Dissociative disorders can make you feel disconnected from yourself, your memories, and your surroundings. When conventional therapies don’t provide sufficient relief, many wonder if less conventional approaches like hypnosis might help. This question needs careful exploration, especially given the complex nature of dissociation, the misconceptions surrounding hypnosis and the lack of training many hypnotherapists have.
Understanding Dissociative Disorders
Dissociation exists on a spectrum. At one end are common experiences like daydreaming or “highway hypnosis” when when you drive somewhere and don’t remember the journey. At the other end are clinically significant dissociative disorders, including:
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states
- Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: Persistent feelings of detachment from oneself or one’s surroundings
- Dissociative Amnesia: Inability to recall important personal information beyond ordinary forgetfulness
These disorders typically develop as protective responses to overwhelming trauma, particularly during childhood. The mind essentially creates psychological distance from unbearable experiences.
Clarifying What Happens During Flashbacks
An important insight that’s often overlooked: flashbacks, where you feel as though you are reliving a traumatic event, are actually a form of dissociation. During a flashback, you become disconnected from the present moment, experiencing past trauma as if it’s happening now. This dissociative experience can be frightening and disruptive, leaving you feeling powerless.
Hypnosis: Beyond Popular Misconceptions
Contrary to some portrayals, hypnosis isn’t about surrendering control or being highly suggestible. Rather, it involves entering a state of:
- Focused attention
- Heightened concentration
- Enhanced awareness of internal experiences
- Reduced peripheral awareness
This state shares similarities with deep mindfulness. Far from losing control, hypnosis can actually offer people with dissociative symptoms a greater sense of mastery over their internal experiences.
The Potential Benefits for Dissociative Symptoms
Hypnosis, when used by trauma-informed practitioners, may help address dissociative symptoms through several mechanisms:
1. The Rewind Technique for Traumatic Memories
This gentle approach allows processing of traumatic memories without full emotional re-experiencing. Here’s how it works:
- You enter a relaxed, focused state through guided hypnosis
- From this safe mental distance, you visualize watching yourself watching your traumatic experience like. Like watching yourself watching a movie
- You mentally “rewind” and “fast-forward” through the experience several times
- This process helps detach overwhelming emotions from the memory itself
The technique specifically targets the emotional charge of memories that fuel dissociative responses like flashbacks. You can find out more and download a recording of the rewind technique here.
2. Inner Child Work and Parts Integration
Trauma, especially in childhood, can fragment the sense of self. Hypnosis can create a safe mental space to:
- Connect with younger “parts” of yourself still holding trauma
- Facilitate communication between fragmented aspects of identity
- Offer comfort and reassurance to vulnerable parts
- Work toward greater internal cohesion and harmony
This gentle approach acknowledges that dissociation once served a protective purpose while helping to release patterns that no longer serve you.
3. Developing Internal Resources
Hypnotic techniques can help build coping skills for managing dissociative symptoms:
- Creating mental “safe places” to retreat when overwhelmed
- Establishing internal communication systems between different parts
- Learning grounding techniques to stay present during triggering situations
- Building emotional regulation capacities
What Research Tells Us
Research on hypnosis for dissociative disorders shows promising, though mixed, results:
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Trauma & Stress (2016) found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, including dissociative experiences like flashbacks and emotional numbing.
Studies specifically examining hypnosis for dissociative disorders suggest:
- Potential benefits when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
- Improvement in symptoms like identity confusion and amnesia in some cases
- Enhanced outcomes when combined with other evidence-based therapies
However, research quality varies, and more rigorous studies are needed.
Important Considerations and Precautions
Hypnosis isn’t appropriate in all circumstances.
For mild dissociative symptoms:
- Regular assessment ensures the approach is beneficial
- Hypnosis may help reduce flashbacks and emotional distress
- A qualified practitioner can tailor approaches to your specific needs
Finding the Right Professional
If you’re considering hypnosis for dissociative symptoms, selecting the right practitioner is crucial. Look for someone who:
- Has specific training in trauma-informed hypnotherapy
- Understands the neurobiology of trauma and dissociation
- Works collaboratively with other mental health professionals
- Takes time to establish safety and trust before deep work
- Respects your boundaries and comfort level throughout the process
Taking the Next Step
If you recognize experiences of dissociation in yourself and are seeking support in processing trauma and releasing negative emotions through hypnosis, I encourage you to schedule a call via my website. I am a trauma informed hypnotherapist who specialises in helping anxiety and trauma sufferers. I have used hypnotherapy to overcome my own issues with dissociation.
If you have received a formal diagnosis of a dissociative disorder, such as DID, please still schedule a call. However, to ensure the most appropriate and ethical care, I may require a letter of collaboration from your referring doctor or primary therapist before we can begin working together. This collaborative approach ensures that your treatment is integrated and supports your overall well-being.
For therapists who are interested in expanding their skills to help clients heal from childhood trauma using the power of hypnosis, please see my inner child healing practitioner course. This specialized training can equip you with effective techniques to guide your clients towards profound healing and integration.
Healing is possible. With the right support and techniques, you can develop a more integrated sense of self and greater freedom from the effects of past trauma.
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