The Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey is pleased to offer the next in the series of conversations based on the book, Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis: the basics and beyond, edited by Dr. Gary Elkins.
Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026 as we welcome Cameron Alldredge, PhD presenting on "Hypnosis and Hypnotizability."
This program will be held virtually on Zoom from 11AM to 1PM EDT.
The Clinical Conversations are free to members of ASCH, its component sections, SCEH, ESH, and ISH. There is a $15 fee for nonmembers. All proceeds go to fund the Stephen R. Lankton Scholarship Award.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This interactive two-hour workshop examines the historical evolution and contemporary definition of hypnosis, with emphasis on why definitional clarity matters for clinical practice, research, and professional communication. Participants will review early conceptualizations of hypnosis, competing theoretical models, critiques of prior APA Division 30 definitions, and the development of the current consensus definition established in 2015. The workshop will also explore distinctions between hypnosis, hypnotic induction, hypnotizability, and hypnotherapy, while considering the implications of terminology for clinical application and scientific rigor. Discussion-based activities and guided analysis will help participants critically evaluate how definitions shape both research methodology and patient understanding of hypnosis.
TIMED AGENDA
|
Time
|
Topic
|
|
11:00 – 11:10
|
Welcome, introductions, workshop overview
|
|
11:10 – 11:25
|
Historical origins of hypnosis: Mesmerism, James Braid, and evolving terminology
|
|
11:25 – 11:40
|
Why defining hypnosis is difficult: theoretical models and conceptual disagreements
|
|
11:40 – 11:55
|
Importance of a universal definition for research, clinical care, and public understanding
|
|
11:55 – 12:05
|
Break
|
|
12:05 – 12:25
|
Review of previous APA Division 30 definitions and major critiques
|
|
12:25 – 12:45
|
The 2015 consensus definition: hypnosis, hypnotic induction, hypnotizability, and hypnotherapy
|
|
12:45 – 12:55
|
Small-group discussion or case application activity
|
|
12:55 – 1:00
|
Final reflections, questions, and closing discussion
|
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe the historical evolution of hypnosis terminology and the factors contributing to disagreement regarding its definition.
- Compare previous APA Division 30 definitions of hypnosis and evaluate major critiques associated with each definition.
- Explain the current consensus definition of hypnosis and distinguish among hypnosis, hypnotic induction, hypnotizability, and hypnotherapy in clinical and research contexts.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER
Cameron Alldredge, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist working full-time as an associate research scientist in the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University. He is on the executive committee of APA Division 30 and regularly presents for SCEH and ASCH. He has published over 35 peer review articles and co-authored the book "Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy: What You Need to Know".
Training health and mental health professionals since 1986