Hypnosis in the self-regulation of feeling states.

In this chapter, we propose to discuss the role of hypnosis and the combination of virtual reality and hypnosis (VRH) in emotional regulation as substantiated by clinical and neuroimaging evidence. The hypnotic process is characterised by focused attention, dissociation, and increased responsiveness to suggestions. This technique, related to the modulation of a large-scale neuronal network involved in emotional processing, could be drawn upon for treating psychological disorders in different clinical contexts, such as acute and chronic pain, oncology, anxiety disorders, phobias, and posttraumatic disorders. Neuroimaging studies focused on hypnosis have highlighted the specific modulation of the default mode, executive control, and salience networks, which play key roles in emotional processing and adaptive coping strategies. The chapter summarizes how hypnosis reshapes emotional experience and cognitive patterns by integrating clinical perspectives with neuroimaging data. It also discusses future directions, emphasising how VRH could change therapeutic practices, improving accessibility and outcomes for diverse populations.