Sip n Learn: Mind Over Medicine - The Science of Placebo

How much of what we experience is shaped by what we expect?

In this month’s Mind Circles Sip n Learn, we explore the fascinating science of suggestion, placebo effects, and the brain.

Suggestions influence our perception, our symptoms, and even how well treatments work. From placebos in medicine to hypnosis and emerging psychedelic therapies, expectations can play a powerful role in shaping human experience.

In this talk, experimental psychologist Dr Devin Terhune (King’s College London) explores how suggestion works, why some people are more suggestible than others, and how placebo effects influence a wide range of medical and psychological interventions.

Using research from cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry, Devin will explain how expectations interact with brain processes to shape awareness, perception, and wellbeing.

This evening is designed to be accessible, thought-provoking, and interactive. No prior neuroscience knowledge required.

Dr Devin B. Terhune, PhD
Reader in Experimental Psychology
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
King’s College London

Dr Terhune’s research combines cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, and psychiatry to understand different features of awareness. His work focuses particularly on dissociative states and how experience can be altered through verbal suggestion and pharmacological interventions.

He completed his PhD at Lund University in Sweden and has previously held research positions at the University of Oxford and Goldsmiths, University of London.

19:00 – 19:30 Arrival & Warm-Up Activity
Guest arrival and informal connection. A guided warm-up activity (optional)

19:30 – 20:15 Expert Talk

Dr Devin Terhurne (KCL) explores the science of suggestion, placebo effects, and perception.

20:15 – 20:30 Q&A
A chance to ask questions and deepen the conversation

20:30 – 21:00 Optional Networking
Continue the discussion

Location

Venue: Big Chill Kings Cross, 257-259 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL. For more information, please visit: https://www.bigchillbar.com/kings-cross

Age & ID

As the event is held in a bar venue, you may be asked to show valid ID to purchase alcoholic drinks. Please bring a form of identification if you look under 25.

Ticket Enquiries and Waitlist
Please do not contact the speaker or founder directly for tickets. Use the Eventbrite contact function or join the waitlist. We manage all allocations through these channels.

If events sell out, additional dates may be released. If you’re on the waitlist, keep an eye on your inbox (including spam/junk). You’ll have 6 hours to claim your ticket before it’s offered to the next person.

On-the-Day Tickets
No tickets will be available at the door.

Ticket Tiers
We offer a range of ticket options to keep events accessible. Please choose the tier that reflects your circumstances. Your contribution supports: Running these events and continuing our work sharing neuroscience in practical ways.

Livestream Access: A livestream option is available, and access details will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event. Please check your inbox, including spam or junk folders.

Photography and Recording
Photos and recordings may be taken for promotional and archival use.
If you’d prefer not to be included, email us in advance or speak to the team on the day.

Talk Recording
The talk will be recorded and shared privately with attendees within 4 weeks. For personal use only. Please check your spam or junk folder for the recording. If you haven’t received it within 4 weeks of the event, please get in touch.

Arrival Time
Please arrive by 19:15 and be seated before the talk begins to avoid disruption.

Stay in the Circle
You’ll be added to our mailing list after booking. You can opt out at any time by email.

Info: Guest arrival, informal connection, and an optional guided activity to introduce the evening’s theme.

Info: Dr Devin Terhune explores the science of suggestion, placebo effects, and how expectations influence perception and treatment outcomes.

Info: Audience questions and discussion with the speaker.

Info: Continue the conversation and connect with others interested in neuroscience and psychology.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Big Chill King's Cross, 257-259 Pentonville Road, London, United Kingdom

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