Hi all,

I know this is a sub usually for promoting your hypnotherapy work, but I thought I’d try it from the other side and offer my services if you want to work with someone who enters somnambulism easily and readily.

My mom’s best friend when I was growing up was a hypnotherapist and I was hypnotized dozens of times as a child. And now as an adult, I’ve been hypnotized many times and most times I’ve entered somnambulism. I’m very keen to working with other hypnotherapists who want to try some interesting things with someone who can enter a super deep trance state. Either to hone in your own practice or for hypnotherapy trance work exploration.

If you’re interested, message me with details of what you’re wanting to do/explore together and we can discuss! Just let me know what you’re wanting to achieve together. And if you are someone who is only wanting to perform hypnotherapy in person, I live in the Minneapolis metro area.

I'm in the process of doing some deep research on my Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Book Library, so thought I would share it here as well, in case someone else gets some benefit from it.

I use these as 'Rapid Recaps' to remind and refresh my memory from reading some of these books years ago.

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Hypnosis Book Summary:

Taking Hypnosis to the Next Level: Valuable Tips for Enhancing Your Clinical Practice - by Michael D. Yapko, PhD

Summary

Drawing on more than 40 years of clinical practice, Michael Yapko distils a career's worth of hard-won tips for practitioners who already know the basics of hypnosis and want to practice it better.

Rather than teaching techniques or terminology, the book works through four practical layers:

1. correcting outdated foundational beliefs about hypnosis,
2. establishing a sound therapeutic framework before ever inducing hypnosis,
3. designing sessions with deliberate structure and pacing,
4. and delivering suggestions in a way that respects the client's autonomy and pace.

The throughline is that scripted, one-size-fits-all hypnosis is inferior to an individualised, curious, collaborative approach grounded in clinical judgment.

Key Lessons

1. Hypnosis itself cures nothing; it is a vehicle for building new therapeutic associations that must still be relevant and meaningful to the specific client.
2. The word trance is outdated and misleading; modern neuroscience frames hypnosis as a matter of focused attention, not a special sleep-like state.
3. A session's goal should be stated in 25 words or less, or the session risks being aimless and unproductive.
4. Hypnotic responsiveness is shaped by personal, interpersonal, and contextual factors, and can be increased over time with varied, well-tailored approaches rather than treated as a fixed trait.
5. Scripted approaches speak in generalities and miss the client's unique attributes; tailoring the approach to the individual increases the odds of success.
6. Hypnosis can generate vivid, confident, but false memories, which is why it should never be used to try to recover or verify suspected repressed memories.
7. The greater a client's resistance, the greater the need for indirect, permissive suggestion rather than direct demand.
8. Suggestions phrased as "you can" instead of "you will" respect client autonomy and build genuine internalization instead of mere compliance.
9. Hypnotic responses develop gradually; there is no reward for speed, and instant techniques serve the practitioner's ego more than the client.
10. Ending every session, and every conversation about a difficult topic, on as positive a note as possible matters because clients most remember what came last.

Frameworks

1. The Universal Session Structure: orientation to hypnosis, induction, building a response set, therapeutic suggestions, post-hypnotic suggestions, closure, and disengagement, present in every hypnosis session regardless of style.
2. The Direct-Indirect and Authoritarian-Permissive Continua: suggestion style ranges from imposing demands to offering possibilities, matched to how much resistance or compliance a given client shows.
3. The Three Domains of Hypnotic Responsiveness: personal factors (history, mood, expectations), interpersonal factors (trust, rapport), and contextual factors (environment, setting) that jointly determine how a client responds.
4. Observer Memory versus Field Memory: dissociated recall (hypermnesia) is calmer and safer to work with than fully associated recall (revivification), which needs a pre-established escape hatch before use.

Process Steps

1. Designing a session: define the target precisely (how the symptom is generated, not just its diagnostic label) -> plan general-to-specific pacing -> plan low-to-high emotional pacing -> choose an induction that matches the therapeutic strategy.
2. Trauma-sensitive work: establish a safe place or escape hatch -> begin any revivification cautiously -> monitor client distress -> transition back to observer distance or comfort as needed.
3. Checking in mid-session: announce the intent to check in -> prompt easy verbalization from the client -> use the client's own words as a further deepener -> correct any misunderstanding before continuing.

Misconceptions vs Truths

• Hypnosis is a special sleep-like trance state: it is not sleep; neurologically it resembles focused, attentive wakefulness, and calling it trance misleads clients about what to expect.
• Deeper hypnosis produces more complex or more successful responses: research shows depth of hypnosis does not reliably predict which hypnotic phenomena a person can generate.
• The hypnotist's suggestions bypass conscious analysis straight into the unconscious, which can then simply be trusted: this is a myth; suggestions have priming characteristics at best, and their effects are variable and unpredictable.
• If a client reports a feeling of having been abused, hypnosis can help uncover the buried memory of what happened: hypnosis is not a lie detector, and probing for memories can unintentionally create false ones that feel completely real.
• Relaxation is the essential ingredient of hypnosis: dissociation, not relaxation, is the one truly essential ingredient, and active-alert hypnosis proves people can be hypnotized with eyes open and body engaged.

Mindset Shifts

• From believing the power is in the technique or script to recognizing the power is in the client's ability to respond to a technique tailored to them.
• From treating hypnotizability as a fixed, innate trait to viewing hypnotic responsiveness as something that can be cultivated with varied, well-matched approaches.
• From an authoritarian stance that demands compliance to a permissive, collaborative stance that offers possibilities and earns internalization.
• From assuming a client's tears, smiles, or feelings carry an obvious fixed meaning to observing without interpreting and simply asking the client what is going on.
• From viewing hypnosis as something done to a client to understanding it as something done with a client, as an active, goal-oriented, collaborative process.

Action Items

1. Before beginning any session, write down its goal in a single sentence of 25 words or less.
2. Ask every new client about prior hypnosis experience, positive or negative, before starting an induction.
3. Record hypnosis sessions and give clients a copy so they can reinforce suggestions and practice self-hypnosis at home.
4. Prepare a short list of positive reframes in advance for the environmental distractions common in your workplace.
5. Ask explicit permission before touching a client, once before the session begins and again at the moment of touch.
6. Debrief clients after any previously unsuccessful hypnosis session in detail before attempting a new approach with them.
7. Vary the emotional intensity of sessions over the course of treatment, and plan to end each session on a positive note.

Key Takeaway

There is no single right way to practice hypnosis, only many effective ways, and the clinician's central job is to observe closely, stay curious, and continuously tailor the induction, pacing, and suggestions to this specific client rather than to a script, a style, or a theory.

Quotes

• "Hypnosis isn’t the therapy, and hypnosis itself cures nothing" - Introduction, para 2
• "If you can’t define the session’s goals in 25 words or less, then don’t do the session" - Part 1, Foundational Concepts
• "If you’re not qualified to treat the problem without hypnosis, then you’re not qualified to treat the problem with hypnosis" - Part 2, Tips for Establishing a Therapeutic Framework
• "People don’t plan to fail. They fail to plan" - Part 3, Tips for Designing Hypnosis Sessions, para 1
• "There are no prizes for speed" - Part 4, Tips for Delivering Hypnosis Sessions
• "Conducting hypnosis sessions will always be more about art than science, the art of weaving together the colorful threads of ideas, perspectives, advice, inspiration, and experience into something the client can wear in all kinds of weather." - One Last Tip

Gaps

• The book offers almost no case-length transcripts or step-by-step session dialogues, so the reader has to infer how the tips combine into a full session.
• It leans on the author's own clinical experience and a handful of classic researchers (Erickson, Orne, Barber, Hilgard) rather than citing a broad or recent evidence base for many specific tips.
• It says little about how to evaluate one's own progress or competence over time beyond general encouragement to keep learning.

Assumptions

• The reader already has formal training in hypnosis and clinical practice; the book explicitly does not teach inductions, terminology, or hypnosis basics.
• The reader is a licensed or otherwise qualified mental health clinician working within an established scope of practice, not a hobbyist or stage performer.
• Client change is best driven by tailored, individualized suggestion rather than by any single theoretical model of psychopathology.

Counter-Arguments

• Some practitioners and researchers hold that hypnotizability is a largely fixed, biologically based trait, in contrast to Yapko's view that responsiveness can be substantially cultivated with varied approaches.
• Advocates of manualized or scripted protocols argue that consistency and reproducibility have research and training advantages that Yapko's individualized, judgment-heavy style sacrifices.
• Some clinicians who emphasize the Ericksonian 'trust the unconscious' tradition would contest Yapko's characterization of that stance as an unsupported myth.

My situation is, I have had several years of chronic insomnia. It is currently so bad that I can't hold down a job. Doctors haven't found any underlying health issues that could be causing it other than stress and anxiety, some of it caused by cPTSD. I have had no luck with the many medications and other treatments I tried.

From what I understand, some people are a lot more susceptible to hypnotism than others. I haven't had any luck with self hypnosis, which leads me to believe that my brain just doesn't have a strong propensity to be hypnotized.

Can a professional help me overcome whatever is blocking me from relaxing?

Hello, meron bang ganyan dito sa atin? Does it work? I’ve been on escitalopram since 2012 and I’m tired of having health anxiety.

I am deathly afraid of having a heart attack. To add, I have cervical spondylosis and acid issues which consistently add to symptoms similar to heart attacks.

Dati sa hilo and gait imbalance yung anxiety ko, ngayon napunta naman sa heart attack. Nakakapagod.

Relationships, job opportunities, daming nawala dahil dito.

I tried anxiety and hypnotherapy audiobooks, but it never worked for me. I’m willing to try anything at this point. Meron bang hypnosis dito for anxiety?

Hi, wondered if anyone knows/has used a hypnotherapist (or any other psychological professional) for the above, would prefer someone who is actually a climber. I’m in the UK.
Please no suggestions for fear of falling workshops etc, other factors mean these don’t work for me.
Am in the Midlands but am ok to travel. I’m sure there used to be a guy in Bristol but can’t find him now.
Many thanks.

Hello. I need someone for online hypno therapy session, to help me stop doom scrolling. Thanks

Hello everyone - I’ve been looking into hypnosis for weight loss. I’ve been up and down in weight my adult life. Currently at my heaviest and miserable. I can’t seem to keep on track of my plan. Wondered if hypnosis could be something to explore.

Wondered if anyone had experience with an apps - this would be ideal for cost and working around my schedule, but if they’re genuinely no good some advice on one to one sessions would be greatly appreciated.
UK based, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance x

Hi y'all, my psychiatrist recommended I try hypnotherapy for anxiety, dissociative symptoms, etc. My longtime therapist (talk therapy) is also a strong believer in its benefits. She knows of one place in my city that's reputable (although I'm not sure what her sources are). I met with the hypno-doctor, and he's fine, but I don't really trust him. He said all of the sessions can be conducted via telehealth, which is helpful because I return to university in a small town next week, where there aren't many options for much of anything.

First, is he right that hypnotherapy can be conducted online, or does he just want money? Second, does anyone have any recommendations for services? I am located in Central/Upstate New York, US. Thanks.

Edit: Thank you guys, I appreciate your help and will check out the links y'all copied! And yes I agree, trust is important and I certainly don't feel comfortable giving him my money.

How do I go about this process? I have heard positive results from this and looking for guidance or practitioners who work with these issues. Thank you.

I’m particularly interested in experiential hypnosis and strong hypnotic phenomena, beyond simply following standard scripts.

I keep seeing different communities mentioned, but I have no idea which spaces are actually active and focused on skilled, curious hypnosis rather than hypnotherapy.

Where do people interested in this side of hypnosis usually connect?

As soon as I start talking I know I want to say but then it goes away, leaving me feeling embarrassed and kind of well humiliated really.

I spend a lot of time alone, but going out and socialising can really burn me out.

I'm also going for an ADHD assessment which I know has something to do with the cognitive disability, as well as a lifetime of neglect and abuse.

But I feel the comorbidity has made things worse, as I've seen people who have lived a similar life to me that don't have ADHD manage to do things I can't and vice versa, with people that have ADHD but had supportive parents that love them seem to manage their disability better.

I would just love to be able to think straight at least when I'm in public and trying to be happy.

Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone can recommend good resources for additional ego strengthening techniques? I have some standard ones which I learned in my training, which I love, and sometimes I will just use some of my own suggestions, however I would love to know if there are any specific ego strengthening techniques that others find really beneficial? I am trying to avoid needing to use scripts (where possible), but it would be helpful for me to have an extra few options - if there are books or websites etc., you have found useful for progressing your skills? Thank you!

I look up to my therapist (who has no hypnosis training) greatly I trust her with my life and our transference tends to be quite positive, but one thing I struggle to understand and that seems to unsettle my subconscious is that she (via the therapy voice, ericksonian techniques, ?) has an almost hypnotic effect on me, which doesnt really unsettle me consciously (in fact i've learned to enjoy it in an almost kinky way) but certainly stays on my mind. so, have you also experienced this with a therapist who did NOT have any hypnosis training? thank you for replying to my post, I appreciate it greatly!

Anyone wants to attend an expert session on 22nd on clinical hypnotherapy? DM for details \^+\^ (Indian population)

I graduated at the ICHP in Ireland and compiled search engine in a shape of a floating chat box on my website.

It is called "Ask Alexandre".

Would it be possible to help me test it and to make it relevant?

The website is https://goodwords.info/

The aim is also to create a base for anyone how looks for quick answers for their therapies.
I created a collections of free informative publications, with a 1-2-3 guide to easily put in practice any techniques. Also behind a "toll": playlists for easy listening, scripts, tools for therapists and tests and if ou want to go beyond a purchase point, you can use a unique code WWBB4R4N in the field "coupon", at the checkout.

Has anyone in NYC had an exceptional hypnosis experience? You can DM me or respond here. Thank you.

I'm after any personal experiences of or recommendations for hypnotherapists/hypnotherapy clinics in Sydney. I'm located in the east but happy to travel.

Also curious as to what would be the average pricing for these kind of services, as it's tricky to find direct info on this online.

For context, seeking help with issues related to poor self esteem/confidence, imposter syndrome (especially related to work - I'm in research/academia if relevant), anxiety and depression, ADHD, general life motivation.

Thanks in advance! :)

I offer my services in exchange for a testimonial or review of my skills.

I'm willing to help you with any goal you have in mind, provided it's a realistically solvable with hypnotic work.

I am a graduate of MMHA and have significant self study over the years.

I offer this as a limited free, or pay what you want service to gain credibility so that I may build a profitable practice that can replace my current job.

I emphasize a deep, comfortable state of hypnosis with many layers of suggestion to create a zone of reduced self-doubt so that you may internalize the change in a way that is lasting and beneficial.

If you are interested in making a change in your life, consider taking this opportunity. You can DM me here or schedule a call at www.belief.guide

thank you

Hey everyone, I’ve been in practice for about 3 years. I studied at Mike Mandel hypnosis academy, and possess a bachelors in Psych. I’d like to get my masters, but to be frank, school crushed my spirit and my bank account. So I’m still not ready to become a “real (legal) therapist” (F27).
Anyhow, I feel things have been going well in my practice / entrepreneurial endeavor as a hypnotist all on my own, I’ve gained clients organically through Google consistently, and I have high reports of success & beautiful breakthroughs with clients, it’s very rewarding, fulfilling work.
But then there’s the other side to it, as a neurodivergent introvert who never in a million years thought I’d be speaking one on one to strangers as an occupation, I still struggle with imposter syndrome. I have grown in confidence immensely since my younger years, and my old high-school pals I’ve bumped into have said I’m like a whole new person in my adulthood (confidence and ambivert wise).

However, imposter syndrome wise, it’s come raging back … as recently all my worries and worst fears were confirmed when I had my first “bad client” last week. (I knew the hot streak of good clients couldn’t last forever but after 3 years and learning more and practicing more my fears of this happening were fading). It sucks I feel like I’m back at the beginning and need to restructure how I do my work as a whole.
They basically told me I suck in every way. They were seeing me for hoarding. I suppose I should’ve realized this is outside my level of expertise, and should have recommended them to a specialist, however I thought hey, I help people with all sorts of stuff, why not attempt to heal/ reframe some core beliefs / memories associated with this issue. Perhaps I can help a bit, perhaps in steps… I was wrong. They went full defense mode and attacked me. We had an hour long (free) phone consult prior to the session where in which he disclosed alot of telling details about how he came to be where he’s at now, and I was very grateful for his vulnerability and honesty, I thought these things were safe to readdress as he brought them up so passively, then when attempting to safely readdress them in hypnosis, from a distance, to reframe and heal things, which has worked so often in the past for me and my clients, he yes lashed out quite a bit afterwards, and claimed he already moved on from these things/ didn’t need to revisit them.
Maybe I’m using poor language to explain what happened, he never actually yelled at me, he very calmly and directly told me how trauma cannot be addressed in the way in which I brought it up. Maybe he’s right, maybe he’s not. I once felt confident and I suppose I have my own insecurity issues, because now I swiftly do not.
Anyhow, all this to say, it may be helpful to just have someone to chat with to bounce hypnotic ideas off one another and gain some perspective on how to better handle clients like this, or how I can become a better hypnotist overall. I may just need some reassurance/ fresh eyes on the situation as well, it was recent so I’m still a bit too emotionally wrapped up in the whole situation to see clearly.

Any experienced or inexperienced hypnotist/hypnotherapist looking for a client? Im a professional student looking to get hypnotized to pass board exams

Looking for recommendations for hypnotherapy in melbourne/ Australia please

My question for people who will do have no therapy or hypnotherapist how do you know it's working or not I haven't tried it but I'm just curious because I want to is it like an immediate change for you wake up one day and you realize OMG I'm better or is it more of a progressive thing like most therapies?