Hypnosis was the first concept of psychotherapy introduced into Western medicine and psychology. While it has been shown to be safe and effective for more than two centuries, hypnosis is an under-appreciated means of enhancing control of consciousness with enormous therapeutic potential.
We will examine the nature of hypnosis, its efficacy, and brain mechanisms underlying it. We will discuss the clinical utility of measuring hypnotizability, and demonstrate the use of the Hypnotic Induction Profile, a brief and reliable clinical measurement that facilitates initiation of hypnosis and provides useful clinical information.
The uses of hypnosis for problems such as stress management, enhancing focus, improving sleep, controlling pain, stopping smoking and vaping, treating phobias, eating well, dealing with grief and loss, and treating traumatic stress will be discussed and demonstrated.
Novel means of dissemination involving interactive hypnosis apps that are making safe and effective hypnosis skill training widely available will be presented.