Dr Niall Campbell - Hypnosis and Psychedelics – Useful Adjunct or Pointless Accoutrement?

Hypnosis and psychedelic-assisted therapies share profound phenomenological and neurophysiological overlaps that warrant further scientific exploration. Both modalities modulate consciousness by potentially relaxing core beliefs, disrupting default mode network activity, and increasing neural segregation. Integrating hypnotic techniques into psychedelic therapy could enhance the clinical outcomes of these treatments by providing targeted support during the pre-, intra-, and post-trip phases. Future investigations into this integration should assess whether rhythmic, repeatable hypnotic techniques, such as breath work, act as anchoring tools that help bridge psychedelic insights with ordinary waking states. By exploring these non-pharmacological interventions, clinicians can potentially improve the efficacy and safety of psychedelic medicine in treating affective disorders.