Gary R. Elkins

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Gary R. Elkins
NationalityUnited States of America
Alma materTexas A&M University (PhD)
Known forClinical hypnosis research

Gary R. Elkins is a clinical psychologist, author, and professor who is primarily known for his contributions to the clinical hypnosis research field. Elkins is a professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.[1] He is also an Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Texas A&M Medical Center and a Medical Associate at Baylor Hillcrest Scott and White Medical Center. Elkins’ research focuses on the fields of clinical and experimental hypnosis, mind-body interventions in health care, psychotherapy, and post-traumatic growth.[1]

Elkins is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis[2] and is past-president of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis[3] and the Society for Psychological Hypnosis (American Psychological Association, Division 30).[4] He is a licensed psychologist, board certified in Clinical Health Psychology, from the American Board of Professional Psychology.[5]

Education

Elkins completed his BA degree in Psychology at Henderson State University. He completed his PhD in counseling psychology at Texas A&M University and pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.[1] He has board certification in Clinical Health Psychology (ABPP) and in Psychological Hypnosis (ABPH).[5]

Career

Elkins served as a clinical psychologist in the United States Air Force from 1979 to 1982. He was a Senior Staff Psychologist at Scott and White Medical Center and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences until he joined Baylor University in 2006.[1] After joining the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor, he served as Director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology and established the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory which has been continually funded by the National Institutes of Health and specializes in hypnosis, psychotherapy, stress management, sleep disorders, women’s health, post-traumatic growth, and mindfulness.[1]

Through the Mind-Body Medicine Research Lab at Baylor University, Gary Elkins researches the connection between the human mind and physical health through various methods like hypnosis and mindfulness.[1]

Menopause Research

Elkins developed a hypnotherapy program for reduction of hot flashes, improving sleep in breast cancer survivors, and women in the menopause transition.[6][7][8] Elkins’ research into clinical hypnosis for hot flashes and sleep has reliably demonstrated reduction in hot flashes by 70–80% and clinically significant improvement in sleep quality.[6][7][8] Based on Elkins’ research, the Menopause Society in North America has recognized the clinical hypnosis program as having Level I evidence and is recommended.[9][10] Elkins has also conducted research into a hypnotherapy app for hot flashes, called the Evia app developed by Mindset Health.[11]

Sleep Research

Elkins’ research has shown that sleep quality can be improved with a specific approach to clinical hypnosis.[12] Specifically, sleep quality can be improved in individuals with disturbed sleep related to aging, health problems, or menopause-related symptoms.[13][14]

Smoking Cessation Research

Elkins has also conducted research into intensive hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.[15][16] His research has indicated that an optimized hypnotherapy intervention involves multiple sessions, is individualized to some degree, provides a means for monitoring progress, and includes self-hypnosis. Research by Elkins on smoking cessation includes app delivery of hypnosis through the Finito app developed by Mindset Health.[17]

Hypnotizability Research

Hypnotizability refers to the level to which someone can be hypnotized. Elkins developed a highly statistically valid and reliable method, the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS), for determining a person’s hypnotizability,[18][19] which has been recognized as a beneficial scale for measuring hypnotizability in research and clinical practice.[20] Elkins’ research has shown that while virtually all individuals are hypnotizable, some people are more easily hypnotized than others.[19][21][22]

Definition of Hypnosis Task Force

In 2014, Elkins led a task force of Division 30 (Psychological Hypnosis) of the American Psychological Association on the definition of hypnosis.[23][24] It was recognized that a clear and concise definition of hypnosis and hypnotherapy was needed to advance research in this area. The task force provided the most widely identified definition of hypnosis in research:

Hypnosis

“A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” [24]

Hypnotizability

“An individual’s ability to experience suggested alterations in physiology, sensations, emotions, thoughts, or behavior during hypnosis.” [24]

Adaptive Experiential Theory of Hypnosis

Elkins, in collaboration with Dr. Cameron Alldredge, is one of the originators of a new theory of hypnosis. The Adaptive Experiential Theory of Hypnosis proposes that a hypnotic induction facilitates a shift from primarily conscious processing to unconscious/experiential system processing which depends on the individual’s hypnotizability and the difficulty of the hypnotic suggestions. It proposes that the language of the unconscious in primarily narrative, mental imagery, music, meaning/implications, metaphors, intuition, and expectancies.[25][26]

Mindfulness and Hypnosis

Elkins’ research has examined the relationship between mindfulness and hypnosis. Elkins developed, with Nicholas Olendzki, PsyD, Mindful Hypnotherapy which integrates hypnosis and mindfulness for stress reduction and increasing mindfulness.[27][28] He has led and co-investigated on several studies demonstrating that mindful hypnotherapy is a relatively brief intervention for stress management and has beneficial effects on anxiety and depression.[27][28]

Post-Traumatic Growth

Post-traumatic Growth (PTG) is also a related specialization of Elkins. PTG is a positive psychological change that someone may experience as a result of struggling with highly challenging, highly stressful life circumstances. Elkins serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Boulder Crest Institute.[29][30] Elkins’ research in this area involved collaborating with Dr. Richard Tedeschi and Dr. Bret Moore (Boulder Crest Foundation) to evaluate the efficacy of an intensive educational and experiential program to promote PTG among military personnel, military veterans, and first responders.

Altered States of Consciousness and Spirituality

Elkins and Dr. Cameron Alldredge investigate states of consciousness and mystical experiences, developing methods using guided imagery, breath work, hypnotic suggestions, and integration to facilitate psychedelic-like, peak spiritual experiences, without use of drugs or substances.[31]

Published Psychological Measures

The Psychological Distress Profile (PDP), created by Elkins and A. Johnson, is a measurement tool for clinicians to use in order to evaluate a patient’s distress so that they can be directed to the best resources and course of action for their situation.[32][33][34]

Books

Awards

  • (2012) Complimentary and Integrative Medicine Investigator of the Year Research Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine[35]
  • (2021) Presidential Award, Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis[36]
  • (2022) Distinguished Contributions to Scientific Hypnosis, American Psychological Association, Division 30.[37]

Publications

Elkins’ research has been published in leading journals related to hypnosis—including the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Menopause, and Integrative Medicine Insights. He has published over 55 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Gary R. Elkins, Ph.D., ABPP". psychologyneuroscience.artsandsciences.baylor.edu. 2022-07-20. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  2. ↑ "Learn about International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: Editorial Board". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  3. ↑ "SCEH Past Presidents". Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Society of Psychological Hypnosis Past Presidents". American Psychological Association Division 30. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Directory – ABPP". American Board of Professional Psychology. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Menopause Doesn't Have to Mean Suffering. Nonhormonal Hot Flash Relief Is Here and It's Changing Everything". Oprah Daily. 2025-06-06. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Elkins, Gary R.; Fisher, William I.; Johnson, Aimee K.; Carpenter, Janet S.; Keith, Timothy Z. (March 2013). "Clinical hypnosis in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial". Menopause. 20 (3): 291–298. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e31826ce3ed. ISSN 1072-3714. PMC 3556367. PMID 23435026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sleep Review Staff (October 17, 2023). "Hypnotherapy Improves Sleep for Menopausal Women". Sleep Review. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  9. ↑ "The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society". Menopause. 30 (6): 573–590. June 2023. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002200. ISSN 1072-3714. PMID 37252752.
  10. ↑ Members, Menopause (2024-09-09). "Clinical Hypnosis vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What's Better for Managing Hot Flashes?". The Menopause Society. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  11. ↑ "Managing Menopause: Mind-Body Solutions for Hot Flashes, Sleep and Well-Being". news.web.baylor.edu. 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  12. ↑ Elkins, Gary; Otte, Julie; Carpenter, Janet S.; Roberts, Lynae; Jackson, Lea’ S.; Kekecs, Zoltan; Patterson, Vicki; Keith, Timothy Z. (2021-07-03). "Hypnosis Intervention for Sleep Disturbance: Determination of Optimal Dose and Method of Delivery for Postmenopausal Women". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 69 (3): 323–345. doi:10.1080/00207144.2021.1919520. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 34047672.
  13. ↑ Elkins, Gary; Padilla, Victor; Otte, Julie; Sanford, Keith; Benge, Jared; Stevens, Alan; Scullin, Michael; Corlett, Christopher; Ekanayake, Vindhya (2024-04-20). "0385 Hypnosis Intervention for Sleep Disturbances in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment". SLEEP. 47 (Supplement_1): A166. doi:10.1093/sleep/zsae067.0385. ISSN 0161-8105.
  14. ↑ Iliyah (2020-09-13). "Professor Gary Elkins - Hypnosis: A Mind-Body Solution for Hot Flushes and Sleep Post-Menopause and in Breast Cancer Survivors • scientia.global". scientia.global. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  15. ↑ Elkins, Gary; Marcus, Joel; Bates, Jeff; Hasan Rajab, M.; Cook, Teresa (2006-09-01). "Intensive Hypnotherapy for Smoking Cessation:A Prospective Study". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 54 (3): 303–315. doi:10.1080/00207140600689512. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 16766441.
  16. ↑ Ekanayake, Vindhya; Elkins, Gary R. (2025-01-02). "Systematic Review on Hypnotherapy and Smoking Cessation". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 73 (1): 4–78. doi:10.1080/00207144.2024.2434082. ISSN 0020-7144.
  17. ↑ "Dr Gary Elkins: The Neuroscientist Behind Finito". www.mindsethealth.com. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  18. ↑ Elkins, Gary R.; Johnson, Aimee K.; Johnson, Alisa J.; Sliwinski, Jim (2015-07-03). "Factor Analysis of the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 63 (3): 335–345. doi:10.1080/00207144.2015.1031550. ISSN 0020-7144. PMC 4503250. PMID 25978085.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Kekecs, Zoltán; Bowers, Juliette; Johnson, Alisa; Kendrick, Cassie; Elkins, Gary (2016-07-02). "The Elkins Hypnotizability Scale: Assessment of Reliability and Validity". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 64 (3): 285–304. doi:10.1080/00207144.2016.1171089. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 27267674.
  20. ↑ Kihlstrom, John F. (2023-04-03). "Hypnotizability in the Clinic, Viewed from the Laboratory". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 71 (2): 115–126. doi:10.1080/00207144.2023.2185526. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 37859941.
  21. ↑ Alldredge, Cameron T.; Sliwinski, Jim R.; Elkins, Gary R. (June 2024). "Treating Hot Flashes with Hypnosis: Does Hypnotizability Modulate Reductions?". Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 31 (2): 465–470. doi:10.1007/s10880-023-09994-w. ISSN 1068-9583.
  22. ↑ Otteson, Ryan (2025-05-02). "Baylor researchers explore healing effects of hypnosis - The Baylor Lariat". baylorlariat.com. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  23. ↑ Weir, Kirsten. "Uncovering the new science of clinical hypnosis". www.apa.org. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Elkins, Gary R.; Barabasz, Arreed F.; Council, James R.; Spiegel, David (2015-01-02). "Advancing Research and Practice: The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 63 (1): 1–9. doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.961870. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 25365125.
  25. ↑ Alldredge, Cameron T.; Elkins, Gary R. (2023-07-03). "Adaptive Experiential Theory of Hypnosis". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 71 (3): 165–175. doi:10.1080/00207144.2023.2226178. ISSN 0020-7144.
  26. ↑ Knafo, Gavriel; Weinberger, Joel (2024-04-12). "Exploring the Role of Conscious and Unconscious Processes in Hypnosis: A Theoretical Review". Brain Sciences. 14 (4): 374. doi:10.3390/brainsci14040374. ISSN 2076-3425.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Mindfulness Combined with Hypnotherapy Aids Highly Stressed People, Baylor University Pilot Study Finds". news.web.baylor.edu. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Olendzki, Nicholas; Elkins, Gary R.; Slonena, Elizabeth; Hung, Julia; Rhodes, Joshua R. (2020-04-02). "Mindful Hypnotherapy to Reduce Stress and Increase Mindfulness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 68 (2): 151–166. doi:10.1080/00207144.2020.1722028. ISSN 0020-7144. PMID 32223617.
  29. ↑ Foundation, Boulder Crest. "Boulder Crest Foundation Establishes Scientific Advisory Panel". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  30. ↑ "Scientific Advisory Panel". Boulder Crest Foundation. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  31. ↑ Corlett, Chris E.; Alldredge, Cameron T.; Elkins, Gary R. (2025-05-15). "Feasibility of a Hypnosis Intervention for a Mystical Experience". International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: 1–18. doi:10.1080/00207144.2025.2491352. ISSN 0020-7144.
  32. ↑ "Psychological Distress Profile (PDP) - Mind Garden". www.mindgarden.com. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  33. ↑ Biggs, Mattie L.; Elkins, Gary R.; Scheffrahn, Katherine; Muñiz, Vanessa (2025-04-04). "Feasibility and Acceptability of the Psychological Distress Profile for Evaluating Distress Among Cancer Patients". Psychological Reports. doi:10.1177/00332941251330560. ISSN 0033-2941.
  34. ↑ Elkins, Gary R.; Fisher, William I.; Johnson, Aimee K.; Kendrick, Cassie; Koep, Lauren; Bunn, Jennifer; Perfect, Michelle (2012-02-01). "Initial Development of a Brief Measure of Psychological Distress". Psychological Reports. 110 (1): 218–226. doi:10.2466/02.PR0.110.1.218-226. ISSN 0033-2941.
  35. ↑ "Baylor Professor Receives Award for Complementary and Integrative Medicine Research". news.web.baylor.edu. 2012-04-27. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  36. ↑ "Awards". www.sceh.us. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  37. ↑ "Awards". www.apadivisions.org. Retrieved 2025-07-09.

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