The Power of Words: Unveiling Hidden Subconscious Feelings in Hypnotherapy

What do you know I do not?

As a coach turned hypnotherapist, I've witnessed the profound impact that words can have on revealing the hidden and subconscious feelings within individuals. Words are not just tools for communication; they are windows into the mind, offering glimpses of our deepest desires, fears, and internal conflicts. Through my journey, I’ve learned to listen to what’s said—and what’s left unsaid—with an acute awareness that has transformed the way I guide clients towards positive change. It is called Insight listening, it goes beyond active listening and I developed this as a result of my doctoral studies.

Back to the active listening level, one of the most striking examples of how words reveal subconscious feelings is in the case of smokers who consciously express a desire to quit but subconsciously resist it, and they do not even know that they are resisting the change. Occasionally, a client may come to me with a firm declaration: “I want to quit smoking.” On the surface, this statement appears to show a strong commitment to change. However, as the conversation unfolds, subtle linguistic cues often betray a different reality.

Take, for instance, a client who expresses the desire to quit smoking but follows it up with a statement like, “I can’t afford to quit right now.” This seemingly practical concern might appear valid at first glance, but when you dive deeper, it uncovers a significant subconscious conflict. The client might be spending £400-£500 a month on cigarettes, yet they perceive the cost of hypnotherapy, which could be a fraction of that, as unaffordable. This contradiction suggests that the financial argument is not rooted in logic but rather in an underlying resistance to change.

In my experience, this type of resistance often stems from fear—fear of losing a coping mechanism, fear of failure, or even fear of success and the unknown life that comes with it. The conscious mind may be fully aware of the harmful effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting, but the subconscious clings to the habit because it fulfils a deeper, often unacknowledged need. This need could be anything from stress relief to social bonding, or even a way of self-punishment. The key to effective hypnotherapy is in identifying and addressing subconscious needs rather than merely focusing on the surface-level desire to quit.

Words are absolutely breadcrumbs that lead us to these deeper truths. When a client says, “I can’t afford to quit,” what they might really be saying is, “I’m not ready to give up the comfort that smoking provides me,” or “I’m afraid of who I will be without this habit.” As a hypnotherapist, my role is to help the client recognise these underlying beliefs and reframe them in a way that supports their conscious goals - or, to help the client understand that they are not ready to quit and to return when they are.

In order to change the habit, sometimes it is necessary to help a client understand their barrier and by guiding the client into a relaxed, hypnotic state, I can help them explore the root of their fears and resistance. We might discover that the smoking habit is tied to a specific event or emotion in their past, or that it serves as a form of self-soothing in times of stress. Once these connections are made, we can work together to find healthier, more constructive ways to address these needs.

This process of uncovering subconscious beliefs and emotions through words is not limited to smoking cessation. It applies to a wide range of issues, from anxiety and stress management to weight loss and confidence building. As a hypnotherapist, I’ve learned that the language clients use offers invaluable insights into their subconscious mind. By paying close attention to these verbal cues, I can guide them towards a deeper understanding of themselves and help them make lasting, meaningful changes in their lives.

Words are powerful tools in hypnotherapy, revealing the hidden and subconscious feelings that often drive our behaviours. By listening to these words with a trained ear, we can uncover the true motivations and fears that hold clients back, and help them overcome these barriers to achieve their goals. Hypnotherapy, at its core, is about aligning the conscious and subconscious minds, and the journey begins with understanding the language of the mind.

Contact me to discuss quitting smoking or making other changes in your life.

07970977146

info@thoughtlopunge.co.uk