Dr. David Spiegel is an author, psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, and one of the world’s leading experts into the clinical applications of hypnosis. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. He is also the creator of REVERI, an innovative guided self hypnosis app which has been clinically proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus.

In this lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore:

— The exciting new science of clinical hypnosis and how it can be applied in the treatment of addiction and trauma

— The importance of focusing on valued directions in clinical work and being a kind parent to yourself

— Dr Spiegel’s experiences working with Irvin Yalom and what he learned from him

— The neural mechanisms that explain why clinical hypnosis works, including dissociation, cognitive flexibility, and absorption

— The extent to which we can view hypnosis as a form of “internal exposure therapy”.

And more.

I used Dr Spiegel’s REVERI app to help with sleep earlier this week and found myself out like a light within a few minutes, so I’d highly recommend giving it a try. You can learn more at https://www.reveri.com.

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Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he has been a member of the academic faculty since 1975, and was Chair of the Stanford University Faculty Senate from 2010-2011. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific journal articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, psychosocial oncology, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy.

His research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the Dana Foundation for Brain Sciences, and the Nathan S. Cummings Foundation. He was a member of the work groups on the stressor and trauma-related disorders for the DSM-IV and DSM-5 editions of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He is Past President of the American College of Psychiatrists and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, and is a Member of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2018, Dr Spiegel was invited to speak on hypnosis at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018.

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3 Books Dr Spiegel Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Dopamine Nation — Dr Anna Lembke - https://amzn.to/3O6NdKe

— Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis 2nd Edition — Herbert Spiegel and David Spiegel - https://www.appi.org/Products/Psychotherapy/Trance-and-Treatment-Second-Edition

— How to Change Your Mind — Michael Pollan - https://amzn.to/3OysDUw