Frustrated but still motivated

Greetings,
It's been awhile since I've been on the forums because I wanted to take a break from trying to LD. Due to poor results I came to the belief that maybe I was trying too hard and backed off. The desire to learn this skill is still within me. I've read LaBerge's book several times. I've kept dream journals, I've tried audio cues throughout the night, I've even undergone hypnotherapy to try and focus my intent. I've practiced MILD and WILD and DILD. I've practiced for months at a time, all to no avail. (Actually, I've had a total of 2 lucid dreams, neither of which lasted more than a few seconds).
I've been aware of Thomas Yuschak's book for awhile and thought maybe there was something neurochemically keeping me from being able to LD. I bought his book and it arrived today. Within the first 5 pages, he states that his book is for those who are already lucid dreamers and those who have no experience should put the book down and try other methods. Am I going to waste my time trying this system just to find out I don't know what I'm doing when (and if) it finally happens?
I'm not a kid, I'm an educated and I believe sophisticated man who understands psychology and human thought patterns. I'm a mental health therapist and have researched dreams as part of my profession. Can anyone give me some direction here?

Have you ever tried using a substance such as Wormwood to help induce lucid dreaming? I was introduced to my first Lucid dream via wormwood (which contains the substance thujone) by chance. Lasted over 45 minutes, and allowed me after that to be able to LD more easily. I figure once you actually Lucid Dream for the first time, it'll get easier from there. Wormwood is entirely safe if used with correct doses and has no noticeable side effects.

Thanks... I've never heard of it, but I'll look into it.

Ok, did a little research. Wormwood is a psychactive substance. I can't use it as a recovering drug addict. Guess I'll keep looking, but thanks for the lead.

While I consider myself a natural lucid dreamer, and thus I never really had to try to lucid dreaming, I still believe I have a few good word of advice for you.

In this field of introspection, trying to hard can indeed block you for progressing. From many different account of people trying to perform different type of techniques to achieve consciousness, whether the person was trying to lucid dream, or to project astrally, the way they used to resolve the problem is similar.

Taking a break.

As simple as you have said yourself.
Progress might come when you less expect it, when you give up all hope.

Otherwise, when this DON'T work, at least you're able to start up again fresh. The step back you took might just be what was needed to see the whole picture, or in this case to be lucid : p

As Ive said, I read more than one such account, but what do I know eh ?

I suggest meditation, it really helps with dreams , recall and lucid,,, and during meditation you can visualize draming lucid, if you are persistant results will follow,

I'm having the same problem as the OP:( and i was wondering what some good tips for meditation are? tips, techniques, etc.?

I have found that after just one day of refocusing on my desire to LD, my formerly very good dream recall has returned. I'm going to start my dream journal again, because I know that's how I developed my recall. (I just need to go buy a lighted pen so as not to wake up my wife 2-3 times a night). I'm also going to go back to meditation and relaxation exercises as you suggest, Moni. I've used brainwave entrainment in the past and found it very relaxing. You might try that, Chris. There are free downloads around for lucid dreaming sessions. Just put on your headphones, close your eyes, and zone out for a while. Good luck, mate.