Michale D.Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice in San Diego, California. A well-known speaker both nationality and internationally, he conducts programs for mental health professionals on a variety of applications of hypnosis and brief therapy methods. One of the most influential voices in the field, Dr. Yapko has published widely, including Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of clinical Hypnosis; When Living Hurts: Directives for Treating Depression; The Case of Vicki: Patterns of Tranceworks (Videotape); Free Yourself from Depression; and Brief Therapy Approaches to Treating Anxiety and Depression (Editor).