Why did you join the division?
My interest in psychological hypnosis began while I was completing my APA accredited internship in clinical psychology at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. As trainees we were introduced to a wide range of psychological interventions used in psychotherapy and behavioral medicine. I was fortunate enough to have a supervisor who specialized in clinical hypnosis and I learned how it can be used for pain management, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and brief psychotherapy. This experience started me on a professional journey to conduct research and develop expertise in clinical and experimental hypnosis. I began attending workshops from the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, and Division 30 of the American Psychological Association. Hypnotherapy is an effective intervention for many problems, but is greatly underutilized by psychologists. It became obvious to me that more research was needed and that led me to develop the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University to conduct clinical trials of hypnosis interventions. Of course, I knew I needed to join APA Division 30! I joined the Society for Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 as it is the professional home for psychologists interested in hypnosis and altered states of consciousness. My joining the division was also because it gives access to the latest information, newsletter, and opportunities to influence the field and advance understanding of psychological hypnosis.
What are you or the division working on now?
Research in my lab has focused on development of hypnosis interventions for health problems such as symptom management in breast cancer survivors and post-menopause women, smoking cessation, and sleep disturbances. Hypnotherapy is innovative and my research has been funded by NIH for over 20 years to conduct clinical trials showing that a clinical hypnosis protocol can reduce hot flashes by 70% and improve sleep quality by 50%. My research has expanded to examine digital delivery of hypnosis sessions to increase access such as through the Evia app or Finito app from Mindset Health. The Division 30 is currently providing training in clinical hypnosis at annual APA meetings and the latest research. Division 30 is also conducting a study of interests in hypnosis to facilitate psychedelic assisted therapy for trauma and stress. I anticipate this will be an emerging area for research and clinical practice.
What is your favorite place to travel to? What is next on your travel list?
My wife and I traveled to Europe for our honeymoon and visited major sites in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark. I have so many great memories and love to travel and learn about different cultures. My next travel will be to Budapest, Hungary for the Hypnosis Research Summit later this year.
Contact: Gary Elkins