Humanistic Hypnosis

Overview

Humanistic hypnosis is an innovative approach developed by Olivier Lockert and Patricia d'Angeli in the early 2000s. It radically differs from other forms of hypnosis through its reverse mechanism: instead of seeking to diminish consciousness (dissociation) to access the unconscious, it increases the state of consciousness to create unification between conscious and unconscious. The patient remains fully lucid, eyes open or closed, and actively participates in the therapeutic process.

This approach aligns with humanist and transpersonal philosophy, drawing from Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Gustav Jung. It considers that psychological problems arise from a "consciousness wound" — a dissociation between different parts of self — and that healing comes through reunification of these parts in an expanded state of consciousness.

Core Principles

• Expanded State of Consciousness (ESC): instead of the diminished state of consciousness (classical trance), the patient accesses an expanded state of perception, fully present and lucid
• Total transparency: the therapist explains each step, each technique. There is no manipulation or hidden suggestion
• The patient is the actor: it is the patient who acts on their own inner symbols; the therapist is a "guide" providing keys but not intervening on content
• Work in Consciousness (capitalized): concept of "greater Consciousness" — a global and benevolent consciousness beyond the ego, accessible in ESC
• Healing through information: psychological wounds are seen as "missing or distorted information" that Consciousness can correct

Main Indications

• Deep emotional wounds and repetitive patterns
• Attachment disorders and toxic relationships
• Search for meaning and personal development
• Grief and loss
• Phobias and anxiety
• Psychosomatic disorders
• Addictions
• Secular spiritual accompaniment

Session Structure

1. Interview (15-20 min): problem exploration using the "soul wounds" model — rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, injustice
2. Process explanation (5 min): the therapist explains exactly what will happen, in total transparency
3. Consciousness-opening induction (10 min): unlike classical inductions that "descend" into the unconscious, humanistic induction "ascends" by expanding consciousness — awareness of body, room, building, city, country, Earth, space... up to a state of global consciousness
4. Symbolic work (20-30 min): the patient, in expanded consciousness, visualizes their issue in symbolic form and transforms it themselves. The therapist guides: "What do you see? What do you feel? What do you wish to do?" The patient is the artisan of their own healing
5. Closing (5 min): progressive return to ordinary consciousness framework while retaining learnings
6. Debriefing (10 min): joint analysis of the experience and symbols encountered

Variations

Humanistic hypnosis includes several specific protocols: "Advanced Symbolic Therapy" (AST) for deep traumas, "archetype work" inspired by Jung, and Patricia d'Angeli's "soul wound healing protocols." It can be combined with humanistic NLP and coaching. Some practitioners use it with couples or families, each participant in an expanded state simultaneously. The approach is particularly appreciated by people reluctant about classical hypnosis since they maintain total control.

Contraindications

• Active psychosis (consciousness expansion may destabilize a psychotic structure)
• Severe dissociative disorder (though the approach aims at reunification, dissociative fragility may complicate the process)
• People seeking "magic" or immediate solutions (the approach requires active patient engagement)
• Difficulty visualizing or symbolizing (some very rational patients may struggle with symbolic work)