For centuries, most people never discussed their mental health. Everyone was expected to ‘keep calm and carry on’, or have a stiff upper lip. 

According to MIND, in England alone, one in six people deal weekly with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or even PTSD. That’s a lot of people trying to quietly cope. Thankfully, times have changed. 

Many of us are more open about our mental state and the impact it has on our lives. Alongside that shift in attitudes has come a variety of ways to help those who are struggling with various phobias, disorders or trauma. 

Hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) are two of the most popular tools used separately. When used together, they can have an even greater impact.  

What is hypnotherapy? 

Clinical hypnotherapy is used by trained, certified hypnotherapists like me, to place clients into a trance-like state. Although very relaxed and calm, they also have a heightened mental focus. 

While in this trance-like state, the subconscious mind is open to suggestion and I can use positive language patterns to achieve the desired outcome. 

That depends on why they have come to me, and could be anything from overcoming traumatic memories or unpleasant life experiences, to stopping smoking. 

Hypnotherapy is also a tried-and-tested way of identifying and working through even the most deeply rooted emotional distress or multiple traumas, to effect lasting, positive change.  

What is EMDR? 

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. It was initially specifically designed as a highly effective therapy for people with symptoms of PTSD. 

Now, these techniques are also used to treat a wide range of other issues leading to negative emotions and behaviours in adults and children. 

The EMDR process involves using a client’s rapid eye movements to help them access and reprocess traumatic events, unpleasant life experiences or distressing memories that have negatively impacted their mental health. 

Some therapists use their hands to make side-to-side movements for a person to follow with their eyes, others use a range of light and sound devices.

Each process has the same effect: helping their clients heal by overcoming their traumatic memories, instilling positive belief and enabling significant change. 

Similarities and differences 

Hypnotherapy and EMDR have several overlaps. Both use a solution-focused approach to trauma or negative disorders by recognising problems and moving forward towards solutions. 

Both therapies are also a goal-driven process, and pay close attention to the development of resources and ego-strengthening. 

However, one key difference between the two is that hypnotherapy uses the trance state to access the subconscious mind and embed positive suggestions and imagery. 

For EMDR sessions, the transformative process is carried out while the person is in a fully aware state. Therapists use bilateral stimulations such as eye movements or tapping to enhance the processing of memories. 

In hypnosis, the process is directed by me, the therapist. In contrast, during EMDR sessions, the client is much more active, identifying and reprocessing traumatic memories. 

What is hypno-EMDR? 

Hypno-EMDR combines both hypnotherapy and EMDR therapy tools and techniques to bring about meaningful and positive change. 

This innovative approach enables each person to get the best of both treatments: the relaxation and suggestibility of hypnotherapy and the memory reprocessing abilities of EMDR – eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. 

What can hypno-EMDR therapy help with? 

Hypno-EMDR can be used across a variety of mental health problems.  

Anxiety disorders

This can include social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and a range of specific phobias.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The after-effects of abuse, combat, natural disasters or accidents can be dealt with using hypno-EMDR.

Depression

This can include major depressive disorder, dysthymia, known as persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Panic disorders

Including panic attacks and their connected symptoms, such as fear, anxiety and physical discomfort.

Addictions

Covering substance abuse disorders such as drugs and/or alcohol, and behavioural addictions, including gambling and porn.

Sleep disorders 

Insomnia, nightmares and other forms of sleep disturbance.

Stress management

Hypno-EMDR can be used to create coping strategies and relaxation techniques that enable a person to more effectively manage their stress.

Traumatic memories

The therapy is ideal for anyone dealing with issues from their past, from abuse to accidents. 

Benefits of hypno-EMDR 

As a certified member of the Hypno EMDR Association (HEMDRA), I know there are many benefits of hypno-EMDR. It draws together the tools from hypnotherapy: 

• trance work 
• suggestion 
• positive visualisation 
• subconscious reinforcement 

and EMDR – eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: 

• bilateral stimulation 
• body sensations 
• resource development and installation 

This powerful combination therapy brings about positive change on a subconscious level. It is faster and more comprehensive at helping clients process traumatic memories, and even overcome deep-seated mental health issues, such as PTSD. 

What can I expect from hypno-EMDR therapy? 

It is important to note that EMDR therapy should only be practised only by a trained and licensed mental health professional. 

Hypno-EMDR uses hypnotherapy to stabilise and embed positive suggestions in order to prepare the client for the EMDR processing sessions. 

Here’s what to expect from a course of Hypno-EMDR: 

Phases 0-2 – Stabilisation, history taking and preparation 

I start by taking a detailed history and preparing the client for processing the issue.  In the early stages, we use building techniques and resources to help better cope with the issue. 

I will thoroughly explain the process and demonstrate/teach various different ways of applying bilateral stimulation. At this stage, I use hypnotic techniques to help stabilise any anxiety or trauma.  

Phase 3 – Assessment 

Next, we assess and rate the presenting issue/event for the level of distress. This allows me as the hypno-EMDR practitioner and the client to clearly see positive change once the processing takes place. 

Phase 4 – Desensitisation 

In this phase we actively work on reprocessing the past event, using bilateral stimulation.   

Phase 5 – Installation 

Once the negative event has been processed, we re-evaluate the level of distress. When it is at zero or one on a scale of 10, we can then implement a positive self-belief associated with that event. 

Phase 6 – Body sensation 

In this stage, I use bilateral stimulation, one of the most important EMDR techniques to address any negative body sensations related to the past event. 

Phase 7 – Closure 

We close the session and prepare you for the next session. 

Phase 8 Evaluation 

We re-evaluate the process and, as your hypno-EMDR practitioner, review the treatment plan. 

Combining hypnotherapy practice with EMDR – eye movement desensitisation – can significantly reduce symptoms, enhance healing and improve a person’s sense of wellbeing. 

Studies have suggested that, as well as being an effective way to treat PTSD, hypno-EMDR can also be used to tackle other complex or treatment-resistant issues, such as childhood trauma.

Contact me 

I’m ready to help you move past any emotional or mental health issues you feel are holding you back. 

You can find me at Cambridge-based Salus Wellness Clinics on Thursdays and at Coach House Health Care on Fridays. 

If you would like to find out more about how the hypno-EMDR approach can help you book a FREE initial consultation by clicking here.