Dear friends and colleagues of the ISH,
The International Society of Hypnosis gradually continues to grow, and what is more important, to develop
stability and maturity. In the last few months two new important societies have joined to our association: the Polski Instytut Ericksonowski (PIE) and the Iranian Scientific Society Of Clinical Hypnosis (ISSCH). Different cultures and different ideas are connecting trough the society’s bridges of understanding.
An historical cycle
Another important step has been made with the 2015 ISH Congress. The bid has been recently awarded to France thanks to the excellent submission of Claude Virot and to his ability to establish the fruitful cooperation of 26 French associations.
We cannot but anticipate with some deep emotion the historical moment in which ISH will return to Paris. ISH was last there in 1965. Now a half a century later it will return for the 20th congress to complete a circle that finally reconnects the society to its origins, the first Hypnosis Congress that took place in Paris in 1889. It will be a special opportunity to remember and rediscover our historical roots, to explore how past and present can convene and contribute together to the development of hypnosis in the world.
The Elections
The complex procedures of the ISH Elections have now been activated. Each Constituent Societies representative will receive a letter from Eric Vermetten, ISH Past-President and Chair of Nominations and Elections that will explain the nomination procedure. Suggestions for candidates for the two positions of Secretary-Treasurer and President-Elect are requested, first proposed by the Constituent Societies representatives, and later by the ISH Board members. We look forward to a serious and fair consideration of capable candidates to place on a ballot for a final vote. As you know every single ISH individual member is eligible to vote. Contributing to the future of the society with your personal vote is certainly an important reason to be a member in good standing.
The Bremen Congress
The Congress of Bremen is approaching and the information coming from Bernhard Trenkle, its insightful organizer, and many other colleagues, give us the impression that we will face one of the most important congresses in the history of ISH. It is not only a question of numbers (we expect something close to 2000 attendants), but also of the stellar quality of the faculty the Congress Scientific Committee is putting together.
These are certainly wonderful ingredients to build up a successful congress, but in my opinion the most important one is your participation. And even better, the active participation of ISH members. A congress every three years, gives us the time to prepare ideas, projects, research, and take advantage of a great forum were all of us meet and discuss together about our concerns, our discoveries, our hesitations, our wishes.
Be aware that this is not simply a congress. It is the greatest opportunity of being together that the society can offer you to spend with your like-minded colleagues.
And the best we can do is not only to come to Bremen, but also to present our colleagues with the progresses, the results, the understanding we have reached in the field of hypnosis.
All the seeds we have carefully sown in the last few years will contribute to the growth of the ISH new plants, and their many petals that will flower in the garden of this special shared event.
We have seen already in Rome many young attendees returning back to our congress, and we expect them to continue to flow in bringing new vitality and enthusiasm in a discipline that despite being more than 4000 years old does not lose its youth and appeal.
ISH Congresses have demonstrated over time the value of coming together and exchanging cultural contributions, and, I would say, especially personal and emotional contributions. So my invitation is to ask you to send your proposal of thoughtful and attractive presentations for the congress. But be prepared to bring with yourself your feelings and your affection.
See you in Bremen,
Camillo Loriedo, MD, PhD
ISH President
