The Open-Focus Brain: Harnessing the Power of Attention to Heal Mind and Body

When Les Fehmi, Ph.D., BCIA-EEG, writes a book for general audiences, he does so with the authority of over forty years of experience in the areas of psychology, biofeedback, and neurofeedback. Dr. Fehmi and his co-author, Jim Robins, the award-winning journalist who has written several books found in my rather large library, have produced one of the best contributions that I've seen for a while. This rather short (192 page) work titled The Open-Focus Brain: Harnessing the Power of Attention to Heal Mind and Body (together with a brilliant, included CD) provides the reader with a concise and well explained explanation on how changing one's focus can positively affect multiple aspects of life.

Dr. Fehmi explains how the bane of modern existence is most likely our obsession with narrow-focus, which in turn limits mental functioning and damages the immune system over time. In contrast he recommends that an alternate open-focus type of awareness has the ability to trigger synchronous Alpha brainwaves thereby improving both mind and body.

It is so apparent that Dr. Fehmi's ideas are fully supported by comprehensive research, which he has continually published over past decades. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have extensive clinical experience and experience working with the world-champion Dallas Cowboys football team. I mean no pun by stating emphatically that this book is truly mind-expanding.

One thing that I must point out is that Dr. Fehmi is not a hypnotherapist and does not mention the word hypnosis at all. Nevertheless, I see a tremendous value for those of my primary profession. His exercises and concepts could be readily integrated into a hypnosis session, especially if peak performance is an issue. However, note that what he is promoting is a version of therapy which needs to be applied over time if one is to expect maximum benefit.

This book provides a tremendous wealth ideas for the clinician while providing simple exercises that can be used by the novice. The CD's help provide therapeutic value.