Hypnosis: Improv Fun with Hypnotic Techniques Online
The participatory art of improvisational acting (or theatrical improvisation, here called improv) is a form of living theater in which characters, roles, plots, actions, and verbal and non-verbal expressions are made up in the moment, making it distinct from scripted theater. Also distinct is improv’s clear set of rules. The most important rule is “YES, AND,” the acceptance of verbal and nonverbal “offers” from others, and the absence of judgment about right or wrong responses. The YES, AND tenet is vitally connected to the goals of attunement with the people we serve and non-scripted conversational hypnosis. In hypnosis and improv, the relationship between clinician and client (or actors) is at the heart of feeling safe, understood, and valued.
Benefits of improv applied to training of clinicians in a wide array of healthcare disciplines include improved self-efficacy and confidence with specific treatment tasks/strategies; engagement and focus in the moment during complex communication/interaction tasks; attunement and rapport building; and effectiveness in enhancing quality of life, perceived health, and reported benefit from people treated (Bender et al., 2022).
A major benefit of practicing hypnotic techniques using improv “games” in simulated clinical situations is the rapid-fire practice in multiple interpersonal contexts that is not possible in more traditional teaching/learning methods (Amaji et al., 2024; Chan et al., 2023; DeWever et al., 2023; Fu, 2019; Hallowell, in press; Hoffmann-Longtin, 2023). Also, fosters camaraderie among those learning together (Zelenski et al., 2020). And it is fun!
After we review the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, participants will be invited to play along with one another to get a feel for the improv principles applied in practicing hypnotic techniques. We will save time toward the end of reflection and discussion of research opportunities.
Presented by Brooke Hallowell, PhD, CCC-SLP, FNAP, ASHA Fellow and Honors
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This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 1.5 CEs for Psychologists, 1.5 IL CEUs for Counselors and Social Workers, or 1.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs.
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PROGRAM PRICING:
- General Admission: $65.00
- SCEH Members: $55.00
- Students: $15.00*
(Please email officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu for coupon code. Code must be entered at time of checkout to receive discount.)
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.
- Date:
- Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time:
- 11:00am - 12:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Central Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event.
- Event URL:
- https://tcsppofficeofce.com/feb_13_2026/
- Audience:
- All Graduate Students All Students Alumni Doctoral Students Faculty Masters Students Public The Chicago School Community Undergraduate Students