When I was a student at HMI College of Hypnotherapy, the school director emphasized how important it was for us, as hypnotherapists, to experience hypnosis ourselves, for both personal and professional growth.

Since becoming trained in Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) in 2024, I have seen its powerful effects firsthand. I knew a formal series of sessions would benefit me in much the same way that hypnosis had, in multiple aspects of my life.

When I began looking for an IEMT practitioner, I came across a blog post about anxiety and IEMT identity work. Nicola had written many posts on this subject, and her words deeply resonated with me. So much of what she described mirrored my own life experiences, it felt as though she was writing about me. I also noticed that she integrates hypnotherapy into her work and that she described her therapeutic style as warm and humorous, which I immediately appreciated.

I scheduled a free consultation with her and instantly connected with her personality. Although I was nervous, she listened carefully as I shared my struggles with difficult emotions and relationship challenges. Her warmth, understanding, and acceptance put me at ease right away. I even revealed something I usually find hard to explain (something embarrassing and complicated) and she responded with such positivity that I felt truly seen and understood.

After our consultation, Nicola sent me a series of questions to complete. Although I anticipated what they would be, I found them surprisingly difficult to answer. It was easy to list the emotions I frequently felt (sadness, anger, guilt) but harder to identify specific memories I wanted to address. Eventually, I created a list of negative memories I suspected were connected to my current challenges.

Before my first session, even though I was familiar with the protocol, I was extremely nervous. Session one took place after a weekend when many old hurts, mistakes, and regrets resurfaced. Within five minutes, I was in tears. We worked through several difficult memories and emotions in that session. As Nicola often says, “short-term pain, long-term gain.”

Afterward, I felt lighter and happier, though later that day I was completely exhausted. In the following weeks, however, my mood improved noticeably. I was more focused, productive at work, and able to make healthier choices.
Processing our regrets, painful experiences, and difficult emotions is never easy. IEMT provides a safe space for this, because it requires honesty with yourself rather than revealing every detail or “airing your dirty laundry.”

During my sessions, I only focused on a few painful memories and uncomfortable emotions for about 90 seconds at a time. One of the most remarkable aspects of IEMT is how quickly the intensity of a memory fades. Even my most challenging memories were significantly eased after just three sets of eye movements.

In our society, vulnerability is often seen as weakness, something that leaves us exposed and unsafe. As a result, we learn to hide our struggles and create coping mechanisms around them.

My journey with IEMT has taught me the opposite: vulnerability is where true strength lies. It has helped me become more powerful, resilient, and compassionate, with both myself and others.

For many people, sleep feels like a nightly battle. You go to bed exhausted, but your mind refuses to switch off. Or perhaps you fall asleep quickly, only to wake at 2 a.m. and lie staring at the ceiling until morning. Over time, these restless nights take a toll, leaving you drained, unfocused, and more stressed than ever.

As a hypnotherapist, one of the most common reasons people come to me is for help with insomnia and other sleep difficulties. I often say that a good night’s sleep comes free with every session! Hypnosis naturally engages the brain in ways that encourage deep, restorative rest.

Sleep isn’t just “time off.” It’s when your brain and body do their most vital work. During deep sleep, also known as the delta state, your body clears toxins, repairs tissues, and consolidates memories. Your mind also processes the emotional load of the day, helping you wake up clear, calm, and ready to face challenges.

When sleep is disrupted, whether by difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or simply staying up too late, your brain misses the restorative hours it needs. The result? Low energy, poor focus, heightened stress, and an increased risk of long-term health problems.

If you struggle with sleep, you’ve probably tried the usual tips:

• Turning off electronics before bed
• Keeping the bedroom dark and cool
• Avoiding caffeine and late-night drinks
• Taking supplements or sleep aids

These strategies, often called sleep hygiene, can help but aren’t always enough. That’s because sleep problems rarely have just one cause. Stress, anxiety, ingrained habits, and even subconscious associations can all interfere with rest.

This is where hypnotherapy makes a difference. In hypnosis, your mind naturally enters a calm, deeply focused state, similar to the brain’s delta waves during restorative sleep. From there, we can:

• Reframe anxious thoughts that keep you awake
• Build positive associations with rest and relaxation
• Teach your nervous system to shift out of stress mode more easily
• Strengthen routines that support natural, healthy sleep
  

Every client’s needs are unique. Some need help quieting a racing mind at bedtime, while others need support staying asleep. In our sessions, we examine your sleep patterns, identify what’s working, and adjust what isn’t. Using hypnosis, we then create new mental pathways that allow sleep to feel natural again.

Many clients notice improvements surprisingly quickly, sometimes after just one or two sessions. Others require more time as we address underlying stress and habits. But in every case, the goal is the same: to help you reclaim the rest your mind and body need to function at their best.

Good sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. Without it, everything feels harder. With it, you feel clearer, calmer, and more resilient.

If you’re ready to break the cycle of restless nights, hypnotherapy may provide the support you’ve been seeking. When your brain learns how to rest deeply, everything else in life becomes easier.