GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION The volunteer stares deeply into the eyes of the powerful hypnotist, then almost immediately falls into a deep, sleep-like state. With a few short instructions by the hypnotist, the volunteer is clucking like a chicken, then with a snap of the hypnotist’s fingers, the volunteer is again himself, seemingly remembering nothing of his bizarre performance. These distorted and unrealistic images can cause some people to reject hypnosis as frightening and dangerous; alternatively, it can lead others to believe in hypnosis as a super-power that can produce a whole host of remarkable results from rapidly curing ailments to remembering past lives. Unfortunately, many health care providers are equally perplexed as to exactly what hypnosis is and how it can be used. As a result, they are often at a loss when patients inquire about whether hypnosis might be a viable treatment option. Sharon B. Spiegel, Ph.D., ABPP, the author of this course, is a nationally known clinician, lecturer, writer, and consultant in the field of hypnosis. She is a graduate of Columbia University and currently in private practice and also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of MD.  She earned the prestigious status of Diplomate in Counseling Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology.  She is also an Approved Consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and Fellow of Division 30 of Hypnosis of the American Psychological Association (APA) and Fellow of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.  She is Past-President of the Washington DC Society of Clinical Hypnosis.  Dr. Spiegel has constructed this online course that defines, reviews and discusses the history, misconceptions, scientific basis, and applications of Clinical Hypnosis.  Clinical hypnosis refers to the use of hypnosis to treat a psychological, physical, or behavioral problem. This introductory level course incorporates twelve (12) articles and will provide participants with a solid foundation for understanding the nature and uses of clinical hypnosis. This course explains what is known about the state of hypnosis and dispels common myths and misconceptions. The readings present an overview of research on hypnosis and highlight specific problems and symptoms for which the empirical support for hypnosis has been established. They also include discussion of the major areas of controversy in the field. Students will achieve a better understanding of the nature of clinical hypnosis, how to counsel and educate patients regarding the use of clinical hypnosis, and when and how to make referrals for hypnotherapy. Note: While this course will provide a foundation regarding hypnosis, it is neither intended as a "how-to" primer nor as a certification program.  Intensive hands-on hypnosis training is required to competently and ethically employ clinical hypnosis with patients.