W.14.124

Title: How neurobiological knowledge of hypnosis turns into a practical tool for therapy. Cooperation between basic science and practice
Presenters: Nikita Obukhov
Venue: 
the main building of AGH University of Science and Technology - A0
A0 Akademii Górniczo-Hutniczej (al. Adama Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków) 
Room 137 / Sala 137

Time: 14.06.2024 16:00-17:30
Language: EN

Abstract:

Current scientific advances provide us with reliable instrumental methods for a hypnotic state to register. The development of PET, fMRI, fMRS, qEEG, etc. has led to a growing body of data on how hypnosis emerges in the brain. Although a lot of the data is contradictory, there are numerous studies that consistently indicate alterations in networks and structures such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, the default mode network, etc. in the development of a hypnotic state and its effects (De Benedittis, 2021; Wolf et al., 2022). These findings can probably not only expand our understanding of hypnosis but also be the basis for improving practical approaches for hypnosis induction and its therapeutic use. For example, Hofbauer et al. (2001) found that the different types of therapeutic suggestions for pain relief may involve different brain regions in the analgesic effect, etc. The workshop focuses on discussing some of the more reliable neurobiological correlates of hypnosis and trying to draw practical conclusions about how verbal, paraverbal, and other (e.g., physical) techniques of hypnotherapeutic work can help to elicit these changes. Hypothetically, understanding how the networks and structures involved in hypnosis work can serve as the foundation for developing a wider range of methods for influencing their activity and, in turn, improving the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Some variants of related techniques are presented in the group hypnotic demonstration. Furthermore, interactive exercises on creating a variety of speech formulations are offered. These are supposed to activate probable particular neuronal mechanisms that can both induce and deepen hypnosis and produce therapeutic effects on pain, anxiety, and other disorders. The workshop also presents short videos of real-time monitoring of a hypnotic state in patients by qEEG using various brain electrical activity imaging methods.

Nikita V. Obukhov, MD, PhD, graduated from the First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg in 2007 and first trained in psychiatry. Then he was trained in psychotherapy (2011) and defended his PhD thesis (2015). He was trained in hypnosis by R. Tukaev, B. Afanasyev, and N. Vaughton and got the ESH Diploma certifying clinical hypnosis training (205 hours); the faculty director is Susanna Carolusson. He was honoured to be the guest teacher in this programme. He has published his studies on the topic of hypnosis in international peer-reviewed journals. An AEFCH, ESH, and ISH member.