'The Fertile Body Method' is a very useful handbook more or less for any hypnotherapist not necessarily involved in the area of fertility. The large portion of the book contains information on hypnosis and its use in the therapeutic context of fertility. It presents a review of hypnotherapeutic methods and techniques and their description together with accurate information regarding their application and also contraindications as far as the use of those methods is concerned. The author shows profound appreciation of mindbody connection in the reference to fertility issues. She also points out importance of a cyclic nature of a woman in the treatment of fertility. She shares with us some of her case studies in order to illustrate the application of a particular approach. The contents cover the entire spectrum of knowledge starting with natural conception and finishing with Assisted Reproductive Technology and useful guidance on parenthood. First of its kind manual which due to its extensive, informative and educational contents presented in a clear structure is a valuable tool to a hypnotherapy practitioner. 'The Fertile Body Method' constitutes an indispensable contribution to the field of hypnotherapy and its author deserves our appreciation. Elizabeth Muir MSc.(Psych), Ph.D. MNACHP As a clinical hypnotherapist, I have found The Fertile Body Method indispensable when working with couples with fertility difficulties. Everything one could want is here - step-by-step treatment protocols, illustrative case studies and comprehensive information about reproduction and the causes of infertility. Sjanie Hugo draws on her extensive experience of working at the renowned Zita West Clinic, plus her own wide-ranging research in this field, to deliver the definitive reference work on the subject of mind-body approaches to the treatment of infertility. Practitioners in this field will undoubtedly benefit from Sjanie's in-depth understanding of the complex issues infertile couples have to deal with when trying to conceive. Lisa Jackson, clinical hypnotherapist and author Sjanie Hugo has forged a deserved and respected reputation for her work in the field of fertility. Based on her own research and extensive knowledge and experience she has developed an innovative approach to the treatment of fertility issues that has now become a much sought after therapy. The Fertile Body Method is unique, thoroughly informative and practical. It is an extremely welcome addition to the hypnotic literature and one that is destined to become a core text for those thinking about expanding their therapy skills into this area. Sjanies decision to share her approach with the therapy community as a whole must be applauded as it provides a viable and effective avenue of hope to those struggling to conceive. Peter Mabbutt FBSCH, Director of Studies, London College of Clinical Hypnosis The Fertile Body Method is one of those very useful books which does just what it says - And it is packed full of useful information. Sjanie should make no apology for her linear structured approach since this provides a very comprehensive central point of reference for a tremendously complex subject. The Fertile Body Method provides both a method to assist the natural fertility process and a powerful adjunct to assisted reproductive therapy (ART). The manual is structured to encapsulate the tenets of hypnotherapy introducing the practitioner to one of the most powerful tools of mind body communication. A real asset of the Fertile Body Method manual is the deconstruction of each hypnosis technique which allows the practitioner the choice to work either within a formal hypnosis framework or to integrate the method into other therapeutic contexts. In the Fertile Body Method, Sjanie Hugo takes the practitioner by the hand and walks you through the therapeutic process. This manual has all the answers and some of the questions you will need conveniently located in one place. Presented in simple and very human language the reader feels as if Sjanie Hugo is right there with you inviting you to share the secrets and experiences from her case book and notes. Sjanie's emphasis is on wholeness and includes components for self-reflection, personal healing, conscious and unconscious mind alignment. Also included is the much needed insight of the role that hypnosis plays when working with emotions and the impact that this can have on the body's chemical balance and ability to conceive and birth a healthy baby. One of the most useful ideas is the fact that the patientA will of course be very familiar with the language and mechanisms of in-fertility. It seems such a simple idea but the practitioner is immediately reminded of the need to incorporate references to the language and healthcare protocols surrounding this subject. This provides the practitioner with an immediate point of rapport and empathy. The Fertile Body Method takes you into the patient's perspective to understand how all this focus on not conceivingA can disconnect the patient from their natural experience of fertility. Apply this knowledge to the fact that so many patients and their partners understand very little about the fertile process and the practitioner is instantly empowered with a very efficient tool for reducing stress and harnessing the natural healing resources of the body. The Fertile Body Method provides a deep understanding of the methods of mind body medicine. Biology and so reproductive medicine is traditionally wedded in a mechanistic approach to the body. Over emphasis on the body can leave the patient feeling emotionally bereft and without coping strategies. Anxiety, stress and grief can and do have their own impact on the body's natural fertility. The Fertile Body Method focuses on the emotional healing and mind body re-integration that is necessary to facilitate the metal shift back to the fertile body or the fertility journey. The manual is in essence a workbook where numerous methods and hypnotic application are explored and explained. There is a store cupboard of scripts specifically tailored for fertility work and usefully deconstructed for the healthcare professionals to incorporate with or without formal training in clinical hypnosis. The Fertile Body Method also reminds us that therapy is journey. Sometimes we are required to venture back into childhood, to slay the scary monsters of earlier trauma or mis-understanding. The Manual, designed around six key steps provides a guide not merely to working with fertility and related conditions but also introduces a structure for taking mind body medicine in general into the consulting room. Sjanie Hugo reminds us that the desire to have a baby is one of the most fundamental human desires. Of course, emotions and biology become inseparable and the Fertile Body Method is the manual to facilitate a greater understanding of the role the mind plays in a couple's fertility. Sadly, there can be no guarantee of conception but the Fertile Body Method provides a means for positive inner change and helps ensure that all the possible causes and solutions are thoroughly investigated. This long awaited book is well researched, based on casebook success and provides new therapeutic insight for practitioners working with the increasing number of childless couples worldwide. I am delighted with the opportunity to review the book and delighted with every word of it. Sheila Menon , Principal LCCH Asia 'One of the most pragmatic books I have read about using hypnosis and other mind-body approaches in practical therapy. The topic in question is fertility and it's clear right from the opening pages that the author brings a great deal of personal experience to bear. The book is relatively light (thankfully!) on the psychological theory behind these approaches, as it is aimed at practitioners who have already covered this during their training. This means the book lacks the usual 'padding' and the reader gets great value in actual instruction and advice. The author outlines a six stage strategy for the psychological treatment of fertility problems, including useful scripts, questionnaires, case histories and other resources. This book could easily be the training manual for a course costing hundreds of pounds and I can recommend it to any therapist looking for a coherent plan to maximise fertility and treat psychogenic infertility.' Thomas Connelly D.Hyp, FBSCH, Org. sec. BSCH
