Exploring the Science of Hypnosis: How New Research is Changing Perceptions
“You use hypnosis not as a cure but as a means of establishing a favorable climate in which to learn” ~ Milton H. Erickson
Hypnosis has evolved from a mysterious, misunderstood practice into a scientifically supported therapeutic tool. Groundbreaking research from institutions like Stanford University, backed by insights from experts such as Dr. David Spiegel, has demonstrated the tangible effects of hypnosis on the brain and its potential in treating conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and trauma. These recent findings build on the pioneering work of Dr. Milton H. Erickson, whose contributions to hypnosis have had a lasting impact on psychotherapy and therapeutic techniques.
Hypnosis and the Brain: Modern Research Perspectives
Hypnosis is often seen as simply a state of relaxation, yet it’s actually a state of highly focused attention. Dr. David Spiegel, a leading hypnosis researcher at Stanford University, has shown through MRI studies that hypnosis affects specific brain networks responsible for attention, perception, and emotion regulation. Spiegel’s work identifies key interactions between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex during hypnosis. This unique connectivity allows for greater focus and helps the brain shift perceptions of discomfort and pain—one of the reasons why hypnosis is so effective in pain management
Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute
In a 2024 article, the American Psychological Association (APA) underscored hypnosis’s therapeutic potential, noting its ability to help patients reframe their experiences with stress and emotional pain. For conditions such as anxiety and PTSD, hypnosis offers comparable benefits to standard treatments, helping individuals process distress and improve emotional resilience. This recognition from the APA adds significant credibility to hypnosis, positioning it as a viable option in mental health care
American Psychological Association
The Art of Hypnosis: Milton H. Erickson’s Influence
The modern practice of hypnosis owes much to Milton H. Erickson, a visionary psychiatrist and hypnotherapist whose techniques revolutionized therapeutic hypnosis. Erickson believed that hypnosis could be used not just for symptom relief but to create an ideal environment for personal transformation and growth. He is often quoted as saying, “You use hypnosis not as a cure but as a means of establishing a favorable climate in which to learn.” This approach positioned hypnosis as a process that empowers individuals to tap into their subconscious mind and facilitate lasting changes in perception, behavior, and emotional health
.Erickson’s approach to hypnosis was unique, emphasizing indirect suggestion and tailored, personalized sessions. Rather than using a standardized method, he believed in working with each patient’s unique responses and inner resources. His influence remains strong in today’s therapeutic hypnosis, with many hypnotherapists incorporating Ericksonian techniques of subtle guidance and suggestion to foster self-awareness and resilience.
Hypnosis as a Complement to Therapy
Both Spiegel’s neuroscience-backed research and Erickson’s personalized, client-centered approach demonstrate that hypnosis is more than a supplementary therapy; it’s an adaptable tool capable of enhancing mental health and wellness. The APA’s recent endorsement, along with findings from Stanford, emphasizes hypnosis’s ability to help patients manage and reframe experiences of stress, chronic pain, and anxiety.
With roots in Erickson’s therapeutic innovations and reinforced by modern scientific research, hypnosis today is being used in diverse clinical settings—from managing chronic conditions to treating trauma. Hypnosis continues to be a valuable tool for managing both physical and emotional symptoms by enhancing the brain’s capacity for focused attention and reframing perceptions. This unique combination of art and science makes hypnosis a powerful technique in modern therapeutic practice, providing individuals with new ways to improve resilience, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
For more information on Dr. David Spiegel’s research and the recent APA article, explore Stanford’s resources and the full APA article here