Hypnotherapy has the power to help people overcome depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, low confidence, relationship troubles, and countless other emotional issues.
For nearly two decades, I have witnessed the transformative power of hypnosis in helping people overcome their greatest challenges.
While hypnosis is highly effective when combined with coaching or therapy, it is not a “cure-all” or a “quick-fix.” Hypnotherapy, even in its most innovative forms (such as Rapid Transformational Therapy, or RTT), is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment.
This perspective is shared by professionals in the fields of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, and I have found this to be true in my experience as a Certified Hypnotherapist and Life Coach. As Gary Elkins, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, states in an article by the American Psychological Association:
“Hypnosis is not a primary intervention. But it’s clear it has an important role to play as an adjunctive approach to psychotherapy.”
That said, when combined with coaching or therapy, hypnosis significantly enhances the success of treatment and streamlines the healing process, helping people overcome emotional issues more efficiently.
Supported by decades of research, hypnosis is a proven tool that works synergistically with coaching to provide long-term, sustainable results.
I have seen the power of hypnosis and coaching with my own clients over the past two decades. Early in my coaching career, I recognized the importance of having innovative, unique tools incorporated in my approach that all serve a purpose for my clients and their healing. Hypnosis was one of the first tools I implemented.
Since I started using hypnotherapy in the early 2000’s, there have been many developments in the fields of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Despite its ancient origins, hypnosis is often overlooked as a form of treatment due to preconceived notions. David Godot, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, remarks, “Hypnosis has a certain historical mystique that can sometimes make it difficult for practitioners to understand its modern relevance.”
One of the most influential developments in hypnotherapy was the creation of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), a hybrid form of hypnotherapy that combines hypnosis with the most effective aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, neuroscience, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), created by Marisa Peer.
When I first encountered RTT and heard about its success among therapists, physicians, dentists, and their clients, I knew I had to explore it myself and determine if it was a good fit for my clients and their goals.
When the opportunity arose to attend an intensive, in-person program with Marisa Peer, the creator of RTT, it was a no-brainer. I traveled to London to study under Marisa at the Imperial College London, continue my due diligence on RTT and witness its efficacy in real life, and, if successful, become certified in RTT and begin helping as many people as possible.
Having utilized hypnosis with my clients for a decade at that point, I already understood its power in overcoming complex emotional issues. During the intensive program, I had the opportunity to be hypnotized and experience RTT firsthand. For background, I grew up drinking Coca-Cola. Whether we were celebrating a good day or mourning a bad one, we always had a Coca-Cola on ice. Drinking 3-4 Cokes a day was completely normal for me, throughout childhood and adulthood. Although I recognized that it was an unhealthy habit and would take “breaks” for a couple weeks here and there, it never stuck. I always went back to drinking Coke, and my dependence on it was almost entirely impulsive. I simply reached for one when I had the impulse to, regardless if I actually truly wanted one or not. Nonetheless, during my own RTT sessions, I wasn’t thinking about my reliance on Coca-Cola or really anything in particular. I was just curious to see how RTT impacted me and feeling thankful for the opportunity to experience it myself.
Fast forward to a few weeks later, I had been home from London for about two weeks. My husband returned from taking out the trash with a puzzled expression on his face and asked me if I was laying off the Coca-Cola. I was confused by this and replied, “What do you mean?” He said, “Well, we usually have a whole bin full of recycled Coke cans and there’s hardly any in there. And there's been a Coke on the top shelf of the refrigerator for a week now and you haven’t touched it.”
At that moment, I realized I hadn’t even thought about Coca-Cola. I told my husband that it hadn’t really crossed my mind, and he, who had given up smoking and some other things, looked at me like I had two heads and asked, “What do you mean you haven’t thought about it? You’ve always had a Coke.”
It was then I realized it wasn’t a struggle to give up Coca-Cola, it just wasn’t something of interest anymore. To this day, I can have a Coke when I want it, but I don't need it, and my life isn’t centered around it.
That is the power of RTT. The things you are struggling with simply lose their control over you. The power they have over you and your life seemingly dissolves, and without resistance.
I knew then, becoming certified in RTT was a game changer in my personal life and a pivotal moment in my business, and that this innovative tool would help countless people for years to come.
I noticed another incredible change in my life after experiencing RTT. This change was much more emotional, and had a greater impact on my life than my “victory” over Coca-Cola. You can read more about my RTT experiences here.
After becoming certified in RTT Hypnotherapy, I knew I had an innovative and influential tool in my coaching “toolbox” that could significantly improve my clients’ lives. Since 2016, I have witnessed the benefits of RTT combined with Coaching, from helping clients gain deeper self-awareness to overcoming paralyzing anxiety and achieving peace, to speeding up recovery for those struggling with substance abuse.
These life-changing experiences are not exclusive to my clients. Decades of studies have shown that hypnosis, when combined with other treatments, is highly effective at improving emotional well-being.
For example, research dating back thirty years found that hypnosis, when combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can enhance the success/efficacy of treatment. A more recent meta-analysis showed that when combined, CBT and hypnosis had a statistically significant advantage over CBT alone for managing pain and depression.
Uncoincidentally, Rapid Transformational Therapy combines hypnosis with the most effective facets of CBT, boosting its efficacy and creating a powerful tool for achieving meaningful, long-lasting change. Together with coaching, which prioritizes actionable steps towards change, creates a synergistic formula for Unlocking Bold Change™ in all aspects of life.
Depression, for example, has been rising in the U.S. for the last ten years, and practical and effective treatment options are more important than ever. According to Gallup, 29% of U.S. adults in 2023 report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, compared to 20.6% in 2017. While this increase partly reflects better access to mental health resources that help people receive diagnoses, the need for additional treatment options remains essential.
A meta-analysis of research conducted on hypnosis for depression suggests that hypnosis is an excellent option for alleviating depression symptoms.
Similarly, anxiety rates have risen in the last decade. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million people, or nearly 20% of the U.S. population, suffers from anxiety, making anxiety disorders the most common mental illness in the United States.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and research indicates that hypnosis can be a powerful tool in overcoming anxiety, particularly when combined with coaching or therapy.
RTT combined with effective coaching can also be a successful approach for people who are struggling with confidence and relationship issues, high levels of stress, and trauma.
One 2016 study found that hypnosis changes the parts of your brain that promotes enhanced emotional control and reduced self-consciousness.
Enhanced emotional control, which is a primary element of Emotional Intelligence, helps you cope with conflict and better manage your emotions. Developing Emotional Intelligence can improve all areas of your life, from your relationship with yourself and others to your career and personal success.
Another astonishing aspect of hypnotherapy is that it can be implemented into nearly everyone’s coaching plan, regardless of sex, race, or ethnicity.
In my nearly twenty years as a professional hypnotherapist, I’ve never had a client who did not respond to hypnotherapy. In randomized controlled trials, no evidence has shown that hypnosis affects any particular race or ethnicity differently, making it a universal tool! There is one important exception to this: Epileptics or anyone diagnosed as having a psychotic illness are generally advised not to enter hypnosis.
Now, you might be wondering what a RTT + Coaching session looks like.
A typical hypnotherapy session in my practice begins before the client even arrives. Creating a peaceful, comfortable environment is the first step toward ensuring the RTT runs smoothly and is highly effective.
Once the client arrives, we can begin the RTT process. Despite common myths and misconceptions, hypnosis is not as glamorous or entertaining as some may believe. Hypnosis cannot make someone do or say anything they don’t want to say or do. It is simply a heightened state of relaxation and awareness that allows a person to “rewire” their subconscious thought processes.
As an experienced hypnotherapist and coach, I ask impactful questions and guide my clients to their own answers. The hypnosis process reveals subconscious thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and interpretations of past experiences the client holds, enabling us to rewrite the stories they tell themselves and create a plan of action for achieving their goals.
Although we can “access” the subconscious mind, my clients only reveal to me what they are comfortable with, as RTT cannot control a person or lead them to say or do anything they aren’t comfortable with. This is why it is crucial that we establish a trusting relationship before we begin RTT.
My clients typically begin RTT during their third or fourth coaching session, ensuring that our relationship is founded on mutual trust and respect. This process helps me to have a well-developed starting point to start the RTT session; for example, specific questions to ask or experiences to revisit.
Additionally, clients are responsible for implementing the tools and strategies discussed during our sessions to achieve long-term, sustainable results.
The healing process doesn’t end when my clients leave the office (or the virtual session). In order to solidify the changes we applied during the session, they receive a personalized meditation recording that reinforces positive change.
In summary, the combination of RTT with Brain Science and Emotional Intelligence-based coaching, along with a comprehensive, personalized approach and intentional coaching process, comes together to maximize results and help people Unlock Bold Change™ in their lives!
As researchers continue to study hypnosis and the science behind it, certified hypnotherapists, psychologists, coaches, and therapists can continue to implement new findings and maximize the efficacy of this influential tool. It is an exciting time to work in the field of “emotional healing” and I look forward to helping countless others achieve success and happiness in their lives, whatever that means to them!
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