Pierre Benoit - Poly Vagal Theory and Hypnosis
Understanding Polyvagal Theory: Its Relevance to Hypnosis
In the realm of psychology and neuroscience, there exists a fascinating theory that sheds light on the intricate connections between our nervous system, emotions, and behavior. Polyvagal Theory.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory delves into the intricate workings of our autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates many of our bodily functions without conscious effort. The ANS is traditionally understood to consist of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often associated with relaxation and restoration. However, Polyvagal Theory introduces a nuanced understanding by proposing the existence of a third branch – the social engagement system.
According to Polyvagal Theory, this social engagement system, mediated by the ventral vagal complex, evolved to facilitate social interactions, communication, and feelings of safety. When activated, it enables us to engage with others in a calm and connected manner.
Relevance to Hypnosis:
So, how does Polyvagal Theory relate to hypnosis? To understand this connection, it's essential to consider the role of the autonomic nervous system in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often induced through relaxation techniques and guided imagery. This state shares similarities with the parasympathetic dominance associated with the social engagement system.
In hypnosis, individuals often experience a profound sense of relaxation and receptivity, akin to the state of safety and connection facilitated by the ventral vagal complex. This suggests that effective hypnosis can activate the social engagement system, thereby promoting feelings of trust and receptivity to suggestions.
Polyvagal Theory not only enhances our understanding of hypnosis but also has broader implications for psychotherapy and mental health treatment. By recognizing the importance of creating a sense of safety and connection in therapeutic settings, clinicians can better support clients in regulating their nervous systems and accessing states conducive to healing and growth.
Moreover, integrating techniques informed by Polyvagal Theory – such as breathwork, mindfulness, and interventions aimed at strengthening the social engagement system – can complement traditional therapeutic approaches, leading to more holistic and effective treatment outcomes.
In summary, Polyvagal Theory offers a compelling framework for understanding the intricate interplay between our autonomic nervous system and various psychological phenomena, including hypnosis. By elucidating the role of the social engagement system in promoting states of relaxation and receptivity, this theory deepens our appreciation of the mechanisms underlying hypnosis and informs more effective therapeutic practices. As our understanding of Polyvagal Theory continues to evolve, so too will its applications in enhancing well-being and facilitating personal transformation.
Pierre will be doing a FULL demonstration at the conference for you to learn more!
All attendees receive Pierres PDF to take home and keep!
What’s included in registration?
For IN PERSON
- 2 FULL Days of Learning and Growing - Get to know & network with speakers/professionals in the industry
- A loot bag that includes ALL Speaker printouts and information for you to enjoy
- FOOD! SO MUCH FOOD! All day tea/coffee/water, + morning tea, afternoon tea and buffet lunch each day
- Replays to enjoy the content again till Nov 1st, 2025
- Print outs off all speaker giveaways and itinerary
- Free 12 month listing on findahypnotherapist.directory
- 10 Points granted by The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists and Clinical Hypnosis Australia (Certificate Supplied on Request)
- The speakers secret (the info will be inside your loot bag .... shhhhhh! it's a secret :)
- Take photos at the photo booth and browse the exhibits for training, equipment and bonus’s
Pierre Benoit, s.c.c., RCCH, is a trained Specialized Educator, Child & Family Counsellor, and Registered Counselling Clinical Hypnotherapist.
For over 25 years, he has worked providing counselling services and care to children and adults in a variety of settings such as youth centres, hospitals, Secure Treatment Program for youth and street work for agencies in Montreal and Calgary.
In 1996, he opened the Institut International de Formation et de Ressourcement Inc. which provides training in verbal and physical intervention techniques to handle aggressive and violent people. He has created the following training programs: Safe Physical Intervention Program and CommunicAction.
While studying Neuro Linguistic Programming, he touched on hypnosis and right away he knew that it was the way to go in providing therapy services for his clients. Pierre was certified in hypnotherapy and in September 2004, he opened the Clinique d'hypnothérapie et de relation d'aide.
He is the author of PTSD and Hypnosis: A Bulletproof Vest For The Mind. When Covid-19 hit, Pierre moved his practice completely online. He now sees clients from all over the world.
Pierre has been a practising clinical hypnotherapist for more than 20 years, working from his own clinic in Montreal, during which time he has helped hundreds of people suffering from PTSD symptoms, employing many of the methods outlined in this book. He also provides clinical supervision to a network of ARCH-certified registered clinical hypnotherapists Canada-wide, all qualified to practise worldwide, and trains new clinical hypnotherapists himself, both in general techniques and the PTSD protocol technique which he devised himself.
He speaks frequently at major international conferences and is a resident presenter at the annual Canadian Hypnosis Conference.
Pierre is passionate about the benefits of clinical hypnosis for those suffering from PTSD and anxiety symptoms. He has seen the immediate benefits it can bring, and the possibilities it offers to resolve long-term issues, which may be an underlying cause for PTSD. He is a leading expert in his field and devotes a large part of his practice to helping people with PTSD, alongside his general medical hypnotherapy and hypnoanalysis work. He works in both English and French.
