Hypnotizability refers to a person’s ability to experience various aspects of hypnosis such as cognitive, experiential, behavioral, and physiological responses to hypnotic suggestion. Assessment of hypnotizabilty can provide important information regarding case conceptualization, treatment planning, and mechanisms of hypnosis interventions. In addition, assessment of hypnotizability may be a useful means of introducing hypnosis through experiential means and may have therapeutic benefits. The Elkins Hynotizability Scale (EHS) can be integrated into clinical practice and research. The clinical form (EHS-CF) takes about 20 minutes or less. It involves a hypnotic induction involving focus of attention, eye closure, and relaxation. Following deepening suggestions, items include inhibitory motor responses, facilitative motor and cognitive responses, and facilitative perceptual responses. The EHS has very good internal consistency (.85), test-retest reliability (.93), and scores highly correspond with the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale-Form C (SHSS-C).
In this workshop participants will gain knowledge about hypnotizability theory and research, methods of clinical and formal assessment, and use of the EHS Clinical Form. Foundational research and implications for clinical practice will be presented. Participants will learn how to administer and score the EHS-CF and integrate into their clinical practice or research.