I'm curious what other peoples' personal experience is using direct vs. indirect suggestions, and also if anyone is familiar with/has opinions on the various studies regarding outcome of using one versus the other.

Research studies need to have specific indicators of outcome. As a result, movement of limbs is a popular indicator of empirical research on indirect v direct suggestion. Basically, the question is which type makes the subject move more. But the snag is that indirect suggestion was never meant to MAKE anyone do anything but rather to facilitate unique responses that are relevant for the client. So, the research paradigms are a bit constrained for this 'open ended' outcome measurement. Nevertheless, BTW, each is shown to create approximately the same results in those studies. Many studies also ask respondents about subjective experiences of trance and subjects often report they were deeper or more absorbed following indirect suggestion. Of course, standardized test results showed the same depth of trance in these cases but the indirect subjects reported a more personal depth. [in a nut shell]

Why not just ask the client which they'd prefer?

if that was all there was to it, they would not be in your office, now would they.

i like indirect suggestions more. they cant resist the suggestions if they dont know what your saying is a suggestion

Dear Stephen,

can you expand a little your thoughts about this?

and another...
when MHE made post-hypnotic-suggestion with amnesia, was there manipulation and whether we can suggest anything in such fashion?

Thanks,
Eugene.

In my work I only use indirect suggestion. As has been stated direct suggestions are often met with resistance. This may not be a conscious resistance. I have found that suggestions posed as questions and paired with pacing to be very effective. The key in my work is to get people to relax and to acheve rapport rapidly.
WR