Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford School of Medicine. Standing on a lifetime of research and clinical experience (nearly 50 years), he is a world renowned expert on hypnosis and has treated more than 7,000 patients with it. He founded the Reveri app to make his methodology accessible to all.
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Episode Cheatsheet
The big takeaway
Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford psychiatrist and leading hypnosis researcher, busts the myths about hypnosis and self-hypnosis, explaining how this accessible technique offers a powerful way to gain control over stress, pain, habits, and anxiety. He argues that hypnosis isn’t about surrendering control—it’s about learning new ways to focus your mind, manage your body’s responses, and cultivate agency over unwelcome mental patterns.
Unlocking Your Mind: The Surprising Science (and Power) of Self-Hypnosis
Key takeaways:
Hypnosis = supercharged focus: According to Dr. Spiegel, hypnosis is a state of intensely focused attention (think “telephoto lens”) where you can more effectively tune out distractions and tap into mind-body control.
Forget the stage show: Stage hypnosis is real but highly selective—only 10-15% of people are extremely hypnotizable. The real power of hypnosis for the average person lies in self-hypnosis techniques that anyone moderately hypnotizable (which is most of us) can use.
Self-hypnosis boosts agency (not compliance): It’s not about being under someone else’s spell; it’s an opportunity to gain greater control over physical sensation, pain, stress, anxiety, and even habits—often quickly and drug-free.
It’s evidence-based and brain-backed: Dr. Spiegel describes robust clinical studies (including fMRI research) tying self-hypnosis to measurable reductions in pain, anxiety, and even opioid use, with specific, observable changes in brain activation.
Practical tips to get started with self-hypnosis (“Try this at home”):
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