Arreed Barabasz
Professor Emeritus Counseling psychology
Pullman campus
Curriculum Vitae
Obituary, published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News on Aug. 31, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Arreed Franz Barabasz, EdD, PhD, ABPP, ATP, who passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Palouse. Arreed was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Dr. Marianne Barabasz. Arreed was a man of extraordinary accomplishments, whose passion for exploring both the skies and the human mind made him a distinguished figure in multiple fields.
Born with a drive for excellence, Arreed achieved his first doctoral degree at the age of 23 from the State University of New York at Albany. He later earned a Ph.D. in clinical and human experimental psychology from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where he conducted pioneering research in sensory deprivation and hypnosis. His academic journey also took him to Harvard Medical School, where he served as an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry.
Arreed was a professor emeritus of counseling psychology at Washington State University, where he had inspired countless students and colleagues starting in 1984. His research in hypnosis, ADHD and pilot education was groundbreaking, earning him numerous awards, including the 2010 Roy M. Dorcus Award and the 2009 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Scientific Hypnosis from the American Psychological Association.
Beyond his academic achievements, Arreed was a celebrated aviator. He held an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, with type ratings for the Boeing 737-200 and the Cessna CE-500 Citation, and accumulated over 14,800 flight hours. His aviation skills were recognized with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2023, a testament to 50 years of dedication and excellence in the field.
Arreed’s love for the outdoors was equally profound. An avid hiker and adventurer, he climbed Mount Rainier, trekked Everest in Nepal and explored the rugged landscapes of Alaska, New Zealand and Mount Kilimanjaro. He also traveled to Antarctica, where he conducted psychology research at Scott Base. His passion for outdoor adventure was matched only by his love for automobile racing, and especially racing Formula Atlantic in the SCCA club series.
Dr. Barabasz was also an influential editor and author, contributing to over 140 refereed research papers and several award-winning books. His work as the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis from 2002-18 solidified his legacy as a leader in his field.
Arreed’s life was one of extraordinary achievement, passion and exploration. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence in academia, aviation and adventure. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
A celebration of his life will be held in Palouse, with details to be announced.
Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at kramercares.com.
Research interests
With more than 100 publications, Arreed Barabasz’s research emphasizes hypnosis. Projects include Focal Point Dependency in Age Regression, Attentional Processes in ADHD, Attentional Processes in Pilot Education and Alcohol Effects (flight simulator experiments), and Mediation of Attention by Hypnocounseling and Self-Hypnosis.
Teaching/professional interests
Barabasz teaches graduate level courses in Ethics, Research in Counseling Psychology, Hypnosis Research Seminar, and Advanced Psychotherapy and Hypnosis.
Recent accomplishments
- 2010 Roy M. Dorcus Award for the “Best Clinical Paper” Presented by the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
- 2009 Award for “Distinguished Contributions to Scientific Hypnosis, American Psychological Association.
- Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. This is the leading journal in the field, world-wide, of about 20 journals, and also the most influential journal as per Citation Indexes ratings among top psychology journals.
- Past president of the Society for clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Division of the American Psychological Association.
- Diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology.
- Barabasz, A. & Watkins, J.G. (2005) Hypnotherapeutic Techniques 2E, New York: Brunner-Routledge. Hardcover, 512 pages. Winner of the 2005 Arthur Shapiro Award, the annual national award for the best book on hypnosis.
Educational background
- Ed.D. State University of New York, Albany, 1970
- Ph.D. University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1981
- Post-Doc Harvard Medical School