Unveiling the Brain's Secrets: The Neural Predictors of Deep Hypnosis and Their Implications for Hypnotherapy
In the realm of psychological interventions, hypnotherapy stands out for its ability to alter consciousness and enhance suggestibility, potentially offering profound therapeutic benefits. However, the nature of hypnosis has long puzzled scientists and practitioners alike. A study recently published in Scientific Reports (Farahzadi et al., 2024) looks into this area, shedding light on the neural correlates of deep hypnosis through advanced EEG analysis and machine learning techniques. This exploration not only deepens our understanding of the hypnotic state but also may hold significant implications for professional hypnotherapists.
Key Findings
The study embarked on a systematic examination of brain activity patterns associated with hypnotic depth, employing spectral analysis and functional connectivity measures. Amongst the mass of data, two neural predictors emerged as central to the hypnotic experience: gamma power and beta power envelope correlation (PEC). Specifically, the study found that reduced gamma power in the midline frontal area and heightened beta PEC between the dorsal attention networks are indicative of deeper hypnotic states.
These findings give us a fascinating glimpse into how the brain functions during hypnosis, highlighting the role of specific brain activities and network connections in facilitating the hypnotic experience. The use of machine learning models in this research underscores the potential of predictive models to unravel the neural underpinnings of self-reported hypnotic depth.
Implications for Hypnotherapists
Amongst the many implications of these findings for the field of hypnotherapy, here are a few that stood out to me:
Improved Client Assessment
With further research and technological advancements, EEG markers could serve as objective tools for assessing a client's hypnotic susceptibility and depth, offering a scientific basis for tailoring hypnotherapy sessions. There is of course a big stumbling block here, not many of us have access to EEG technology and expertise as part of our initial consultation. In fact, I’d go so far as to say none of us do. But one day such tools may become widely available, and it does open the door for hypnotherapists to use neurofeedback as an adjunct tool for enhancing hypnotherapy sessions.
Tailored Techniques
The identification of neural predictors of hypnosis depth paves the way for personalized hypnosis techniques. Hypnotherapists could leverage this knowledge to customise our approaches based on an individual client’s neural predispositions, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This is a far more productive approach than the ‘learning modality’ methodology for script tailoring, which is still included in many hypnotherapy training courses despite there being absolutely no scientific evidence to back up its efficacy.
Promoting Evidence-Based Practice
This study enriches the theoretical foundation of hypnosis by showing the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying hypnotic states. By grounding hypnotherapy in scientific research, we reinforce the evidence-based nature of the practice, helping to demystify hypnosis and validate its use as a therapeutic intervention.
A Future of Enhanced Hypnotherapy
While the practical application of these findings in the day-to-day practice of hypnotherapy may be some time away, the study marks a significant step forward in our understanding of hypnosis. As our technology advances and researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of the brain, the insights from this research promise to revolutionise hypnotherapy, offering more effective, personalised, and above all scientifically grounded therapeutic options.
For professional hypnotherapists, this exploration of the neural dimensions of hypnosis could enrich our practice and underscore the transformative power of hypnosis as a tool for healing and change.
The full study is available in PDF format from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56633-x
Farahzadi, Y., Alldredge, C. & Kekecs, Z. (2024) Gamma power and beta envelope correlation are potential neural predictors of deep hypnosis. Nature | Scientific Reports 14, 6329.