Tag Archives: hypnosis

Conversational Hypnosis, what is it:

Conversational Hypnosis — also called covert hypnosis or indirect hypnosis — is a communication technique used to influence someone’s subconscious mind through ordinary conversation, without them necessarily being aware that hypnosis is occurring.

Core Concept:

Conversational hypnosis uses language patterns, suggestion, and rapport-building to gently bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind and access the unconscious — where deeper change can happen (e.g., altering beliefs, attitudes, behaviors).

Key Techniques in Conversational Hypnosis:

Rapport Building
 Establishing trust, empathy, and psychological alignment with the listener. Without rapport, the subconscious is less receptive.

Pacing and Leading
 Start by stating observable truths (pacing), which builds agreement, then subtly guide the person toward a suggestion or desired thought (leading).

  • Example: “You’re sitting here reading this, maybe curious about how your mind works… and as you continue, you might begin to notice…”

Hypnotic Language Patterns (Ericksonian)
 Inspired by Milton Erickson, these include:

  • Embedded commands: “You might begin to feel more confident.”
  • Double binds: “Would you prefer to relax now or in a few minutes?”
  • Tag questions: “That makes sense, doesn’t it?”
  • Implied causality: “As you sit here, you’ll naturally start to feel more at ease.”

Metaphors and Stories
 Personal or symbolic stories bypass resistance and embed suggestions indirectly.

  • E.g., “I once knew someone who used to doubt themselves, but something shifted when they realized…”

Open Loops and Curiosity
 Creating unresolved ideas or stories keeps the subconscious engaged and primed to accept suggestions.

  • “There’s something I want to tell you that could really change how you think about confidence…”

Applications of Conversational Hypnosis:

  • Therapy and coaching (e.g., building motivation, reducing anxiety)
  • Sales and negotiation (ethical influence)
  • Public speaking (engaging an audience deeply)
  • Personal development and habit change

Ethical Considerations:

Conversational hypnosis can be powerful and should be used with integrity. Misuse for manipulation or coercion can be harmful. When applied ethically, it’s a tool for positive influence, healing, and growth.

Here’s a simple example of a conversation using conversational hypnosis techniques, particularly drawn from Milton Erickson’s indirect approach. Imagine this is a therapist or coach helping someone feel more confident:

Scene: A client feels nervous about public speaking.

Coach:
 “You know, a lot of people feel a little uncertain before they speak. And it’s perfectly natural, isn’t it? After all, when you care about something, it means you want to do it well… and just the fact that you care means something’s already working inside.”

(Rapport + pacing experience)

Client:
 “Yeah, I guess so. I just get tense before I speak.”

Coach:
 “And that tension… that’s just energy, really. A kind of energy that, once it shifts, can actually become focus. Have you noticed how sometimes when you’re doing something important, you almost forget the nervousness… and something else takes over?”

(Reframe + implied causality + open loop)

Client:
 “Sometimes, yeah… when I’m in the zone.”

Coach:
 “Exactly. And as you think about times you’ve been ‘in the zone,’ you might find it interesting… that the mind can remember that state and even return to it more easily than expected. Some people are surprised how quickly they can shift, once they allow that process to begin.”

(Embedded suggestion + indirect priming of internal resources)

Client:
 “Huh, I never thought about it that way.”

Coach:
 “Most people don’t, until they realize… that calm and confidence are already part of who they are. Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment to come back.”

What’s Happening Under the Surface:

  • No direct command like “Relax!” or “Be confident!”
  • Subtle suggestions are embedded within casual conversation.
  • The client’s subconscious is gently guided to associate past success with present potential.
  • The coach uses open language, reframing, and metaphors of natural learning and transformation.

Shervan K Shahhian

Working with Hypnotic Resistance:

Working with Hypnotic Resistance:

Hypnotic resistance is when a client consciously or unconsciously resists going into trance or accepting hypnotic suggestions. It doesn’t always mean hostility — it’s often a protective mechanism.

Here are ways practitioners typically work with hypnotic resistance:

1. Reframe Resistance as Cooperation

  • Instead of fighting resistance, treat it as the client’s way of protecting themselves.
  • Example: “That part of you that resists is doing its best to keep you safe. Let’s thank it and invite it to help in the process.”

2. Use Indirect & Permissive Language

  • Direct commands (“You will relax now”) may trigger pushback.
  • Indirect suggestions work better: “You may notice how your body begins to find its own comfortable rhythm.”
  • Milton Erickson often used permissive language, metaphors, and double binds to bypass resistance.

3. Build Rapport and Trust

  • Many times, resistance comes from fear, distrust, or a lack of clarity about hypnosis.
  • Spend time explaining what hypnosis is (and isn’t). Clarify misconceptions like loss of control.
  • Establishing safety reduces resistance.

4. Utilize the Resistance

  • Rather than fighting it, you can “go with it.”
  • Example: If the client says, “I can’t be hypnotized,” respond: “That’s right, and you don’t need to be hypnotized — you just need to notice what your mind is already doing.”

5. Use Paradoxical Suggestions

  • Paradoxical interventions turn resistance into cooperation.
  • Example: “I don’t want you to relax too quickly… because sometimes people relax too fast and miss out on the experience.”
  • The unconscious mind often responds by doing the opposite.

6. Ego-strengthening & Gradual Approach

  • Resistance can signal fear of losing control.
  • Start with light relaxation, guided imagery, or simple focus tasks before deeper trance.
  • Strengthen the client’s sense of autonomy: “You’ll always remain in charge.”

7. Identify Underlying Causes

  • Sometimes resistance comes from:
  • Trauma (needing safety before letting go)
  • Fear of change
  • Fear of manipulation or control
  • Hidden secondary gains (the problem provides some unconscious benefit)
  • Exploring these in therapy helps reduce resistance.

 In short: Resistance is information, not obstruction. It shows where the client needs reassurance, permission, or a different approach.

Shervan K Shahhian

Most famous Hypnosis techniques of Milton H. Erickson’s:

Most famous Hypnosis techniques:

Milton H. Erickson’s most famous hypnosis techniques were very different from the old stage-style hypnosis — they were subtle, conversational, and often disguised inside everyday interactions.


 Here are his hallmark methods:

1. Indirect Suggestions

Instead of commanding, Erickson made suggestions in a casual, permissive way.

  • Example: Instead of saying “Close your eyes,” he might say, “You may notice that your eyes are getting heavier… and you might feel comfortable letting them close whenever you wish.”
  • Why it works: It bypasses resistance because the client feels they have choice.

2. Embedded Commands

Placing a subtle directive inside a larger sentence or story.

  • Example: While telling a story, he might say, “…and as you sit there, you might begin to feel more relaxed…”
  • Why it works: The unconscious picks up on the command hidden inside natural speech.

3. Metaphors and Storytelling

Erickson told elaborate stories or anecdotes that paralleled the client’s problem and hinted at solutions.

  • Example: To help someone gain confidence, he might tell a story about a stubborn plant that learned to grow toward the light despite obstacles.
  • Why it works: Stories bypass conscious resistance and deliver change ideas indirectly.

4. Utilization

He used whatever the client brought to the session — their mood, environment, body language — as part of the trance process.

  • Example: If a client was fidgeting, he might say, “You can let those little movements remind you that change is already happening inside…”
  • Why it works: Instead of fighting distractions, he incorporated them, making every experience part of the hypnosis.

5. Confusion Technique

Using paradox, vague language, or unexpected shifts to overwhelm conscious thought, allowing the unconscious to take over.

  • Example: “You can think about not thinking, and notice how that thought changes while you’re not thinking it…”
  • Why it works: The conscious mind gets tied in knots, opening the door for suggestions.

6. Pacing and Leading

First match the client’s current experience (pacing), then gradually guide them to a new state (leading).

  • Example: “You’re sitting here, hearing my voice, feeling the chair… and you might also begin to notice a sense of calm spreading…”
  • Why it works: Builds rapport and creates a smooth bridge from the familiar to the desired change.

7. Double Binds

Offering two choices, both leading to the desired outcome.

  • Example: “Would you prefer to go into trance with your eyes open for a moment, or closed right away?”
  • Why it works: Gives the illusion of choice while moving toward the therapeutic goal.

Erickson often blended several of these techniques seamlessly — for example, telling a metaphorical story (metaphor) in a relaxed conversation (indirect suggestion), pacing the client’s mood, and embedding commands along the way.

Shervan K Shahhian

Covert Hypnosis, what is it:

Covert Hypnosis:

Covert hypnosis (also known as conversational hypnosis or undetectable hypnosis) is a form of indirect, subtle communication designed to influence someone’s subconscious mind without their conscious awareness. It’s used to guide thoughts, feelings, or behavior in a specific direction — often in therapy, sales, persuasion, or negotiation contexts.

Key Concepts of Covert Hypnosis:

Trance without formal induction:
The subject enters a light trance state naturally — through everyday conversation — without being told they are being hypnotized.

Pacing and leading:
The hypnotist paces the subject’s experience (by describing what’s happening or what they believe), then leads them to new thoughts or feelings.

Example:
“You’re sitting here reading this, and you may begin to wonder how easily your mind can absorb new ideas…”

Embedded commands:
Commands are hidden within longer sentences to bypass conscious resistance.

Example:
“Some people find it easy to relax deeply when they just listen to their breathing…”

Metaphor and storytelling:
Stories or metaphors are used to bypass the critical mind and deliver suggestions indirectly.

Milton Model language (developed by Milton Erickson):
Uses vague, permissive, and artfully ambiguous language to allow the subject to fill in the blanks with their own experience.

Example:
“You can begin to feel differently, in your own way, at your own pace.”

Utilization:
Whatever the subject gives you — resistance, mood, confusion — is used as part of the hypnotic process.

Ethical Use

Covert hypnosis can be controversial. It’s ethically acceptable when used:

  • With informed consent (e.g., in therapy or coaching)
  • To help people overcome inner blocks or change unwanted behaviors

It becomes unethical when used manipulatively — especially for personal gain, deceit, or control.

Shervan K Shahhian

Deep Hypnosis:

Deep hypnosis refers to a heightened state of focused attention, relaxation, and suggestibility. It is often described as a profoundly altered state of consciousness, where the individual experiences a deep trance-like condition that allows access to subconscious thoughts, memories, and emotions. In this state, people can be highly responsive to suggestions, making it a powerful tool for therapeutic purposes, personal growth, or exploration of the mind.

Key Aspects of Deep Hypnosis:

  1. Trance State: The individual enters a deep state of relaxation where the conscious mind becomes less dominant, allowing the subconscious mind to be more accessible.
  2. Heightened Suggestibility: In this state, the person is more open to suggestions, which can be used for positive behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, overcoming fears, or reducing stress.
  3. Relaxation: The body and mind are deeply relaxed, often producing a sense of calmness and comfort.
  4. Access to the Subconscious: Deep hypnosis can help individuals uncover suppressed emotions, forgotten memories, or insights into personal issues.
  5. Guided Process: Usually facilitated by a trained hypnotist or hypnotherapist who leads the individual into and through the hypnotic state.

Uses of Deep Hypnosis:

  • Therapeutic Hypnosis: Used in hypnotherapy to treat phobias, anxiety, addictions, and trauma.
  • Pain Management: Helps manage chronic pain or reduce discomfort during medical procedures.
  • Personal Development: Enhances focus, self-confidence, and goal achievement.
  • Past-Life Regression: Some people explore deep hypnosis for spiritual or metaphysical purposes to “access” past-life memories (though this is controversial).

Common Misconceptions:

  • Not Mind Control: People in hypnosis maintain control over their actions and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.
  • Not Sleep: While deeply relaxed, individuals remain aware of their surroundings and can recall the session afterward.
  • Variable Depths: Not everyone experiences the same depth of hypnosis. Some may enter deep states easily, while others may remain in lighter trances.

Shervan K Shahhian

The Neuroscience behind Hypnotherapy:

The Neuroscience behind Hypnotherapy:

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses hypnosis to address psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues. Neuroscience has provided valuable insights into how hypnotherapy works by exploring the brain’s activity during hypnosis and the mechanisms underlying its effects.

 Here’s an overview:

Key Neuroscientific Findings on Hypnotherapy

Altered States of Consciousness
Hypnosis induces a unique state of consciousness, characterized by heightened focus, reduced peripheral awareness, and increased suggestibility. Neuroscientific studies show this state involves changes in brain activity, particularly in the default mode network (DMN) and task-positive network (TPN):

  • DMN (mind-wandering, self-referential thought): Reduced activity during hypnosis, which may help decrease overthinking or rumination.
  • TPN (focused attention): Enhanced activity, allowing for deeper concentration on suggestions or therapeutic goals.

Changes in Brainwave Activity
Hypnosis is associated with shifts in brainwave patterns:

  • Alpha waves (8–12 Hz): Indicate relaxation and light trance states.
  • Theta waves (4–8 Hz): Associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and the meditative aspects of hypnosis. These brainwave states create a conducive environment for accessing subconscious memories and facilitating behavioral change.

Modulation of the Prefrontal Cortex
Hypnosis alters activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is involved in executive functions like decision-making and working memory. This modulation can enhance focus on therapeutic suggestions while temporarily bypassing critical judgment or resistance.

Reduced Salience Network Activity
The salience network, which includes the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula, determines the relevance of stimuli. Under hypnosis, this network shows altered activity, making individuals less reactive to external distractions and more open to internal processes.

Neuroplasticity and Emotional Processing
Hypnotherapy can facilitate neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself. By focusing attention and promoting positive suggestions, hypnosis can help reframe negative thought patterns, reduce fear responses, and process traumatic memories. The amygdala (emotion regulation) and hippocampus (memory consolidation) play critical roles in these effects.

Mechanisms Behind Therapeutic Benefits

Pain Modulation
Hypnotherapy has been shown to reduce pain perception by decreasing activity in the somatosensory cortex and altering the brain’s response to pain signals. It may also enhance endorphin release, contributing to natural pain relief.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Hypnosis helps reduce hyperactivity in the amygdala, lowering stress and anxiety levels. Relaxation during hypnosis can also reduce cortisol production, promoting a sense of calm.

Improved Cognitive Control
The increased focus on internal experiences allows patients to address deep-seated issues, reframe harmful beliefs, and enhance self-control over habits like smoking or overeating.

Memory Retrieval and Processing
Hypnotherapy may improve access to repressed or distant memories by facilitating communication between the conscious and subconscious mind. However, it’s essential to note that memory retrieved under hypnosis is not always reliable and can be influenced by suggestibility.

Applications and Limitations

  • Applications: Pain management, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, addiction, IBS, and habit modification.
  • Limitations: Not everyone is equally hypnotizable, and it should not be used as a standalone treatment for severe conditions without other medical or psychological interventions.

Understanding the neuroscience behind hypnotherapy highlights its potential as a complementary tool for mental and physical health, grounded in measurable changes in brain activity and behavior.

Shervan K Shahhian

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Altered Consciousness:

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Altered Consciousness:

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness or “altered consciousness.” This state, often referred to as a hypnotic trance, is characterized by increased receptivity to suggestions, changes in perception, and enhanced focus on specific thoughts or feelings.

Key Features of Clinical Hypnotherapy:

Induction of Altered Consciousness:

  • During a session, a hypnotherapist guides the client into a trance-like state where their conscious mind becomes more relaxed, and their subconscious becomes more accessible.
  • Techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing.

Role of the Subconscious Mind:

  • Hypnosis aims to bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind to access the subconscious, where ingrained beliefs, habits, and memories reside.
  • This allows for addressing issues that may not be fully accessible through conscious reasoning alone.

Applications:

  • Psychological Issues: Anxiety, depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Behavioral Changes: Smoking cessation, weight loss, and managing habits like nail-biting.
  • Medical Uses: Pain management, stress-related disorders, and preparation for medical procedures.

Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs):

  • The hypnotic state is a type of ASC where brain activity shifts, often involving changes in alpha and theta brainwave patterns.
  • Clients may experience heightened focus, reduced awareness of external distractions, and a feeling of detachment from immediate surroundings.

Mechanisms of Change:

  • Suggestion: The hypnotherapist uses positive and constructive suggestions to help modify thought patterns or behaviors.
  • Imagery and Visualization: Clients may visualize scenarios to reinforce desired changes or confront fears in a controlled environment.
  • Regression Therapy: Accessing past memories to resolve unresolved emotional issues.

Benefits and Misconceptions:

  • Benefits:
  • Non-invasive and often complementary to other treatments.
  • Provides tools for self-regulation, such as self-hypnosis, that clients can use independently.
  • Can be effective in a relatively short time frame compared to some other therapeutic methods.
  • Misconceptions:
  • Hypnosis is not mind control; individuals retain agency and cannot be made to act against their will.
  • Not everyone is equally susceptible to hypnosis, though most people can achieve some level of trance with practice.

Scientific Basis:

Research supports the efficacy of hypnotherapy for various conditions, particularly for pain management and anxiety. Functional MRI studies show changes in brain activity during hypnosis, particularly in regions associated with attention, control, and sensory perception.

Let’s dive deeper into specific aspects of clinical hypnotherapy and altered consciousness. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Techniques Used in Clinical Hypnotherapy

The methods hypnotherapists use to induce and guide altered consciousness include:

Induction Techniques:

  • Progressive Relaxation: Gradually relaxing each part of the body to enter a trance.
  • Fixed-Gaze Induction: Focusing on a single object or point to encourage a shift in mental state.
  • Rapid Inductions: Quick techniques using verbal cues or sudden sensory changes (e.g., clapping or snapping fingers) to bypass conscious resistance.

Deepening Techniques:

Once the trance begins, further deepening is often used to stabilize it:

  • Counting down numbers.
  • Guided imagery, such as imagining descending stairs or sinking into a chair.
  • Sensory immersion, like imagining warm sunlight or the sound of waves.

Therapeutic Techniques:

  • Direct Suggestion: Implanting specific, straightforward ideas (e.g., “You feel confident and calm in social settings”).
  • Visualization: Using mental imagery to practice desired outcomes or reframe experiences.
  • Regression Therapy: Revisiting past events to resolve emotional conflicts or understand triggers.
  • Parts Therapy: Engaging with “parts” of the self to explore internal conflicts and align goals.

2. Brain Activity During Hypnosis

The altered state of consciousness achieved during hypnosis involves measurable changes in brain function:

  • Alpha Waves: Associated with relaxation and a meditative state.
  • Theta Waves: Linked to deep relaxation, creativity, and access to the subconscious.
  • Neuroplasticity: Hypnosis may enhance the brain’s ability to rewire itself, making it particularly effective for habit change and emotional processing.

Studies using fMRI and EEG have shown:

  • Decreased activity in the default mode network (DMN), which governs self-referential thinking, allowing the mind to focus on suggestions.
  • Increased connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (attention control) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (goal-directed behavior).

3. Conditions Treated by Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has shown promise in addressing several psychological, behavioral, and physical conditions:

Psychological Conditions:

  • Anxiety and Stress: Relaxation techniques in hypnosis reduce cortisol levels and help reframe anxious thoughts.
  • Trauma and PTSD: Regression therapy can safely address unresolved memories and emotions.
  • Phobias: Gradual desensitization to triggers through visualization and relaxation.

Behavioral Issues:

  • Addictions: Effective for breaking habits like smoking or overeating by addressing subconscious triggers.
  • Insomnia: Helps individuals establish routines and reframe beliefs around sleep.

Physical Health:

  • Pain Management: Commonly used for chronic pain conditions, childbirth (hypnobirthing), and cancer-related pain.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Recognized by organizations like the American Gastroenterological Association for its effectiveness.
  • Surgical Recovery: Reduces preoperative anxiety and postoperative discomfort.

4. Myths vs. Reality

Let’s debunk common myths about hypnosis:

MythReality”You lose control under hypnosis.”You remain aware and in control; you won’t do anything against your values or will.”Only weak-minded people are hypnotizable.”Susceptibility depends on focus and willingness, not intelligence or strength of mind.”Hypnosis is like sleep.”While relaxing, hypnosis involves an awake state with heightened focus and suggestibility.”A hypnotist can control your mind.”Hypnosis works collaboratively; suggestions must align with the individual’s goals.

5. Evidence Supporting Clinical Hypnotherapy

Here’s a snapshot of the scientific evidence:

  • Pain Relief:
  • Significant reductions in chronic pain intensity through hypnosis.
  • Studies show that hypnosis can be as effective as opioids for certain types of pain.
  • Anxiety and Stress:
  • Hypnotherapy combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces anxiety more effectively than CBT alone.
  • Research in Frontiers in Psychology highlights hypnosis as a tool for reducing exam and performance anxiety.
  • Medical Applications:
  • Hypnosis for surgery patients might help speed up recovery.

6. Advanced Concepts: Hypnotherapy and Neuroplasticity

Hypnosis leverages neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections:

  • By creating mental imagery or reframing beliefs, hypnosis strengthens new, healthier neural pathways.
  • This rewiring underpins long-term changes in habits and emotional responses.

Shervan K Shahhian

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis to help individuals address various psychological and behavioral issues. It involves inducing a relaxed state of focused attention, often referred to as a trance, during which the therapist can make suggestions to the subconscious mind to promote healing and change. This technique is commonly used to manage conditions like anxiety, stress, chronic pain, fears, smoking cessation, and weight loss.

Mental suggestions in the context of clinical hypnotherapy refer to the verbal cues or instructions given by the therapist to the client while they are in the hypnotic state. These suggestions are designed to guide the individual’s thoughts, behaviors, or perceptions in a positive direction. The underlying idea is that the subconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions during hypnosis, allowing for deep-seated changes that might be difficult to achieve through conscious efforts alone.

How Mental Suggestions Work:

  • Relaxation and focus: During hypnosis, the person enters a deep state of relaxation, reducing the influence of distractions. This creates an optimal environment for the mind to accept therapeutic suggestions.
  • Positive reinforcement: Suggestions are often framed positively to encourage self-empowerment, such as “You are confident and calm in social situations.”
  • Rewiring thought patterns: Suggestions can be used to reframe negative beliefs or behaviors, replacing them with more positive and adaptive responses.
  • Access to subconscious resources: In a relaxed, focused state, individuals may tap into subconscious resources and memories, leading to insights or new perspectives.

Applications of Hypnotherapy with Mental Suggestions:

  1. Stress and Anxiety Management: Hypnotherapy can help people manage stress by teaching relaxation techniques and providing positive suggestions to foster a sense of calm and control.
  2. Behavior Modification: Suggestions can be used to change habits, such as quitting smoking, managing overeating, or reducing procrastination.
  3. Emotional Healing: Mental suggestions can help resolve emotional issues by reframing negative memories or fostering self-compassion and emotional resilience.
  4. Performance Enhancement: Athletes or individuals aiming to improve their performance can use mental suggestions to increase confidence, focus, and mental clarity.

Here are some specific techniques and examples of mental suggestions used in clinical hypnotherapy to help clients achieve positive change:

1. Progressive Relaxation Induction

This is often used to help clients enter a hypnotic state. The therapist guides the client through a process of relaxing each muscle group from head to toe. Once the client is deeply relaxed, the therapist can begin introducing therapeutic suggestions.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • “With each breath you take, you feel more deeply relaxed and at peace.”
  • “As your body relaxes, your mind becomes calm and clear, open to positive changes.”

2. Direct Suggestions

Direct suggestions are straightforward and clear commands or positive affirmations designed to influence the subconscious mind. These suggestions are typically given once the person is in a trance-like state, allowing them to be more receptive.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • For stress reduction: “You are becoming more relaxed with every breath you take, and all stress melts away.”
  • For smoking cessation: “You find that the idea of smoking no longer appeals to you, and each day, it becomes easier to live without cigarettes.”

3. Post-hypnotic Suggestions

These are suggestions given during hypnosis that will take effect after the session ends. Post-hypnotic suggestions help create lasting change by influencing the client’s thoughts, behaviors, or emotional responses in their daily life.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • For confidence building: “Every time you enter a social situation, you will automatically feel confident and at ease, and you will express yourself clearly.”
  • For stress management: “Whenever you feel tension or stress building, you will take a deep breath and feel a sense of calm wash over you.”

4. Ego Strengthening

This technique involves reinforcing the person’s sense of self-worth and inner strength. It helps clients tap into their own resources and can build resilience in the face of challenges.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • “You are strong, capable, and confident. You have all the inner strength you need to handle any situation that comes your way.”
  • “You trust in your abilities, and you are worthy of all the success and happiness you desire.”

5. Age Regression and Reframing

In this technique, the therapist might guide the person back to earlier life experiences or memories that could be causing current issues. Once there, the therapist can offer reframing suggestions to help the individual view the experience in a more positive or empowering way.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • For past trauma: “You are safe now, and the experiences from the past no longer have control over you. You can heal from this and move forward with strength.”
  • For self-esteem issues: “You are capable of learning and growing from your past experiences. You have the power to rewrite your story and feel worthy of success.”

6. Visualization

Visualization uses imagery to help the person envision a positive future or desired outcome. This technique is often used to reinforce the goal the client wants to achieve, such as overcoming a fear, losing weight, or performing well in a job interview.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • For fear of public speaking: “Imagine yourself standing in front of an audience, calm and confident. You speak clearly and engage with the audience with ease.”
  • For weight loss: “Picture yourself enjoying healthy food, feeling satisfied and energized. You are taking care of your body and making choices that support your health.”

7. Confusion Technique

In some cases, a therapist may use confusion to break the client’s typical thought patterns and make the subconscious mind more receptive to change. This is typically done with more advanced or experienced clients who are familiar with hypnosis.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • “You may not know exactly when or how it happened, but you find that you no longer feel the urge to engage in old habits. It simply becomes easier not to do them, without effort.”

8. Future Pacing

This technique involves helping the client imagine a future scenario in which they have successfully achieved their goal. This helps anchor the positive change and build motivation.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • For overcoming procrastination: “Picture yourself waking up in the morning feeling motivated and focused. You easily complete tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.”
  • For fear reduction: “Imagine yourself in the future, facing the situation that once scared you, and noticing how calm and confident you feel as you handle it effortlessly.”

9. Parts Therapy

In this technique, the therapist may work with the client’s subconscious mind to address internal conflicts between different parts of the self (e.g., the part that wants to change and the part that resists). This approach helps integrate these parts to work together for the individual’s well-being.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • “The part of you that seeks change is strong and determined. The part of you that feels hesitant is now ready to understand and support your goals, and together, you can create lasting transformation.”

10. Anchoring

This involves associating a specific physical action (like touching a finger or tapping the palm) with a positive state of mind or feeling. The anchor can then be used in real life to trigger the desired state whenever needed.

Example of Mental Suggestion:

  • “As you touch your fingers together, you immediately feel a wave of calmness and confidence rushing through you, ready to handle any challenge.”

Let’s walk through a hypnotherapy session that incorporates several of the techniques and mental suggestions we’ve discussed, to give you an idea of how these might be applied in practice. I’ll create an example where a client wants to manage stress and boost their confidence in social situations.

Example Hypnotherapy Session: Managing Stress and Building Confidence

Step 1: Induction (Progressive Relaxation)

The therapist will begin by guiding the client into a deeply relaxed state, using progressive muscle relaxation.

Therapist: “Take a deep breath in… and as you breathe out, allow your body to begin relaxing… Feel the tension in your muscles start to fade away. Now, focus on your feet… feel them relax… feel a wave of calmness spread up through your legs… Your calves, your thighs… relaxing more and more with each breath. Continue relaxing your body as I guide you through each area. Allow your body to become so relaxed, your mind feels calm and peaceful… You are in a safe place, where you can let go of stress and open yourself to positive changes.”

This continues until the client is in a deeply relaxed state, ready for the next stage.

Step 2: Deepening the Trance

The therapist will deepen the hypnotic state by encouraging the client to imagine they are going deeper into relaxation.

Therapist: “As you continue to relax, imagine yourself standing at the top of a staircase. With each step down, you feel more deeply relaxed and calm. I will count down from 10 to 1… and with each number, you will feel yourself sinking deeper into relaxation… 10… taking a step down… 9… deeper still… 8… calm and peaceful… all the way down to 1, feeling deeply relaxed now.”

Step 3: Direct Suggestions for Stress Reduction

Once the client is in a relaxed state, the therapist gives direct suggestions to help them release stress and feel calm.

Therapist: “Now, in this calm, relaxed state, every time you take a breath, you feel more and more at ease. You are letting go of all stress, all tension, and all worries. You are in control of your emotions, and you choose to feel calm, centered, and at peace. Any stress that you feel melts away with every breath. You are safe, and you feel completely relaxed and in control.”

Step 4: Confidence Building (Positive Suggestions)

Next, the therapist focuses on building the client’s confidence in social situations.

Therapist: “Imagine now that you are about to enter a social event, something you might have found stressful in the past. But now, you feel calm, confident, and at ease. As you walk into the room, you feel a sense of self-assurance. You smile naturally, knowing that you are comfortable and confident in social situations. You find it easy to engage with others, and they respond to you with warmth and respect. You feel empowered, confident, and completely at ease.”

Step 5: Post-hypnotic Suggestions

To reinforce the changes, the therapist introduces post-hypnotic suggestions that will take effect after the session ends.

Therapist: “Whenever you find yourself in a social situation in the future, you will immediately feel that sense of confidence and calmness return. You will walk into any room with your head held high, feeling at ease, comfortable, and in control. You will find it easy to speak, to connect, and to engage with others. This feeling of confidence and calmness is now a natural part of who you are.”

Step 6: Future Pacing

To solidify the changes and help the client envision their success, the therapist uses future pacing.

Therapist: “Now, imagine yourself in the future, a few weeks from now, at a social gathering. You walk in, feeling calm, confident, and empowered. You interact with others effortlessly, and you feel a deep sense of accomplishment. This is who you are now — a person who moves through social situations with ease and confidence. This future you is already within you, and it is just waiting to unfold.”

Step 7: Awakening from Trance

Finally, the therapist helps the client return to full awareness, bringing them back from the relaxed state.

Therapist: “As I count from 1 to 5, you will begin to bring yourself back to full awareness, feeling refreshed, confident, and alert… 1… becoming more aware… 2… feeling refreshed and energized… 3… slowly coming back… 4… your body is awake and alert… and 5… fully awake, feeling confident, calm, and empowered.”

Step 8: Reflection

Once the session ends, the therapist may ask the client how they are feeling.

Therapist: “How do you feel now? Do you feel more relaxed and confident than before?”

The client may describe feeling calmer, more at ease, and more confident in themselves, with a sense of relief from the stress that previously overwhelmed them.

Summary of Techniques and Mental Suggestions Used:

  1. Progressive Relaxation Induction to help the client relax deeply.
  2. Deepening the Trance through visualization (staircase).
  3. Direct Suggestions for stress reduction, guiding the client to release tension.
  4. Confidence Building suggestions to foster ease in social situations.
  5. Post-hypnotic Suggestions to ensure lasting changes in behavior and confidence.
  6. Future Pacing to envision future success and reinforce new behaviors.
  7. Awakening from the trance to bring the client back feeling empowered.

By the end of the session, the client has experienced a sense of deep relaxation and has received positive suggestions that will influence their behavior in social situations and help them manage stress. These suggestions will remain with them in the future, helping to reinforce the changes even after the session is complete.

Great! Let’s go through another example hypnotherapy session, but this time, we’ll focus on a different issue: overcoming a fear of public speaking. This is a common area where hypnotherapy can be incredibly helpful, as it works to reframe negative beliefs and behaviors, replacing them with more confident and positive responses.

Example Hypnotherapy Session: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Step 1: Induction (Progressive Relaxation)

Just like in the previous example, we start by helping the client relax using progressive relaxation.

Therapist: “Take a deep, slow breath in… and as you exhale, feel all the tension begin to leave your body… You are in a safe place, and as you continue to breathe deeply, your body becomes more and more relaxed… Focus now on your feet… feel them becoming warm and relaxed… moving up through your legs, your hips, your chest, your arms… all the way up to your head… Each breath makes you feel more at peace and more comfortable… You are in control, and you are completely relaxed.”

Step 2: Deepening the Trance

To deepen the relaxed state, we guide the client to imagine descending a staircase, going deeper into trance.

Therapist: “Now, imagine that you are standing at the top of a staircase. With each step you take, you are going deeper and deeper into relaxation. You feel calm and peaceful as I count from 10 down to 1… 10… stepping down, feeling more relaxed… 9… with each step, your body and mind become even more peaceful… 8… deeper still… 7… every muscle relaxed… 6… you feel safe and calm… 5… even deeper… 4… letting go of all tension… 3… your mind is quiet and calm… 2… so deeply relaxed… 1… fully relaxed, calm, and peaceful.”

Step 3: Addressing the Fear (Positive Suggestions)

Once the client is deeply relaxed, the therapist addresses the fear of public speaking with positive suggestions, reframing the experience.

Therapist: “Now, in this deeply relaxed state, I want you to imagine yourself standing in front of a group of people. This could be a small group, or it could be a large one. As you stand before them, you feel calm, confident, and self-assured. You realize that they are simply people, just like you, and they are there to listen to you, not to judge you. You feel at ease with them, and you speak clearly, with a calm and confident voice. You are comfortable in this situation. You trust in your ability to express your ideas with ease and confidence.”

Step 4: Reframing the Fear (Transforming Negative Beliefs)

At this point, the therapist can use reframing to address the negative beliefs the client has about public speaking, helping them see the situation in a new light.

Therapist: “In the past, you may have felt nervous or fearful about speaking in front of others. But now, you know that this fear is simply an old habit, a habit that no longer serves you. You are in control of your emotions, and you choose to feel calm and confident. Every time you speak in public, it becomes easier and more natural. You no longer fear the experience; instead, you look forward to it, knowing that you are fully capable.”

Step 5: Post-hypnotic Suggestions

To ensure that the changes last beyond the session, the therapist gives post-hypnotic suggestions.

Therapist: “From this moment on, whenever you find yourself in a situation where you need to speak in front of others, you will automatically feel calm, confident, and at ease. You will no longer experience anxiety or fear when standing before a group. Instead, you will feel confident, poised, and relaxed. Every time you speak, your confidence will grow, and you will feel more and more comfortable.”

Step 6: Future Pacing

Next, the therapist helps the client visualize themselves speaking in public in the future, reinforcing the success of the new behavior.

Therapist: “Now, imagine yourself in the future, standing confidently in front of an audience. You are calm, clear, and articulate. Your words flow easily, and you feel strong and empowered. You notice how the audience is engaged, and you feel a sense of accomplishment. This is your new reality — a confident speaker who is in control, calm, and poised. And every time you stand in front of a group, it becomes even easier.”

Step 7: Awakening from Trance

The therapist brings the client back to full awareness, reinforcing the positive changes they’ve experienced.

Therapist: “As I count from 1 to 5, you will slowly begin to come back to full awareness, bringing with you all the positive changes you have experienced today… 1… becoming more aware… 2… feeling refreshed and alert… 3… waking up feeling confident and empowered… 4… your body is awake and energized… and 5… fully awake, feeling confident and calm, ready to speak with ease.”

Step 8: Reflection

Once the session is complete, the therapist might ask the client how they are feeling.

Therapist: “How do you feel now? How do you feel about public speaking?”

The client may respond by saying they feel calmer, more confident, or less anxious about speaking in front of others. The positive suggestions are now embedded in their subconscious, and they are ready to put their new mindset into action.

Summary of Techniques and Mental Suggestions Used:

  1. Progressive Relaxation Induction to help the client relax deeply.
  2. Deepening the Trance using the staircase visualization.
  3. Positive Suggestions for feeling calm and confident in public speaking.
  4. Reframing Negative Beliefs by transforming the fear into self-assurance.
  5. Post-hypnotic Suggestions to ensure lasting change in public speaking situations.
  6. Future Pacing to visualize future success in public speaking.
  7. Awakening from the trance to return to full awareness with new confidence.

By the end of this session, the client will have reprogrammed their subconscious mind to feel more comfortable and confident when speaking in public. The therapeutic suggestions will continue to work even after the session, allowing the client to approach future public speaking engagements with ease and self-assurance.

Shervan K Shahhian

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis to help individuals address various psychological and behavioral issues. It involves inducing a relaxed state of focused attention, often referred to as a trance, during which the therapist can make suggestions to the subconscious mind to promote healing and change. This technique is commonly used to manage conditions like anxiety, stress, chronic pain, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight loss.

Mental suggestions in the context of clinical hypnotherapy refer to the verbal cues or instructions given by the therapist to the client while they are in the hypnotic state. These suggestions are designed to guide the individual’s thoughts, behaviors, or perceptions in a positive direction. The underlying idea is that the subconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions during hypnosis, allowing for deep-seated changes that might be difficult to achieve through conscious efforts alone.

How Mental Suggestions Work:

  • Relaxation and focus: During hypnosis, the person enters a deep state of relaxation, reducing the influence of distractions. This creates an optimal environment for the mind to accept therapeutic suggestions.
  • Positive reinforcement: Suggestions are often framed positively to encourage self-empowerment, such as “You are confident and calm in social situations.”
  • Rewiring thought patterns: Suggestions can be used to reframe negative beliefs or behaviors, replacing them with more positive and adaptive responses.
  • Access to subconscious resources: In a relaxed, focused state, individuals may tap into subconscious resources and memories, leading to insights or new perspectives.

Applications of Hypnotherapy with Mental Suggestions:

  1. Stress and Anxiety Management: Hypnotherapy can help people manage stress by teaching relaxation techniques and providing positive suggestions to foster a sense of calm and control.
  2. Behavior Modification: Suggestions can be used to change habits, such as quitting smoking, managing overeating, or reducing procrastination.
  3. Emotional Healing: Mental suggestions can help resolve emotional issues by reframing negative memories or fostering self-compassion and emotional resilience.
  4. Performance Enhancement: Athletes or individuals aiming to improve their performance can use mental suggestions to increase confidence, focus, and mental clarity.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to get ready for your first Hypnotherapy session:

How to get ready for your first Hypnotherapy session:

Preparing for your first hypnotherapy session can help you make the most out of the experience. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

Research and Choose a Qualified Hypnotherapist:

  • Look for a certified and experienced hypnotherapist. Check their credentials, reviews, and testimonials.
  • Consider a therapist who specializes in the area you want to work on, whether it’s stress, anxiety, phobias, or other issues.

Understand the Process:

  • Educate yourself about what hypnotherapy is and how it works. This can help alleviate any fears or misconceptions you might have.

Set Clear Goals:

  • Identify the specific issues or goals you want to address during the session. Having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.

Be Open and Willing:

  • Approach hypnotherapy with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be willing to participate in the process and trust your therapist.

If You Want, Provide Relevant Information:

  • If you feel comfortable, Share relevant information about yourself, your history, and the issues you’re facing. Possibly, The more your therapist knows, the better they can tailor the session to your needs. But share what you want. Sharing is up to the client.

Ask Questions:

  • Don’t hesitate to ask your hypnotherapist any questions you may have about the process, what to expect, or their approach. This can help you feel more comfortable and informed.

Dress Comfortably:

  • Wear comfortable clothing to the session. Being physically comfortable can contribute to a more relaxed state.

Avoid Stimulants:

  • Before your session, try to avoid stimulants like caffeine or nicotine, as they can interfere with relaxation.

Arrive Early:

  • Arriving a bit early can give you time to settle in and discuss any last-minute concerns with your therapist.

Create a Relaxing Environment:

  • Take some time before the session to relax and clear your mind. Listen to calming music, practice deep breathing, or engage in activities that help you unwind.

Clarify Practical Details:

  • Confirm details such as the duration of the session, the cost, and any follow-up instructions.

Be Patient

  • Understand that hypnotherapy may not produce instant results, and multiple sessions may be needed. Be patient with the process and trust your therapist.

Remember that hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, and your active participation and commitment to the process can contribute to its success. If you have any concerns or reservations, it’s important to communicate them with your hypnotherapist.

Shervan K Shahhian