Neurophysiology of Hypnosis (CHSNJ)

Organization: Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey (CHSNJ)

Website: https://www.clinicalhypnosisnj.org/event-6444924  

Event Title: Neurophysiology of Hypnosis 

Agenda:  _March_Timed_Agenda

Date: 03/14/2026 

Location: Virtual 

CE: 2 

Contact : ginnydinsmore@gmail.com, Virginia Dinsmore (CHSNJ Secretary)  

Abstract: 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. 

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. 

 Speaker info: 

Dr. Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse  _March_Clinical_Conversation_BIO_Vanhaudenhuyse__

Dr. Mathieu Landry _March_Clinical_Conversation_BIOS_Landry