Neurophysiology of Hypnosis

The Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey is pleased to offer the next in the series of conversations based on the book, Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis: the basics and beyond, edited by Dr. Gary Elkins. 

Join us on Saturday,  March 28, 2026 as we welcome Dr. Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse and Dr. Mathieu Landry presenting the "Neurophysiology of Hypnosis."  

This program will be held virtually on Zoom from 11AM to 1PM EDT.

The Clinical Conversations are free to members of ASCH, its component sections, SCEH, and ISH.  There is a $15 fee for nonmembers.  All proceeds go to fund the Stephen R. Lankton Scholarship Award.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Hypnosis is increasingly recognized as a powerful adjunct in clinical practice, particularly in pain management, oncology, and anxiety disorders. Yet, its underlying neural mechanisms have only recently begun to be elucidated through neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies. This presentation will summarize current evidence on how hypnosis modulates brain activity and connectivity across key networks involved in consciousness, attention, and pain processing.

Findings show that hypnosis alters the balance between internal and external awareness networks, disrupts activity within the Default Mode Network, and engages regions such as the anterior cingulate and insular cortices that mediate emotional and sensory components of pain. Differences between highly and low hypnotizable individuals further highlight distinct attentional and inhibitory mechanisms that may influence clinical responsiveness.

We will also review neurophysiological data supporting the use of hypnosis in acute and chronic pain, oncology care, phobias, and functional neurological disorders. Finally, emerging approaches combining hypnosis with virtual reality will be discussed as promising tools to enhance patient comfort and engagement in clinical settings.

By linking neurophysiological mechanisms to clinical outcomes, this talk aims to help clinicians better understand how hypnosis can be integrated into everyday care to optimize therapeutic efficacy and patient well-being.

TIMED AGENDA

11:00am -11:30am The neural mechanisms of hypnosis 

11:30am -12:00pm The impact of trance on internal and external     awareness networks

12:00pm -12:20pm Clinical applications of hypnosis

12:20pm-12:45pm Linking neurophysiological mechanisms to clinical outcomes; integrating hypnosis into clinical practice to enhance efficacy 

12:45pm – 1:00pm Q & A 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the key brain regions and neural networks involved in the hypnotic state, as revealed by functional neuroimaging studies (fMRI, EEG, PET).

• Explain how neuroimaging evidence links specific neurophysiological changes during hypnosis to its clinical benefits.

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of current neuroimaging approaches in distinguishing hypnotic responsiveness from other states of consciousness.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse is a neuropsychologist, Associate Professor, and PhD in Medical Sciences. She is interested in modified states of consciousness (hypnosis, virtual reality/hypnosis, trances from traditional practices). A researcher within the Interdisciplinary Algology Center at the University Hospital of Liège, she also leads the Conscious Care Lab, a research unit of GIGA Consciousness at the University of Liège. Her objectives are to develop research paradigms in order to assess the contribution of tools involving techniques such as hypnosis, virtual reality, as well as various trance practices for the overall well-being of patients (chronic pain, oncology, intensive care, etc.), and to study their neuronal correlates to better understand the underlying processes of these particular states.

Dr. Mathieu Landry is an Assistant Professor in the École de psychologie at Université Laval and a Principal Investigator at the CERVO Research Center. His research explores the neural mechanisms of attention, distraction, and altered states of consciousness such as hypnosis, using advanced neurophysiological methods (EEG, MEG, intracranial recordings) and computational modeling. His interdisciplinary program bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and data science to better understand how attentional control and conscious states influence perception, pain, and decision-making.