In the past few years, I've been excited to learn such things as neuroplasticity, choosing to recognize that my mind can take conscious charge of my decisions, using the/my brain rather than the other way round, and the exciting impact of using my self as therapist. I do find the lines between therapist and friend blurring, but mostly there's awareness of the relief in not having to pretend to "have the answers". In taking this course, I want to kearn more about easing clients/people in to discovering the solutions they carry with and within themselves, sharing their pleasure in those discoveries. By the way, I have been, and honestly remain rather "phobic" or constricted/embarrassed feeling about taking an instructive role, as it would seem to be necessary in "doing" hypnosis. I much prefer this allowing kind of approach/practice... Yet, I wouldn't mind learning to feel more comfortable giving instructions where helpful. I see thatbDr. Erickson was comfortable using his position or role of implicit power to give instructions, such as when he insisted the woman who wanted to lose weight, first gain to a weight uncomfortable for her. I want to learn to trust myself sometimes doing that. On the other hand, the uniqueness of each person means, fortunately, that such methods are not by any means always appropriate. What are your thoughts?