Mindful hypnotherapy is an intervention that intentionally uses hypnosis (hypnotic induction
and suggestion) to integrate mindfulness for personal or therapeutic benefit. Clinicians
who are only trained in mindfulness may have preconceived notions about hypnosis.
Likewise, individuals who are only trained in hypnosis may have self-limiting ideas about
mindfulness. In addition, there may be some problems or symptoms that that benefit most
from hypnotic suggestions for change and others that a mindfulness approach
(acceptance) is more beneficial.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the conceptual basis and theoretical
foundations of mindful hypnotherapy and hypnotically oriented interventions in
psychotherapy. Research on mindful hypnotherapy will be reviewed as well as
applications. Mindful hypnotherapy will be considered in regard to stress and anxiety
management. Hypnotherapy presents an intriguing synchronicity with some aspects of
mindfulness, in that both practices involve focused attention, experiencing the world
differently, and relaxation.

Program Learning Objectives:

At the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• 1. Describe at least 1 core concept related to mindful hypnotherapy
• 2. Discuss the relationship between mindfulness and hypnosis.
• 3. Identify 1 mindful hypnosis intervention from an eight-step mindful hypnotherapy
  protocol.
• 4. Discuss at least 1 hypnotic suggestion based upon mindful hypnotherapy concepts
  for anxiety and stress reduction.
• 5. Identify at least 1 advantage of mindful hypnotherapy versus mindfulness alone.

Presenter:

Dr. Gary Elkins is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University in
Waco, Texas where he is the Director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Program. He
is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
and Past-President of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and American
Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He has over 200 publications and presentations. Dr. Elkins’
books published include Mindful Hypnotherapy: The Basics for Clinical Practice and The
Handbook of Medical and Psychological Hypnosis: Foundations, Applications and
Professional Issues. He also has an upcoming book entitled, Introduction to Clinical
Hypnosis: The Basics and Beyond. His background includes service as a military
psychologist and as a medical associate of the Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Medical
Center and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M
University College of Medicine. Dr. Elkins is board certified in Clinical Health Psychology
and maintains a part-time private practice. His research has been continually funded by
the National Institutes of Health for the past 20 years in areas of hypnosis, music, and
mindfulness in treatment of menopause/symptoms associated with aging, pain, stress,
sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic growth. He is a research consultant to Mindset
Health on development of hypnotherapy apps; and to Boulder Crest Foundation regarding
post-traumatic growth research.