Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing in Southern California.  He is internationally recognized for his work in advancing clinical hypnosis and outcome-focused psychotherapy, routinely teaching to professional audiences all over the world.  To date, he has been invited to present his ideas and methods to colleagues in more than 30 countries across six continents, and all over the United States. His presentations are well known for being practical as well as enjoyable.

 Dr. Yapko has had a special interest for more than four decades in the intricacies of brief therapy, and the clinical applications of hypnosis and directive methods. He is the author of 15 books and editor of three others, as well as numerous book chapters and articles on the subjects of hypnosis and the use of strategic psychotherapies. These include his most recent book, the new 5th edition of his widely used hypnosis text,  Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis , Taking Hypnosis to the Next Level, and The Discriminating Therapist. His works have been translated into nine languages. More information about Dr. Yapko’s teaching schedule and publications can be found on his website: www.yapko.com.

 Dr. Yapko is the recipient of numerous major awards for his innovative contributions in advancing the fields of hypnosis and brief therapy, including lifetime achievement awards from The American Psychological Association’s Division 30 (Society of Psychological Hypnosis), the International Society of Hypnosis, and The Milton H. Erickson Foundation.