How To Use Hypnosis for Sleep, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Phobias, Trauma and MORE. With Dr. David Spiegel.
Nov 28, 2023
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Today's guest is Dr. David Spiegel, Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. In this podcast, he discusses hypnosis and its uses for sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, pain, and trauma. Dr. Spiegel explains that hypnosis is a state of highly focused attention, and he shares insights and tools for utilizing hypnosis. He also talks about the benefits of hypnosis as a safe alternative to opioid drugs for pain relief and the power of the mind in controlling the body. The podcast includes a step-by-step guide for using self-hypnosis and introduces the Reverie app for integrating hypnosis into daily life.
Hypnosis can be used for sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, and pain control.
Hypnotizability levels do not determine the effectiveness of hypnosis as therapeutic strategies can yield positive outcomes regardless.
Brain changes during hypnosis include reducing arousal, increasing control over physical sensations, and facilitating change of thinking and behavior.
Deep dives
Hypnosis for Sleep, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, and Pain
Hypnosis is discussed as a state of highly focused attention, similar to a flow state. It can be used for various purposes, such as sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, and pain control. In the podcast episode, Dr. David Spiegel shares his insights and tools for using hypnosis. He explains how hypnosis can be used for sleep by focusing on relaxation and dissociation from anxious thoughts. He also discusses using hypnosis for managing pain, including changing perception of pain signals and gaining control over pain experiences. Additionally, Dr. Spiegel discusses using hypnosis to address fears and phobias, such as fear of heights, by focusing on body control and feeling grounded. Overall, the podcast explores the practical applications of hypnosis for improving mental well-being and performance in various aspects of life.
Assessing Hypnotizability and Categories of Hypnotic Response
Dr. Spiegel discusses hypnotizability and how it can be assessed using the hypnotic induction profile. He explains that people can be categorized as highly hypnotizable, mid-range hypnotizable, or least hypnotizable. Different individuals may have varying responses and experiences during hypnosis. Highly hypnotizable individuals tend to be emotionally absorbed, whereas mid-range individuals may have a mix of experience and thought. The least hypnotizable individuals are usually curious and interested but may be more skeptical. Dr. Spiegel highlights that hypnotizability is not essential for using hypnosis as therapeutic strategies can yield positive outcomes regardless of hypnotizability levels.
Understanding the Brain Changes During Hypnosis
Dr. Spiegel explains three brain changes observed during hypnosis. First, turning down activity in the salience network helps reduce arousal and minimize reaction to potential stimuli. Second, increasing functional connectivity between the executive control network and insula allows individuals to have more control over their physical sensations and body responses. Third, inhibiting activity in the posterior cingulate cortex within the default mode network enables individuals to try out different ways of thinking and behaving, facilitating change. These brain changes contribute to relaxation, stress management, and improved performance during hypnosis.
Using Hypnosis for Performance Enhancement
Hypnosis can be utilized for performance enhancement in various domains, such as sports and business. Dr. Spiegel shares an example of working with the Stanford women's swimming team to improve their performance. By practicing hypnosis and focusing on their swimming technique, they were able to stay fully absorbed in the process and not be distracted by external factors like competitors. The key is to shift the focus from the outcome to the process, enjoying the experience and immersing oneself in the task at hand. Hypnosis can facilitate peak performance by promoting flow states and reducing anxiety or self-doubt.
Advice for Younger Self and Recommending Reverie App
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Dr. Spiegel highlights the importance of seizing opportunities, taking risks, and cultivating meaningful relationships with loved ones. He suggests not putting off opportunities and being open to both failure and success. Additionally, Dr. Spiegel recommends using the Reverie app as a legacy project to help people access valuable tools and knowledge for managing their mental well-being. The app offers interactive hypnosis sessions for various purposes, empowering individuals to improve their lives and take advantage of self-help resources.
Today’s guest is Dr. David Spiegel. He is Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine all at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Spiegel has more than 40 years of clinical and research experience studying stress and health, pain control, sleep, hypnosis, and more. He’s published thirteen books on these and other topics.
In this interview, we talk about Hypnosis. Why are some people are more susceptible than others? What’s the difference between hypnosis and self hypnosis? How can we use hypnosis for sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, pain or trauma?
When I asked him for a simple definition of hypnosis he said "hypnosis is simply a state of highly focused attention. It's like looking through the telephoto lens of a camera, what you see, you see with great detail, but you're less aware of the context."
I found his insights and the tools he offered extremely interesting…in fact I tried some of them for sleep and pain on his Reveri app. He’s an incredibly skilled and interesting guy.
Resources: Reveri App.
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