When a hypnotherapist helps a client, they are bringing a wide knowledge of how human beings tick to the relationship. Much of this knowledge is based on psychology. So a good place to start this series is to give an overview of the two disciplines and how they interact.
The Unconscious Mind
The concept of the unconscious mind is now widely recognised but is relatively modern in the history of psychology. It was first developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of his psychoanalytic theories. Freud divided the mind into three parts:
- The conscious mind: The part that is readily accessible and aware.
- The preconscious mind: The part that is not immediately present but can be easily brought into awareness.
- The unconscious mind: A deep reservoir of thoughts, memories, and impulses often repressed because they are uncomfortable or frightening.
Freud believed that the unconscious mind played a significant role in shaping human behaviour and that repression was a key mechanism for keeping these hidden thoughts at bay. His model has been controversial since its inception and there have been many refinements. For example, Carl Jung, one of Freud’s most notable students, expanded on this idea by proposing the existence of a “collective unconscious”—a shared reservoir of archetypes and experiences rooted in human biology and culture.
Modern psychology offers alternative models of the unconscious mind. One influential perspective comes from Milton Erickson, an American psychiatrist and psychologist whose work profoundly impacted hypnotherapy. Many call him the father of modern hypnotherapy. Erickson viewed the unconscious not as a repository of dark, repressed thoughts but as a rich source of creativity and untapped potential. He believed this resource could be harnessed through appropriate techniques to help individuals solve problems and achieve personal growth. Erickson’s ideas continue to shape contemporary approaches to both psychology and hypnotherapy.
What does psychology do?
This seemingly simple question has been the subject of countless academic debates and doctoral theses. For the sake of clarity, however, we will adopt a working definition: psychology is the scientific study of the mind, behaviour, and the internal and external factors that influence them. It seeks to understand how people think, how beliefs are formed, and how these beliefs translate into actions.
Psychological research employs a range of methods, from observing people in their everyday lives to analysing clinical cases and conducting experiments in controlled environments. Since its inception, psychology has been driven by a therapeutic mission: to better understand human emotions and behaviours in order to help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By gaining insight into how emotions are processed and understood, psychologists aim to predict behaviour, protect individuals from adverse situations, and empower them to make positive changes.
How does hypnotherapy fit into the picture?
Hypnotherapists often draw on psychological theories or frameworks to guide their practice. Then they use techniques unique to hypnotherapy, which are designed to help individuals confront fears, challenges, or problems and overcome them. One key technique involves inducing a state of deep relaxation—an optimal brain state for learning and change. In this unusual mental state, the therapist can help the client to find easier ways to address any habits, thoughts, or behaviours that cause distress.
During this state of relaxation, hypnotherapists employ various approaches to reach the goal. Many involve suggestion or guiding clients to imagine solutions or confront painful situations. Sophisticated use of language can also help clients adopt new perspectives or reframe their experiences.
While we will explore these techniques in greater detail later in this series, it is worth noting that hypnotherapy works best when there is a clear understanding of why someone behaves or thinks in a certain way. This understanding allows therapists to select the most effective interventions. And this understanding is often informed by insights from psychotherapy.
The complexities of psychology
Over time, various schools of thought have emerged within psychology, each offering unique insights into the human mind. These approaches are not mutually exclusive, but instead emphasise different aspects of human experience:
- Cognitive Approach: Focuses on how memories form beliefs and how perceptions shape our mental maps of reality.
- Biological Approach: Examines neurological processes and other physical mechanisms that influence behaviour.
- Environmental Approach: Investigates how external factors—such as social or cultural influences—affect behaviour.
- Humanistic Approach: Highlights creativity, personal growth, and the drive for self-actualisation.
How hypnotherapists use psychological approaches
In practice, these approaches often overlap. I will try to explain this in practice. Here is a scenario which I might encounter in my own therapy room.
Let’s say I have a client who is struggling with chronic pain (biological issue). During therapy, it may emerge that they believe their pain is somehow their own fault (a cognitive issue) while also feeling pressure from their family (an environmental factor). At the same time, they may express a deep desire to overcome these challenges so they can continue their teaching career (a humanistic goal). To have the best outcome for this client I probably need to be working with many psychological approaches. By addressing all these dimensions holistically, therapy can be tailored to meet the client’s unique needs.
Ethical principles
As they both work with clients in a therapeutic setting, both psychology and hypnotherapy share core ethical principles:
- Do no harm: The primary goal is always to help clients without causing harm.
- Build trust: Therapists strive to establish open and trusting relationships with clients.
- Respect diversity: Prejudices about a client’s beliefs or lifestyle have no place in therapy.
- Commit to lifelong learning: Practitioners aim to remain open-minded and continuously improve their skills.
Contact me
I hope this overview has clarified the links between psychology and hypnotherapy and hopefully it has whetted your appetite for more. Please contact me if there is anything you would like me to cover or anything you would like more information about,
Coming Next
The Biopsychosocial Model of Hypnosis
Can we develop a model of hypnosis that reflects the complexity and richness of every human being? This exploration will begin with an examination of brain function and how it can be harnessed for effective hypnotherapy. We will also consider how psychological insights influence treatment outcomes and how cultural expectations can either support or hinder therapy. See you next time!