What comes to mind when you think of hypnosis?

A swinging pocket watch?

A hapless volunteer on a stage clucking like a chicken?

Hypnosis in many people's minds is the province of charlatans and showmen.

But this image of hypnosis is outdated and misleading.

Over the past several decades, psychologists and other

researchers have learned more about how hypnosis actually works, and they found evidence that

it can be useful in treating pain, anxiety, and a range of other physical and mental health

problems. So what exactly is happening in people's bodies and brains when they're hypnotized?

What's the difference between stage tricks and hypnotherapy used in pain management?

Can anyone be hypnotized?

What kinds of physical and mental health issues can hypnosis address?

And if you want to see whether

hypnosis can help you, how can you find a qualified practitioner whom you can trust?

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association

that examines the links between psychological science and everyday life. I'm Kim Mills.

My guest today is Dr. David Patterson, a professor of medicine and psychology at the University

of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Patterson specializes in pain, control, and recovery from

physical trauma, burn injuries,

and other forms of disabilities. He is also internationally known for his work in clinical

hypnosis. Over the past several decades, he has led many National Institutes of Health-funded

studies on hypnosis for pain management, has published more than 100 articles on hypnosis in peer-reviewed

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