1. Altered States of Consciousness

2. Prompt #11:What is consciousness?
**Think about what it would look like, features, what you do or do not do, etc.
What would an altered state of consciousness be? Give an example.

3. Altered State of Consciousness
Definition:
Any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state
Induced changes (almost always temporary)
Altered State of Consciousness

4. Biofeedback

5. Biofeedback How does it work?
Definition: process of learning to control bodily states using specialized machines
How does it work?
Machines tell a person about subtle bodily changes
Including—brain waves, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat- gland activity
Try different thoughts and feelings while watching the effect on their bodies
Learn to alter physiological processes in time
Biofeedback

6. Biofeedback Example Thomas Budzynski (1973)
Taught to relax muscle in the forehead to reduce tension headaches
Later—wrote books on treating PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety
Biofeedback

7. Why is biofeedback considered an altered state of consciousness?
Turn-and-talk

8. Meditation

9. Definition: focusing of attention to clear one’s mind and produce relaxation
Helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate
Three major approaches:
Transcendental Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
Breath Meditation
Meditation

10. Transcendental Meditation
Mental repetition of a mantra (e.g., Om)
Sit with eyes closed and meditate for minutes 2X a day
Transcendental Meditation

11. Mindfulness Meditation
Focus on the present moment
Body, breath, and thoughts
Mindfulness Meditation

12. Breath Meditation Concentrate on breathing process
Provides focus and sense of calm
Breath Meditation

13. Why is meditation considered an altered state of consciousness?
Turn-and-talk

14. Sleep Log & Dream Journal

15. Hypnosis

16. True or False Only people with little willpower can be hypnotized.
False—Creative people with high intelligence make the best subjects for hypnosis.
True or False

17. Being hypnotized is similar to being totally absorbed in a book or movie.
True—Either the hypnotist or the subject can end the hypnotic state at will.
True or False

18. True or False The majority of people cannot be hypnotized.
False—About nine out of ten people can be hypnotized. The best subjects are those who have a good reason to undergo hypnosis.
True or False

19. True or False Subjects always tell the truth while under hypnosis.
False—People under hypnosis try to tell the truth. But they are so anxious to please the hypnotist that they will make up answers to fill in gaps in their memories.
True or False

20. Definition: narrowed focus of attention; people become highly suggestible to changes in behavior and thought
Hypnosis

21. Hypnosis How does it work? Shifting perceptions
Focus on one small aspect of reality; ignore all else
Relaxation – forget outside anxiety
Trust – increase cooperation
Hypnosis

22. Uses of Hypnosis Habits/Phobias
Posthypnotic suggestion – suggestion made during hypnosis that influences the participant’s behavior afterward
Helps to recall or suppress certain information
Hypnotic analgesia – reduction of pain
Helps the patient relax and reduce anxiety  perception of pain is reduced
Habits/Phobias
Uses of Hypnosis

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