Hypnosis-based intervention for mystical experiences: a qualitative analysis.

Abstract

Mystical experiences or peak spiritual experiences have been shown to be of potential benefit in facilitating personal growth and ameliorating anxiety and depression. A pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of hypnotically induced mystical experiences. Although participants' qualitative experiences were recorded and analyzed, they have yet to be reported. The present study presents a thematic analysis of findings from semi-structured interviews about individuals' subjective experiences following the hypnosis-based intervention for a mystical experience. Results revealed that participants described their experiences as personally significant, marked by intense emotion (crying, compassion, perceived release), hallucination-like phenomena (vivid imagery, synesthesia, sensed presence of deceased relatives), and insight regarding self-love, values, and life decisions. Additional themes included feelings of divine love, unity, and ego dissolution. These experiences closely resembled those reported in psychedelic contexts, while also featuring elements, such as spontaneous feelings of being loved, not fully captured by existing instruments. Future research on hypnosis, mental imagery, and guided exercises for mystical experience should include both standardized measures as well as subjective reports.

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