AS FEATURED ON
Unlocking Human Potential through the Intersection of Psychology and Magic
I’m Alice Pailhès, a psychological scientist and consultant with a deep passion for using scientific principles to improve human performance and behavior. I combine the rigor of psychology with the enchantment of magic to create impactful, engaging experiences that not only captivate audiences but also drive meaningful change for individuals and organizations alike.
With a background in psychological research, I specialize in translating complex concepts—such as decision-making, cognitive biases, and the psychology of perception—into practical tools for improving focus, creativity, communication, and overall well-being. As both a researcher and a performer, I bridge the gap between science and magic to unlock new ways of thinking and acting.
What I Offer
I offer tailored services that focus on both personal and organizational transformation:
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For Organizations & Teams:
I design customized workshops and training programs to help your teams overcome cognitive biases, enhance critical thinking, and make better decisions.
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For Conferences & Events:
I create interactive, thought-provoking presentations that bring scientific research to life with captivating magic demonstrations.
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For Creatives & Researchers:
I collaborate with magicians, artists, and researchers to enhance their work with psychological insights and magic techniques.
A Unique Approach to Transformative Experiences
By combining cutting-edge psychological research with the art of magic, I create experiences that leave a lasting impact. I help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential by addressing the cognitive biases and perceptual blind spots that influence behavior. My workshops and talks are designed to engage, educate, and inspire—driving real-world change and lasting results.
TED talk: What magic tricks can reveal about free will
Biography
I have pioneered the scientific research on magicians' mind control tricks, called forcing techniques. My studies focus on investigating magic tricks to study psychological principles such as illusory sense of agency and freedom over choice, decision-making processes, memory malleability, or placebo effects.
My research has been published in high-impact journals (e.g., PNAS, JEP: General or TiCS) and has gained visibility through diverse media and public talks (e.g., TED, The Financial Times, BBC and BBC the One Show, the Wellcome Collection...).
I have co-authored The Psychology of Magic with Dr. Gustav Kuhn, gathering scientific insights about magic to make it useful and accessible to the magic community.
I am also a committee member of SoMA - the Science of Magic Association - an interdisciplinary organization that promotes rigorous research directed toward understanding the nature, function and underlying mechanisms of magic.
I am a regular keynote speaker on the topic of the psychology of magic, decision-making, illusory freedom over choice and the quirks of our mind.