Dr. Wester was a founding member of the Cincinnati Society of Clinical Hypnosis (now the TriState Society of Clinical Hypnosis). He was a generous and kind man, who was an expert in his field and shared that expertise with enthusiasm. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Xavier University in 1961 and his doctoral degree in counseling psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 1965. Bill began his clinical private practice along with teaching at Our Lady of Cincinnati College (later named Edgecliff College). He became Chairperson of the Psychology Department and later Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. He also taught at Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University School of Professional Psychology and earned the rank of Professor Emeritus at The Athenaeum of Ohio. Dr. Wester was in clinical practice for forty-five years before retiring in 2006. He was very active professionally being twice President of the Cincinnati Psychological Association, a Board Member of the Cincinnati Academy of Professional Psychology, President of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, President of the State of Ohio Board of Psychology, and President of the American Board of Family Psychology. He had over forty publications including several major books in the field of hypnosis and received numerous professional awards. He taught at the FBI Academy (Federal Forensic Hypnosis Institute) and worked as a Forensic Hypnosis Consultant for the FBI, ATF and various local and state law enforcement agencies. Spanning over thirty years, he helped law enforcement in over 150 cases. In addition, he had a love of magic. He performed as "Dr. Magic" at adult and children parties, on cruise ships, at resorts and charity benefits and at the annual Cancer Survivor's Boat Trip in Cincinnati. He will be remembered by all of us as a trusted mentor, colleague and friend.
Books and publications by Dr. Wester
Dr. William C. Wester II and Barbara L. Wester ,Solving Crimes with Hypnosis: A Personal Account (2019)
Laurence Sugarman and William Wester II, Therapeutic Hypnosis with Children and Adolescents, Second Edition 2013)
Stuart W. Bassman and William C. Wester, Hypnosis, Headache, and Pain Control: An Integrative Approach (1997)
William C. Wester and Donald J. O'Grady, Clinical Hypnosis With Children (1991)
William C. Wester, Clinical Hypnosis: A Case Management Approach (1987)
Wiliam C. Wester and Alexander H. Smith, Clinical Hypnosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach (1984) William C. Wester, Perceptual Motor Functioning in Children (1968)
William C. Wester, Drawings by the emotionally disturbed; human figures,: A demonstration manual of human figure drawings (1964)