Hypnosis for Insomnia

Diploma

Karen E. Wells
 Copyright
Copyright © 2020 by: Karen E. Wells
Cover and internal design ©2020 Karen E. Wells
All rights reserved. No part of this course may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or
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brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in writing from its publisher,
Karen E. Wells.

All brand names and product names used in this course are trademarks, registered trademarks, or
trade names of their respective holders. We are not associated with any product or vendor in this
course.

www.karenewells.com
The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
 Table of Contents
Contents
Karen E. Wells................................................................................................................................. 1

Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 4

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Module One ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Insomnia ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Module One. .................................................................................................................................. 18

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 18

Module Two .................................................................................................................................. 20

Hypnotherapy and Treatment .................................................................................................... 20

Module Two .................................................................................................................................. 26

Self-Assessment Task ................................................................................................................ 26

Module Three ................................................................................................................................ 28

Deepeners .................................................................................................................................. 28
Module Three ................................................................................................................................ 38

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 38

Module Four .................................................................................................................................. 39

Tension, Stress and Sleep .......................................................................................................... 39

Module Four .................................................................................................................................. 50

Self-Assessment Tasks .................................................................................................................. 50

Summary.................................................................................................................................... 51
Assignment .................................................................................................................................... 52

About ............................................................................................................................................. 53
Karen E. Wells............................................................................................................................... 54
 Introduction

Welcome to this short but powerful course on Hypnotherapy for Insomnia. It is the perfect add-
on course if you are looking to specialise in this area but will also be useful for those who are
currently studying hypnotherapy. This course assumes some basic knowledge but does look at
the importance of hypnotherapy scripts but we also focus on sleep problems which are
experienced by so many. It is so important that you understand how and why insomnia occurs
and how you are able to help those who come to your practice. Hypnotherapy is an excellent
resource to aid relaxation, to reduce stress and promote deep, nourishing sleep.

The number of insomnia sufferers recorded in Britain was typically, one in six people however,
this figure has increased in 2020, potentially due to concerns around the coronavirus. These
numbers are likely to be reflected all around the world. Insomnia has a deblitating impact. It is
extremely unpleasant to feel tired or exhausted day after day but the impact is far reaching. Sleep
deprivation impacts cognitive function and so, life becomes harder as a result.

Many people experience sleep problems through unresolved stressors. Life can be highly
pressured and overwhelming. When stress is chronic and therefore, ongoing, this can easily
impact sleep patterns. Some people are unaware that they are stressed. They feel that they are
coping in life but when stress becomes the norm, people live with it not realising how damaging
it is to health and wellbeing. You may even hear clients say that they usually thrive on stress.
It takes very little for a sleep pattern or sleep behaviours to alter and if this is not addressed or
core issues are left unresolved, sleep will be evasive. As the hypnotherapist, it is important that
you understand the potential causes of insomnia so you can apply targeted hypnotherapy
techniques with greater confidence.

Take your time with this course.

At the end of each module, you will find self-assessment tasks. We suggest you complete these
in order as they will aid absorption of the course material. Please note that there is no need to
submit the self-assessment tasks for review.

At the end of the course, there is an assessment, and it is this that we would like you to send for
review.

When ready, please turn to Module One.

 Module One
Insomnia

Insomnia is extremely common, and millions of people suffer from ongoing sleepless nights.
There are many different reasons as to why this happens, but the impact of sleep deprivation can
be considerable. During any bout of insomnia, it can seem impossible to fall asleep but even if
the individual does manage to drift off, they may wake up constantly throughout the night. This
leads to non-restorative sleep and fatigue.

The impact of insomnia is considerable:

• It affects mood
• It affects energy levels
• It impacts cognitive function
• It affects health

Sleep patterns are easily disturbed. Even if extremely tired, it does not mean that at night-time
they will fall asleep. While some do fall asleep fairly readily, insomnia can be cruel, many will
wake up through the night and will lie awake clockwatching for hours.
It is important to note that insomnia is defined by the quality of sleep achieved rather than how
long someone has slept for. This means that even if sleep has been achieved, the individual can
still feel extremely tired the next day.

It would be wrong to consider insomnia as a single sleep disorder. This is because it is a

symptom of other issues. The problems behind sleepless nights will always vary from client to
client, and there are many reasons and often, complex issues to explore. Lifestyle implications
must be considered, and the problem could be greatly exaggerated through the simplest of
reasons – even by drinking too much caffeine during the day. There can be a complex set of
issues to overcome and it pays to listen carefully to your clients. Sometimes, you can glean much
about them by observing their body language and movement.

• How stressed do they appear?

• Are they vocalising the issue easily?
• Do you feel that you are not being told the whole story?

Often, clients will express their fatigue and that irrespective of what they do, they still cannot
regain control over life on a daily basis.

It is likely that unresolved issues or if pressure is extreme from all sides, this will play a part in
this.

In most cases, insomnia can be cured through improved sleep hygiene and this simply means
finding a routine that benefits them. The aim is to promote an improved sleep pattern, and this
means creating a routine or ritual. Many clients will need additional support because they will
have tried to reduce stress levels, alter their routine, or have tried sleep remedies but are still
unable to sleep.

To be able to help your clients, you need to find out a little bit about them.

• Are they under a great deal of stress?

 • Do they feel emotionally flat?
• Are they experiencing depression?
• Have they endured a traumatic experience recently?
• Do they feel overwhelmed with pressure?
• Do they suffer from anxiety?
• Are they taking any medication which could impact sleep?
• Do they have existing health problems that could interfere with their sleep patterns?
• Do they have a good sleep pattern usually?
• Is the bedroom quiet and comfortable?

A bedroom should be free from clutter and the bed comfortable. In fact, the bedroom needs to
provide a feeling of calmness and safety away from the stresses of the day. Often, individuals
continue to sleep on a mattress that is uncomfortable and then, wonder why they cannot sleep
well. Blocking out light at night is useful while flooding the room with natural light in the
morning will help with alertness.

Certainly, any emotional issues which includes anxiousness, stress, or feelings of depression are
likely to play a significant role in up to 50% of the insomnia cases that you see. However, the
individual’s daytime habits, existing health and sleep routine will also contribute.

It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the
committee of sleep has worked on it.
John Steinbeck

As a therapist, you need to establish how long the insomnia has been present. This is important
because it typically lasts for just a few days and then, gradually, dissipates. Stressors could
include a pressured meeting at work or an important job interview. But when insomnia is
persistent and ongoing, there is usually an underlying mental or physical issue such as
depression.
While feelings of depression, stress, or bouts of anxiety are common causes, insomnia can
become a vicious cycle and lead to sleep patterns being completely disrupted. This leads to
greater anxiety, stress, or feelings of depression. In addition, it is common to experience
fluctuating moods such as anger or irritability. However, there can be very real emotional and
psychological causes including bipolar disorder, a recent bereavement, a traumatic experience
etc. To help regain a beneficial sleep pattern, any underlying issues should be resolved.

If there is any medical condition, it is important that

the client seeks medical advice before treatment.

Discuss any medication taken with your client. This is important because some prescription
drugs are known to interfere with sleep including any treatments for thyroid hormone, high
blood pressure medications, antidepressants and even some contraceptives.

While insomnia is a sleep disorder, it is also an indicator of other issues such as the circadian
rhythm being disrupted or the presence of restless leg syndrome. Even sleep apnoea must be
considered. Eliminating these potential problems can lead to greatly improved sleep habits.

There are many easy to resolve causes of insomnia:

• Drinking too much caffeine

• Sleeping late in the morning
• Eating heavy meals too close to bedtime
• Drinking alcohol too late in the evening
• A lack of exercise
• A poor diet and snacking on sugary treats
• Increased levels of stress
From this, you will see that there are likely to be a wide range of issues that need to be
considered so to undo harmful habits or behaviours. Relaxing the client will help their immediate
stress levels but if you can understand a little about your client and gain an idea as to the cause of
the stress, it will enable you to provide a targeted approach.

A client may stubbornly refute that their lifestyle is anything to do with the issue. However, it
may be that their behaviours are so ingrained that they do not see their routines or actions as a
problem. It can help if they keep a sleep diary so to pinpoint all habits and behaviours, and then,
work to eradicate those that are likely disruptors as in the list above.

Overcoming insomnia is important.

We have all experienced those times when our eyelids have started to feel heavy during the
evening hours. This is the time for sleep, but it is not always possible to do so. In the morning,
when the eyes open, we start to wake up and it is useful to have plenty of natural light at this
time. Falling asleep and waking up naturally is all due to the sleep/wake cycle otherwise known
as the circadian rhythm. This is an important pattern because it triggers our need to sleep and
alerts us to wake up in the morning.

Ideally, for most adults, this may be seven to nine hours of sleep time per night and during the
day, up to seventeen hours of being awake. During any twenty-four-hour period, there are
various chemicals and hormones within the body that increase and decrease during this time.
Adenosine accumulates in the blood during the day and this continues to increase for as long as
the person is awake. Once sleep occurs, these levels drop.

Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptor. Those

with insomnia may need to reduce their intake of
coffee.
Melatonin levels rise in the late afternoon and increases through the night. This is another
hormone important for the regulation of the sleep/wake cycle. These levels fall during the early
hours of the morning just as the body starts to wake. This is why melatonin production can be
disrupted by having bright artificial light on during the evening or having a TV on in the
bedroom. Ideally, keeping the bedroom nice and dark is conducive for deep sleep. In the
morning, having natural light flood the bedroom is beneficial.

Circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are a vital part of the internal body clock. These 24-hour cycles continue in
the background and there are different systems within the body that follow these rhythms. All are
synchronised with the internal 24-hour clock in the brain. If we call this the master clock, we can
say that there is a direct influence on it by environmental cues and in particular, light. Circadian
rhythms are interconnected to the day and night cycle.

Ideally, these rhythms should be properly aligned. When they are, an individual would usually
have deep restorative sleep. However, if the circadian rhythm is out of alignment, some
significant sleeping problems can occur.

Circadian rhythms are important for both mental and physical systems within the body. Consider
that the digestive system produces proteins which enable the usual timing of meals and within
the endocrine system, there is the regulation of hormones required for normal energy
expenditure. The human body must work in balance.
We know that these rhythms are connected to the master clock within the brain but in particular
it can be found in the hypothalamus i.e. the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). At various times
during the day, the suprachiasmatic nucleus emits signals so to regulate activity within the body.
It is sensitive to light and this forms an external trigger influencing the signals emitted by the
SCN which coordinates the internal body clock. This is why these rhythms and day and night are
integrally connected. There are other triggers such as temperature, exercise, and social activities
but without a doubt, light has the most influence on our circadian rhythms.

We most often associate the circadian rhythm with sleep. Certainly, the sleep-wake cycle is
important. Daylight exposure ensures the master clock in the brain triggers a signal for alertness
and this is why we wake up when daylight appears. The reverse is true as night falls and
melatonin – a hormone is released which promotes sleep. Throughout the night, these signals
continue which help us to remain fast asleep throughout the night.

The circadian rhythm has an effect on all systems of the body and affects weight and metabolism
and the regulation of cholesterol levels along with blood sugar. It also influences the function of
the immune system and could process DNA repair especially important to combat diseases such
as cancer. When sleep is lacking, it affects cognitive function, and could lead to health conditions
such as depression.

When the sleep-wake circadian rhythm is disrupted, there will be some serious issues. If the
internal clock does not trigger the signal to sleep, then, sleep will be elusive. The quantity and
quality of sleep will be reduced, and this means sleep is often shallow and fragmented. This can
lead to daytime exhaustion and the desire to simply sleep at times which are not suitable.
There are many things that can disrupt circadian rhythm including jet lag, shift work, advanced
sleep phase disorder, delayed sleep phase disorder, and irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder.

When you have clients who suffer from insomnia, gaining control over the sleeping patterns and
circadian rhythm is important. To gain control, there are things they can do to improve sleep
following treatment such as gaining exposure to natural light – this is important early in the day
and to ensure a consistent sleep schedule. Reduce or avoid caffeine, reduce artificial light
exposure prior to going to bed and avoid naps in the afternoon.

Sleep cycles

We have dedicated this first module so to explain why insomnia occurs and this enables you, as
the hypnotherapist to have a greater potential to build rapport with your clients. By
understanding what they are going through, this affords some empathy and warmth. If we turned
the clock back 70 years, the belief, in scientific circles at that time was that as people fell asleep,
both brain and the body would go into a shutdown mode. However, we now know that sleep is
far more complex, and the brain moves through a variety of brain patterns.

The first stage of sleep often happens within minutes and alpha and theta waves are produced by
the brain. Eye movements begin to slow at this point. This stage of sleep is quite brief. This is
known as a light stage of sleep which often lasts approximately seven minutes. At this point, it
would be easy to be disturbed and to wake up.

Stage two is also a light stage of sleep where the brain wave frequency increases into sleep
spindles. At this point, the brain waves slow. K complexes are large waves and occur due to
external stimuli. Sleep spindles increase in amplitude and are bursts of fast activity and then,
they decay. We spend much of the night in stage 2 and this is where important brain activities
occur. Typically, the majority of spindle activity is at the start and end of the REM sleep cycle.

The spindles activate the thalamus, insular cortices, anterior cingulate and the superior temporal
gyri in the brain. Slow spindles (11-13 Hz) increase activity in the superior frontal gyrus. The
fast spindles (13-15 Hz) recruit the sensorimotor processing cortical regions including recruiting
mesial frontal cortex and the hippocampus.

Stage three and four is where deep sleep occurs. Delta waves are produced and there is no
muscle activity or eye movement. At this point, the body is less responsive to external stimuli.
The brain produces more delta waves and sleep is even deeper. This is the stage of sleep where it
is difficult to wake up. During this period of time, the body starts to heal, repairing muscles, and
tissues of the body, boosting immune function, increasing energy, and stimulating growth.

Rapid eye movement (REM) occurs approximately 90 minutes after first falling asleep. This
REM state (and others) last for around sixty minutes. There are typically five or six REM cycles
each night and the brain becomes increasingly more active during this phase. This is the time
when you dream, and eye movement occurs. Heart rate and blood pressure increases, and the rate
of breathing is shallow, irregular, and faster than during the other stages. REM sleep is an
important part of the sleep process and is vital for learning and for memory function. Consider
this the time when the brain processes information from the previous day. Memories are then
filed in the long-term memory banks.

Microsleep
We all need sufficient levels of sleep. Impaired sleep leads to a lack of focus, a difficulty making
key decisions, it leads to fluctuating moods and even, mental health issues. If your client states
that even after sleeping reasonably well, they still feel extremely tired the next afternoon, they
may be sleep deprived and experiencing microsleep. It usually lasts for up to thirty seconds, but
people rarely realise that it is happening.

When you consider that the average person needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per
night, it is important to correct poor sleeping habits. Microsleep occurs through sleep deprivation
and also, sleep apnoea. It is important that you consider the client’s routine and discuss potential
changes which can be as simple as going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the
same time each morning. Equally, going to bed fifteen minutes earlier than usual can be useful.
Creating a night-time ritual is ideal. It is also beneficial to exercise more during the day so that
the client is tired at night and ready for sleep.
 Module One.
Self-Assessment Tasks

Task:

What is your understanding of insomnia?

Task:

What is meant by circadian rhythms?

Task:

How does a lack of sleep impact health and wellbeing?

Task:

What is the SCN?

Task:
What alterations to sleep patterns can support hypnotherapy treatment?

Task:

What is REM sleep?

Task:

Which brain waves occur in the early part of the sleep cycle?

Task:

What causes microsleep?

Please note that these questions are to help consolidate the information within, so do not send to
Kew Solutions.
 Module Two
Hypnotherapy and Treatment

Whether you are new to hypnotherapy or are just looking to add greater depth to your knowledge
and experience, there is no doubt that hypnotherapy can be a lifeline during times of stress or
where sleep is disturbed. A hypnotherapy session creates a heightened awareness and utilises the
hypnotic state and it is your role to guide the client into a state of peacefulness so that they feel
deeply relaxed. You must make suggestions so to alter behaviours improving this aspect so that it
improves their lives. You may use guided imagery and a variety of scripts so to tailor the
sessions for your clients.

Some people experience quick results and other clients will take longer for the full benefits to be
achieved. Ultimately, all will feel greatly relaxed and may gain other benefits too.

Awareness – some people retain the memory of all that happens through the session.
Relaxation – some experience a sense of detachment and deep, healing relaxation throughout the
sessions and will be calmer, and more receptive to change.
Focus – for much of the time, we become distracted by external stimuli and the mind can be
cluttered, during the session and thereafter, focus can be improved.
Irrespective of your experience in hypnotherapy, we must reiterate how your skills can help
those who visit your practice. People will come to you because they are struggling and will have
a variety of issues. Phobias and fears are among many of the issues that are likely to present
themselves but stress, mood fluctuations, mental health conditions, and issues such as insomnia
will need to be rectified.

As we discussed in module one, there are many reasons for insomnia, but fear and stress can be
the catalyst for sleepless nights. At times, the pattern of sleeplessness starts to become the norm
leading to difficult health issues. Always consider the cause as well as treating the symptoms.

To be able to help your clients, you must gain insight into the client’s subconscious mind as to
how this interacts with sensory input. You must consider their belief system as this can restrain
the client’s perspective. All this plays a role in creating the client’s perception of the world.

Within hypnotherapy, we deal with a programmed set of instincts, and these instincts may be
added over time through experiences gained. This store of knowledge enables us to classify the
sensations, sounds, or objects around us and time, and experiences are continuously added to this
store. The subconscious mind can repress memories – in particular, those which are unpleasant.
As such, memories can be buried deep within the subconscious mind so the conscious mind
cannot recall them. In time, deeply rooted anxieties, fears, or doubts can rise to the surface. This
can interfere with the individual’s sense of peace and inner harmony.

To help your client, you must take them back to the time when these issues or behavioural issues
became rooted. Note that the memory may be stored deeply within but once pulled into the
conscious mind, issues can be dealt with. Our imagination is incredibly powerful. It builds upon
the elements of life that we see, hear, touch, or smell and following this, our imaginations fill in
the rest of the pieces.

Helping the client to feel at ease

Most if not all clients will experience the benefits of hypnosis, but it is important that they feel
fully relaxed when they come into the treatment room. They may have pre-conceived ideas as to
what hypnosis is and what it does. Allowing a little bit of time to talk to the client, to establish
their issues, and to help them to relax is extremely important and should not be rushed.

The client should feel comfortable in their position and trust in the process knowing that it will
be beneficial. People will have a variety of fears to overcome and each person will take the time
necessary for them to relax fully, and to experience the hypnotic process.

The following suggestions for relaxation and induction can be used and adapted for your needs.

Eye closure

When ready, ask your client to stare at a spot on the palm of your hand as you hold it up in front
of them. You may find that they will want to close their eyes quickly or there may be a
reluctance to do so. It is best that they begin to notice how their eyes start to become heavy as
they continue to gaze at your hand. They should listen to your voice as you talk them through the
process as follows:

You may notice that your eyes feel heavy and this is absolutely fine.
Just continue to listen to my voice while you keep your gaze on the spot.
Everything is fine in this moment.
Nothing will disturb you as you continue to listen to the sound of my voice. My words relax you
more and more and you continue to feel relaxed, deeply relaxed.

Now, I will bring my hand down and just follow the movement with your eyes as my hand
moves down below your field of vision, follow the movement, past your nose, your mouth and
now, beyond your chin…

Eyes closing now…..softening, relaxing…..that’s fine.

My words are relaxing you further.

Note: This relaxation stage can be adapted to suit your needs and at the end of this, you move
into the induction. The client should be relaxed now, and it is important to continue to modulate
your voice so that it soothes, and you should pause where necessary.

Aim for a soft and flowing manner and reduce the speed at which you talk. You will perfect this
as you practice.

Two finger eye closure

You can use the following for adults. It is effective even for those clients who are quite sceptical
of the whole process. It enables them to understand that the trance state really does work.

Use the client’s name…..and then, talk them through the following:

Take a long, slow deep breath in and keep your eyes open wide as you do so. Do not strain your
neck but look up as if towards your eyebrows.

Now, very gently, I am going to shut your eyelids, just like this (use thumb and forefinger to
close the eyelids) and keep thumb and finger in place, very gently.

Now, relax those muscles, let all tension dissipate, allow the muscles of the eyes to relax
Keep relaxing…
Letting go

Know that as you do so, the muscles of the eyes will not want to work…because you are relaxed.
Growing more relaxed with each passing second.

When you know that you are relaxing fully, your eyes will not open…..because this moment
feels so good, to be deeply relaxed. Satisfy your curiosity and try….
Your eyes tighten … as if the muscles are locking as you relax more and more.

Pause …

Now allow that feeling, that deep sense of relaxation to flow all the way down through the body.
It is like a wave and as it ripples over you, it relaxes every muscle, every fibre, every part of self.
Deeply relaxed, body sinking into a greater state of pure relaxation.

I am going to lift your right hand now and gently shake, inputting more relaxation into your hand
and your arm. When I release your hand, your arm will simply fall softly back into
place…..deeper and deeper into relaxation.

I will do the same with the left arm…..and as I do so, your arm will fall softly back into place
and you will fall deeper and deeper into relaxation.

Induction

Open with the client’s name and repeat the following…

Take a long slow breath in and then, exhale

Breathe in again with me…inhale now…..(breathe in deeply) now hold the breath (exhale fully)

Note the client should emulate your breathing cycle.

(Repeat this four times.)

Now you are starting to relax every muscle within the body
You can feel every fibre of those muscles gradually yielding and letting go, releasing tension

Tell the client to say inwardly…

I am feeling very relaxed ………..my eyelids are heavy
I am so relaxed, I tried to open my eyes, but I am unable to …………I am drifting deeply into a
hypnotic state
So relaxed

At this point, see whether your client tries to open the eyes. They will probably struggle to do so.
(They must repeat the following sentences inwardly after you)

I am drifting into a deep state of hypnosis

Feeling sleepy
My subconscious mind is open, it will accept every suggestion
I am deeply relaxed; I can feel my body becoming heavier and heavier as I sink deeply into a
state of deep relaxation

Pause

(Now change the tense to the second person…..)

You are moving deeper into a state of relaxation drifting away

Relaxing
Feeling calm…
In the moment, going deeper and deeper into a state of hypnosis

(The session would then be targeted depending on the client’s needs).

Practice these openers, adapting your voice and tone so that it soothes. You can also try writing
your own.
 Module Two
Self-Assessment Task

Task:

What is your understanding of hypnotherapy and insomnia? Write a 300-word essay on this so to
be sure that you have a full comprehension of the symptoms and therapy.

Task:

List three benefits or more of hypnotherapy for insomnia

Task:

Why is it important to take time with the client prior to starting the session?

Task:

Practice the eye closure technique on a friend or family member. How did it work? Did you feel
comfortable practicing this?

Task:

Practice the induction technique on a friend or family member. How did you feel while
practicing this technique? Did it work for you?
Please note that these questions are to help consolidate the information within, so do not send to
Kew Solutions.
 Module Three
Deepeners

Each part of a hypnotherapy script is vital because they help to draw the client into a state of
deep relaxation and lead them towards a trance state. The deeper the trance, the more effective
the hypnotherapy session will be. If a client only goes into a light state of trance, do not be
discouraged, you will still be able to work with them and to help them. This module focuses on
deepeners so that you understand how they work and can practice them in a safe environment.
You will see different examples so you can adapt them and make them your own.

There are many formats for deepening the trance state and we will discuss some of these here:

Numerical hypnotic deepeners

When we talk about numerical hypnotic deepeners, we use numbers to count the client in or out
of the trance state. This could be counting down from 3 or, up to 7. The number is up to you and
will vary depending on the client’s issues and state of being. You can vary this as is needed. But
it provides a specified time frame so that the mind allows this transition. Alongside this, you use
suggestions which include ‘deep sleep’ or ‘deep relaxation’ which can assist the client in
becoming relaxed and receptive for change. Cue words can be altered to suit needs and are made
in accordance with the counting and helps the transitional phase.

Visual Engagement Hypnotic Deepeners

These enable the client to focus on an internal level using creative imagery – this could be a
favourite place of theirs or, a journey. It enables a dissociative state from the present
environment and enables deep relaxation which can help progress the session.

Dissociative Hypnotic Deepeners

When using these types of deepeners, you encourage dissociation which separates the client from
this time and space. It may be that you ask them to float out of their body or to engage with the
sensation of drifting feeling weightless. These types of scenarios create visual engagement and
can also lead to a journey.

Using Triggered/Conditioned Hypnotic Deepeners

These establish a cue that can be used for deepening at a later point in the session. Therapists
often use words such as…. sleep, relax, and calming…..

These types of cue words take the client to the state where the cue word was first installed and
are ideal for those times. This is especially important if the depth of trance has been disrupted or
if you feel that additional deepening is needed.
The Candle Deepener

As you begin to relax more and more and to release muscle tension, you are allowing every
muscle within the body to enter a deep state of relaxation.

Visualise within the mind, a candle.

This can be any size or colour that you choose.

Your chosen colour will be one that your subconscious mind knows will calm the mind.

Now focus on the flame of the candle.

Notice the beautiful colours within the flame, you see yellow, white, red, and even purple.
Visualise the colours and the flame as it flickers.
Bring this visualisation to life. It helps to relax you even more.

As you focus on the colours and the movement of the flame, you feel a deep sense of relaxation
washing over you from head to toe.

Turn your focus to the body of the candle and notice now that there are signs of the wax starting
to melt and drip down the sides of the candle. Watch the movement as it drips lower and lower,
trickling down the sides. Now, it touches the candle holder merging with it.

As you continue to watch the flame and the melting wax, you feel more and more relaxed.
You are safe and comfortable
Completely relaxed in this moment

Imagine you are the candle.

The body of the candle represent the muscles of your body.

Feel those muscles within start to yield. Relaxing deeper and deeper.

The chair that you are sitting in represents the candle holder.
Imagine your muscles are the melting wax from the candle.
Feel yourself pouring into your chair.
You feel heavier and heavier as your body relaxes completely.

Progress with the session choosing the theme of your choice.

The Garden Sanctuary Deepener

Within this moment, your subconscious mind is opening and becoming more accessible to
positive change.

You feel yourself relaxing and going deeper, much deeper

As you do so, your subconscious mind becomes receptive changing from unhelpful beliefs and
instead, is ready to absorb new positive messages of change.

Continue to listen to the sound of my voice as I take you further into this state of pure relaxation

You are feeling a sense of peace and tranquillity washing over you
Allow the breath to come in and out just gently
Focus on the rise and fall of your chest

I am going to count from 1 to 7 and with each number, you move deeper into a state of relaxation
releasing any stress and tension from the mind and the body.

1. Allow each muscle and every nerve fibre to relax.

2. Your mind is relaxing, and you are letting go
3. There is a gentle connection between the mind and body. You are relaxing further and further,
feeling tranquil and releasing tension as you inhale and exhale. Breathe in positive energy and
breathe out any fear and anxiety.
4 Let any anger or stress simply flow away from your body. Inhale and exhale feeling more
deeply relaxed.
5. Breathe in slowly knowing that each breath resonates deep within and as you exhale, say the
word Sleep (or other cue) to yourself.
6. Letting go of external distractions and tension. If your mind strays from the word Sleep, bring
the mind back gently. Just acknowledge this word Sleep and feel yourself drifting away to a
place of deep relaxation.
7. You find yourself in a beautiful garden…this is a sanctuary, and it will calm, inspire, and
soothe leading to deep nurturing sleep.

Here in this moment, you feel the sense of deep tranquillity and peace all around you. The sun is
shining, a golden orb high up in the bluest of skies sending a cascade of warmth across your skin.

In the distance, there is a fountain and water droplets sparkle in the summer sun. There is the
lightest breeze, you can hear it rustling through the nearby trees that line the edges of this garden.
As you walk, feel the grass soft beneath bare feet and a wonderful array of fragrances drifting
towards you.

Birds are singing

There is the faint sound of insects

Peace
Calmness
Tranquillity

Within this place, you relax more and more

Everywhere you look, there are beautiful flowers of all colours and textures. The aesthetics of
design draw you towards a calming state of relaxation. You feel inspired and contented by all
that you see.

As you move through the garden, a large tree takes centre place and there is a comfortable chair
placed by it.

All around, peacefulness and serenity….. a place where restorative sleep can happen.

You are alone here but you feel completely safe

This is a garden sanctuary
A place you can return to at any time you need.
It is calm here.
Relaxed and free from all external pressures
Eyelids becoming heavy
Deeply relaxed…

(The session continues)

Counting Down Induction

You are resting quietly and peacefully

Your eyes are closed
Eyelids starting to feel heavy.
Peace
I am going to help you move into a deeper state of relaxation by counting slowly down to 7 and
to the next stage of this hypnotic journey.
In-between each of numbers, I will use the words ‘drifting deeper and deeper’ and as I increase
the count, you will move into a deeper trance state. As I count upwards, you can also tell
yourself ……

I am moving deeper and deeper into a state of hypnosis

Do not worry if your mind wanders

It is perfectly fine if you lose awareness
By counting through each number, you will achieve a pure state of relaxation
You will feel comfortable
As you feel yourself growing heavier as your muscles relax…… you will sink deeper and deeper
into a comfortable state of being
Just let yourself drift into deep relaxation

7. Drifting deeper and deeper

6. Already, you find yourself becoming more relaxed, feeling so comfortable, and the first
sensation of peace is experienced. Waves of deep relaxation flows over your body
drawing you further into that state of relaxation ……. drifting deeper and deeper
5. Drifting deeper and deeper
4. Become aware of how relaxed and slow your breathing is……as you relax, each deep
breath makes you ever more comfortable. Your body and mind will become more and
more relaxed as your body sinks into pure relaxation.
3. Drifting deeper and deeper ………………….so relaxed in this moment
2. Feeling more comfortable, beautifully relaxed, every part of your body feeling heavy and
drifting deeper and deeper into a state of wellbeing.
1. Drifting deeper and deeper into a warm state of being and letting go completely. Now,
the subconscious mind is open as you drift gently away listening to the sound of my
voice. Every word that I speak supports you and encourages you towards a state of deep
 relaxation. You only need to concentrate on my voice, nothing can disturb you, this is a
special time for you. Each word leads you to a wonderful sense of relaxation.

This is your time

Feeling joy and pure relaxation
Washing over mind and body

(Say the client’s name)

I am going to allow just a short term of silence where you can settle into this deep comfortable
state of being knowing you will drift deeper and deeper into your innermost mind.

Pause

You continue to drift away fully relaxed, safe, comfortable, and warm, and when I speak to you
again in just a few moments, you will feel even more relaxed. So, rest quietly, embracing inner
peace and tranquillity, feeling the sensation of inner joy and contentment until you hear my
voice.

Continue with the central theme or visual journey.

Ending a session.

Still relaxed, I will slowly count from 1 to 5

As you return to your conscious state, you will continue to feel relaxed and calm. This feeling
will remain with you.

1. Feeling the first sensation of consciousness returning

2. Retaining the sense of calmness and inner peace
3. Feeling fingers and toes
2. Feeling good about yourself
1. Eyes open and fully awake

Take time to ask how your client feels.

Breaking Habits

We all develop ingrained habits and patterns of behaviour during life. Many of these patterns we
will have gained and adapted from our parents or from others who are close to us. Some of these
traits, will have been adopted because they suit our needs, but this does not necessarily mean
they are beneficial to us.

It is important to develop strategies that will help clients to modify their behaviours but first it is
important to really understand habit formation. Anything that is repeated time and time again
becomes a learned response. So, we can say that repetition leads to habitual behaviours. When
habits are unhealthy – and this could be anything from biting nails to overeating or, in this case,
poor sleep habits must be unlearned. New positive responses must be introduced.

Once new responses are introduced, and are repeated, they become a learned response and a new
positive habit of behaviour.

New habits may be positive or negative or desirable or undesirable because they affect lives in
ways that are not helpful. Sometimes, we adopt habits that we feel are helping us but in reality,
they are not.

Your client may be having a difficult time in their life and as such, they may practice avoidance
so to keep themselves busy which means they do not have time in which to think about their
situation or issues. This is not uncommon. They may socialise more, work longer hours, go to
bed later and get up earlier especially if sleep patterns are not good. This can become a cycle of
negativity as the client may feel they are coping but in reality, they are avoiding the key issues of
their life and developing unhealthy coping strategies.
Even if they bury certain issues, these can still manifest or cause problems when they rise to the
surface leading to fluctuating emotions, negative behaviours or sleep patterns becoming even
more affected. Once issues have been resolved, the mind can adapt to new positive behaviours.

We must consider all the variables that lead to this habit. If we do not, the subconscious mind
will simply choose to justify the continued use of that habit i.e. avoiding thinking or feeling and
leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

Within hypnotherapy, we can use a technique known as reframing. This allows the client's own
subconscious mind to change perception so that it adapts to the new response. This is where you
facilitate the implantation of a new way of thinking and by doing so, this leads to new positive
behaviours being absorbed and then, repeated. Repetition is key.
 Module Three
Self-Assessment Tasks

Task:

Practice using deepeners so that you can gain a greater sense of confidence in these techniques.

Task:

Practice reframing unhealthy behaviours, so they become repetitive new positive traits accepted
in the subconscious mind.

Please note that these questions are to help consolidate the information within, so do not send to
Kew Solutions.
 Module Four
Tension, Stress and Sleep

Ongoing bouts of insomnia is frustrating for the sufferer and can lead to very real health
problems. Although, insomnia is a common condition and many people will find that they
experience disturbed sleep for a night or two but then, their sleep pattern returns. There are,
however, millions of people worldwide who suffer from long-term sleep disorders and often,
there are underlying issues whether previous health conditions, unresolved emotional issues,
anxiety, or stress. These factors will certainly make existing problems much worse and could
increase bouts of insomnia.

We have mentioned previously the risk of individuals practising avoidance but must reaffirm that
this does not help the situation at all.

Identifying and dealing with the stress and recognising underlying issues is important.

When we consider sleep disorders, we know that these abnormal patterns will impact health
widely including on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Struggling to fall asleep, or where
there is difficulty remaining asleep is common and frustrating for all, but insomnia can also
include waking up unrefreshed or, waking far too early in the morning. There are many
associated disorders that can be experienced alongside insomnia including bruxism (where the
individual grinds their teeth) restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnoea. Stress and anxiety can
cause sleep problems however, chronic sleep deprivation may also cause anxiety disorders, and
this is why it is so important that you understand the extent of the issues so you can help your
clients.

The most important thing in changing human behaviour is the person’s motivation ~ Milton
Erickson

Inadequate sleep is more than being tired. It can lead to poor cognitive function where problem
solving, or decision making can be greatly impaired. It can increase the risk of accidents and
injury, health issues, and mood fluctuations including irritability. Sadly, if insomnia is not
corrected, it can also, increase the risk of heart failure or disease, high blood pressure, or stroke.
Other conditions include diabetes.

Anxiety and deep-rooted concerns can gnaw away at an individual and shatter peace of mind.
Pressures of the day can manifest dramatically at night, and this constant, inability to quieten the
mind leads to disturbed sleep. Some clients will pre-empt issues occurring - almost writing a
script in their mind as they lie awake. These thoughts are often negative and can spiral out of
control and may become a vicious cycle of self-limiting thoughts.

It is worth using a script for anxiety reduction if you can see your client is extremely stressed, or
anxious. Eradicating these feelings and calming mind and body will naturally lead to a more
nourishing bout of sleep.
Anxiety Script

You are feeling so very relaxed.

As you sit here allowing the breath to come in and out
The subconscious mind is open and is receptive.

As you relax deeply in this moment, you learn to let go of any anxieties, and instead, will
embrace life much more.

When you worry about certain things, you start to predict situations that could happen.
The focus sharpens on those elements that might happen.
When we care about someone or something, it is natural to worry a little but when there is no
crisis, it is important to relax, to let go of any fears and to stop worrying.

Identify any tension within the body and let it go….

Let go of any thoughts or feelings that are troubling you

Recognise that this is your time.

In this moment, you are feeling more and more relaxed.
Feeling peaceful.
Breathing in and out slowly and peacefully

Letting go of any inner fears

Letting go of any self-doubts
Releasing any concerns that may enter the mind.

Now in this moment, you will internally promise yourself that you will not worry any more
about the small stuff. Release that it is all about the small stuff. There is nothing that cannot be
resolved and nothing that you cannot deal with.

Instead, welcome in beautiful, kind thoughts.

Lots of wonderful calming, relaxing things to occupy the mind
To help increase feelings of contentment
Embracing wonderfully reassuring thoughts or images that you can use right now.

Let your unconscious mind learn everything it needs so to distract you from the thoughts that
scare you.

Instead, the unconscious mind provides you with deeply relaxing thoughts and images

You will be unable to worry in the same way again.

From now on, when you feel any anxiety, you know that you are protected
It is like turning a page of a book and to be open to all that lies ahead…..without fears.
Your unconscious mind is telling you that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Now, you draw upon all of the good things that could happen to you right now
Or all of the wonderful things that may occur later

These thoughts are positive, and healing

So now your unconscious mind is guarding you
It is time to relax and to move on in life…knowing that at every point, your unconscious mind is
protecting you
You know deep down in the very core of your being that you are protected and safe from every
cell within your body.
Every time, you feel the sensation of anxiety, you relax yourself with different thoughts
You have renewed control and are ready to change your life

Note: These scripts can be adapted to suit your client’s needs.

As you practice reading out these scripts, keep your tone soft
and emphasize specific cues. Do not rush the session.
Script for Tension and Stress and Sleep

Now at this point, we will work to relax every part of your body, one muscle at a time and each
time I say the word, ‘ Relaxed’, you will feel five times more relaxed than you were before.

Each time I say the word ‘Relaxed’, you will feel waves of deep relaxation washing over you and
your body is growing heavier and heavier as every muscle relaxes and tension dissipates.

We will start with the feet.

Allow all muscles in the feet and toes to become relaxed.
Every sinew and muscular fibre releases, becoming loose, and deeply relaxed.
Feel the relief as tension dissipates. Relaxation spreads throughout the toes and the feet.

Pause

Right now, this sense of relaxation starts to flow upwards almost like a river of healing warmth
moving up over the feet, up through the ankles, reaching up to the calf muscles.

As this warmth reaches upwards, tension within those muscles begin to dissipate. This flowing
sense of relaxation touches every part of the lower legs, moving up to the knees, filling them
with warmth.

Tension starts to dissipate.

Feel this river of healing warmth move up over the thighs…..
Muscles obeying as tension dissipates.

You feel more and more relaxed.

Now, you feel the buttocks and lower back bathed in the sensation of healing warmth. It flows
upwards, through the back, relaxing, releasing tension, now flowing up over the abdomen.

Feel the warmth.

Engage with it.

Appreciate the sensation of deep relaxation.

The warmth continues to relax, flowing up through the spine, between the shoulder blades and
into your shoulders.

Every muscle starts to yield to this wonderful warmth.

Let the tension dissipate
As you sink deeper and deeper into a state of true relaxation.

Now, allow that warming sensation to flow into the neck and throat. imagining every cell in
these areas softening and reverberating as they heal.
Feel every muscle in the neck and throat softly relaxing and you feel so comfortable in this
moment.

Now this warmth moves up past the neck softening the sinews, up over the scalp, and you feel
waves of deep relaxation as this warmth soothes you.

Now your forehead, eyes, and cheeks feel this warm sense of relaxation. Your mouth relaxes and
your jaw releases any tension.

All the tissues and muscles relax…. becoming deeply relaxed

The river of warmth flows down over the neck, throat, and shoulders and all the way into the
arms and hands.
All the way to the fingers.
Your arms feel heavy…
Your body feels heavy…
As if sinking into the chair …..

Relaxing further

Any stress and strain that you may have carried from the day will start to dissipate

You are becoming more and more relaxed.

Know that this is your time.

Your mind is now open and receptive to everything I say

You feel calmer, and stronger and any overwhelming thoughts within the mind now starts to
dissipate as your mind opens up to the sound of my voice.

You are relaxing

Tension dissipating
You are becoming more and more relaxed
Mind and body are healing

Now imagine a doorway in front of you ……this doorway leads you onto a beautiful beach scene
with golden sand. The sky above you is a beautiful azure blue. You can hear the waves rippling
onto these golden sands and there is a wonderful sensation of peace and relaxation.

Feel the sensation of warm sand beneath your bare feet.

Allow yourself to remember the pleasure of childhood as you walk, feeling the grains move
through your toes and covering your feet completely.

There is a sensation of lightness

Every muscle in your body feels so relaxed
You can progress across the sand easily…feeling so relaxed and light-hearted.
Here there is only peace and tranquillity.
It feels as if all life is suspended in this moment.
You are safe
Relaxed
At peace.

Notice the salt spray, feel the sensation across your face as you walk closer to the ebb and flow
of the waves.
Feel the rhythmic sensation of the waves as they encroach upon the sand.

The sensation of tranquillity is strong here.

The sensation of relaxation holds you close.

Feeling calm.
Relaxed.
Letting go of all thoughts and feelings.

As you breathe in and out, let the breath come out on a sigh as you exhale.

There is a hammock tied to two sturdy palm trees and you feel drawn to it.

Birds soar above you as you walk across the sand, feeling the warmth around you and the
warmth progressing through the soles of your feet.

You feel at peace in this moment.

Relaxing more fully.
Relaxing ever deeper.

Stand by the hammock and know that it is sturdy. It is designed for you.

Climb into the hammock easily.

Adjust your position until you are fully comfortable.
It fits you snugly.
You relax into the hammock. You climb into the hammock easily and adjust your position and
you feel as if your body is becoming one with the sturdy fabric. You feel supported and so
relaxed.

You feel so comfortable in this moment

The gentle sound of the waves
The sensation of warmth all over your body
The lightness of your heart
The freedom from any difficult thoughts
There is only peace and inner harmony

As you close your eyes and relax in this hammock, you feel you are safe and that this time is for
you.
You deserve it.
This is a place where you draw in positive energy and release any tension.
This is pure escapism.
Healing the mind and body.
Eyelids feeling warmth from the sun
Feeling the sensation of sleep beckoning.
It feels so good to be this relaxed.
Drifting away.
You notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest as the breath moves in and out of your body

Every muscle in the body becoming heavier and heavier.

It would be so easy to sleep

You are filled with inner peace and contentment.

Leading to deep, nourishing sleep.

You already know the secret to nurturing, healing sleep.

Your mind is storing this knowledge.
This beach sanctuary helps you to connect with inner harmony alleviating daily stressors.
Here there is only peace.
Only a sense of calmness.
You are connecting with an inner calmness that you have not experienced for a long time
Inner peace and tranquillity all around and within.
Anxiety lifted away.
So relaxed.

This peace within you grows stronger

You can cope with any anxiety or doubt
You are stronger
More at peace

When you are ready for sleep, just take yourself back to this moment using the word relaxed.
You can feel the power of this word and your unconscious mind has absorbed this message.
It leads you to deep, deep sleep.

All you have to do to go to sleep is say the word Sleep.

Your unconscious mind will recognise this
(You can bring your client out of this hypnotic state by talking them up through numbers 1-7).

Make sure your client feels happy and see if they have any questions.
 Module Four
Self-Assessment Tasks

Task:

Practice using sleep scripts on a friend or family member so that you feel fully comfortable
releasing tension and guiding them to a state of deep relaxation.

Task:

Write your own scripts so that you can adapt them to various sleep issues as depicted in Module
One.

Please note that these questions are to help consolidate the information within, so do not send to
Kew Solutions.

Summary

Hypnotherapy can be used for many ailments or conditions whether to release stress, to improve
the body’s potential for healing, to overcome phobia’s or addictions or for deep relaxation. The
work of a hypnotherapist is varied and important.

You will find that many of your clients struggle to sleep well but this might not be the reason
they come to you. They may have fluctuating moods or difficulty making decisions. They may
suffer from extreme anxiety. These are just examples but ask your clients a few questions and
you may find that they lack focus due to sleep issues or, because they are stressed.

You will gradually develop your own style within this therapy and learn how to connect quickly
with your clients. Some hypnotherapists provide a free 30-minute first session so to identify
issues and to explain how they can be helped. This gives you a chance to build rapport and to
develop a strategy to help them.

It is so important that you help clients to improve their sleep patterns because during sleep, the
body starts to heal. When sleep is disrupted, healing is interrupted.

It can be really useful to talk clients through scripts that are written specifically to target with
their personal needs. This targeted and personal approach increases their healing potential and
helps them to relax and to sleep better. Life can seem much better as a result.

Stress and insomnia are likely to be common issues in the coming months and so, there has never
been a better time to qualify in this field. Practice all of the self-assessment tasks and then, move
onto the final assessment. If there is anything you are not sure of, please do re-read through the
modules before continuing onto the final assessment.
 Assignment

Congratulations for completing this Hypnotherapy for Insomnia course. We hope you have
found it enjoyable. Please complete the assignment listed below which will affirm your
understanding of this course.

Please take your time. There is no rush.

When you have completed your assignment, follow the instructions to submit the assignment to
obtain your certificate.

1. How do you intend to use your hypnotherapy qualification? Do you wish to specialise or
to provide general hypnotherapy services?

2. To qualify, we require a case study for improving sleep patterns and you can include
underlying stress management or anxiety issues or a poor sleep pattern. This needs to be
500 – 1000 words.
About


Hypnosis for Insomnia

Diploma

Karen E. Wells