HypnoGeeks Podcast

Working Safely with Trauma & Sexual Abuse in Clinical Hypnotherapy with Sarah-Jane Morris (The Shy Therapist) What happens when undisclosed trauma walks into your therapy room disguised as weight loss, insomnia, or anxiety? How do we as hypnotherapists hold compassionate, regulated space for survivors of acute sexual abuse without triggering vicarious trauma or re-traumatising our clients? In this episode of HypnoGeeks, host Amanda Joy sits down with advanced counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and former ISVA/IDVA crisis advocate Sarah-Jane Morris (known as The Shy Therapist). Bringing over 15 years of frontline clinical experience supporting survivors of sexual assault, grooming, domestic violence, and stalking, Sarah-Jane shares essential guidance for practitioners on navigating disclosures, pacing somatic inductions, dismantling toxic core beliefs, and managing secondary trauma. Whether you are looking to deepen your trauma-informed framework or bridge the gap between subconscious interventions and safety, this episode is packed with grounded clinical insights. Episode Timestamps & HighlightsListen to this part of the podcast if you are specifically interested in:00:00 – Introduction & Clinical Scope: Why sexual trauma is a hidden “Trojan horse” in general hypnotherapy practices (insomnia, weight loss, panic attacks, chronic pain). 06:32 – The Practitioner’s Journey & Boundaries: Navigating lived experience, the risk of crying in front of clients, and why your personal story must never enter the client space. 11:58 – Preventing Vicarious Trauma: How to avoid absorbing client anger/distress; energetic shielding, light visualisations, and self-hypnosis grounding routines between sessions. 18:37 – Life Chapters & Unexpected Triggers: How trauma resurfaces at new milestones (relationships, marriage, parenthood) and developmental grief. 26:08 – Spotting the "Trojan Horse": Recognising avoidance, secondary gains (e.g., body protection weight), and what happens when secrets surface under hypnosis. 29:23 – What to Do When a Client Discloses Sexual Abuse: Calibrating practitioner panic, holding sacred space, and the vital importance of being believed. 34:56 – Deconstructing Shame & Toxic Core Beliefs: Shifting negative self-talk, reframing learnt behaviours, and unpacking adult grooming and manipulation. 44:17 – Pacing vs. Premature Positivity: Why generic positive affirmations fail without harvested resourceful states, plus knowing your practitioner referral limits. 51:56 – Mindful Language & Inductions: Using "special places", why rapid authoritarian inductions can trigger trauma loops, and the power of slow, choice-led permission. 01:05:36 – Calibrating the Nervous System: Reading somatic micro-signals, the "volcano" analogy, and knowing when to pause a session to ensure safe regulation. 01:11:51 – The Truth About Memory Retrieval: Why digging for traumatic root causes can cause harm, and how memory fragments naturally emerge. 01:19:39 – Trauma CPD Workshops: Sarah-Jane details her upcoming online and in-person professional development training days. Sarah-Jane Morris (Dip Hyp CS, Dip CP, Ad Dip CP, Ad Dip Hyp) is an advanced counsellor, clinical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, and trainer based in Wiltshire. Transitioning from running an embroidery business in 2012, Sarah-Jane dedicated her career to crisis advocacy and trauma work, qualifying in 2011. Over the past 15 years, she has served as:An ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) supporting survivors through acute crisis.An IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) across Basingstoke and Winchester.An IDVA Supervisor supporting women in the Aldershot Nepalese community alongside native translators.A Support@Home Advocate with the British Red Cross.The Shy Therapist, Sarah-Jane now delivers trauma-informed CPD training, case-study workshops, and clinical guidance to hypnotherapists, psychotherapists, and counsellors. Connect with Sarah-Jane & Book Upcoming CPD Workshops1. Online Workshop: Understanding & Working with Trauma (Including Sexual Abuse)Date & Time: Thursday, 3rd December 2026 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Fee: £60 (includes full workshop workbook and live Q&A) Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-working-with-trauma-including-sexual-abuse-tickets-2002861951011 2. In-Person Workshop & Networking Day: WiltshireDate & Time: Saturday, 30th January 2027 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Arrival at 9:15 AM for networking) Venue: The Angel Hotel, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK Fee: £97 per person (includes full-day training, workbook, lunch, and dietary catering; limited to 50 places) Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-understanding-working-with-trauma-including-sexual-abuse-tickets-2003051381603?aff=ebdssbcitybrowseHotel Accommodation: https://www.angel-hotel-chippenham.com/ (Please book rooms directly on a first-come, first-served basis)Websites & Social MediaWebsites: www.theshytherapist.co.uk (or www.counsellingofcalne.co.uk) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jptj6eD1Y/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanemorristraumatherapist Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

From Stage to Clinic: The Science, Art & Ethics of Hypnosis with Tommy GiolandoWhat can stage hypnosis teach clinical hypnotherapists? Quite a lot, it turns out.In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with internationally renowned hypnotist Tommy Giolando to explore the remarkable bridge between performance hypnosis, neuroscience, clinical practice, and faith.Tommy shares his journey from sceptical teenager to internationally recognised stage hypnotist, before revealing why he made the transition into therapeutic work and how mentorship with the legendary Tom Silver transformed his understanding of hypnosis through neuroscience.Together we explore:Why stage hypnotists often develop exceptional therapeutic skills.How observation, calibration, and creativity can transform clinical outcomes.The science behind rapid inductions versus relaxation-based hypnosis.Brainwaves, attention, neuroplasticity, and why simply closing your eyes changes brain activity.The relationship between music, rhythm, sensory processing and trance.How experiences—not just suggestions—anchor lasting transformation.Eye movements, fractionation and why movement helps the brain process information.Tommy's innovative self-hypnosis book and how it combines storytelling, eye movements and personalised language.A thoughtful discussion about hypnosis, Christianity, ethics and the science behind meditative states.Whether you're a clinical hypnotherapist, stage hypnotist, student, coach, healthcare professional or simply fascinated by how the human mind works, this episode is packed with practical insights, scientific discussion and plenty of HypnoGeek moments.Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome to HypnoGeeks & introducing Tommy Giolando05:00 – Tommy's unexpected journey into hypnosis after believing it was fake14:30 – Why stage hypnosis creates exceptional clinical practitioners22:00 – Progressive relaxation vs rapid inductions: Do we overcomplicate hypnosis?33:00 – Creativity, calibration and reading the person in front of you42:00 – Creating therapeutic experiences that become lasting anchors for change52:00 – Tom Silver's neuroscience research and using EEG to study hypnosis1:03:00 – Brainwaves explained: Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and why simply closing your eyes matters1:16:00 – Eye movements, fractionation and innovative approaches to self-hypnosis1:28:00 – Hypnosis, faith and Christianity: Can science and spirituality coexist?1:39:00 – Final reflections on ethics, curiosity and moving the profession forward✨ Why listen?This isn't simply a conversation about hypnosis.It's a discussion about curiosity, neuroscience, performance psychology, therapeutic excellence, creativity, ethics and the extraordinary capacity of the human mind to change.If you've ever wondered how to become a better therapist, communicator, performer, or facilitator of change, this episode is full of ideas you'll want to revisit.🎧 Grab a coffee, put your headphones on, and come and geek out with us.Stay curious. Stay ethical. And keep geeking out on the power of the subconscious.www.tomsilverhypnosisacademy.com www.scientifichypnosis.comhttps://hockeytownhypnotist.com/ Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

Welcome back to another episode of the Hypno Geeks Podcast!Today, we’re joined by someone who has truly mastered the art of the “great escape” — not from handcuffs, but from the soul-crushing world of corporate finance.My guest today is Charlotte Mather — Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, and founder of the Axiom Academy. Charlotte spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, building a six-figure career that looked perfect on paper, but left her feeling trapped in what she describes as a gilded cage.After multiple burnouts and a growing sense that there had to be more to life than surviving Mondays, she walked away from the security of banking to follow a completely different path — one rooted in healing, purpose, freedom, and authenticity.And in less than three years, Charlotte didn’t just replace her corporate income — she built a thriving six-figure hypnotherapy practice and launched an academy dedicated to training the next generation of therapists.But what makes Charlotte’s journey especially powerful is her work within the neurodivergent space. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer and mum to neurodivergent children, she co-founded the Neuro Network — a neuro-affirming business community designed for people who find traditional networking overwhelming, exhausting, or simply inaccessible.✨ In today’s episode, we dive into:⏰ 00:00 – Escaping corporate burnout and the “golden handcuffs.”⏰ 04:00 – Sunday dread, toxic workplaces & nervous system overload⏰ 13:00 – The breaking point that made Charlotte leave banking⏰ 17:00 – Discovering Reiki, hypnosis & the healing world⏰ 20:00 – Building a six-figure hypnotherapy business from scratch⏰ 27:00 – The danger of chasing endless qualifications and “feathers.”⏰ 34:00 – What traditional hypnotherapy training is often missing⏰ 37:00 – Why hypnosis doesn’t work the same for everyone⏰ 43:00 – Neurodivergence, authenticity & building a business differently⏰ 49:00 – AI, social media & the growing “trust recession” online⏰ 54:00 – ADHD, masking, menopause & late diagnosis⏰ 1:07:00 – Neurodivergent-friendly hypnosis approaches⏰ 1:13:00 – Self-compassion, healing & embracing differenceThis conversation is honest, funny, emotional, deeply validating, and packed with insight for therapists, healers, entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning whether there’s another way to live and work.Charlotte is leading the charge for a more inclusive, neuro-friendly approach to therapy and business — and I know you’re going to get so much from this conversation.https://www.axiomhypnotherapy.com/Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

In this episode of the HypnoGeeks Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dante Harker for a deeply insightful, honest, and refreshingly open conversation about psychosexual health, relationships, and the evolving challenges we’re seeing in modern life.We explore the real issues affecting men’s mental and sexual wellbeing, from performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction to the wider pressures of identity, stress, social media, and the impact of pornography. But this conversation goes far beyond sex.Together, we unpack the deeper layers of intimacy, connection, and what it truly means to feel at home within yourself, because as Dante so beautifully shares, psychosexual work isn’t just about sex… It’s about bonding, emotional connection, and rediscovering pleasure in a meaningful, human way.We talk about:Why intimacy is more important than performanceThe growing challenges facing men’s mental healthThe influence of modern life, technology, and stressHow relationships shift over time, and how to reconnectPractical, accessible ways to rebuild connection and pleasureThis is one of those conversations that feels both grounded and expansive, blending clinical insight with lived experience, humour, honesty, and real, usable tools.If you’re a therapist, coach, or simply someone curious about human connection, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on an area that is so often left unspoken… yet impacts so many.Connect with DanteYou can find out more about Dante and his work here:https://danteharker.comFor any course enquiries: [email protected] the Training at The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapy on the  – 17th of MayDante will be delivering a live Psychosexual Therapy Training Day (10am–4pm) a practical, engaging, and confidence-building experience for Hypnotherapists wanting to work more effectively in this area.You can find out more and book your place here: https://the-northern-college-of-clinical-hypnotherapy.cademy.io/psychosexual-therapy-training-with-dante-harkerAs always, settle in, stay curious… and enjoy the conversation.Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

Welcome to the Hypnogeeks Podcast!In today’s episode, my guest is someone who brings hope, healing, and wisdom to one of life’s toughest journeys, navigating heartbreak, separation, and divorce.Today we are joined by the wonderful Paula Crowhurst, also known by her company name Polly Bloom. Paula is an accredited Clinical Hypnotherapist and a highly sought-after Divorce and Separation Coach, celebrated on the Spear’s 500 Top Recommended Divorce Consultancy & Support Services list. She’s helped countless people who are feeling lost, betrayed, or overwhelmed find their way back to strength, clarity, and even joy.But what makes Paula so special isn’t just her impressive qualifications; it’s her deeply human story. Her own life was once turned upside down by betrayal and heartbreak. She describes herself as “standing at the door of the heartbreak hotel,” unsure of how to move forward. Through her own healing journey, digging deep, seeking support, and slowly rebuilding her life, she discovered not only how to thrive again but also how to guide others through their darkest moments.And here on Hypnogeeks, you know we love to geek out about the mind. Paula brings that spark, too. She helps her clients understand the brain science of heartbreak, how dopamine cravings can make an ex feel addictive, how cortisol floods the system and hijacks sleep and peace, and how hypnotherapy can give your prefrontal cortex, that wise “decision-making guard” in your brain, the boost it needs to take charge again.Paula also has this beautiful way of turning tangled emotions into something manageable. She describes the post-breakup mind as a “bowl of spaghetti,” all those thoughts, memories, and worries knotted together. Her gift is helping people gently untangle those strands through coaching, hypnotherapy, and practical tools that bring clarity and calm.She also specialises in some of the toughest challenges: supporting clients through betrayal, navigating the storm of a high-conflict or narcissistic ex, and guiding parents towards cooperative, child-centred approaches to parenting after separation. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s even written a children’s book, Keep on Swimming Freddie!, to help kids process their own big feelings when families change.So, whether you’re listening because you’re on your own healing journey, or simply because you’re fascinated, like us, by the way the brain, emotions, and hypnosis can help us transform, you are going to love this episode.So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join me for this inspiring, insightful, and heart-opening conversation with the amazing Paula Crowhurst.Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

Addiction isn't the problem; it's a solution the subconscious found to deal with something deeper. But what if there was a way to address that deep-seated need, creating permanent freedom instead of temporary fixes?Welcome back to HypnoGeeks! We're diving into the cutting-edge of healing, where solution-focused techniques meet trauma-informed care to redefine transformation.In this truly inspiring episode, we sit down with Cormac Colleran (Creator of the powerful ICAAN Method from Ireland) and Dr. Jodie Solberg (International best-selling author and founder of the RESTORE Process for Trauma from the US). Together, they are the co-founders of the SFTI Hypnosis Academy and share over 40 years of combined experience helping thousands heal from trauma, anxiety, addiction, and unwanted patterns.This conversation is close to the host’s heart, and you’ll discover the World-First protocol they’ve created that is empowering practitioners to create lasting change at the subconscious level.In this transformative episode, you will learn: The Core Driver: Why Dr. Jodie says, "Trauma is often the hidden driver behind addictive patterns," and how their approach helps clients finally release what's been holding them back. The Solution, Not the Problem: How Cormac’s perspective "Addiction isn’t the problem, it’s the solution," opens the door to authentic, sustainable freedom. The SFTI Difference: A breakdown of how the blend of Solution-Focused and Trauma-Informed care makes change not just possible, but inevitable. Identity Over Habit: Why helping a client shift their core identity is infinitely more powerful than simply addressing a behaviour or habit. Language of Healing: The critical distinction between "temptation" and "craving," and the protocol they use for "washing away temptation."This is essential listening for hypnotherapists, coaches, or anyone looking to understand the deepest roots of addiction and anxiety. Get ready for a conversation that's not only informative but truly transformational.Join the movement to empower practitioners with confidence.Let's welcome Cormac and Jodie to the show!Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

In this episode of Hypnogeeks, Amanda chats with her friend and colleague Nicola Barragry — clinical hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, and creator of HypnoFlow. Nicola’s inspiring story weaves together family life, personal loss, career shifts, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.From supporting her community as a teacher, council worker, and crisis advisor, to stepping fully into holistic healing, Nicola has built a unique toolkit that blends hypnotherapy, Reiki, and the Energy Alignment Method. She now runs two powerful initiatives: HypnoFlow, a year-long programme for clearing resistance and aligning subconscious beliefs, and Circles of Support, safe spaces where carers and community members can connect and be heard.This conversation is full of warmth and wisdom — and especially valuable for hypnotherapists and wellness professionals interested in blending modalities and deepening their work with subconscious communication.Key Highlights & Insights:0:13:21 – From teaching to crisis work: How Nicola recognised the limits of “broken systems” and developed her own approach to support clients holistically.0:26:55 – Discovering the Energy Alignment Method (EAM): Nicola shares her “aha moment”, realising that unresolved trauma and subconscious resistance often block transformation. She explains how EAM uses the body as a pendulum, working with sways, resistance, and reversals to access subconscious communication directly.0:37:41 – The five steps of EAM: A practical walk-through of how to identify resistance, trace beliefs back to their origin, release them with powerful statements, and replace them with aligned states of flow.0:56:40 – Blending Hypnotherapy & EAM: Nicola discusses how she integrates hypnosis with energy work, helping clients bypass resistance and deepen into subconscious communication. She uses metaphor, sanctuary spaces, and hypnotic techniques alongside energy alignment to create HypnoFlow.1:00:46 – The HypnoFlow Programme: A structured year-long journey blending hypnotherapy, energy alignment, and accountability. Participants work through universal laws, subconscious beliefs, physical health, relationships, lifestyle, wealth, and purpose — aligning every area of life. For hypnotherapists, it’s an inspiring model of combining subconscious tools with holistic frameworks.1:10:56 – Circles of Support: Nicola’s community initiative that offers safe spaces for carers, relatives of those in care homes, foster parents, teaching assistants, and charity workers. Unlike traditional support groups, Circles focus on holding space without agenda — a place for authentic presence, emotional release, and shared humanity. Hypnotherapists may recognise parallels with group hypnotherapy, supervision, and reflective practice.1:18:00 – Supervision & therapist support: Nicola has also trained as a hypnotherapy supervisor, bringing her unique blend of compassion, energy awareness, and subconscious communication to those working in the helping professions.Why listen? If you’re a hypnotherapist, you’ll find fresh inspiration in how Nicola blends EAM and hypnosis to work more intuitively with the subconscious. You’ll also hear how she builds meaningful programmes and groups that address not just individual transformation, but the wider need for community connection.This episode is both a case study in professional reinvention and a reminder of the power of our work: to hold space, to listen beyond words, and to unlock the subconscious mind’s capacity for healing.Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

This week, Hypnogeeks takes you behind the curtain of stage hypnosis with one of the UK’s top comedy hypnotists, Grant Saunders. From conquering a crippling fear of public speaking to performing at Balmoral Castle, Grant shares stories that are hilarious, jaw-dropping, and inspiring.But this isn’t just entertainment. For clinical hypnotherapists, this episode is a goldmine:Discover how the confidence and performance skills of stage hypnosis can directly elevate your client's work.Learn why body language, conviction, and rapport often matter more than scripts or trance depth.Hear how stage performance offers lessons in ethics, consent, and volunteer care — principles that transfer seamlessly into the therapy room.And explore how stage shows can act as powerful public education about hypnosis, breaking myths, and building trust.Whether you’re curious about sharpening your delivery, overcoming visibility fears, or simply bringing more confidence into your sessions, this conversation will give you practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on what hypnosis can really do.✨ Highlights you won’t want to miss:[06:45] Grant’s first-ever stage show… at a biker’s charity event (and the hilarious disaster that nearly sunk him).[18:30] The “shoe phone” routine and why it blows people’s minds every time.[32:10] Confidence hacks: how Grant turned fear into excitement and why going live online changed everything.[47:00] The night he accidentally caused chaos at Balmoral Castle (spoiler: it involved armed police!).[1:05:20] Why body language and conviction matter more than scripts in hypnosis.[1:22:00] Mentors, Vegas summits, and where stage hypnosis is heading next.🎧 Tune in for laughter, real talk about hypnosis, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories that bridge the world of therapy and entertainment.Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

In this special episode, host Amanda Joy welcomes the compassionate hypnotherapist and spiritual practitioner Joan Coletto, creator of the Heart Shift Method. Together, they explore the powerful ways spirituality and clinical hypnotherapy intertwine to create profound transformation.Amanda Joy opens up about her own raw and challenging spiritual awakening, and Joan shares her personal journey through pain, infertility, and healing, leading her to discover the practices that now form the heart of her life’s work. From prayer and meditation to affirmations and heart-centered hypnosis, Joan’s method helps clients release old patterns, reconnect with themselves, and step into a life filled with peace, purpose, and love.This conversation extends beyond techniques; it delves into the essence of spiritual connection, self-love, and resilience. Expect discussions on: ✨ The truth about spiritual awakening (and why it isn’t always calm and blissful) ✨ Affirmative prayer and how to “claim” what you desire ✨ The healing power of gratitude and visualisation ✨ Working with limiting beliefs and inner child wounds ✨ How spirituality and hypnotherapy combine to support deep emotional healing ✨ Joan’s upcoming book Heart Shift Transformation and exclusive resources for listenersWhether you’re a therapist, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about how hypnotherapy can help you reconnect with your true self, this episode is rich with insights and practical wisdom.🎧 Listen now and discover how blending spirituality with hypnotherapy can help you break free from old patterns, reconnect with your inner power, and live with greater joy and authenticity. Her upcoming book, Heart Shift -Transform painful patterns to live an empowered life (coming fall 2025), shares powerful client stories and tools for healing and transformation. Joan brings warmth, wisdom, and depth to her work and to every conversation. Connect with Joan here: https://www.joancoletto.com/Get her 5-day self-care print here: https://www.joancoletto.com/5-day-self-care-blueprint-for-over-givers Support the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com 

Welcome to the HypnoGeeks Podcast — Today’s episode is for every woman who’s ever asked: “Where did I go in all of this?”I’m joined by the incredible Jo Brown, a Quality-of-Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and TARC EFT Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and social care sector. Jo’s story isn’t just inspiring, it’s relatable. From NHS receptionist to practice manager, Jo spent years caring for others while quietly burning out herself. But when her life began to unravel, she did something courageous; she chose to rebuild, not just survive.Now, Jo supports emotionally exhausted women, particularly those in health, social care, and caregiving professions, to reconnect with themselves, rebuild their boundaries, and rise into a version of life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and empowered.In this powerful conversation, we explore what it truly means to break free from burnout, how to create space for healing, and why you’re not broken — you’re becoming. We talk about the emotional toll of constantly giving, how to recognize when your body is calling for change, and what’s possible when you finally say yes to yourself.Jo’s trauma-informed approach weaves clinical hypnotherapy, TARC EFT, and deep compassion, guiding women to gently reclaim their time, energy, and self-worth.So, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or just craving clarity and calm, take a breath, settle in, and let this conversation be your reminder:You are not alone, you are not broken, and your next chapter can begin today.This is the HypnoGeeks Podcast — your gateway to holistic healing, transformation, and the power of becoming.Jo's Happy Birthday course: https://pages.jostransforminglives.co.uk/birthdaygiftfreecourseSupport the showThis podcast is sponsored by The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapywww.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com