The Neuroscience and Practice of Hypnosis and Meditation: Integration and Application (Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis)

Organization: Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Website: https://www.fsch.org/intermediate-workshop

Event Title: The Neuroscience and Practice of Hypnosis and Meditation: Integration and Application

Agenda: https://asch.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FSCH_Agenda_Neuroscience__Hypnosis____Meditation.docx

Dates: March 2, 2025

Location: Virtual

CE: 6.0

Contact: drdamis@louisdamisphd.com

Abstract:
Clinical hypnosis and mindfulness meditation have become established treatments for a wide range of medical and psychological disorders. In this timely advanced workshop, the participants will acquire the latest neuroscientific information underlying hypnosis and meditation. The neurophysiological mechanisms of pain processing and the mechanisms by which hypnosis and meditation modulate pain will also be delineated. This workshop will also integrate clinical hypnosis with mindfulness. First, it will review the background of contemporary mindfulness in the context of Buddhist meditation. The three popular forms of Buddhist meditation, vipassanā (open monitor), samatha (focused attention), and mettā (loving-kindness) provide rich material for clinical hypnosis practice. Second, it will introduce the Touch-and-Return mindfulness method, which may be utilized for trance induction. The participant is welcome to experience it during the workshop. Finally, the workshop introduces the eight stages of mental absorption, i.e., rūpa and arūpa jhanas, as described in the Buddhist texts. This topic is highly relevant to hypnotic trance but has received little attention from hypnosis researchers and practitioners to date. No prior experience or knowledge in mindfulness or meditation is required to attend this workshop.

Learning Objectives:
Participants attending this workshop will be able to:

• Describe three functional neurophysiologic changes associated with hypnotic and meditative states.
• Explain the difference in neuroplasticity between hypnosis and meditation.
• List the four brain networks associated with chronic pain and its modulation.
• Describe two mechanisms by which hypnosis and meditation differentially modulate pain.
• Specify the three fundamental forms of Buddhist meditation related to contemporary mindfulness.
• Acquire the 4-step Touch-and-Return mindfulness protocol.
• Become familiar with the 8 stage concepts of mental absorption described in the Buddhist meditation texts.