Date
Sat, 4 Jul
Time
11:40 – 12:20, PDT
This presentation aims to clarify misconceptions about hypnosis, its applications, and its role in coercive and cultic environments, providing a scientifically grounded understanding of its effects and limitations.
Perhaps more than any other single method of influence, there is mystery, myth, misunderstanding and outright falsehoods about hypnosis, even among mental health professionals. Some cite research that essentially claims hypnosis does not exist beyond a not-particularly useful and confusing construct; others—especially among but hardly limited to some cult-critics—describe hypnosis in a manner that greatly exaggerates its power. This presentation, by a cult-aware psychologist with advanced training in scientific/experimental as well as clinical hypnosis, will cover and debunk a range of misunderstandings and misinformation about the use of hypnosis and hypnotic-like interpersonal dynamics in coercive and cultic environments and processes. The very real impact of hypnosis on certain people in certain situations will be carefully explored, using the most current research available rather than relying solely on anecdotal evidence.
Watch Recording
This session was recorded at the 2026 Conference and has been uploaded to the website for viewing here*.
*Recordings from the 2026 ICSA International Conference are available on demand for registered conference attendees. You will need to login to your Online Conference Track account to begin watching. If you have not yet created an account, register using the same name and email address used for your conference ticket purchase. Those who did not attend the conference can still purchase an online ticket to gain access here.
Steve K.D. Eichel, Ph.D., ABPP, CST received his B.A. from Columbia University and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He has been a licensed psychologist since 1982. His career has included roles as a child and family psychologist, director of child and family services, and consulting forensic psychologist. He has also held academic positions, including Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Delaware. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Psychotherapists and the International Cultic Studies Association, where he formerly served as president of the board.
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