DeepSummary
Dr. Hazel Wallace interviews Dr. David Spiegel, the co-founder and chief scientific officer of Reverie, about the use of hypnosis for various therapeutic purposes. Spiegel explains what hypnosis is and how it differs from stage hypnosis, describing it as a state of focused attention and cognitive flexibility that can be used to change behaviors and manage conditions like pain, stress, and addictions.
Spiegel discusses the brain mechanisms involved in hypnosis, including the deactivation of the anterior cingulate cortex, increased connectivity between executive control regions and the insula, and the disconnection between executive control and the default mode network. He also explains that people vary in their hypnotizability, with some being more prone to entering a hypnotic state.
Spiegel shares examples of using hypnosis for pain management, smoking cessation, healthy eating habits, and stress reduction. He emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of hypnosis, noting that it can provide immediate relief for many people without significant risks or side effects. He also mentions the Reverie app, which allows users to access hypnosis exercises for various purposes.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and cognitive flexibility that can be used for therapeutic purposes.
- Hypnosis involves deactivating the anterior cingulate cortex, increasing connectivity between executive control regions and the insula, and disconnecting executive control from the default mode network.
- People vary in their hypnotizability, with some being more prone to entering a hypnotic state than others.
- Hypnosis can be effectively used for pain management, addiction treatment, healthy habit formation, and stress reduction.
- Hypnosis is generally safe, with the worst-case scenario being that it doesn't provide any benefit for a particular individual.
- Hypnosis can provide immediate relief for many people and should be considered a valuable therapeutic tool.
- Misconceptions and stigma around hypnosis still exist, but it is a legitimate and effective technique when used appropriately.
- Technological tools like the Reverie app can make hypnosis more accessible to a wider audience.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Hypnosis is a state of naturally focused attention, like getting so caught up and ever get so caught up in a good movie that you forget you're watching a movie and enter the imagined world.“ by Doctor David Spiegel
- “I think a lot of people can get a lot of help in a short period of time. And so my hope is that we're expanding the sort of universe of techniques that people can use to help better manage their minds and their bodies.“ by Doctor David Spiegel
- “We have always dissed the ability of our minds and our brains to control our lives and our bodies, and it's very powerful, and it ought to be the first thing.“ by Doctor David Spiegel
- “The worst thing that happens is it didn't help. If it does help, you've got immediate evidence, and you can learn to build on that, make it better.“ by Doctor David Spiegel
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Episode Information
The Food Medic
Dr. Hazel Wallace
10/8/23
This episode covers:
- What is hypnosis and how does it differ from stage hypnosis?
- What happens in the brain when we are hypnotized
- How some people are more hypnotizable than others
- The use of hypnosis in pain management
- The use of hypnosis with smoking and vaping cessation
- How we use hypnosis to support health behaviours and positive habits
- Cautions and limitations of hypnosis
To find out more about Reveri, please visit https://www.reveri.com/
Please note: it is not advisable to use hypnosis if you have psychosis or certain types of personality disorder, as it could make your condition worse.
In the UK, hypnotherapists do not have to have any specific training by law. This means hypnotherapy can be offered by people with little training who are not health professionals. When looking for a private hypnotherapist please choose someone with a healthcare background – such as a doctor, psychologist or counsellor and check they're registered with an organisation that's accredited by the Professional Standards Authority