Ask a group of clinicians, even those with advanced training in hypnosis, “What is hypnosis?” and you will get a variety of descriptions ranging from neurophysiological to socio-cognitive. In addition to how one conceptualizes hypnosis, the term itself is used to describe both a process, i.e., induction/elicitation, and an experiential state, i.e., trance.

In this presentation, the literature on influence, embodiment (embodied cognitions and emotions), mirror neurons, mimicry and gestures will be used to present ways of being hypnotic rather than doing hypnosis. How appreciating this body of literature and incorporating it into one’s clinical practice supports, among other things, what have been identified as the “6 core competencies” of Ericksonian therapy: Tailoring, Utilization, Destabilize, Strategic, Experiential and Naturalistic, will be emphasized.

Attendees will leave the program with ways to conceptualize the idea of hypnosis that will allow them to more easily and fluidly incorporate being hypnotic into their clinical work. They will have a greater appreciation for what it means to practice “hypnotically informed Psychotherapy.”

After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate the extent to which issues of influence – those things to which we respond without our being aware of what it is to which we are responding – relate to what we call “hypnotic.”
2. Assess the extent to which elements of embodied cognition and embodied emotions dovetail with core competencies like tailoring.
3. Apply at least one aspect of the presentation (influence, embodiment, mirror neurons, ) into their hypnotically informed practice.

This program meets APA’s continuing education Standard 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

This program meets APA’s continuing education Goal 1: Program is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science. 

General Admission: $65.00

SCEH Members: $55.00

Students: $15.00*

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

Robert Staffin, PsyD, ABPH

Dr. Robert Staffin is a clinical psychologist who has been teaching hypnosis nationally and internationally for over 20 years. He is an ASCH approved consultant, the president of the Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Hypnosis. Dr. Staffin is the author of More Common Therapy: The Experiential Psychotherapy of Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D. He has served as Dr. Zeig’s discussant throughout the Art of Psychotherapy series sponsored by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation.

Although many people want to learn how to do hypnosis, Dr. Staffin teaches how to be hypnotic. He maintains a private practice and offers consultation in Teaneck, NJ and remotely.

Bargh, J. A. (2017). Before you know it: The unconscious reasons we do what we do. Touchstone.

Raz, A. (2022, October 8). The suggestible brain. Presentation to the conference of the Minnesota Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Staffin, R. (2017). The utilization of self in the creation of reference experiences. In J. K. Zeig (Ed.), Ericksonian therapy now: The master class with Jeffrey K. Zeig. Zeig, Tucker & Theisen, Publishers.

Staffin, R. (2020). More common therapy: The experiential therapy of Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D. Zeig, Tucker & Theisen, Publishers.

Target Audience: Hypnosis practitioners, psychologists, LCSWs, MFTs, LCPCs, all mental health disciplines, health care professionals, graduate students welcome.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.