The Godfather of Hypnosis: Reveri’s founder, Dr. David Spiegel

About Dr. David Spiegel

Dr. David Spiegel is founder of Reveri and Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Spiegel's work has revolutionized the understanding and application of hypnosis in clinical settings. This article delves into his remarkable career, the inception of Reveri, and the profound impact of his research on mental health practices worldwide.

Who is Dr. David Spiegel?

Dr. David Spiegel is a highly respected psychiatrist and expert in the field of hypnosis. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of how hypnosis can be used to treat a variety of psychological and physical conditions. As the founder of Reveri, an innovative hypnosis app, Dr. Spiegel continues to push the boundaries of therapeutic practices.

Early Life and Education

Born into a family with a strong medical background, Dr. Spiegel's interest in psychiatry and hypnosis developed early. Dr. Spiegel’s father, Dr. Herbert Spiegel was also a renowned psychiatrist, who provided hypnosis to fallen soldiers to help ameliorate their pain in the absence of medication. Dr David Spiegel pursued his medical degree at Harvard Medical School, where he began to further explore the potentials of hypnosis in medical practice. His early research laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the field. 

Career at Stanford University

Dr. Spiegel has been a pivotal figure at Stanford University, where he serves as the Jack, Samuel, and Lulu Willson Professor in the School of Medicine. His roles have included Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, and Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has been a member of the academic faculty since 1975 and was Chair of the Stanford University Faculty Senate from 2010-2011. His extensive experience includes studying psycho-oncology, stress and health, pain control, psychoneuroendocrinology, sleep, hypnosis, and conducting randomized clinical trials involving psychotherapy for cancer patients.

Founding of Reveri

In his quest to make hypnosis more accessible, Dr. Spiegel founded Reveri, a self-hypnosis app designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and pain. Reveri offers guided hypnosis sessions, leveraging Dr. Spiegel's extensive research and clinical experience to provide effective sessions. Reveri is clinically backed, immediately effective and personalized to each member. 

Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased cognitive flexibility. Dr. Spiegel's research has demonstrated how this state can be harnessed to achieve therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, stress reduction, and improved mental health. Hypnosis is an extremely safe practice for most people, when performed with the correct guidance. Most Reveri members see an immediate improvement in their condition after taking an interactive session specifically built for their challenge. 

Clinical Applications

Dr. Spiegel has successfully applied hypnosis in various clinical settings. His studies show that hypnosis can significantly help manage chronic pain, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy. 

Research and Publications

Pioneering Studies

Dr. Spiegel's research has been widely published in prestigious medical journals. His pioneering studies on the use of hypnosis for pain management and stress reduction have influenced therapeutic practices globally. He has also explored the neural mechanisms underlying hypnosis, providing valuable insights into how the brain responds to hypnotic states.

Books and Articles

Dr. David Spiegel has published thirteen books, 404 scientific journal articles, and 170 book chapters on topics such as hypnosis, psychosocial oncology, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. His work is supported by prestigious institutions like the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute on Aging.

Interviews and Appearances

Dr. David Spiegel has shared his expertise on many high-profile podcasts, reaching a wide audience with his insights on hypnosis and mental health. Here are some notable appearances:

He has also been profiled by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Times UK, Women’s Health, and more.

FAQs

  • Dr. Spiegel has conducted pioneering research, developed innovative techniques, and founded Reveri, a self-hypnosis app that makes his expertise accessible to a broader audience.

  • Reveri is a self-hypnosis app developed by Stanford psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel, a leading expert in the field of hypnosis. The app uses guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations to help users achieve goals such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and focusing better. Reveri is based on over 45 years of clinical research and neuroscience.

  • Self-hypnosis involves entering a state of focused attention and heightened cognitive flexibility, where individuals can use guided techniques to influence their mental and physical states.

  • Hypnosis has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, quitting smoking, improving sleep, and stress-related disorders.

  • Description Yes, Dr. David Spiegel's research has shown that hypnosis can be an effective tool for managing chronic pain by altering the perception of pain and reducing stress.text goes here

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Summary: Dr. David Spiegel on the Tim Ferriss Show