Hypnosis in Personal Perspective: Looking Backwards and a Glimpse Forward
In this presentation I will trace the evolution of my understanding of the fascinating topic of hypnosis over 45 years as a clinical and forensic psychologist and via research conducted in my laboratory of Consciousness, Cognition, and Psychopathology at Ohio University and Binghamton University (SUNY). I will share personal experiences and reflections that shaped my views and convey my excitement regarding hypnosis, which continues to the present day in personally rewarding collaborations. My presentation will encompass numerous topics that include fantasy-proneness, the induction of hypnosis, the experience of nonvolition during hypnosis, the determinants and modification of hypnotic responsiveness, clinical and forensic applications, and my most recent efforts to formulate a theoretical account of hypnosis. I will conclude with thoughts regarding the future of hypnosis.
