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

• Editor — International Journal of Traditional Healing and Critical Mental Health, Christ University, Bangalore, India. Consulting Editors: Dr. Roy Moodley (University of Toronto) and Dr. (Fr.) Varghese (Christ University).
• Editor — Global Mental Health and Traditional Healing, the international journal of the Society for Integrating Traditional Healing into Counselling, Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christ University, Bangalore.
• Co-editor (with S. Hoye), April 2016 — special issue on hypnosis and traditional healing, International Journal of Health Promotion and Education.

Selected 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. (2017). Neuroscience and the Field of Neuropsychology (Ch. 14). In K. Sexton-Radek & M. Barr (Eds.), Psychological Studies for a Global Perspective. Medical Omics.
11. 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.
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. (Ed.) (2007). “Hypnosis Ain’t Bunk!” Focus (Newsletter of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis), 49(2).

Teaching Experience

• 2026Clinical Hypnosis Workshops, Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru, India.
• 2025Invited discussant, “Building Bridges: Nurturing Intercultural Competence and Dialogue for Educators and Helping Professionals,” Summer Seminar, DePaul College of Education.
• 2013–2020Adjunct Faculty, Saybrook University, Mind–Body Medicine Department, Oakland, CA. Co-Chair, Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis; Certificate Faculty, Applied Consciousness Studies.
• 2011–presentClinical Supervisor, Behavioral Medicine Group, St. James Hospital (Olympia Fields & Chicago Heights). Medical psychology, assessment, psychopharmacological consultation, and supervision of psychology interns.
• 2012External Examiner, M.A. Thesis (Dr. Michael Persinger, supervisor), Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON.
• 2011–2013Adjunct Professor, PsyD Program, Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Courses: Assessment I & II; Introduction to Psychopharmacology.
• 2010–2013Adjunct Professor, PsyD Program, Adler School of Professional Psychology. Courses: Assessment I–III; Biopsychosocial Basis of Behavior; Consultation & Supervision; Cultural Psychology.
• 2007–2013Clinical Supervisor, St. Bernard Hospital (psychodiagnostics & psychotherapy); training affiliations with Argosy University, Adler School, and Midwestern University.
• 2016, ’13, ’11Co-Teacher, Beginning & Intermediate Training Sequences, Annual Conferences of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (Boston, Berkeley, New Orleans).
• 2014, ’16, ’19Workshops on creativity, spirituality, and hypnosis — Christ University (Bangalore); Mindsite (Stockport, UK); guest lecturer and dissertation-committee consultant, Christ University.
• 1998–2008Lecturer and Preceptor, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Downers Grove, IL.
• 1997–1998Part-time Faculty: Northeastern Illinois University (Introduction to Personality) and Saint Xavier University (Psychology of Religion).
• 1990–1998Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago — Freud & Human Development, Psychology of Religion, Perspectives on Personality, and Mind (with David Orlinsky, Ph.D., and Milton Rosenberg, Ph.D.).
• 1989–1993Workshop Coordinator & Founder, University of Chicago — “Psychotherapy and Religion Workshop” (Bertram Cohler, Ph.D. & Peter Homans, Ph.D.) and “Person, Culture and Body Workshop” (Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. & Richard Shweder, Ph.D.).

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.
• 2008–presentCEO & President, Integrative Psyche Services, S.C. Full range of psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services, all ages.
• 2004–2020Forensic Psychologist — consultation in family, criminal, and immigration/deportation matters before local, state, and federal courts; ongoing consultation with DinLaw, Chicago.
• 2017Clinical Psychologist — assessment and consultation for the Department of Defense, Barton Associates Inc.
• 2015–2018Clinical Psychologist — DAVKEN Associates PC (Skokie) and Beacon Therapeutic Schools (Chicago). Clinical and psychodiagnostic services for children, adolescents, and adults.
• 2012–2016Consultant Psychologist, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, IL. Full range of psychodiagnostic services for adults, geriatric, and adolescent populations.
• 2011–presentBehavioral Medicine Group, St. James Hospital (Olympia Fields & Chicago Heights). Medical psychology consultation, assessment, and psychopharmacological consultation for attending physicians; supervision of psychology interns.
• 2007–2013Chief Psychologist & Director of Training, St. Bernard Hospital. Full range of psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services; supervision and training of doctoral candidates and interns.
• 2001–2006Psychodiagnostician and private practitioner — Riveredge, St. Bernard, and Jackson Park Hospitals; Mark McKee & Associates (Naperville); Examiner for the State of Illinois, Health Evaluation Center, Chicago.
• 1997–2002Chief Clinical Psychologist & Director of Training, Still Behavioral Medical Group, Country Club Hills, IL. Assessment across all ages; DCFS and Head Start provider; neurofeedback; program development; extern training and supervision.
• 1995–1998Clinical Associate, Institute for Psychodiagnostic Interventions and Strategies, Chicago. Culturally sensitive psychological assessment across ethnically and linguistically diverse populations.
• 1996–1997Pre-doctoral Internship (APA-Accredited), University Practice Associates, University Hospital, Chicago. Assessment, inpatient/partial-hospital and outpatient therapy across the lifespan.
• 1992–1995Practica & Externships (APA-Accredited sites), University of Chicago — Parent-Infant Development Service, Cognitive Psychology / HALP (ADHD), and Psychodiagnostics, Section of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
• 1981–1987Early clinical roles — Children’s Psychiatric Hospital (University of New Mexico); Belchertown State Hospital and Department of Mental Health (Massachusetts); Association for Retarded Citizens of Albuquerque.

Selected 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, 6th International Conference on Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICCP 2026), Montfort College, Bengaluru, India.
• 2026“Traditional Healing, Religion, and Psychotherapy: The Foundations of Growth and Adaptation.” International Conference on Traditional Healing and Critical Mental Health, Christ University, Bengaluru.
• 2025“Fanon’s Final Prayer: Themes of Balance and Cooperation in Traditional Views of Healing and Death.” Frantz Fanon 100th Anniversary Symposium, University of Toronto, OISE.
• 2025“Horror: A Case Study in Prejudice and Psychopathology.” Inaugural Conference on Critical Social Justice in Psychology, University of British Columbia.
• 2023“Energy Healing, Spirits and Political Paradigmatic Resistance Toward Traditional Healing.” 10th Critical Multicultural & Diversity Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference, University of Toronto, OISE.
• 2019“Side Effects of Self-Regulation: Magic and Mysticism in Psychotherapy.” Keynote, International Conference on Integrating Traditional Indian Healing Practices, University of Delhi.
• 2019“Consciousness is Fundamental: The Materialist Bias in Neuroscience and Alternative Assumptions Offered by Depth Psychology.” Keynote, 6th International Conference SUKRUT.
• 2019“Hermetic Tradition, Modern Magic and Psychotherapy.” Keynote, 4th International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness / 5th Congress of SithCP3.
• 2019“Living a Holistic Way of Life.” Holistic Healing Conference, University of Toronto, OISE.
• 2018“Consciousness is Fundamental…” 20th Anniversary International Conference, Frontiers of Consciousness, Sampurna-Montfort College, Bangalore.
• 2018“Magical and Traditional Themes in Psychotherapy: A Case Study.” Canadian Counselling Psychology Conference, University of Calgary.
• 2017“Integrating Traditional Healing into Modern Mental Health: Challenges.” Keynote, 9th Critical Multicultural & Diversity Counselling and Psychotherapy Conference, University of Toronto, OISE.
• 2017“Mindfulness Meditations and Contemplations across the Globe.” Keynote, Integrating South Asian Healing Traditions into Counselling, Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Toronto.
• 2017Structured Discussion on Traditional Healing and Psychotherapy. International Conference, Society for Psychotherapy Research, University of Toronto.
• 2016“Living Intelligence: A Traditional Weltanschauung…” Keynote, 3rd International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness / 4th Congress of SithCP3.
• 2014“Tradition of ‘Animal Magnetism’ vs. ‘Hypnosis’ in Relation to the Cedar Bath Ceremony of the Anishinaabe.” International Conference, Society for Psychotherapy Research, Copenhagen.
• 2013“Harnessing Spirituality and Creativity with Hypnosis.” Workshop, Annual Conference, SCEH, Berkeley, CA. National Health Month radio presentations, WVON 1690 AM, Chicago.
• 2012“Hypnosis in Traditional Healing” (Keynote, VIII National Conference on Hypnotherapy, Christ University); “Listening to the Grandmother Spirit” (Keynote, 2nd Intl. Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy and Wellness); “Islamic Esoteric Science” (University of Toronto, OISE).
• 2010“Spiritual Antecedents of Hypnotic Techniques and the Future of Hypnosis” (SCEH, Boston); “Comparative Traditional Systems of Healing and Meditation” and “Religiosity and Spirituality in the Development of Psychotherapists” (with David Orlinsky), Society for Psychotherapy Research, Monterey, CA.
• 2008“The Development of Hypnotherapists” (Society for Psychotherapy Research, Yale University); “A Phenomenological Comparison of Traditional Healing between Three Divergent Cultures” (Building Bridges for Wellness, Bangalore).
• 2007“The Culture of Hypno-Therapists” (Society for Psychotherapy Research, Madison, WI); “Integrating Spirituality into Hypnotherapy” (SCEH–ASCH Joint Meeting, Dallas).
• 2005–06“A Native American Psychotherapy: Proposing a Thick Descriptive and Interpretive Method” (SPR, Montreal & Chicago Chapter); “The Value of a Traditional Religious Framework … A Native American Solution” (SPR, Ohio); Panel Discussant, “Methodology and Culture” (SPR, Edinburgh).
• 2003–04“Secularism, Spirituality and Agnosticism…” (SPR, Rome); “Secular or Religious: The Experience and Meaning of Psychotherapists’ Spirituality” (Client-Centered & Experiential Therapy, Netherlands); “The Psychotherapist and Culture of Secularism” (SPR, Weimar).
• 2000–02“Religious and Spiritual Influence on the Therapeutic Orientation and Goals of Psychotherapists” and “Spirituality of Psychotherapists: Its Prevalence and Its Meaning” (Society for Psychotherapy Research; Client-Centered & Experiential Therapy; invited lectures, Roosevelt University).
• 1997–99“Varieties of Religious/Spiritual Experience among Psychotherapists” (SPR, Salt Lake City, Braga, and Chicago Chapter; University of Chicago workshops on the psychology of religion).
• 1990–92“Shamans, Shrinks, and Charlatans”; “Native American Therapy: Post-Paradigmatic Issues in Religious Healing”; “Self Psychology and the Ojibwa Sweatlodge” (University of Chicago workshops; invited lecture, University of Illinois School of Social Work).

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