I often get asked how to get started learning about hypnosis. Here's some recommended books. These are especially focused on physician use, and not necessarily for psychotherapy.
Hypnotherapy - by Dave Elman
Considered a classic, from the 1950's, a little outdated in theories and approaches but a good intro
Hypnosis: The Application of Ideomotor Techniques - by David Cheek, MD
Written by an Ob/Gyn, this touches on techniques useful especially in the medical field, including controversial areas such as mother-fetal communication for turning a breach baby. Never had the chance to try such techniques out, but ideomotor techniques in general are good to learn. Out of print.
Trance and Treatment - By Spiegel and Spiegel
Probably THE textbook for psychiatrists on hypnosis, covering the science, the theory, and even some of the execution of it. The father and son, both world renowned psychiatrists at Columbia and Stanford, respectively, wrote this tome.
Essentials of Clinical Hypnosis: An Evidence-Based Approach
- by Steven Jay Lynn, PhD and Irving Kirsch, PhD
A fine intro book on hypnosis, and understanding it especially in its historical context. Published by American Psychological Association.
Transformational Psychotherapy - by Arthur Phillips, MD
Written by one of my mentors, a ne'er read little pearl written in 1981 that furthers a lot of work from the humanistic, Erickson, and NLP traditions. Out of print.
