How hypnotherapy can heal wounds we can't see

Trauma is a word that carries heavy weight. It's a term often used to describe experiences that are profoundly disturbing or distressing, but it’s also something that many of us have difficulty fully understanding.

The aftermath of trauma is not always visible — there are no bandages or casts that can hold together the pieces of a shattered psyche. Instead, trauma can linger beneath the surface, woven into the fabric of your life in ways that you may not even recognise. For many, these hidden wounds manifest as anxiety, depression, or a sense of feeling "stuck," unable to move past certain events. But what if there was a way to begin unravelling these knots?

Understanding trauma: The invisible wounds

Trauma, in its many forms, can leave a lasting impact on the mind and body. It might stem from a single catastrophic event, such as an accident or loss. Or it might be the result of prolonged exposure to stress, as seen in cases of abuse or neglect. While the immediate effects of trauma are well known as shock, fear, and emotional distress, we talk less about the long-term consequences.

Over time, unaddressed trauma can lead to chronic symptoms like insomnia, panic attacks, flashbacks, and even physical pain. More insidiously, it can shape the way you perceive yourself and the world around you, leading to patterns of behaviour that reinforce feelings of helplessness or unworthiness. These invisible wounds can be incredibly difficult to heal, because they stay unprocessed in the unconscious part of your mind, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours without your human awareness.

The role of hypnotherapy in healing

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses intense concentration and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness. In this state, you can explore thoughts, memories, and emotions that your brain may have buried deeply to protect you. Or thoughts that you deliberately shove away to protect yourself. This makes hypnotherapy a powerful tool for addressing the roots of trauma in a safe space, with hypnosis, which helps you process the difficult experiences.

One of the key benefits of hypnotherapy is its ability to dim the critical, analytical part of your mind, allowing access to deeper layers of consciousness. In this state, most people are more open to suggestions and can begin to reframe or release the traumatic experiences that hold them back.

Unravelling the knots

Imagine your mind as a web, with each thread representing a different experience, memory, or belief. Trauma is like a knot in this web, something that distorts the pattern and creates tension in your life. Hypnotherapy doesn’t simply cut out the knot, leaving a hole behind. Instead, it allows you to gently unravel it, understanding where it came from and how you can release it.

During your hypnotherapy session, your therapist will guide you into hypnosis. Although hypnosis is not relaxation, this process is often described as deeply relaxing, like the feeling you might have just before falling asleep. Once in this state, your therapist will use various techniques to help you access and process your trauma. This might involve revisiting a traumatic memory in a safe and controlled way. Or it could involve working with metaphors and symbols to represent the trauma, which is less direct but equally effective.

For example, someone who experienced trauma as a child might visualise their younger self during a session. Under the guidance of the therapist, they might provide comfort and support to this younger version of themselves. Helping rewrite the narrative of that traumatic event. This can lead to profound changes in how you view the trauma and yourself, ultimately reducing its emotional grip.

The science behind hypnotherapy

While hypnotherapy might seem mysterious or even controversial to some, it’s rooted in well-established psychological principles. The state of hypnosis is natural, like daydreaming or being in the flow state. The brain waves slow down, shifting from the active beta state to the more relaxed alpha and theta states. This shift increases suggestibility, making it easier to access and alter beliefs and behaviour patterns.

Studies show hypnotherapy can be effective in treating various symptoms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD in combat veterans, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic tool. Bessel Van Der Kolk also credits hypnotherapy in his highly acclaimed book The Body Keeps The Score. 

Is hypnotherapy right for you?

Hypnotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While many people find it beneficial, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and realistic expectations. Success with hypnotherapy often depends on your willingness to engage with the process. It’s also crucial to work with a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist, who can tailor the sessions to your specific needs.

Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and there is no single path that works for everyone. However, hypnotherapy offers a unique and powerful way to address the hidden wounds that many of us carry. Hypnotherapy helps people unravel the knots of trauma, releasing the emotional weight holding them back.

Whether used on its own or as part of a broader therapeutic approach, hypnotherapy has the potential to unlock new levels of healing and self-awareness. If you’ve been struggling with the lingering effects of trauma, it might be time to explore this alternative pathway to recovery. The journey of unravelling those knots may not be easy, but it could lead to a fuller and freer life more aligned with your true self.

References:

Spiegel, D. (1993). Hypnosis in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders. In J. W. Rhue, S. J. Lynn, & I. Kirsch (Eds.), Handbook of clinical hypnosis (pp. 493–508). American Psychological Association.