation, Inc.

This is a video of a presentation she gave at a convention. It shows the fluctuations of the human energy field according to what an individual is doing.

Joy, W. B. (1979). Joy's way. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher.

This is his story and the healing techniques he learned from others as well as his own discoveries. Joy's Way is an excellent first book in the field of energy medicine.

Kramer, N. A. (1990). Comparison of Therapeutic Touch and casual touch in stress reduction of hospitalized children. Pediatric Nursing, 16(5), 483-485.

Krieger, Dolores. (1993). Accepting your power to heal. Sante Fe, New Mexico: Bear & Co.

This is my favorite Therapeutic Touch book. It contains an excellent description of how to do TT and fun exercises.

Kunz, D. v. G. (1991). The personal aura. Wheaton, Illinois: Quest Books.

Fascinating color pictures and interpretations by Kunz are contained in this book.

Kuthumi, & Kul, D. (1971). The human aura. Livingston, MT: Summit University Press.

This is a channeled book on the human energy field. It has excellent information which coincides with information from other traditions.

Leadbetter, C. W. (1927). The chakras. Wheaton, IL: The Theosophical Publishing House.

One of the first books on the chakras. The language is more suited to someone who has some knowledge of the chakras.

Myss, Caroline. (1996). Anatomy of the spirit: The seven stages of power and healing. New York: Harmony Books.

Dr. Myss gives great detail about each of the seven major chakras and how they affect the body/mind connection. She discusses the physical, emotional and energetic issues of each chakra. The information contained about the emotional and spiritual issues of the chakras complement the work of Aminah Raheem and Valerie Hunt.

A psychotherapist such as myself could easily apply the information given to specific therapeutic interventions. Dr. Myss's insistence upon releasing past hurts and living in the present are the primary focus of Anatomy of the Spirit and integral to the healing of the spirit.

Myss, C. (1997a). The energetics of healing [video]. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

An excellent introductory video to her work.

Myss, C. (1997b). Why people don't heal and how they can. New York: Harmony Books.

A continuation of Anatomy of the Spirit and, in my opinion, much better written.

Olson, Melodie, Sneed, Nancee, LaVia, Marlano, Virella, Gabriel, Bonadonna, Ramita, & Michel, Yvonne. (1997). Stress-induced immunosuppression and Therapeutic Touch. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3(2), 68-73.

This pilot study was intended to ascertain whether further studies are warranted on the effect of Therapeutic Touch on immune suppression. Individuals under stress (preparation for professional board exams) were used for this study. Data was collected by means of subjective self-report instruments as well as blood serum levels measuring indicators for immune suppression. The results were mixed. There is some evidence that Therapeutic Touch can positively affect the immune system; however, the sample size was small and research methods need to be refined.

Olson, M. (1992). Therapeutic Touch and post-hurricane Huga stress. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 10(2), 120-136.

Olson, M., & Sneed, N. (1995). Anxiety and Therapeutic Touch. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 16, 97-108.

Quinn, J. (1989). Therapeutic Touch as energy exchange: Replication and extension. Nursing Science Quarterly, 2(2), 79-87.

Quinn, J. F., & Strelkauskas, A. J. (1993). Psychoimmunologic effects of therapeutic touch on practitioners and recently bereaved recipients: a pilot study. Advances in Nursing Science, 15(4), 13-26.

Raheem, Aminah. (1991). Soul return: Integrating body, psyche & spirit. Santa Rosa, CA: Aslan Publishing.

Dr. Raheem integrates knowledge of the Chinese meridian system with psycho-spiritual development of the human person. She gives clear examples of how memories and emotions can be held in parts of the body along the corresponding meridian. The stimulation of the meridian releases the energy of the memory and emotion. These releases can then be integrated by the individual.

Rowlands, D. (1984). Therapeutic Touch: its effects on the depressed elderly. The Australian Nurses Journal, 13(11), 45-46, 62.

Sherwood, Keith. (1992). Chakra therapy: For personal growth and healing. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn.

Keith Sherwood combines information on the human energy field with various exercises for healing the aura. He first lays the groundwork for teaching energetic methods of self-healing by explaining the human energy system. He is able to do this using Western psychological concepts. His method makes his explanation of the energy system and its relationship to health understandable for the individual who has little knowledge of the Eastern concepts of energy. Mr. Sherwood is able to demonstrate how the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, in conjunction with Judeo-Christian theology, have lead to a deep sense of alienation of individuals with themselves and The One. The exercises he gives are easy to follow and can lead to a re-connection with The One and with the self.

Simington, J. A., & Lang, G. P. (1993). Effects of therapeutic touch on anxiety in the institutionalized elderly. Clinical Nursing Research, 2(4), 438-50.

Smith, F. F. (1989). Inner bridges: A guide to energy movement and body structure. Atlanta: Georgia: Humanics New Age.

Dr. Smith, the founder of Zero Balancing, brings together the anatomy of the human body with the anatomy of the human energy system. He demonstrates how the structure of the physical body determines the way energy moves about the body, thus determining the human energy anatomy. Dr. Smith also gives examples of how the energy of the body changes with certain "holds" in hands-on healing. The relaxation response is often induced. The change in the dynamics of the human energy system can enable changes within the physical and emotional structure of the individual.

Sui, Choa Kok. (1993). Pranic psychotherapy. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc.

In his book on psychotherapy, Sui gives a "cookbook" approach to the removing and giving of energy in bringing about healing of various types of psychological difficulties. He does not go into the psychodynamics of a disorder, but treats the disorder according to the energetic wounds that have developed. Using different colors of light chakras are repaired, congested energy relieved and depleted energy renewed. All techniques are done off the body. In the last part of the book, Sui has some testimonials regarding the effectiveness of pranic psychotherapy.

Sugano, Hisanobu, Uchida, Selya & Kuramoto, Itsuo. (1984). A new approach to the studies of subtle energies. Subtle Energies, 5(2), 143-166.

The researchers perform carefully controlled experiments to support the hypothesis that there is such a thing as subtle energies and that healers can produce effects in people and things through their own energy. The researchers used the measurements of EEG, pulse rate and blood pressure, the meridians, and the discharge pattern of leaves. The subjects were both adult and infant. The healers were both experienced and inexperienced.

The data demonstrated that there were significant changes under controlled conditions in the direction that healers did produce an effect upon the subjects even though the subjects could not know they were present, including distance healing. Greater changes were produced by experienced healers than by inexperienced healers. The experienced healers also had the greatest changes when doing the healing.

There was a change in the leaves when the healers focused energy on them. The "phantom" leaf effect, however, proved to be a result of the leaf losing water where it was cut. The drier the leaves, the less the "phantom" leaf effect.

Talbot, Michael. (1991). The holographic universe. New York: Harper Perennial.

Talbot clearly explains the holographic model based upon the "new" quantum physics. He gives the theories of various physicists, what sent them on the direction of their search, their difficulties with the theories they were working from at that time, and their present positions on the holographic model.

Basically, Talbot asserts that the holographic model most clearly explains what has been called the "unexplainable," such as various psychic phenomena. Talbot goes into some depth using the holographic model to explain various miracles such as the stigmata. He explains these through psychokinesis. The dream state is also explained by means of the holographic model.

Bandler, Richard & Grinder, John. (1979). Frogs into princes: Neuro-linguistic programming. Moab, Utah: Real People Press.

This book discusses the importance of language in the therapeutic process.

Bandler, Richard & Grinder, John. (1982). Reframing: Neuro-linguistic programming and the transformation of meaning. Moab, Utah: Real People Press.

This book presents various methods to reframe the context or meaning of behavior. By having the individual discover a new context for their behavior or a new meaning for the behavior, the individual will be able to view the situation differently.

Bloom, P. B. (1994). Is insight necessary for successful treatment? American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 36(3), 172-174.

He says "No," but others say "Yes." This will be a long-term discussion.

Grindler, J., & Bandler, R. (1981). TRANCE-formations. Moab, Utah: Real People Press.

The NLP way of doing hypnotherapy based upon Erikson's work.

Hammond, D. C. (Ed.). (1990). Handbook of hypnotic suggestions and metaphors. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Very comprehensive!

Lucas, Winafred Blake (Eds.). (1993). Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals,(Vols. 1-2). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Volume One of this set includes a discussion of regression therapy as it pertains to past life experiences. Various practitioners then give their own theoretical model, methods of treatment and case transcripts. This volume gives an excellent foundation for the uses of past life regression within the therapeutic framework. As I progressed through the book, I was able to correlate what I do with altered state during energy work sessions with much of the material contained within this volume.

Volume Two focuses on the issues surrounding the pre-natal and peri-natal period, childhood, the inter-life and the release of entities. The case examples are rich and many therapeutic examples, which can be easily followed, are given.

O'Hanlon, William Hudson. (1987). Taproots: Underlying principles of Milton Erickson's therapy and hypnosis. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

O'Hanlon presents his interpretations of the underlying principles of Erikson's therapeutic model. This model is the same for both hypnosis and psychotherapy. Erikson's theory is based on several beliefs. The first is that the client is able to change. It is up to the therapist to help him or her change by providing an environment of comfort, safety and expectation of positive results. Dramatic change can be precipitated by having the client institute one small change in his or her pattern of behavior. Erikson does not believe that it is necessary to know the "why's" of the symptom. The only thing necessary is to change the symptom. There does not need to be insight on the part of the client. All that is needed on the client's part is a willingness to institute change.

O'Hanlon then discusses in some depth the various techniques used by Erikson in his work. These techniques were used by Erikson in both his psychotherapeutic practice and hypnosis practice. He would use confusion, shock, evocation of anger, matching of behavior patterns, interpersonal, anecdotes, puns, stories and anything that worked.

O'Hanlon, William Hudson & Martin, Michael. (1992). Solution-oriented hypnosis: An Ericksonian approach. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.

This book is a transcription of an actual hypnosis seminar, based on Milton H. Erikson's work, taught by Bill O'Hanlon. O'Hanlon believes in utilizing as many learning styles as possible. Therefore, he incorporates taped presentations of Erikson's work (transcriptions included), copies of handouts and practice sessions. Of course, it was impossible to do the practice sessions.

O'Hanlon goes into great detail the theories of hypnosis. He gives reasons why everyone can be induced into a trance state and why many hypnotists fail in induction of many people. O'Hanlon provides a clear and concise presentation of the model of hypnosis he uses, which is Milton H. Erikson's model.

Wolinsky, Stephen & Ryan, Margaret O (Collaborator). (1991). Trances people live: Healing approaches in Quantum Psychology. Falls Village, CT: The Bramble Co.

Wolinsky's premise is that there is no need to put people into trance via hypnosis because they are already in trance. His contention is that all dysfunctional behavior is a result of "frozen" trance. For example, someone who avoids certain colors because it reminds them of the room where they were sexually abused displays the following symptoms of trance: age regression (reverts back to the age s/he was when molested), time distortion (time either slows down or speeds up), positive hallucination (seeing the colors on the molester rather than on the individual present), and negative hallucination (not seeing the actual person present.

Crabtree, A. (1993). Therapy for possession. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 2, pp. 327-343). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Fiore, E. (1987). The unquiet dead. New York: Ballantine.

I give this book to clients to read.

Fiore, E. (1993). Release of Entities. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 2, pp. 344-356). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Ireland-Frey, L. (1993a). Clinical depossession. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals: Special instances of altered state work (Vol. 2, pp. 357-374). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Ireland-Frey, L. (1993b). Releasing the attachment of an aborted entity. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 2, pp. 304-311). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Jarmon, R. (1994). A case of orniphobia, treated with past life hypnotic regression. Medical Hypnoanalysis Journal, 9(4), 141-148.

Lucas, W. B. (1993a). Contemporary approaches to releasement: Introduction. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 2, pp. 319-326). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Lucas, W. B. (1993b). Philosophical hypotheses. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 1, pp. 25-34). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Lucas, W. B. (Ed.). (1993c). Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals. (Vol. 1 & 2). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

Lucas, W. B. (1993d). A therapist learns about abortion. In W. B. Lucas (Ed.), Regression therapy: A handbook for professionals (Vol. 2, pp. 312-315). Crest Park, CA: Deep Forest Press.

McAll, K. (1986). Healing the family tree. London, England: Queenship.

McAll is an Anglican and a psychiatrist. His work is based within his Anglican faith. An excellent introduction for Christians who are opposed to hypnotherapy.

Modi, S. (1997). Remarkable healings: A psychiatrist discovers unsuspected roots of mental and physical illness. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co.

Goldberg, Bruce. (1996). Soul Healing. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.

This is about the time between life-times.

Weiss, B. L. (1988). Many lives, many masters. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc.

Woolger, R. J. (1988). Other lives, other selves: A Jungian psychotherapist discovers past lives. New York: Bantam.