The healing fundamentals of hypnotherapy

What are the fundamental aspects of hypnotherapy? The very idea that we, as therapists, can change the trajectory of someone's life and heal long-held traumas with only words is a fascinating concept. 

Even though we could consider ourselves healers, in truth, we merely facilitate healing. We cannot hypnotise an unwilling subject, or cease someone's smoking habit if they are not truly ready to stop smoking. The client is the one in control. We guide them through healing and impart our own knowledge, suggestions, and wisdom that they choose to take on board. 

To answer the first fundamental aspect of hypnotherapy: the hypnotic state of mind unlocks our innate healing capacity. This state mirrors the deep, effortless learning we experience in early childhood when our minds are highly receptive, absorbing language and behaviours without conscious effort. In hypnosis, we temporarily return to this state of openness.

Problems like anxiety, depression, phobias and addictions are subconsciously driven, stemming from unprocessed traumas. The hypnotic state allows us to reprocess experiences and shed emotional burdens that may have been carried for years. As the mind releases unnecessary tension, the body follows, bringing harmony to both mind and body.

The word “heal” derives from the ancient meaning of “whole”. To heal is to become more whole. In hypnosis, clarity, a deep sense of understanding, and connection to our younger selves are the pervading experiences of hypnosis in a hypnotherapeutic setting. 

Another fundamental is rapport. Research repeatedly shows rapport to be one of the strongest markers of successful therapy, arguably outweighing the type of therapy itself. Trust and mutual understanding create a safe space for the client to open up and take note of what the therapist says to them. They engage fully with the therapeutic process. A therapist you like and respect are the foundations of successful treatment. 

The third is understanding the clients themselves - what makes them tick? This feeds into rapport as the client feels valued and appreciated when we seek to understand them and mould therapy to their unique nature. When the client is explaining the problems that brought them to you, as the therapist, you are painting a picture of their life story, their strengths, their language, their challenges, their relationships, daily life, etc.

You feedback to them, already bringing awareness and understanding to their problems before you even engage in hypnosis. You understand what motivates them, and crucially, what they want from today's session – how they want to be. Every hypnotherapy session is unique and tailored specifically to what works for the client. 

The final is ourselves, we are forever evolving as therapists. The older we get and the more we experience life, the wiser and the more understanding of health and wellbeing we become. The therapy we provide is an extension of ourselves - our skill sets, wisdom, research, and our good nature. The client senses that you are an inherently kind person who gains joy from helping them.

How healthy are we ourselves as people? Do we look after our physical health? Does our energy flow freely? Do we have a strong community around us? Or are our desires to help others a reflection of our own traumas? The more whole we become, the more time and energy we spend on our own lives and well-being, the better people we become – the better therapists we become.