Hypnosis-based intervention for mystical experiences: a qualitative analysis.
Chris E. Corlett, Jesse J. Norris, Sharika Majeti, Cameron T Alldredge, Gary R Elkins
The American journal of clinical hypnosis September 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2026.2704105 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Hypnosis-based intervention for mystical experience |
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Anomalous phenomena Hypnosis Intense emotional responses Intervention Psychedelic experience |
| Key findings | Participants reported personally significant experiences with intense emotion, hallucination-like phenomena, and insights, resembling psychedelic experiences but including elements not captured by existing instruments. |
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. Althrough participants' qualitative experiences were recorded and analyzed, they have yet to be reported. 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.