Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

The Life-Changing Power of Self-Hypnosis with Dr. David Spiegel | E474

Sep 22, 2025

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford psychiatrist and pioneer in clinical hypnotherapy, shares insights on self-hypnosis and its potential to transform lives. He explains how hypnosis rewires the brain, making it an effective tool for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and habit change. Listeners discover the differences between hypnosis and meditation, and the role of technology in making self-hypnosis accessible. Dr. Spiegel also guides a live mini-session, offering a firsthand experience of this powerful technique for creating real change.

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INSIGHT

Hypnosis As Focused Rehearsal

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring, highly focused state of attention that lets you dissociate distractions and try out being different.
This state helps you rehearse new behaviors without being limited by your usual self-expectations.

INSIGHT

Altered States Change Perspective

Hypnosis is an altered state similar to flow or a waking dream that changes perspective and reduces rigid self-concepts.
That altered perspective can make painful or frightening experiences feel manageable and teach new reactions.

ADVICE

Practice Self-Hypnosis Regularly

Use self-hypnosis as a practiced skill rather than expecting a therapist to 'fix' you in one session.
Reinforce change by practicing self-hypnosis whenever urges arise and anchor changes to values like respecting your body.

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Have you ever felt stuck between knowing what you should do and actually following through? That gap between intention and action isn’t a character flaw - it’s your brain running old programs. What if you could rewrite them?

That’s exactly what I explored with Dr. David Spiegel, pioneer in clinical hypnotherapy research, author, and founder of the Reveri self-hypnosis app. He breaks down how hypnosis isn’t mind control or stage tricks, but a focused state of attention that helps you get out of your own way and create real change in your sleep, eating, weight, pain, stress, and habits.

We talk about the science of self-hypnosis, why it works when insight alone doesn’t, and how technology is making it accessible to everyone. Dr. Spiegel also guides me (and you) through a live mini-session so you can feel what it’s like yourself.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome: Dr. David Spiegel

02:00 What Hypnosis Really Is (and Isn’t)

07:30 How Hypnosis Rewires the Brain and Reduces Pain

13:00 Self-Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation and Habit Change

20:00 Hypnosis vs. Meditation

26:00 The Reveri Self-Hypnosis App

33:00 Brain Science Behind Hypnosis

38:00 Using Hypnosis for Anxiety, Phobias, and Pain

47:00 Final Thoughts and Dr. Spiegel’s Mission

What would change if you stopped relying on willpower alone and started using your brain’s own hidden tools for healing and growth?

If you’ve been feeling stuck and aren’t sure why, my What’s Holding You Back? Quiz can help you uncover the hidden patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that might be silently sabotaging your progress. It’s a quick, eye-opening way to gain clarity and take the first step forward.

And let’s stay connected beyond the podcast - I’m sharing new tools and insights every week on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. If this episode sparked a question or an idea you’d like me to cover in the future, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Growing Self

P.S. Before we wrap up, I want to thank the sponsor of today’s episode, Headway. We’ve been talking about the power of self-hypnosis to rewire your mind, and for me, reading is another way I open myself up to new perspectives. But life is busy, and I don’t always have the time to curl up with a full book. That’s why I love Headway. It takes the best books on psychology, personal growth, and beyond, and distills them into bite-sized insights I can actually fit into my day. I use it every morning, and it’s such a simple way to keep growing.

And the best part? You can save 25% when you go to makeheadway.com/lhs and use code LHS.

Here’s to learning, healing, and creating the kind of change that lasts. 🌱