Mind-Body Medicine Research Lab
The Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of hypnosis, peak spiritual experiences, and their potential applications for improving human health and well-being. Our research focuses on exploring the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying these experiences, developing innovative approaches to facilitate meaningful and transformative experiences, and investigating the clinical applications of hypnosis for a range of psychological and medical conditions. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, we aim to better understand the mind’s capacity to promote healing, personal growth, and human flourishing.
Current Research
The Science of Sacred Experience
Funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation
Can profound spiritual experiences be intentionally facilitated? And can these experiences lead to lasting improvements in psychological well-being and spiritual growth?
With support from the Templeton World Charity Foundation, the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University is investigating these questions through an innovative research project examining the use of hypnosis to facilitate peak spiritual experiences.
The study focuses on a novel approach called Guided Invocation for Mystical Experience (GIME), which combines clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, and contemplative practices to create conditions that may facilitate profound spiritual experiences. Researchers are examining the nature and intensity of these experiences, the individual characteristics that may influence them, and their potential effects on psychological well-being, spiritual development, and human flourishing.
The project also investigates how structured spiritual integration practices may help individuals reflect on their experiences and translate meaningful insights into lasting positive changes in their lives.
Ultimately, this research aims to advance the scientific understanding of peak spiritual experiences and explore whether they can be facilitated through safe, accessible, non-pharmacological methods to promote personal transformation and spiritual growth.