Abstract
The last decades have seen a societal and scientific interest in meditation, hypnosis, trance, psychedelics, as well as near-death experiences. These may be collectively referred to as non-ordinary states of consciousness (NSCs). NSCs are characterised by shifts in experiential contents (i.e., what appears to the experiencer) and/or structure (i.e., how it appears to the experiencer). This in turn can allow the experiencer to gain awareness of content and/or structure of experience as a cognitive process. NSCs thus present a unique approach to investigating the plastic and dynamic nature of experience from a multiscale perspective, which includes mind, brain, body and context. No contemporary unifying framework has however been provided yet for the study of these NSCs.
In this symposium, we propose a neurophenomenological approach (combining first- and third- person methods) to the study of NSCs allowing for further gains in using the NSCs as catalysts of change and transformation in clinical practice, and helping to refine our understanding of the relationships between experiential (subjective) and neural dynamics. The framework will focus specifically on five NSCs: meditation, hypnosis, trance, psychedelics and near-death experiences. These states have mostly been studied separately until now, leading to divergent research practices, but we believe it is time to bring these different subfields closer together to improve and unify research practices. We will also outline key ethical implications of our approach to the standard conceptions of health and pathology, as well as the crucial role of experience-based know-how in NSCs-related scientific research and clinical applications.
Rationale on symposium's general scientific interest
This symposium will provide a fresh perspective on consciousness, encouraging an inclusive framework that values experiential insights alongside neuroscientific findings. This harmonisation of diverse research practices and perspectives is crucial for the development of a comprehensive understanding of consciousness and its transformative potential in therapeutic contexts. NSCs have garnered considerable attention across a range of disciplines commonly represented at ASSC conferences, from neuroscience and psychology to philosophy and clinical practice, due to their potential to uncover fundamental insights into the workings of the mind and brain. One of the key strengths of our symposium is the presentation of a robust theoretical framework, backed up by empirical validation and rigorous testing, which ensures meaningful advancement. Overall, this initiative fosters a multidisciplinary dialogue that could transform how we approach the mind, making it of significant interest to the scientific community.
Rationale on complementarity of talks
The symposium offers a structured and complementary exploration of NSCs through a neurophenomenological approach, with each speaker contributing unique insights.
Dr. Timmermann will introduce neurophenomenology, illustrating how psychedelic experiences provide a controlled way to study consciousness shifts. This sets the foundation for understanding NSCs from a brain dynamics perspective.
Next, Dr. Bauer will present recent scientific work on meditation and hypnosis, highlighting how self-regulated, non-pharmacological states offer a contrasting yet complementary view. Dr. Bauer will also discuss clinical aspects of these NSCs, demonstrating how these practices can support mental health and well-being.
Dr. Gosseries will expand this framework by further discussing hypnosis and trance, which blend elements of voluntary and suggestible consciousness modifications. Her talk will also provide insights into clinically induced NSCs, emphasizing their therapeutic potential.
Finally, Dr. Martial will explore how these NSCs can model near-death experiences, using laboratory simulations to shed light on otherwise inaccessible phenomena. This unique synthesis will show how NSCs can mirror more extreme shifts in consciousness.
Together, these talks present a cohesive narrative, demonstrating neurophenomenology’s versatility across NSCs, from pharmacologically induced to self-induced and clinically guided states, while addressing clinical and ethical implications.
Rationale on timeliness/importance
The symposium is both timely and important because it addresses the increasing societal and scientific interest in understanding NSCs, which are gaining recognition in fields of psychology, neuroscience, and clinical therapy. With recent advances in brain imaging and neuroscience, there is a growing capacity to explore how experiences such as meditation, hypnosis, and psychedelics affect brain function and consciousness. This makes it a crucial moment to unify research efforts across diverse fields that have historically operated in isolation.
The integration of first- and third-person methods to study these states is especially relevant now, as it offers a novel approach for bridging subjective experience and objective brain dynamics. This multidisciplinary perspective is poised to push the boundaries of current therapeutic practices, providing innovative treatments for mental health conditions. Furthermore, ethical concerns surrounding NSCs, such as the clinical use of psychedelics, are gaining attention, making it vital to discuss these issues and their implications for health and pathology.
By unifying separate research domains and addressing pressing ethical questions, the symposium is well-positioned to contribute to a deeper, more integrative understanding of consciousness at a pivotal time in the evolution of cognitive science and clinical practices. Last but not least, NSCs, particularly those observed and applied in clinical settings, have been largely underrepresented in previous ASSC conferences, making this symposium a novel and valuable addition.
Rationale on panel inclusivity
This symposium reflects a strong commitment to diversity across multiple dimensions. It features four speakers, including one male and three female presenters. The speakers come from diverse national origins and cultural backgrounds, offering perspectives shaped by their unique experiences. They bring multilingual capabilities, which enhances the symposium's inclusivity and accessibility for a broader audience.
The panel members are at the early to mid stages of their scientific and clinical careers, providing fresh insights and fostering the growth of emerging voices in the field. This aligns with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers and clinicians, while also promoting diverse career stages in academic discourse.
The symposium also values diversity in scientific and clinical backgrounds, with speakers specializing in various disciplines relevant to NSCs. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the discussion by incorporating a range of methodologies and perspectives.
Furthermore, attention has been given to inclusivity regarding disability, ensuring that the symposium environment is accessible to all participants. For example, with the organisers, we will arrange for wheelchair-accessible seating. We will use visual aids to support participants with hearing impairments, and presentation materials will be available in accessible digital formats, supporting those with visual impairments. We will also ensure that all slides use color schemes that are easily distinguishable, with alternative textures and labels, to accommodate individuals with color blindness.
By honoring diversity in gender, career stage, scientific background, cultural experiences, and accessibility, the symposium aims to create a platform that genuinely represents the multifaceted nature of the scientific community.
