Trauma leaves deep imprints on the mind that can be hard to erase. Whether you’ve gone through a single event like a car accident or had a prolonged experience like childhood neglect, trauma can disrupt your daily life, relationships, and even the ability to feel safe in your own body.
There are many traditional psychotherapies that are commonly used to treat trauma, but one lesser-known and often misunderstood approach also holds promise: hypnosis. But can hypnosis really help heal trauma?
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that induces a focused, relaxed state of awareness (often called a trance). In this state, people are more open to suggestion and less distracted by their usual thoughts. It’s not about “mind control” or “clucking like a chicken,” but about accessing deeper levels of consciousness to heal from mental health issues.
Therapeutic hypnosis (also known as hypnotherapy) is conducted by trained mental health professionals. It involves guiding the client into a relaxed state and then working with them to reframe thoughts, uncover memories, or manage physical and emotional symptoms.
Trauma and the subconscious mind
Trauma can lodge itself deep in the subconscious, shaping how people perceive themselves and the world. For example, someone who was emotionally abused may intellectually understand that they’re worthy of love while still struggling with an internal voice that says otherwise. These patterns often operate below the surface, making them hard to shift through talk therapy alone.
This is where hypnosis comes in. By working directly with the subconscious, hypnosis can help bypass the inner critic or defense mechanisms that often block therapeutic progress. In a hypnotic state, people may access memories, emotions, or insights that have been buried or minimized.
How hypnosis can support trauma healing
Accessing and processing memories
Hypnotherapy can help people safely revisit traumatic events without becoming overwhelmed. The therapist helps regulate the emotional intensity of the session, which allows the client to process what happened with more emotional distance.
Reducing symptoms of PTSD
Hypnosis has been used to reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. For example, a client might use hypnosis to create a safe inner place they can return to when triggered or to rehearse alternative responses to stress.
Changing negative beliefs
Trauma often leaves people with distorted self-perceptions: “I’m powerless,” “It’s my fault,” or “I’m broken.” In a hypnotic state, the brain is more receptive to positive suggestions. A skilled therapist can introduce new healing beliefs that take root more easily than in a typical cognitive therapy session.
Regulating the nervous system
Hypnosis can also help calm the body’s fight-flight-freeze response. By inducing deep relaxation, it helps reset the nervous system, which makes it easier for trauma survivors to feel grounded and present during hypnotherapy sessions.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes—when conducted by a licensed, trained professional, hypnosis is generally considered safe. Hypnosis isn’t much like what pop culture would have us believe. In a session, you won’t lose control or be completely manipulatable by the therapist.
Still, it’s important to note that not everyone is equally responsive to hypnosis, and it isn’t a magic bullet. Rather than “erasing” trauma, hypnosis is best viewed as a tool within a broader treatment plan. For some, it may make healing faster; for others, it may not feel as comfortable or effective as another approach.
Are you ready to try hypnosis?
If your traumatic experience continues to impact your ability to function, it’s time to get help. Though hypnosis is a less traditional method of treating trauma, it might be right for you. Contact us today to get started with trauma therapy. Together, we can safely explore the roots of your trauma, change your negative beliefs, and become more connected to your emotions.