Hypnotherapy and EMDR both enable access to parts of your subconscious mind and both have the capability of healing and shifting beliefs and behaviours that no longer serve you.

Hypnotherapy and EMDR are types of treatments to help clients resolve issues affecting their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The important thing to consider when deciding whether to select Hypnotherapy or EMDR is knowing which one you prefer and need. The one you prefer is likely to be the one that you feel most comfortable with and most engaged with. Do your own research on both, there are plenty of videos on YouTube to give an idea of what the treatment entails and how sessions run.

I have written articles on both EMDR and Hypnotherapy so you can familiarise yourself with the foundations of each treatment. In this article I will explain what is the same and what is different about them both.

What’s the same?

You have to consent to the treatment and be able to ask all the questions.

Both support:

• Past trauma, sudden trauma, anxiety, fears and phobias

• Adjustment disorder (separation, loss, death, retirement)

• Excessive grief reaction

• Coping with illness

• Sleep disorders

• Addiction/substance dependency

• Pain/chronic pain

• Self-esteem issues

• Performance anxiety or exam fears

Both treatments are client-centred; the coach facilitates the pre, during and post process, however it’s a collaboration throughout.

Prior to treatment, an extensive conversation takes place to understand the client. The main issue, negative beliefs and positive beliefs must be determined prior to treatment.

With or without talking, when prompted the client can share what comes up or can stay silent as the coach facilitates the stages.

Client is in control and aware at all times; if there was a situational requirement to emerge from the treatment, this would be possible.

Both access the subconscious mind where memories, associations and triggers are rooted.

What are the differences?

Hypnotherapy requires the client to be induced into a Hypnotic trance where the brain waves are guided from Beta to Alpha to Theta to Delta. Alpha is considered to be the optimal state for Hypnotherapy and deep healing although it’s possible to affect necessary changes in Theta and Delta ranges too.

Hypnotherapy induces a heightened state of suggestibility where the power of old beliefs can be shifted and new beliefs can be embedded.

Depending on the type of Hypnotherapy, the client is passive throughout the process only speaking when prompted.

EMDR requires the client to be conscious and an active participant, to witness or observe what the mind comes up with. This prevents them from becoming re-traumatised by a past event.

EMDR stimulates both the emotional and logical sides of the brain to reprocess the event, trigger or memory enabling healing to take place.

EMDR has a methodical preparation stage to ensure the clients well-being. A client, using their imagination, needs to create a safe place and a vault. Their preferred bilateral stimulation is determined in advance. A stop signal is established.

Are you ready to heal?

Whether you opt for EMDR or Hypnotherapy, here’s what matters. Your openness to the treatment and belief that it will work for you is key to success. Your willingness to let go of old beliefs and to embrace new beliefs is also key. As a coach, I trained in both Hypnotherapy and EMDR because they offer different healing experiences. They are both powerful and deliver outcomes and healing.

Working with a coach who is trained in both treatments means you can try them both to see which you prefer! I usually offer a combinations of therapies to my clients.

You can learn more about EMDR and Hypnotherapy as well as many valuable tools and tips here.

I hope you’ve found this article on Hypnotherapy vs. EMDR helpful.

Hi! I’m Roksana. I’m a life coach for women in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I run face to face and online sessions via Zoom. I’m always happy to answer your questions around any of my methods or approaches. Long term changes begin with a guide who has walked a similar path, has a blueprint, will give you support and accountability every step of the way. If you’re interested to know more then please book a FREE call with me.