Learn · TED

Talk7 min

Does hypnosis ever actually work?

Devin Terhune · TED

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About

In the 19th century, Scottish surgeon James Braid revolutionized the field of hypnotism, transitioning the practice towards inducing a sleep-like state. Today, hypnosis is used in psychiatry as a helpful medical tool, yet it still holds an entrancing place in popular fantasy. So, is there any truth to what it can accomplish? Or is it just illusion? Devin Terhune explores the power of suggestion. [Directed by Leah Putnam, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa, Wonder Boy Audio].

The talk

  1. Does hypnosis ever actually work? 7 min · TED's player

Credits and licence

Institution
TED
Department
TED-Ed
Speaker
Devin Terhune
Year
2026
Level
For everyone
Language
English
Subjects
Psychology and the brain, Teaching and learning
Source
TED
Licence
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, as TED states it. Non-commercial use only, and no changed versions. TED's terms
Attribution
TED Talks are licensed by TED under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 International and are shown here in TED's own player, as TED's usage policy asks.
Who can watch
TED gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Teens profiles and older, judged from what the source says about it. How courses are placed