From Mind to Medicine: Modified States of Consciousness in Patient Care

Presented by Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, PhD

Friday, October 9, 2026

9am-10:30am PT/ 11am-12:30pm CT/ 12pm-1:30pm ET

Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.

Presenter Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, PhD will discuss the clinical relevance of complementary approaches that engage modified states of consciousness—such as hypnosis, virtual reality–hypnosis, and other trance-based methods—in helping patients manage both acute and chronic pain (Bicego et al., 2022; Louras et al., 2024; Marie et al., 2024). These clinical insights will be enriched by an overview of behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological research carried out at the University Hospital and University of Liège (Belgium) (Vanhaudenhuyse et al., 2020). 

In addition, she will describe our work integrating hypnosis with self-care training, which has encouraged patients to move from passive toward active engagement in their recovery. This transformation has been linked to decreased pain intensity, lower emotional distress and fatigue, and a greater sense of treatment efficacy (Bicego et al., 2021; Vanhaudenhuyse et al., 2015, 2018). In this perspective, complementary approaches based on modified states of consciousness act as a bridge that reconnects individuals with their inner strengths and healing capacities, ultimately fostering a more balanced and meaningful quality of life. 

Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.