Save the Date!

2026 Midyear Clinical Hypnosis Workshops
April 24-27, 2026 - Live online via Zoom
This event includes Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced level Workshops, presented live online via Zoom. Live participation is required. Offers CE and CME. Agenda is subject to change. Advance registration is required. Note all times are in Pacific Time (PT). Schedule varies by workshop level and day-- refer to details below.
Event Overview
Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 2026
- Introductory (Basic)Training in Clinical Hypnosis -- Earn 13.5 CE/CME
OR
- Intermediate Training in Clinical Hypnosis -- Earn 12.5 CE/CME
Sunday and Monday, April 26 and 27, 2026
- Advanced Workshops -- Earn up to 14 CE/CME
Attend one or all fo the Advanced Workshop sessions -- choose from several sessions on varied topics.
-- Sunday theme - Hypnosis in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression
-- Monday theme - Hypnosis for Habit Control, Addictions, and Impulse Disorders
About the Midyear Workshops
SCEH Midyear Clinical Hypnosis Workshops includes Clinical Hypnosis Workshops at the Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced levels offering CE and CME. Workshops meet accepted Standards of Training in Clinical Hypnosis and count toward SCEH Hypnosis Certification Programs. Workshops are designed to empower attendees with evidence-based skills and training in the application of hypnosis for mental health, medicine, and general wellness, creating a positive effect on health worldwide. While research shows that hypnosis is effective in enhancing client/patient treatment outcomes, far too few health professionals can conduct hypnosis skillfully. Workshop attendees gain knowledge and competence, can put hypnosis to immediate use in their work, and are aided by a better understanding of the uses and limits of evidence-based hypnosis practice. Three levels of workshops are tailored to the needs of those who:
- are unfamiliar with hypnosis (Introductory Workshop)
- are newly familiar with hypnosis but need additional skills (Intermediate Workshop)
- have prior training and seek further refinement in skills or specific clinical applications (Advanced Workshops).
SCEH hypnosis training programs are of the highest teaching quality and feature experiential learning allowing attendees to put learned concepts into immediate practice. The SCEH Midyear Workshops meet accepted Standards of Training in Clinical Hypnosis and count toward SCEH Hypnosis Certification Programs. Workshops will be submitted for up to 12.5 CE/CME credits, depending on workshops selected. Discover what attendees have to say about SCEH events and training programs.
Workshop Descriptions, Agendas, Presenters and Learning Objectives
Friday & Saturday, April 24-26, 2026
100M - Introductory Workshop: Foundations of Clinical Hypnosis – 13.5 CE/CME (two-day cohort)
The Introductory Workshop follows established Standards of Training to provide attendees with a basic background and understanding to begin using hypnosis within the context of their scope of practice.
Co-Chairs and Faculty Leads: Eric Willmarth, PhD, and Barbara McCann, PhD
Additional Faculty: Linda Thomson, PhD, Louis Damis, PhD; Cassondra Jackson, PhD; Donald Moss, PhD, Nicholas Olendzki, PsyD
- Eric Willmarth, PhD, is the Director of the Applied Psychophysiology Program and the Coordinator for the Integrative Mental Health Specialization in the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences, Saybrook University, Pasadena, CA. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and has worked for over three decades in the area of chronic pain management. He is certified in biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, and pain management. He is a past president of the Society for Psychological Hypnosis (APA Div. 30), the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, and the Michigan Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback. Beginning college as a music major, he played bassoon in the orchestra, trombone in the jazz band, and guitar in a rock band. He continues to be interested in the psychology and health benefits of music and continues to sing in his church choir. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 50 years and has two sons and three grandsons. Life is good!
- Barbara McCann, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and holds the Mental Health Counseling and Hypnosis Endowed Chair at the University of Washington. She is the immediate Past-President of SCEH and is Certified as an Approved Consultant by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She serves on the Board of Editorial Consultants for the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Dr. McCann has worked with patients from primary care and specialty clinics at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for the past 30 years, drawing on brief cognitive behavioral interventions and hypnosis to address anxiety, depression, insomnia, and related problems. Her research and scholarly interests are in hypnosis, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, mental health in athletes, and functional neurological disorders. She has published over 60 journal articles and book chapters.
Introductory Workshop Agenda and Learning Objectives
|
Friday, April 24, 2025
Time Topic/Presenter(s) Learning Objectives
|
|
8-8:30 Pacific Time
|
Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis (30)
Faculty: Eric Willmarth, PhD
|
● Identify and articulate widely accepted definitions of clinical hypnosis.
● Define key terms related to hypnosis that are often used interchangeably and will be used throughout this workshop,
● Recognize and elucidate prevalent myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and provide fact-based corrections for them.
|
|
8:30-9:15
|
Anatomy of the Hypnotic Experience (45 minutes)
Faculty: Barbara McCann, PhD
Demo: Brief induction and re-alerting
|
● Describe each step involved in conducting a formal hypnotic encounter.
● Identify and analyze characteristics commonly exhibited by subjects during a trance state, explaining how these characteristics manifest and their relevance to the hypnotic process.
● Define and evaluate specific actions or interventions implemented by the facilitator during the re-alerting phase of trance, discussing their impact on the subject’s transition out of the hypnotic state.
|
|
9:15-10:00
|
Hypnotic Phenomena (45)
Faculty: Barbara McCann, PhD
Demo: Video that shows trance logic; demo with one participant showing eye closure
|
● Describe different types of hypnotic phenomena, detailing their unique characteristics.
● Discuss and describe how hypnotic phenomena can be used therapeutically.
● Describe several principles of eliciting hypnotic phenomena, emphasizing the techniques and conditions conducive to their effective implementation.
● Define abreaction within the context of hypnosis and describe how it can be addressed therapeutically, including managing potential challenges and improving therapeutic outcomes.
|
|
10:00-10:15
|
Break
|
|
|
10:15-11:30
|
Induction and Deepening of Hypnosis (60)
Faculty: Willmarth/McCann/Moss/Jackson
Breakout rooms: Brief induction, deepening, re-alerting (45)
Small group leaders: Moss, Willmarth, McCann, Jackson
Give talking points (PowerPoint) after the experiential component
|
● Describe three distinct methods of hypnotic induction or trance elicitation, focusing on each method's techniques, rationale, and applicability in various scenarios.
● Articulate three specific methods for deepening trance in hypnotic practice, outlining each technique's steps, effectiveness, and situational appropriateness.
● Demonstrate their capability to effectively deepen the hypnotic experience, employing techniques that are best suited to the unique needs and responses of their individual patient or client.
● Identify and understand how fractionation can be used to deepen trance states.
|
|
11:30-12:00
|
Group Hypnosis Experience (30)
Faculty: Eric Willmarth, PhD
|
● Engage actively in a clinical hypnosis session and subsequently identify and reflect upon three distinct aspects of their own personal experience during trance, focusing on the subjective perceptions, reactions, and sensations encountered. |
|
12:00-1:00
|
Lunch Break
|
|
|
1:00-2:15
|
Principles and Process of Rapport, Attunement, Trance Elicitation, and Reorientation (75)
Faculty: Eric Willmarth, PhD
Demo: Another brief session, emphasis on signs of trance (participants may use an observation checklist to note rapport building, observable signs of trance, and how re-alerting was conducted)
Small group leaders: Moss, Willmarth, McCann, Jackson
Breakout Rooms: Practice a brief hypnosis session: elicitation, intensification, re-alerting (if possible groups of 3; one person always observing)
Materials: Observer Checklist
|
● Articulate three effective strategies for building and reinforcing rapport in a therapeutic context, detailing the techniques, their practical implementation, and the impact on client relationships.
● Describe at least four observable physiological and four psychological or behavioral signs indicative of trance, emphasizing the significance of each sign in recognizing and assessing the depth of trance.
● Discuss the importance of removing hypnotic suggestions, exploring the ethical, practical, and psychological reasons why this step is crucial in hypnosis.
● Demonstrate at least three methods of reorienting subjects from trance.
|
|
2:30-2:45
|
Break
|
|
|
2:45-3:30
|
Fundamentals of Hypnotic Communication and Formulation of Suggestions (45)
Faculty: Barbara McCann
|
● Elucidate at least two specific ways in which hypnotic communication techniques contribute to creating a positive expectancy, detailing the psychological mechanisms and practical implications involved
● Discuss Milton H. Erickson's Principle of Individualization and Utilization, particularly focusing on how it applies to the use of language and suggestion in hypnotic contexts, including practical examples.
● Name at least four words or phrases that are commonly employed in hypnotherapy to reinforce and augment the patient's hypnotic experience, explaining the rationale behind their effectiveness.
● Differentiate between direct and indirect suggestion methods, discussing their unique characteristics, applications, and the contexts in which each is most effective.
|
|
3:30-4:15
|
When Hypnosis Doesn’t Work (45)
Faculty: Barbara McCann, PhD
|
● Describe various scenarios and signs that may indicate hypnosis is not working, emphasizing the distinction between actual failure and common misconceptions about the hypnotic process.
● Identify and formulate several effective strategies for addressing situations where hypnosis appears to be ineffective, including alternative approaches and techniques to enhance the hypnotic experience.
|
|
4:15-4:30
|
Best Practices and Professionalism in Clinical Hypnosis (15)
Faculty: Donald Moss, PhD
|
- Discuss pathways to professionalism, including best practices for clinical work.
- Discuss evidence-based, research-informed clinical practice, and resources to provide access to current research on clinical protocols.
- Discuss available sources of quality training in clinical hypnosis for continuing education, clinical certification, and re-certification.
|
|
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time Topic/Presenter(s) Learning Objectives
|
|
8:00-8:30
|
Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct (30)
Faculty: Donald Moss, PhD
|
● Describe at least two ethical-legal issues, and
● Discuss standards for professional conduct in using hypnosis clinically.
|
|
8:30-9:15
|
Patient/Client Assessment, Introducing Hypnosis to the Patient/Client (15min with 30 min breakout)
Faculty: Cassandra Jackson, PhD
Small group leaders: Moss, Willmarth, McCann, Jackson
Breakout Rooms: Practice introducing hypnosis to someone unfamiliar with it
|
● Summarize at least three key points about hypnosis to discuss in a non-technical manner with a client or patient/client.
● Review important elements and recommended procedures in obtaining informed consent regarding the use of hypnosis clinically, and
● Discuss the fallibility of memory.
|
|
9:15-10:00
|
Self-Hypnosis: How and What to Teach Patients (45)
Faculty: Nicholas Olendzki, PsyD
|
● Define self-hypnosis and explain the difference between self-hypnosis and hetero-hypnosis,
● Describe at least three therapeutic applications of self-hypnosis in clinical practice and
● Explain how to teach self-hypnosis to a patient.
|
|
10:00-10:15
|
Break
|
|
|
10:15-11:15
|
Hypnosis, Ego Strengthening, and Empowerment (15/45)
Faculty: Cassandra Jackson, Ph.D.
Breakout Session: Practice induction and Hartland’s script
Small group leaders: McCann, Jackson, Moss, Thompson, Olendzki,
|
● Define what is meant by ego strengthening.
● Discuss related concepts to ego strengthening, including self-efficacy and empowerment.
● Describe how hypnosis can be used to empower patients and enhance self-efficacy.
|
|
11:15-12:00
|
Neurophysiology of Hypnosis (45)
Faculty: Louis Damis, PhD
Demo: None
|
● Describe how hypnosis affects the autonomic nervous system and the stress response.
● Detail three implications of neurophysiological research on the practice of clinical hypnosis.
|
|
12:00-1:00
|
Lunch Break
|
|
|
1:00-1:45
|
Hypnosis with Children (45)
Faculty: Linda Thomson, PhD
|
● Identify three developmental characteristics that make children particularly Hypnotizable,
● Describe how hypnotic approaches vary according to the developmental age of the child, and
● Describe the therapeutic benefits and applications of using hypnosis with children.
|
|
1:45-2:45
|
Integrating Hypnosis into Clinical Practice (45)
Faculty: Core Faculty
Breakout rooms, by closely aligned disciplines
Small Group Leaders: McCann, Jackson, Moss, Thompson,
|
● Describe situations of uncertainty that might occur as clinical hypnosis is included in practice and identify strategies for managing/resolving such,
● List at least three uses of hypnosis to your discipline that you have been taught and are ready to apply and three applications of hypnosis that require more training, and
● Describe three ways that he or she will begin to incorporate hypnotic communication, hypnosis and hypnotic techniques into his/her practice.
|
|
2:45-3:00
|
Break
|
|
|
3:00-4:00
|
Treatment Planning, Strategy and Technique Selection in Clinical Hypnosis (60)
Faculty: All Faculty
|
● Execute a thorough case assessment to elucidate the information necessary to develop a quality treatment plan,
● Design a treatment plan for a patient/client who presents with anxiety, and
● List at least 4 hypnotic techniques/application that may be best suited to achieve the specific therapeutic goal in the case presented.
|
200M - Intermediate Workshop: Refining Skills and Treatment Applications – TOTAL 12.5 CE/CME (two-day cohort)
The Intermediate Workshop, taken as a cohort, can be used toward SCEH intermediate certification requirements or simply to refresh and expand hypnotic skills.
The Intermediate Workshop: Refining Skills and Treatment Applications, is offered as a two-day cohort to assist attendees in preparing for certification in hypnosis and clinical practice. The workshop features hypnotic techniques for advancing induction and deepening skills and therapeutic applications for modification of implicit memory, ego strengthening, insight, anxiety, habit disorders, and pain management.
Presenters: Louis Damis, PhD, ABPH, FASCH, and Akira Otano, EdD, ABPH
- Louis Damis, ABPH, FASCH, is a Diplomate with the American Board of Professional Psychology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is an Assistant Professor at the UCF College of Medicine and an ESTI-accredited Ego State Therapist. Dr. Damis is a licensed psychologist with ASCH Consultant Status and Certification in Clinical Hypnosis. He is a Past President of the Florida and Washington DC Societies of Clinical Hypnosis and is currently the Past President of the ASCH. He has taught hypnosis for over 25 years for the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Dr. Damis maintains a private practice and works as an instructor, author, and consultant.
- Akira Otani, EdD, ABPH, is a psychologist in private practice at Waypoint Wellness Center in Annapolis, MD. Before joining the current practice group, he served on the graduate faculty at the Division of Education, The Johns Hopkins University, and as Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of Maryland Counseling Center at College Park.
Schedule Summary
DAY ONE – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM PT Workshop 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT (includes 30-minute break) Lunch Break 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM PT Workshop 1:00 - 4:30 PM PT (includes 30-minute break) Day One Workshop Hours: 6.5 hours. Breaks: Two 30-minute breaks, one-hour lunch break 6.5 CE hours of training
DAY TWO - Saturday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Workshop 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT Lunch Break 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM PT Workshop 1:00 - 4:00 PM PT Day Two Workshop Hours: 6.0 hours. Breaks: Two 30-minute breaks, one-hour lunch break 6.0 CE hours of training
Intermediate Agenda and Learning Objectives
Day One of Two
8:00 - 9:00 AM Interactive Experiential Clinical Hypnosis (Damis)
9:00 - 10:00 AM Hypnotic Phenomena and Advanced Inductions (Otani)
10:00 - 10:30 AM Break (30 minutes)
10:30- 12:00 PM Small Group Work #1 – 90 minutes (Damis & Otani)
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch Break (60 minutes)
1:00 - 2:00 PM Insight and Exploratory Techniques (Damis)
2:00 - 3:00 PM Hypnosis and Memory (Damis)
3:00 - 3:30 PM Break (30 minutes)
3:30 - 4:30 PM Ego Strengthening (Otani)
4:30 PM Adjourn for the day
Day Two of Two
8:00 - 8:45 AM Hypnotic Treatment of Habit Disorders (Damis)
8:45 - 9:45 AM Pain Management (Damis)
9:45 - 10:15 AM Break (30 minutes)
10:15 - 11:45 AM Small Group Work #2 – 90 Minutes (Damis & Otani)
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM Lunch Break (60 minutes)
12:45 - 1:45 PM Hypnosis and Anxiety (Otani)
1:45 - 2:30 PM Integrating Hypnosis into Clinical Practice (Otani)
2:30- 3:00 PM Break (30 minutes)
3:00 - 4: 00 PM Ethics (Damis)
Learning Objectives:
- Identify two reasons for using interactive hypnosis.
- Identify two advanced induction techniques.
- Discuss two types of hypnotic metaphors and how to integrate them with hypnotic suggestions.
- Describe current literature on hypnosis and memory, and its implications for clinical work.
- Identify four factors associated with the development of pseudomemories and a process for minimizing the risk false memory development.
- Identify at least two ego strengthening interventions that can be used during hypnosis.
- List four hypnotic techniques to help clients manage habit disorders.
- Explain four applications of hypnosis to address the different stages of change.
- List four hypnotic pain modulation strategies.
- Generate a treatment plan for treating anxiety disorders with hypnosis.
- Identify two important preparatory skills for the use of insight and exploratory techniques.
- Describe two types of insight-oriented techniques.
- Describe two potential contraindications for using exploratory techniques.
- Describe two prerequisites for the use of clinical hypnosis.
- Describe professional clinical hypnosis societies Ethical Principles.
300 Series - Advanced Workshops – 14 CE/CME
Advanced Workshops are designed for those who have completed Introductory and Intermediate level clinical hypnosis training and wish to sharpen and refine their hypnosis knowledge and skills.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Day’s Theme: Hypnosis in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression
301M - Anxiety and Depression Toolbox
Carolyn Daitch, PhD
8:00 - 10:00 AM PT (11:00 AM-1:00 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health conditions, significantly affecting functioning at work, home and in social relationships.
This workshop will present innovative and effective techniques for managing anxiety, chronic stress and depression. Hypnosis is a powerful modality that can help clients reduce apprehension, fear and worry by altering the cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical responses that accompany anxiety. It can also be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of depression, complementing cognitive and behavioral interventions.
Workshop participants will be introduced to hypnotic interventions designed to help clients interrupt negative, irrational or obsessive thoughts; diminish worry; lessen fear of the future; and reduce restlessness, irritability, insomnia and hypochondria. Additional strategies will target sadness, hopelessness and other hallmark symptoms of depression. Mental health professionals from all backgrounds will leave this training with a broader clinical repertoire, including quick, easy to implement hypnotherapeutic techniques that can be integrated into a variety of treatment approaches.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- describe two hypnotherapeutic techniques that can be integrated into a variety of treatment approaches.
- describe a hypnotic intervention designed to diminish worry.
About the Presenter: Carolyn Daitch, PhD is the director of the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A clinical psychologist, she is a certified and approved consultant and elected Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and an elected Fellow of the Michigan Psychological Association. Dr. Daitch is a frequently invited speaker worldwide and is internationally recognized for her practical and easy-to-implement interventions.
Dr. Daitch has written four books on anxiety and affect regulation, including the award-winning Affect Regulation Toolbox: Practical and Effective Hypnotic Interventions for the Over-reactive Client, which has received international acclaim and was awarded best hypnosis book by the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis in 2008. Other books include Anxiety Disorders: The Go-to Guide, Anxious in Love, and The Road to Calm Workbook. Her article on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Hypnosis as Treatment Methods for Generalized Anxiety Disorder was awarded best article in 2019 by the Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
10:00 -10:15 AM PT - 15-minute break between workshops
302M - Hypnotic Interventions for the Treatment of Emetophobia and Hematophobia: A Case Review
David Reid, PsyD
10:15 – 12:15 PM PT (1:15-3:15 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
This Advanced Workshop will provide a brief review of the etiology of anxiety disorders and phobias. Strategic applications of clinical hypnosis for resolving symptoms associated with specific phobias including emetophobia (fear of vomiting) ancfear of needles), and fear of flying will be provided to support the utilization of clinical hypnosis for treating phobias.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Describe an application of clinical hypnosis to treat emetophobia
- Describe an application of clinical hypnosis to treat emetophobia
About the Presenter: David B. Reid, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Fellow and Approved Consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH). Dr. Reid is an Award-Winning author of Hypnosis for Behavioral Health: Professional’s Guide to Expanding Your Practice (Springer Publishing Company), and co-author of Permanent Habit Control: Practitioners’ Guide to Using Hypnosis and Other Alternative Health Strategies (Springer Publishing Company). Dr. Reid is also the Editor-in-Chief for the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, and Chair of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) Certification Committee. Dr. Reid received 11 Presidential awards from ASCH and SCEH for his contributions to both societies, as well as awards for his peer-reviewed published papers on clinical hypnosis (Milton H. Erickson Award, Ernest R. Hilgard Award, William S. Kroger Award). He is the recipient of the Erica Fromm Award for Excellence in Teaching from SCEH. He is an adjunct professor at Saybrook University and Past President of Division 30 (Psychological Hypnosis) of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Reid completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology at the University of Virginia and continues to conduct neuropsychological evaluations at Augusta Health in Central Virginia.
12:15-1:15 PM PT – Lunch Break (60 minutes)
303M - Walking across Underground Meadows: Clinical Hypnosis with Children and Adolescents
Jane Alexandra Kessler, PhD
1:15 - 3:15 PM PT (4:15- 6 :15 ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
Although clinical hypnosis with children and adolescents is grounded in the same principles and techniques used with adults, it requires the use of a particular kind of playfulness and imagination on the part of the therapist, as well as techniques specific to working with children and teens. Additionally, it calls for alterations to our usual approaches to consent for treatment, pre-hypnosis and post-hypnosis discussions with the patient/client, and potentially the involvement of parents. This presentation will assume a basic familiarity with clinical hypnosis so that we can jump directly into a discussion of its use in the treatment of children and teens.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- coming soon
- coming soon
About the Presenter: Jane Alexandra Kessler, PhD earned her Bachelor of Science summa cum laude at Brown University. She received her clinical psychology degree at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), completing predoctoral internships at the U of M Psychological Clinic and at the Detroit Psychiatric Institute (DPI) on the Children’s Inpatient Service. She started her career as a staff psychologist and clinical supervisor at DPI. Jane was the Director and Senior Psychologist at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute Treatment Clinic. Additionally, she worked for the Family Division of Michigan’s Sixth Circuit Court as well as Wayne County’s Family Court, evaluating children and families in forensic matters. Jane was a psychology professor at Madonna University (Livonia, Michigan) for over 20 years, teaching a range of clinical psychology courses, and serving as the Director of both the university’s graduate program in clinical psychology and the campus training clinic. Currently, Jane is in private practice in Huntington Woods, Michigan, treating children, adolescents and adults, and performing forensic assessments in civil and criminal matters. Jane received her training in clinical hypnosis from Carolyn Daitch, PhD.
3:15-3:30 PM PT - 15-minute break between workshops
304M - Process-Oriented Hypnosis in Addressing Patterns and Risk Factors of Depression
Michael Yapko, PhD
3:30-5:30 PM PT (6:30 - 8:30 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
“You’re unique…just like everyone else.” This statement highlights a challenging conundrum: if everyone is special then is anyone special? Anyone who has been doing therapy for any significant length of time will likely have noticed that while each person is unique as an individual, their problems are often remarkably redundant: here’s yet another person making bad decisions that hurt them, another couple suffering in a distressed and depressing marriage, another person feeling unhappy with their life, and so on. Is the problem in them? Or is it in their process, i.e., the steps they follow leading to distress? By asking ‘how’ questions rather than ‘why,” we can more readily identify unhelpful processes and know where to intervene. In this workshop, I’ll describe how a general approach to hypnosis can be used to interrupt some of the specific key patterns of cognition and perception that can give rise to and maintain depression.
When people follow ineffective sequences, identifiable steps that lead them down a symptom-producing path of experience, anyone following those same steps will end up in the same psychological place. Individual differences matter less: it no longer matters how many academic degrees they might have, or what their job is, or what they like to do on their days off. For as long as they continue to do whatever they do (cognitively, behaviorally, emotionally, interpersonally, etc.) in the same problematic way, the unfortunate outcome can be quite predictable. The problem is not in them. Rather, it’s in their process.
Based on Dr. Yapko’s book, Process-Oriented Hypnosis: Focusing on the Forest, Not the Trees, the advantages of a macro-view of people’s problems will be described as a complement to the more typical micro-views clinicians focus upon. The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis gave this book its esteemed Arthur Shapiro Award for being the “best book on hypnosis in 2021.”
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- coming soon
- coming soon
About the Presenter: Michael D. Yapko, PhD is a clinical psychologist residing near San Diego, California. He is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in applying clinical hypnosis in outcome-focused psychotherapy, especially in the active non-pharmacological treatment of depression. He has been invited to present his innovative ideas and methods to colleagues in more than 30 countries across six continents, and all over the United States. His highly practical YouTube lecture on “How to Recover from Depression” has now been viewed more than 5.5 million times.
Dr. Yapko is the author of 16 books, three edited books, and nearly 100 journal articles and book chapters. His most recent book for professionals is the just-released updated 6th edition of his classic hypnosis textbook, Trancework. He also wrote Process-Oriented Hypnosis: Focusing on the Forest, Not the Trees and has served as Guest Editor for special issues on “Hypnosis and Treating Depression” of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. His popular general audience books include Keys to Unlocking Depression, Depression is Contagious and Breaking the Patterns of Depression. His works have been translated into 10 languages. Dr. Yapko is also the developer of the popular digital hypnotherapy mental health app called Claria in association with the digital therapeutic company, Mindset Health (www.mindsethealth.com). Available 24/7, the app features a dozen clinical hypnosis sessions aimed at interrupting common patterns underlying depression and anxiety. Dr. Yapko was honored to receive the “Living Treasure Award” from SCEH in 2024. More information about Dr. Yapko’s work is available on his website: www.yapko.com.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Day’s theme: Hypnosis for Habit Control, Addictions, and Impulse Disorders
305M - Hypnosis for Habit Control, Addictions, and Impulse Disorders
Ronald J. Pekala, PhD
8:30-10:30 AM Pacific (11:30 AM-1:30 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
This workshop will present a self-hypnosis relapse prevention training model, validated by empirical research, and its use with a substance abuse population, combining the transtheoretical perspective to addiction with counterconditioning and relapse prevention models. It will describe how to use standardized self-hypnosis protocols to help reduce and control the triggers and affective states associated with substance abuse relapse. The research on using self-hypnosis training to modify affective state and help control the triggers associated with relapse will be reviewed. Self-hypnosis protocols associated with reducing anxiety, anger, and negative affect; increasing self-esteem and serenity; and fostering relapse prevention will be discussed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- coming soon
- coming soon
About the Presenter: Ron Pekala, PhD is in Private Practice in West Chester, PA. He is a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH). Dr. Pekala is the author of over 80 professional publications, numerous national presentations, and one book: “Quantifying consciousness: An empirical approach” (1991). He is the author of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), a self-report questionnaire that is used to quantify (altered) states of consciousness, including hypnosis. The PCI has been translated into 14 languages across the planet. Research on the PCI and the PCI-HAP (hypnotic assessment procedure) has generated three Milton H. Erickson awards and one Clark Hull award from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) for “scientific excellence in writing on clinical/experimental hypnosis” over the last 25 years.
10:30 -10:45 AM PT - 15-minute break between workshops
306M – Hypnotically Enhanced Addictions Treatment (HEAT): Strategies for Working with Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Gambling, Smoking-Cessation, and Weight Loss
Joseph Tramontana, PhD
10:45 – 12:45 PM Pacific (1:45-3:45 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
Dr.. Joseph Tramontana initially developed a hypnotic approach for smoke-stopping and weight loss and then extended the model for the hypnotic treatment of other addictive behavior. This workshop introduces a hypnotic treatment approach for alcoholism, drug dependency, and gambling behavior. The approach was published in the 2009 book, Hypnotically Enhanced Treatment of Addictions. Hypnosis can greatly increase the effectiveness of treatment of addictive and impulsive behavior.
The present workshop will introduce a treatment model, effective interventions, and case narratives illustrating the application with alcoholics, drug-dependent individuals, and gamblers. In addition, the presenter will provide short summaries of a similar hypnotic approach with smoking-cessation and weight-management. He will also describe the development of attractive treatment “packages” for marketing hypnotic treatment of addictive behavior.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- coming soon
- coming soon
About the Presenter: A New Orleans native, Dr. Tramontana received his B.A. in psychology from L.S.U.N.O., and his MA and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi. While he considers himself primarily a psychotherapist, he studied and became certified in Clinical Hypnosis and sees hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to help his clients. He has offices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA. Dr. Tramontana is a Fellow and recent Past-President of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and has published three books and several peer-reviewed articles on using hypnosis for a variety of clinical applications. He has presented internationally, most recently at the World Congress of Psychotherapy in Vienna, Austria in August 2025.
“Dr. T, “as his clients call him, was the Louisiana Psychological Association President in 2014 and in 2013 received the LPA’s Distinguished Psychologist Award. He considers his greatest accomplishment the rearing of his two children and now has seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. His current leisure activities (since he quit running) are fine dining, watching sports, and owning shares in several racehorses.
12:45 - 1:45 PM Pacific Time - Lunch Break (60 minutes)
307M - Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing, and Zen for the Addiction
1:45 - 3:45 PM Pacific (4:45 – 6 :45 PM ET) -- 2.0 CE/CME
David Patterson, PhD, ABPP, Professor Emeritus
This two-hour workshop will focus on combining hypnosis with two empirically supported modalities for facilitating treatment for addiction. The first hour will provide a brief recap of motivational interviewing (MI) for addiction issues, with the understanding that participants will know the basics of this approach. We will then focus on how hypnosis can be used to enhance the effects of MI. For example, we will illustrate that cognitions reflecting motivation for change can be identified in a therapeutic interview and then reinforced in a session of hypnosis.
The second hour will begin by describing a model for integrating meditation into addiction treatment and psychotherapy. We will discuss Zen Buddhist notions of dualism and the illusion of a “self”. We will then focus on how patients can be taught a brief version of meditation that they can rehearse in the session. The argument will be that it is best if patients embark on a sophisticated discipline of meditation; however, given that there is no guarantee they will do so, we argue on the value of beginning at a simple level. We will strengthen the meditation process with hypnosis. Ultimately, we will demonstrate that returning to the present moment though meditation can mitigate the cravings that come with addiction.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- coming soon
- coming soon
About the Presenter: David R Patterson, PhD, ABPP, is an emeritus professor of psychology in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Surgery and Psychology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Patterson’s current interests are in psychological approaches to the reducing and managing pain, particularly through hypnosis, immersive virtual reality and Eastern concepts such as mindfulness and Zen Buddhism. He remains a strong advocate of providing interventions for people in pain, particularly after trauma, and has conducted several studies using pharmacology, as well as psychological alternatives. Dr. Patterson has over 200 peer-reviewed publications, chapters, monographs, and book chapters on topics such as pain control and adjustment to burn injuries and trauma. He has co-directed the bioethics committee in his hospital and published in the New England Journal of Medicine on topics related to bioethics. He was funded from 1989 to 2020 by the National Institutes of Health to conduct randomized controlled trials on treating burn pain and trauma pain. He has developed internship and postdoctoral training programs and has mentored hundreds of students. He has given keynote lectures and clinical workshops in dozens of countries; His work has been featured on both national and international news outlets on numerous occasions over the past 30 years. Dr Patterson’s book with Elena Mendoza entitled Clinical Hypnosis for Pain Control was published in 2024.
Return to top of page
SCEH Policies for Attendees & Presenters
All Presenters and Attendees are asked to familiarize themselves with SCEH Policies.
What You Will Need to Participate
All registered participants will be sent an email event confirmation the day before the Midyear Workshops begin. To make sure you get it, please whitelist our email addresses to ensure event-related communications arrive in your in box!
This event confirmation email will contain:
- Any meeting link(s) you need to log in to your workshop(s) via Zoom
- Continuing Education information on how to obtain your CE/CME credits or any attendance documentation you may require.
Technical Support: Please test your online connectivity and audio/video settings in Zoom well in advance of the event date.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Coming soon
Return to top of page
Registration and Pricing
- Registration will open in January.
- Member Discount: SCEH Members received discounted registration pricing as shown below.
- Continuing Education: Both CE and CME are available. SCEH will offer both CE (for psychology and related fields) and CME (for physicians), included in the registration price. Due to the increased costs of offering CME, please note there is a registration price differential for CME. Please select the registration category that corresponds to your needs.
- Obtaining CE documentation: Please refer to the Continuing Education section for details on the continuing education credits offered. To obtain your credits, you will need to complete the required online form that will be provided to all attendees during the event.
Important Notes about Membership Status
If you wish to join the Society and receive member pricing, please be sure to complete a membership application BEFORE you register. Your application will be reviewed, and once accepted, you will be able to register as a member for our events. Please allow 2-3 weeks for review and processing. See membership details and how to join.
If you are not sure you are a current member in good standing, log in to your account to display your status or email the SCEH office. Thank you.
Introductory (100M) or Intermediate Workshop (200M) Workshops -- offered concurrently. (You may attend one or the other.)
| Pricing Category |
Early bird** |
Regular |
CME Early bird ** |
CME Regular |
| Member |
$230 |
$280 |
$330 |
$380 |
| Non-member |
$300 |
$350 |
$400 |
$450 |
| Student member |
$110 |
$140 |
$210 |
$240
|
| Student non-member |
$130 |
$160 |
$230 |
$260 |
Advanced Workshops (300M series) - priced per workshop - Choose to attend all or the topics of your choosing.
| Pricing Category |
Early bird** |
Regular |
CME Early bird ** |
CME Regular |
| Member |
$72 |
$102 |
$172 |
$202 |
| Non-member |
$96 |
$116 |
$196 |
$216 |
| Student member |
$36 |
$66 |
$136 |
$166 |
| Student non-member |
$48 |
$78 |
$148 |
$178 |
Pricing and Registration Deadlines Advance registration is required. Register early for the best pricing for SCEH events.
** Early bird registration ends: March 16, 2026 - 5 PM ET USA
Registration deadline: April 16, 2026 - 5 PM ET USA
Cancellations
Cancellations received on or before March 16 will be issued a refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Sorry, no refunds will be made after March 16. Exceptions will only be granted due to death of participant or immediate family member, severe illness/injury of participant or immediate family member, or the inability of participant to travel due to legal or governmental restrictions/obligations, and will require written notification and appropriate documentation. Registration fees are not transferable to another workshop.
Check Payments
Your registration is not confirmed until payment is received. If paying by check, please mail no later than two weeks prior to event. Make checks payable to: Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and mail to the address on the bottom of the page. Your registration is not confirmed until payment is received.
Questions
Email us at [email protected].
About SCEH
As its mission, SCEH exists to promote excellence and progress in scientifically based hypnosis research, education, and clinical practice. The Society’s goal is to grow understanding and clinical applications of hypnosis now and in the future. SCEH boasts a rich history in hypnosis training and research, and each year presents its Annual Workshops and Scientific Session. As the voice of professional hypnosis, SCEH provides benefits that include: education, the International Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, a mentor program and the ability to network with leaders in the hypnosis community.
Return to top of page
2026 Midyear Clinical Hypnosis Workshops
April 24-27, 2026 - live online via Zoom
Flyer:

return to top
Earn continuing education and continuing medical education credits for certification, credentialing and professional development.
#HypnosisWorkshops #ClinicalHypnosis #ClinicalHypnosisTraining #HypnosisTraining
|