The phenomenon of hypnosis provides a rich paradigm for those seeking to understand the processes that underlie consciousness. Understanding hypnosis tells us about a basic human capacity for altered experiences that is often overlooked in contemporary western societies. Throughout the 200 year history of psychology, hypnosis has been a major topic of investigation by some of the leading experimenters and theorists of each generation. Today hypnosis is emerging again as a lively area of research within cognitive (systems level) neuroscience informing basic questions about the structure and biological basis of conscious states. This book describes the latest advances in understanding hypnosis and similar trance states by researchers within the neuroscience of consciousness. It contains many new and exciting contributions from up and coming researchers and provides a lively debate on methodological and theoretical issues central to the development of emerging research paradigms in the neuroscience of conscious states. The book introduces and describes many of the recent new tools that have become available to researchers in this field. Academics, researchers, and clinicians wanting to develop their knowledge of the latest findings, theories and methods in the scientific study of hypnosis and related states of consciousness will find this an up to date guide to this rapidly advancing field.

Hypnosis provides a rich paradigm for those seeking to understand the processes that underlie consciousness. This book describes the latest advances in understanding hypnosis and similar trance states by researchers within the neuroscience of consciousness.

Research over the past decade has helped to demystify hypnosis and meditation, bringing these practices into the scientific and clinical mainstream. Yet, while hypnosis and meditation overlap on many levels, few scientific accounts have explored their complementary rapprochement. Despite cultural and historical differences, hypnosis and meditation share common phenomenology, cognitive processes, and potential therapeutic merits. This book provides a synthesis of knowledge concerning the bridging of hypnosis and meditation. The authors adopt a trans-disciplinary approach considering cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives to elucidate contemporary questions in cognitive, neurobiological, and clinical science. The book explores the relationship between hypnosis and meditation in five progressive sections: Part 1 investigates historical, cultural, and philosophical issues to contextualize the scientific study of contemplative practices. Part 2 presents a range of views concerning the similarities and differences between hypnosis and meditation. Part 3 explores the psychological and cognitive mechanisms at work. Part 4 integrates recent brain imaging findings to unravel the neural underpinnings. Finally, part 5 examines how juxtaposing hypnosis and meditation can enhance clinical applications. Hypnosis and Meditation is a valuable resource to both specialists as well as interested lay readers, and paves the road to a more unified science of how attention influences states of brain, body, and consciousness.

Explains the author's systems approach to observed and altered states of consciousness, such as dreams, hypnosis, meditation, drug states, and emotional states.

On consciousness, hypnosis, dream consciousness, meditation and psychedelic drugs.

A practical guide presenting 50 techniques for entering altered states of consciousness and that can be used in self-hypnosis and / or meditation.- Introduction to altered states of consciousness we can reach with self hypnosis and meditation.- Similarities and differences between these two practices as well as their benefits.- Basic elements of understanding regarding internal representations and how they work according to NLP principles (neuro linguistic programming).- Over 50 different techniques to explore the altered states of consciousness to find the ones that work best for you.- Several examples of self-hypnosis protocols to work independently on yourself - including issues as self-image, sleep, bereavement and a few others among the most widespread.

Havens explores the hypnotic pathways that can lead to an alternate experiential world. This world of inner peace and happiness can be created by even a momentary immersion in the unknown potentials that lie just beneath the surface of everyones conscious awareness. It is a world that soothes the soul, brings contentment, and heals wounded spirits.