David Paul Smith, M.A., Ph.D.

Education

Licensure & Certification

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of Illinois, License #071-006030.
• Certified Consultant in Hypnosis (ACE), Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
• Certified in Neurofeedback, EEG Spectrum (Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D.), 1998.
• Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Massachusetts, 1983.

Awards & Honors

• 1994–98Fellowship, Social Sciences, University of Chicago
• 1989–94Fellowship, Divinity School, University of Chicago
• 1988–89Fellowship, Social Sciences, University of Chicago
• 1979–85Commonwealth Scholar, University of Massachusetts

Languages

• French, Reading Examination, High Pass, University of Chicago (1990)
• German, Reading Examination, Pass, University of Chicago (1993)

Professional Affiliations

• 2005–presentSociety for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Editor of Focus (2007–2011); Student Member Liaison & Chair of Scholarship Committee (2011–2015).
• 2001–presentIllinois Psychological Association
• 1998–presentSociety for Psychotherapy Research
• 2007–2010American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
• 1991–2005American Psychological Association, Divisions 36 & 55
• 1991–2013American Academy of Religion (1991–1994; 2012–2013)
• 1991–1992American Anthropological Association, Division of Psychological Anthropology
• 1991–1992Society for the Study of Native American Religious Traditions
• 1990–1991Association for Transpersonal Psychology
• 1983–1985Berkshire Association for Behavioral Analysis and Therapy

Editorial & Publishing

• Co-Editor (2017–present), International Journal of Traditional Healing and Critical Mental Health, Christ University, Bangalore, India.
• Co-editor (with S. Hoye), April 2016, special issue on hypnosis and traditional healing, International Journal of Health Promotion and Education. Editor: Fiona Blinkhorn, University of Newcastle, Australia; Associate Editor, North America: Roy Moodley, University of Toronto.

Publications

1. Smith, D. P., & Orlinsky, D. E. (2004). Religious and Spiritual Experience among Psychotherapists. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(2), 144–151.
2. Smith, D. P. (2005). The Psychotherapists (Ch. 3). In D. Orlinsky & H. Rønnestad (Eds.), How Psychotherapists Develop: A Study of Therapeutic Work and Professional Growth. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Press.
3. Smith, D. P. (2005). The Sweatlodge as Psychotherapy: Congruence between Traditional and Modern Healing. In R. Moodley & W. West (Eds.), Integrating Traditional and Cultural Healing in Counseling and Psychotherapy. New York: Sage Publications.
4. Smith, D. P. (2005). [Review of the book Psychology, Religion and Spirituality]. Journal of Religion, 85(2).
5. Smith, D. P. (2010). Engaging Spiritual Practice and the Rectification of Scientific Distance: A Phenomenological Comparison of Native American, Sufi and Hindu Spiritual Therapeutics. In Building Bridges for Wellness Through Counseling and Psychotherapy. Toronto: Centre for Diversity in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
6. Smith, D. P. (2011). Emergent Spirituality (Ch. 13). In W. West (Ed.), Exploring Therapy, Spirituality and Healing. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
7. Smith, D. P. (2014). Listening to the Grandmother Spirit. In G. Nolan & W. West (Eds.), Therapy, Culture and Spirituality: Developing Therapeutic Practice. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
8. Smith, D. P. (2016). Tradition of ‘Animal Magnetism’ vs. ‘Hypnosis’ in Relation to the Cedar Bath Ceremony of the Anishinaabe. Journal of Health Promotion and Education.
9. Smith, D. P. (2017). Living Intelligence: A Traditional Weltanschauung to Promote Appreciation of a Meaningful Universe. Global Mental Health and Traditional Healing, Christ University, Bangalore.
10. Smith, D. P., & Faraday, F. (2019). ‘Magical’ Consciousness: An Ancient God, Synchrony, and Anomaly in Service of the Ego. In G. Nolan & W. West (Eds.), Extending Horizons in Therapy: The Healing Encounter in the Helping and Caring Professions. Oxfordshire: Routledge.
11. Smith, D. P. (2020). [Review of the book Integrative Pathways: Navigating Chronic Illness with a Mind-Body-Spirit Approach, by A. McGrady & D. Moss, 2018, Springer, 300 pp., $79.99, ISBN 978-3-319-89313-6]. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 62(3), 318–320.
12. Dixon, S., & Smith, D. (2022). Religion/Spirituality and the Group of Seven (Ch. 19). In A. Kassan & R. Moodley (Eds.), Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling, Psychology, and Psychotherapy: A Case Study Approach. San Diego: Cognella Academic Publishing.
13. Orlinsky, D., & Smith, D. (2022). Individual Beliefs (Ch. 5). In How Psychotherapists Live: The Personal Self and Private Life of Professional Healers. New York: Taylor & Francis.
14. Smith, D. P. (in press, 2026). Healing and Flourishing: A Traditional Native American Solution to Problems with Modern Health Systems (Ch. 17). In M. Khosla & M. T. Lee (Eds.), Compassion, Resilience, and Healing: Pathways to Flourishing. Routledge.
15. Smith, D. P. (Ed.) (2007). “Hypnosis Ain’t Bunk!” Focus (Newsletter of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis), 49(2).

Teaching Experience

• 4/2026Introductory Workshop, Small Group Leader, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. (April 24–25)
• 2026Adjunct Faculty, Saybrook University, Mind Body Medicine Department, Oakland, CA. Dissertation Committee Member.
• 1/2026Clinical Hypnosis Workshops, Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru, India.
• 4/2025Invited discussant, “Building Bridges: Nurturing Intercultural Competence and Dialogue for Educators and Helping Professionals,” 2025 Summer Seminar, DePaul College of Education.
• 2016Annual Conference, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH), Boston, MA. Co-Teacher, Beginning and Intermediate Training Sequence. (October 2016)
• 1/2016Guest lecturer and dissertation committee consultation, Christ University, Bangalore, India.
• 6/2014“Harnessing Creativity & Spirituality with Hypnosis: Theories and Techniques for Generative Transformation,” pre-conference workshop at Christ University, Bangalore, India. Co-led with Scott Hoye, PsyD. (January 2, 2019)
• 6/2014“Creativity, Spirituality and Hypnosis: Transformational Tools in Therapy,” workshop at Mindsite, CPD and training for counsellors, psychotherapists and healthcare professionals, Stockport, UK. (June 20, 2014)
• 2013–2020Adjunct Faculty, Saybrook University, Mind Body Medicine Department, Oakland, CA. Co-Chair, Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis, School of Psychology and Interdisciplinary Inquiry. Certificate Faculty, Applied Consciousness Studies, with subspecializations in ethnoautobiography, mind/technology interface, nonhuman consciousness, transpersonal research methods, empathy and relational psychology, traditional healing in modern medicine, and understanding PTSD.
• 2011–presentClinical Supervisor, Behavioral Medicine Group, St. James Hospital, Olympia Fields and Chicago Heights, IL. Medical psychology consultation, assessment, and psychopharmacological consultation for attending physicians; supervision of psychology interns.
• 11/2012External Examiner, M.A. Thesis (Dr. Michael Persinger, supervisor), Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, School of Graduate Studies, Sudbury, ON, Canada.
• 2011Annual Conference, SCEH, New Orleans, Louisiana. Co-Teacher, Beginning Training Sequence. (September 14–18, 2011)
• 2011–2013Adjunct Professor, PsyD Program, Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Courses taught: Assessment I, Assessment II, Introduction to Psychopharmacology.
• 2010–2013Adjunct Professor, PsyD Program, Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL. Courses taught: Assessment I, II, III; Biopsychosocial Basis of Behavior; Consultation and Supervision; Cultural Psychology (online).
• 2007–2013Clinical Supervisor, St. Bernard Hospital: psychodiagnostics and psychotherapy. Affiliations: Argosy University, Chicago; Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago; Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Downers Grove, IL. Medical student training at St. Bernard Hospital.
• 2008Preceptor, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Downers Grove, IL. Medical student training at St. Bernard Hospital.
• 1998–2001Lecturer, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Downers Grove, IL.
• 1998Part-time Faculty, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL (Fall Semester). Psychology 330, Introduction to Personality, Department of Psychology.
• 1998Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago (Autumn Quarter). Psychology 210, Freud: Human Development and Personality, with David Orlinsky, Ph.D., in the College.
• 1997Part-time Faculty, Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL (Spring Semester). Psychology 331, Psychology of Religion, Department of Psychology.
• 1994 & 1995Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago. Psychology 374, Psychology of Religion, with Milton Rosenberg, Ph.D., Department of Psychology.
• 1992Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago. Social Sciences 143, Mind, with David Orlinsky, Ph.D., Committee on Human Development.
• 1991–1993Workshop Coordinator, University of Chicago. “Person, Culture and Body Workshop.” Gene Gendlin, Ph.D., and Richard Shweder, Ph.D., faculty advisors.
• 1989–1992Workshop Coordinator & Founder, University of Chicago. “Psychotherapy and Religion Workshop.” Bertram Cohler, Ph.D., and Peter Homans, Ph.D., faculty advisors.
• 1990Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago (Winter Quarter). Psychology 220, Perspectives on Personality, with Professor David Orlinsky, Ph.D., Committee on Human Development. Also, Teaching Assistant, Lab School at the University of Chicago.

Clinical Experience

• 2025–presentCEO & President, Integrative Psyche Services, S.C. and Associates. Full range of psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services, all ages. Lincoln Square, 2334 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, leased office and training center.
• 2022–presentClinical Psychologist, Michiana Neuroscience, LLC (Peace Village). Geriatric psychotherapy and assessment.
• 2017Clinical Psychologist. Assessment and consultation for the Department of Defense, Barton Associates Inc.
• 2016–2018Clinical Psychologist. Psychotherapy and assessment, DAVKEN Associates PC, Skokie, IL.
• 2015–2017Clinical Psychologist, Beacon Therapeutic Schools, Chicago, IL. Clinical and psychodiagnostic services for children, adolescents, and adults.
• 2011–presentBehavioral Medicine Group, St. James Hospital, Olympia Fields and Chicago Heights, IL. Medical psychology consultation, assessment, and psychopharmacological consultation for attending physicians; supervision of psychology interns.
• 2008–presentCEO & President, Integrative Psyche Services, S.C. Full range of psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services, all ages.
• 2004–2020Forensic Psychologist, consultant psychologist for forensic matters: family law, criminal law, immigration/deportation law, before local, state, and federal courts. From 2010, on regular consultation with DinLaw, Chicago.
• 2012–2016Consultant Psychologist, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, IL. Full range of psychodiagnostic services for adult, geriatric, and adolescent populations.
• 2007–2013Chief Psychologist & Director of Training, St. Bernard Hospital. Full range of psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services; supervision and training of doctoral candidates in psychology completing their psychology practicum in psychotherapy and assessment and internships.
• 2003–2006Psychodiagnostician, psychodiagnostic examination for inpatient population, River Edge Hospital, St. Bernard Hospital, and Jackson Park Hospital.
• 2002–2006Private Practice, psychotherapy with children, families, and adults; psychological assessment. Mark McKee & Associates, Naperville, IL.
• 2001–2003Examiner for the State of Illinois, psychodiagnostic examination for disability, Health Evaluation Center, Chicago, IL.
• 1997–2002
  Chief Clinical Psychologist & Director of Training, Still Behavioral Medical Group, Country Club Hills, IL. Show details

  • Training and certification in neurofeedback, EEG Spectrum (Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D.), completed in Ventura, California, June 1998.
  • Psychological assessment for all ages; certified provider for the Department of Child and Family Services, forensic assessment.
  • Psychological screens and case management for Head Start Programs, certified provider for Department of Mental Health.
  • Psychotherapy with adults and children: substance use disorders, family therapy, couple/marital therapy, individual psychotherapy.
  • Therapy, psychological evaluation, and neurological screening with geriatric population in nursing homes, south suburbs of Chicago.
  • Psychological evaluation, intake, and assistance in medication management for children and adults in outpatient clinics with psychiatric and psychopharmacological intervention.
  • Psychological assessment, mental status, and consultation for medical patients at St. James Hospital and St. Bernard Hospital.
  • Intensive psychological testing for dementia, geriatric populations, and child ADHD testing.
  • Group didactic interventions for parents and caretakers.
  • Development of a day program for chronic mentally ill adults, and a psychotherapeutic/vocational program for the adult mental health population, with an emphasis on computer skills, computer repair, and maintenance.
  • Director of training and program development for clinical psychology externs; clinical psychology supervision for medical students on psychiatric rotation.
  • Outreach: general marketing, brochures, advertisement and research, DCFS wrap and steering committees, small grant writing, generating support from pharmaceutical agencies, educational program development, development of special training programs.
  • Development of intake forms, diagnostic and progress forms, and other paperwork used in day programs and clinics.
  • Computer maintenance, repair, and system development.
• 1995–1998
  Clinical Associate, Institute for Psychodiagnostic Interventions and Strategies, Chicago, IL. Show details

  • Full range of psychological assessment with ethnically and linguistically diverse populations, with an emphasis on culturally sensitive services.
  • Eight batteries a month: child, adolescent, and adult.
  • Supervision, three hours weekly.
• 1996–1997
  Internship in Clinical Psychology, University Practice Associates, University Hospital, Chicago. American Psychological Association accredited. Show details

  • Full range of psychological assessment with diverse populations.
  • Thirteen batteries, adolescent and adult.
  • Partial hospital work with chronic mentally ill population, individual and group therapy. Participated in weekly psychiatric rounds regarding patients’ progress in program.
  • Inpatient individual and group therapy with chronic mentally ill, adult and adult geriatric population.
  • Inpatient, rapid-stabilization unit through managed care. Treatment of acute cases of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse detoxification. Case management and arrangement of aftercare for individual patients; also individual and group therapy on the unit.
  • Outpatient psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults. Individual and family therapy, 10–20 hours weekly.
  • M. Reinstein, M.D., psychiatric clinic: weekly medication review and clinical assessment of chronic mentally ill population; also intake interview and charting of new patients.
  • Neurological screening with geriatric population at Condell Day Center for Intergenerational Care, through Neurobehavioral Health Consultants, Ltd.
  • Neurological assessments with children and adults through Neurobehavioral Health Consultants, Ltd.
  • Psychological assessment and chart reports for mentally ill and geriatric populations at nursing home facilities.
  • Group supervision, five hours weekly.
  • Individual supervision, two hours weekly.
  • Weekly didactic, two to three hours a week.
• 1994–1995
  Clinical Psychology Practicum, The Parent-Infant Development Service (PIDS), Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago. APA accredited site. Show details

  • Assessment and treatment of children with a broad range of early emotional and behavioral disturbances, including disorders of attachment, sleep and eating disorders, hyperaggression and depression, and children referred due to high-risk status such as prematurity, adolescent parents, prenatal cocaine exposure, history of abuse and neglect, or parental psychopathology. One-hour supervision weekly.
  • Ongoing psychotherapy, supervision two hours weekly.
  • Early Disruptive Behavior Problems Clinic (EDBP): team diagnostic and assessment of early behavior problems, serving children two and a half to five years and parents; presenting problems included oppositionality, severe tantrums, out-of-control behavior, aggressiveness and destructiveness, difficulty getting along with peers, and parental difficulty establishing age-appropriate limits and rules.
  • Co-facilitator of Foster Care Group, serving young children experiencing developmental difficulties related to placement in foster care; developmental play and therapy with children two and a half to five years of age.
• 1993–1994
  Clinical Psychology Practicum, The Parent-Infant Development Service, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago. APA accredited site. Show details

  • PIDS Wednesday clinic: team examination of live child, ages birth to five years. Case discussion, literature review, and decision on treatment avenues.
  • Ongoing psychotherapy, supervision two hours weekly.
  • Ongoing diagnostics, supervision one hour weekly.
• 1992–1993
  Cognitive Psychology Externship, Mark Reinecke, Ph.D., Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago. APA accredited site. Show details

  • Hyperactivity, Attention and Learning Problems (HALP) rotation, Mark Stein, Ph.D., director. ADHD assessment and weekly seminar to discuss cases.
  • Co-facilitator of Parent Skills Group with HALP extern.
  • Ongoing psychotherapy, cognitive/behavioral and psychodynamic supervision, three hours weekly.
  • Attendance in weekly seminars: Parent-Infant Development, Developmental Psychopathology, Cognitive Therapy Workshop, clinic team rounds. Presented research on several occasions during team meetings.
• 1992–1994
  Psychodiagnostic Practicum, Cathy Traponi, Ph.D., and Steven Kulb, Psy.D., directors. Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago. APA accredited site. Show details

  • Seminar, two hours weekly: group supervision and discussion of cases.
  • Individual supervision, one hour weekly.
• 1985–1987Mental Health Worker II, Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
• 1985Residential House Manager, Association for Retarded Citizens of Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM.
• 1983–1985Mental Retardation Technician, Belchertown State Hospital, Developmental Services, Belchertown, MA.
• 1983–1984Residential Manager, Department of Mental Health, Northampton, MA.
• 1983Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Massachusetts.
• 1982–1983Student Assistant to Head Psychologist, Belchertown State Hospital, Belchertown, MA.
• 1981–1982Pre-vocational Program Aide, Belchertown State Hospital, Belchertown, MA.

Presentations & Keynotes

Invited and refereed presentations on psychotherapy research, hypnosis, and the integration of traditional healing and depth psychology, across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and India.

• 2026“Shamanism and Focusing: Gendlin’s Experiential Method and the Roots of Psychotherapy.” Keynote Panel 10, 6th International Conference on Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICCP 2026), Montfort College, Bengaluru, India. (January 7–9, 2026)
• 2026“Traditional Healing, Religion, and Psychotherapy: The Foundations of Growth and Adaptation.” Topic: From Trauma to Resilience: Reimagining Suicide Prevention in Culturally Diverse and Resource-Limited Contexts. International Conference on Traditional Healing and Critical Mental Health: Counselling and Psychotherapy in Diverse Cultural Landscapes, Christ University, Bengaluru, India. (January 5–6, 2026)
• 2025“Fanon’s Final Prayer: Themes of Balance and Cooperation in Traditional Views of Healing and Death.” The Frantz Fanon 100th Year Anniversary Symposium, University of Toronto, OISE. (October 17)
• 2025“Horror: A Case Study in Prejudice and Psychopathology.” Panel 2: Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression in Mental Health Practice, The Inaugural Conference on Critical Social Justice in Psychology, University of British Columbia. (May 29–31)
• 2023“Energy Healing, Spirits and Political Paradigmatic Resistance Toward Traditional Healing.” Panel: African Traditional Healing Practices & Energy Healing, 10th Critical Multicultural & Diversity Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference, University of Toronto, OISE. (June 20–23, 2023)
• 2019“Living a Holistic Way of Life.” Holistic Healing Conference: Theories, Practices and Social Change, University of Toronto, OISE. (October 4, 2019)
• 2019“Side Effects of Self-Regulation: Magic and Mysticism in Psychotherapy.” Keynote Address, International Conference, Integrating Traditional Indian Healing Practices with Contemporary Western Health System. Panel: Exploring the Indigenous Healing Practices, with Dr. Sudhir Kakar, Dr. David Smith, and Dr. Meetu Khosla. Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. (January 8–9, 2019)
• 2019“Consciousness is Fundamental: The Materialist Bias in Neuroscience and Alternative Assumptions Offered by Depth Psychology.” Keynote Address, 6th International Conference SUKRUT, conference theme “Building Walls: Neurosis to Psychosis.” (January 3–6, 2019)
• 2019“Hermetic Tradition, Modern Magic and Psychotherapy.” Keynote Address, Panel: Psychotherapeutic Healing Practices. 4th International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness, and 5th Congress of the Society for Integrating Traditional Healing into Counselling, Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychiatry. (January 6, 2019)
• 2018“Consciousness is Fundamental: The Materialist Bias in Neuroscience and Alternative Assumptions Offered by Depth Psychology.” 20th Anniversary International Conference, Frontiers of Consciousness, Sampurna-Montfort College and Bengaluru North University, Bangalore, India. (December 29, 2018)
• 2018“Magical and Traditional Themes in Psychotherapy: A Case Study.” Paper 4, Symposium: Integrating Indigenous and Traditional Healing with Religio-Culturally Diverse Clients in Counselling Psychology. Canadian Counselling Psychology Conference, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (October 26–28, 2018)
• 2017Structured Discussion on Traditional Healing and Psychotherapy. International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (June 24)
• 2017“Integrating Traditional Healing into Modern Mental Health: Challenges.” Keynote presentation (SithCP3), 9th Critical Multicultural & Diversity Counselling and Psychotherapy Conference, OISE, University of Toronto. (June 6)
• 2017“Mindfulness Meditations and Contemplations across the Globe.” Panel keynote presentation, Mindfulness in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Integrating South Asian Healing Traditions into Counselling, Psychology and Psychotherapy. Sponsored by New College, University of Toronto; SithCP3; The Collaborative for South Asian Mental Health (CAMH); and the Office of the Associate Dean, Research, International & Innovation, OISE, University of Toronto. (May 5)
• 2016“Living Intelligence: A Traditional Weltanschauung to Promote Appreciation of a Meaningful Universe.” Keynote Address, Third International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness and the Fourth Congress of SithCP3; also panel presentations on integrating traditional healing and hypnosis in contemporary psychology and psychiatry, and on publishing. (January 4–7, 2016)
• 2014“Tradition of ‘Animal Magnetism’ vs. ‘Hypnosis’ in Relation to the Cedar Bath Ceremony of the Anishinaabe.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Copenhagen, Denmark. (June 2014)
• 2013“Harnessing Spirituality and Creativity with Hypnosis.” Workshop, Annual Conference, SCEH, Berkeley, California. (October 2013)
• 2013National Health Month radio presentations, WVON 1690 AM, Chicago: PTSD (Cliff Kelly Show, May 3); phobias (May 10); autism (Matt McGill Show, May 16); OCD/hoarding (Kendall Moore Show, May 17).
• 2012“Islamic Esoteric Science: Examples from a 19th Century Sufi Manual on Spiritual Development.” Paper session, Integrating Asian Healing Traditions into Mental Health Care, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (June 2, 2012)
• 2012“Hypnosis in Traditional Healing.” Keynote, VIII National Conference on Hypnotherapy, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, India, and the Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, India. (January 11, 2012)
• 2012“Listening to the Grandmother Spirit.” Keynote Address, Second International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness and the Third Congress of SithCP3; also panel presentation on integrating traditional healing and hypnosis in contemporary psychology and psychiatry. (January 4–6, 2012)
• 2010“Spiritual Antecedents of Hypnotic Techniques and the Future of Hypnosis.” Paper session, Annual Conference, SCEH, Boston, Massachusetts. (November 14, 2010)
• 2010“Comparative Traditional Systems of Healing and Meditation and Their Relationship to Modern Psychotherapy.” With Feroz Chaudhry, University of Manchester, UK. International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Asilomar Conference Center, Monterey, California. (June 2010)
• 2010“Religiosity and Spirituality in the Development of Psychotherapists: An Examination of Wellness.” With David Orlinsky, University of Chicago. International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Asilomar Conference Center, Monterey, California. (June 2010)
• 2010“Self Regulation: Treatment of Addictions.” Illinois Association of Drug and Addiction Counselors, Harvey, Illinois. (May 21, 2010)
• 2010“Self Regulation: Hypnosis and Meditation.” Health and Wellness Fair, Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. (April 9, 2010)
• 2008“Hypnosis in the Treatment of Addictions and Related Disorders.” Illinois Association of Drug and Addiction Counselors, Harvey, Illinois. (May 7–10)
• 2008“The Development of Hypnotherapists.” North American Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (September 2008)
• 2008“A Phenomenological Comparison of Traditional Healing between Three Divergent Cultures: Common Denominators among Sufi, Hindu and Native American Therapeutics.” Building Bridges for Wellness Through Counseling and Psychotherapy, an International Conference, Sampurna-Montfort College and Bangalore University, Bangalore, India. (January 2008)
• 2007“The Culture of Hypno-Therapists.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Madison, WI. (June 2007)
• 2007“Integrating Spirituality into Hypnotherapy: How I Stick with Using Hypnosis in my Practice.” Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (SCEH–ASCH) Joint Meeting, Dallas, Texas. (January 2007)
• 2006“The Value of a Traditional Religious Framework in Order to Provide Effective Mental Health: A Native American Solution.” North American Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Burr Oak Lodge, Ohio. (October 2006)
• 2006Panel Discussant, “Methodology and Culture.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Edinburgh, Scotland. (June 2006)
• 2005“A Native American Psychotherapy: Proposing a Thick Descriptive and Interpretive Method in Psychotherapy Research.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Montreal, Canada. (June 2005)
• 2005“A Native American Psychotherapy: Proposing a Thick Descriptive and Interpretive Method in Psychotherapy Research.” Society for Psychotherapy Research (Chicago Chapter), Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois. (May 2005)
• 2004“Traditional Healing as Method for Personal/Interpersonal Growth and Spiritual Development.” Workshop: Performance Enhancement with Hypnosis, Conference for the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Santa Fe, New Mexico. (November 2004)
• 2004“Secularism, Spirituality and Agnosticism: Differences among Psychotherapists’ Religiosity according to Theoretical Orientation and Nationality.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Rome, Italy. (June 2004)
• 2003“Secular or Religious: The Experience and Meaning of Psychotherapist’s Spirituality.” International Conference for Client Centered and Experiential Therapy, Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands. (July 2003)
• 2003“The Psychotherapist and Culture of Secularism: Reflections in the Light of Recent Evidence.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Weimar, Germany. (June 2003)
• 2002“Religious and Spiritual Influence on the Therapeutic Orientation and Goals of Psychotherapists.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Santa Barbara, California.
• 2002Invited lecture on religion and psychotherapists, research overview. Panel discussion on religion and psychology and the religiosity of psychotherapists. Sponsored by Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois. (March 27)
• 2002Invited lecture on psychotherapy with severely disturbed children. Sponsored by SPEED School, Thornton High School, Harvey, Illinois. (March 18)
• 2001“Religious and Spiritual Influence on the Therapeutic Goals of Psychotherapists” (data presented in absentia by David Orlinsky, Ph.D.). North American Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
• 2000“The Spiritual and Religious Orientation of Psychotherapists: Research and Philosophical Speculations.” International Conference for Client Centered and Experiential Therapy, Chicago, Illinois. (June 2000)
• 2000“Spirituality of Psychotherapists: It’s Prevalence and It’s Meaning.” International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Chicago, Illinois. (June 2000)
• 2000“Spirituality of Psychotherapists: It’s Prevalence and It’s Meaning.” Society for Psychotherapy Research (Chicago Chapter), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. (June 2000)
• 1999“Spiritual/Religious Experience and Its Relation to Professional and Personal Characteristics, as well as Theoretical Orientation of Psychotherapists.” Panel 35, International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Universidade de Minho, Braga, Portugal. (June 1999)
• 1999“Varieties of Religious and Spiritual Experience among Psychotherapists of Different Theoretical Orientations.” Psychoanalysis Workshop, University of Chicago. (March 1999)
• 1998“Methodological Approaches to the Psychology of Religion: Qualitative, Phenomenological, and Quantitative Examples.” Panel discussion, Culture, Life Course and Mental Health Workshop, Committee on Human Development, University of Chicago. (November 1998)
• 1998“Varieties of Religious/Spiritual Experience among Psychotherapists.” Session 46, International Conference for the Society for Psychotherapy Research, Snowbird Resort, Salt Lake City, Utah. (June 1998)
• 1998“Varieties of Religious/Spiritual Experience among Psychotherapists.” Society for Psychotherapy Research (Chicago Chapter), Loyola University, Chicago, IL. (June 1998)
• 1997“The Meanings and Importance of Religious Experience: A Comparison of Mental Health Professionals and Others.” Culture and Mental Health Workshop, Human Development Committee, University of Chicago. (February 1997)
• 1992“Traditional Systems of Therapeutic Intervention in the Modern World.” Invited lecture, University of Illinois School of Social Work (Professor Jane Gorman). (April 1992)
• 1991“Shamans, Shrinks, and Charlatans: Evaluating Therapists and the Legitimization of Healers.” Person, Culture and Body Workshop, Human Development Committee, University of Chicago. (November 1991)
• 1990“Native American Therapy: Post-Paradigmatic Issues in Religious Healing.” Psychotherapy and Religion Workshop, University of Chicago. (November 1990)
• 1990“Self Psychology and the Ojibwa Sweatlodge.” Person, Culture and Body Workshop, Human Development Committee, University of Chicago. (February 1990)

Research Experience

• 2006–presentOngoing field research with Native American medicine practitioners, Sufi practitioners, and practitioners of Sahaja Yoga. Ontario, Canada and Chicago, IL.
• 1994–presentMember, Society for Psychotherapy Research Collaborative Research Network, international study of the Development of Psychotherapists.
• 1999–2005Research Associate and Visiting Scholar, Committee on Human Development, University of Chicago (in collaboration with Prof. David Orlinsky).
• 1991–1994Research Assistant to Prof. Peter Homans, Divinity School, University of Chicago.
• 1988–1994Ethnographic fieldwork, interviews and participant observation of sweatlodge ceremonies with Native American and Mi’kmaq medicine practitioners (New Mexico; New Brunswick & Maine).
• 1982–1987Research on attachment (University of Chicago); biofeedback treatment of tension headaches (University of New Mexico); meditation practitioners (with Seymour Epstein, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts); behavioral analysis (Belchertown State Hospital).

Hospital Affiliations

• St. Bernard Hospital Chief Psychologist & Director of Training1999–2022
• St. James Hospital Olympia Fields, IL2001–present
• Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, IL2012–2016
• Riveredge Hospital Forest Park, IL2002–2011
• Jackson Park Hospital Chicago, IL2007–2009