How to hypnotise when they can’t visualise? (and more!) Techniques for working with aphantasic clients.

Ever had that sinking feeling when a client entered the room and said: “By the way, I can’t visualise”… or blurted out in the middle of a session: “I can’t actually see or feel anything!” …or told you after the session: “I didn’t do any of the things you asked me to do. I don’t think I can be hypnotised.” Sounds like… aphantasia!

About 4% of the population have aphantasia. They lack the ability to picture things in the mind’s eye. But it’s not just about visualisation! Most aphantasics lack mental imagery in one or more other internal senses, too (hearing, smell, taste, touch, movement).

Aphantasia impacts how people think, process emotions and recollect events. Though aphantasia is seen as a ‘neutral neurodivergence’ rather than a disability, it can present as a challenge under certain circumstances. One of these is accessing therapeutic practices based on guided imagery – think common hypnosis practices!

For aphantasics, some commonly used hypnotic techniques can pose a serious barrier to experiencing and benefiting from hypnosis – which, as an aphantasic herself, Paulina soon realised when she started training in it. This led her to start researching and testing what works best for aphantasic clients.

In this presentation, Paulina will share her top tips for working with aphantasics. You will leave the presentation with a solid understanding of what aphantasia is, how to recognise it, and what techniques are most effective in working with aphantasic clients.

Dr Paulina Trevena is a hypnotherapist, ADHD coach and researcher. After years of working in academia, Paulina discovered the world of hypnosis and was hooked! She now runs a personal development business No Woo Woo! Paulina, who is neurodivergent with aphantasia and ADHD, specialises in supporting people with these conditions. She is on a mission to develop best practice for working with aphantasics in hypnotherapy and raise awareness of aphantasia in the therapy world.