Florida Tech Receives Bounty of Clinical Hypnosis Books

MELBOURNE, Fla.—Florida Tech’s Evans Library just received a donation of more than 400 clinical hypnosis and other psychology books, many of them very old and rare. Jordan Zarren, an adjunct faculty member, psychiatric social worker and noted authority on clinical hypnosis, contributed the books from his personal collection. He began acquiring them more than 60 years ago.
“Jordan wanted the university to have them because he knew our students could use them,” said Richard Elmore, Florida Tech professor of psychology. “We are one of the few universities offering training in hypnosis and have offered a hypnosis course here annually for at least 30 years.” Elmore has taught the course for the last 25 years.
Some of the books date from the mid-19th century. Although most of the books will be in the circulating collection, the rarer ones will be reference items. “I believe the books represent one of the largest clinical hypnosis library holdings in the country,” said Elmore. More books, copies of the two major hypnosis journals, plus CDs and audiotapes of Zarren’s workshops will be added next year.
Zarren appeared at Evans Library’s unveiling ceremony in late June, prior to teaching a seminar for the university’s doctoral students, titled, “Brief Cognitive Hypnosis.” The seminar was based on a book by Zarren of that name.
Zarren is a past president and a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is also the social work editor of the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis and an editorial consultant for the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
He began collecting the books at 11 years old when he was first exposed to hypnosis and magic while working as a magician’s assistant. His home and private practice in clinical hypnosis and psychotherapy are in West Palm Beach, Fla.

PHOTO: Jordan Zarren, fourth from left, poses with plaque of appreciation given to him for his contribution of more than 400 books on hypnosis and other psychology topics to Florida Tech’s Evans Library. Also pictured, from left: Richard Elmore, psychology professor; Mary Beth Kenkel, dean of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts; Lillian Zarren; Celine Lang, dean of libraries; and Sarah Weinsten, clinical psychology doctoral student.