The Science of Self-Hypnosis | Dr. David Spiegel

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Aug 18, 2025

Dr. David Spiegel, a leading researcher from Stanford Medical School, explores the fascinating world of hypnosis. He debunks common misconceptions, explaining how self-hypnosis can manage stress and anxiety effectively. Discover who can be hypnotized and learn practical self-hypnosis techniques that you can try at home. Spiegel also discusses the brain's response during hypnosis, its therapeutic benefits, and guides listeners through overcoming flight anxiety, making air travel more comfortable. A captivating dive into harnessing the mind!

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INSIGHT

Hypnosis As Focused, Natural State

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of highly focused attention similar to a flow state.
It narrows context and enhances concentrated perception and mind-body control.

INSIGHT

Hypnosis Requires The Subject's Participation

All hypnosis is effectively self-hypnosis because people must allow it to happen.
A skilled clinician teaches people to use the state to enhance control over body and mind.

INSIGHT

Why People Differ In Hypnotizability

Hypnotizability is stable in adulthood and influenced by genetics and development.
The COMT gene and early imaginative parenting increase hypnotic responsiveness.

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How it can help with stress, anxiety, and panic.

Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford School of Medicine. Standing on a lifetime of research and clinical experience (nearly 50 years), he is a world renowned expert on hypnosis and has treated more than 7,000 patients with it. He founded the Reveri app to make his methodology accessible to all.

In this episode we talk about:

What hypnosis actually is — and how it does or doesn’t differ from the mainstream conceptions (ie stage hypnotists)
The types of people who are — and aren’t — hypnotizable. And why.
We go over the steps of self-hypnosis, so you can do it at home
We talk about the differences between hypnosis and a flow state
The difference between hypnosis and meditation
What happens in the brain during the hypnosis
And what hypnosis is helpful for, including stress, anxiety, and panic (sidenote: Dan agreed to do the interview because he really wanted to see if hypnosis could help him with his ongoing claustrophobia on airplanes and elevators. You’ll get to hear him try…)

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