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Dr. Gary Elkins’ new book, Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: What You Need to Know, is a practical guide for clinicians looking to understand when and how to use hypnotherapy in evidence-based care.
As a leading voice in the clinical application of hypnosis — particularly in areas where conventional treatments underperform or lack durability — Dr. Elkins brings together decades of research and therapeutic experience in an accessible, clinician-friendly resource.
Bridging research and clinical application
Dr. Elkins, a clinical psychologist and director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University, presents hypnotherapy not as an alternative but as an evidence-based adjunct to conventional modalities. Drawing from peer-reviewed studies and validated treatment protocols, he outlines both the mechanisms and use cases for hypnosis in managing conditions such as IBS, menopausal hot flashes, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma, and nicotine dependence.
Each chapter is designed to support clinical decision-making, offering practical takeaways on how to identify appropriate candidates for hypnotherapy, structure sessions effectively, and set realistic expectations with patients. Dr. Elkins also addresses questions providers are likely to encounter in practice, including how to assess responsiveness, communicate safety and efficacy, and understand the cognitive mechanisms that underpin therapeutic outcomes.
A framework for integrative care
The book is especially valuable for clinicians working within integrative or interdisciplinary care models. Dr. Elkins emphasizes how hypnosis can enhance treatment outcomes when used alongside pharmacologic, dietary, or behavioral interventions, particularly in populations where psychosomatic mechanisms play a central role in symptom expression.
Importantly, the book also covers self-hypnosis as a therapeutic skill, enabling patients to participate more actively in their care. This can be especially relevant for chronic or relapsing conditions where ongoing self-management is essential.
Translating evidence into scalable tools
Dr. Elkins’ research has also contributed to the development of structured digital interventions, including Finito for smoking cessation and Evia for menopause symptom relief.
These programs reflect the same protocol-driven approach outlined in the book – showing how hypnotherapy can be adapted for broader accessibility while maintaining clinical integrity.
Supporting clinician confidence in mind-body therapies
For clinicians already referring to hypnotherapy – or those looking to better understand its scope and limitations – Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy serves as both a reference and a conversation starter. It reinforces what many providers are seeing in practice: that well-structured mind-body therapies can improve outcomes where standalone treatments fall short.
As interest in non-pharmacologic care continues to grow, Dr. Elkins’ book provides a timely and credible foundation for integrating hypnotherapy into everyday clinical practice.
Purchase Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy.
Visit Evia and Finito to learn more about referring Dr. Elkins’ programs for hot flashes and smoking cessation.
