Adaptive Experiential Theory of Hypnosis: A Resource for Clinicians (CTSCH)
Organization: Central Texas Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Website: https://www.ctsch.com/
Event Title: Adaptive Experiential Theory of Hypnosis: A Resource for Clinicians, Advanced Workshop
Agenda: Timed_Agend1
Dates: 11/21/2025 , 1-3pm CT
Location: Virtual
CE: 2
Contact : Jana Jung-Woelfl, ctsch@ctsch.com
Abstract: This presentation will explore a recently proposed theory of hypnosis called the adaptive experiential theory. This new theory is a dual-process model that provides a comprehensive understanding of the rational system and the experiential system. While these two systems work together in synergy, they function quite differently in terms of their characteristics and methods. The rational system is influenced by logic and reason, demands significant cognitive resources, and operates with concentrated effort. On the other hand, the experiential system is powered by emotions, relies on associations, and encodes reality through images and feelings effortlessly. According to the adaptive experiential theory, the ability to engage in complex hypnotic responses can be attributed to an individual’s capacity to adaptively shift from processing predominantly via rational system to the experiential system. Having a stronger association with the experiential system leads to changes in how reality is processed, enabling hypnotic suggestions to be internalized, reified, and put into action with less interference from the rational system. This presentation will focus on the implications this theory has for the clinical use of hypnosis emphasizing the idea that content and language of hypnotic suggestions matter.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and describe the rational system and the experiential system and describe at least three core differences between the two systems.
2. Describe how the rational system and experiential system are related to hypnosis and hypnotic phenomena.
3.Demonstrate the ability to generate hypnotic suggestions according to whether they are rational-system-oriented or experiential-system-oriented.
4. Describe how accessing and working with the experiential system via hypnosis in therapy can be applied to various presenting concerns.
Speaker info: Cameron Alldredge, PhD : Alldredge_CV_2025