What Is Clinical Hypnosis? Reclaiming an Ancient and Evidence-Based Healing Tool

The word hypnosis has often been misunderstood—and in some cases, misused. For many, it conjures up stage shows or entertainment acts where people are made to quack like ducks or fall asleep on command. But that’s not what I practice. And it’s not what true hypnosis is about.

At its core, hypnosis is a natural and biological state of focused awareness, known as trance. You enter trance every day—when you’re deeply absorbed in a book, a memory, a prayer, or even your own thoughts during a walk. It’s not magic. It’s not manipulation. And no one can make you do anything you don’t want to do.

In fact, if you don’t want the process to work—it won’t. Clinical hypnosis is not mind control. It’s collaboration. It’s the gentle guiding of your nervous system and subconscious mind toward healing, clarity, and meaningful change.

“I’ve practiced trauma-informed care long before the term became popular—because honoring the pace of healing, fostering safety, and treating each client with deep respect isn’t a trend. It's a responsibility!

- Cathy Armstrong 

How Clinical Hypnotherapy Differs from “Traditional Hypnosis”

What I offer is called clinical hypnotherapy, or trauma-informed clinical hypnosis. This isn’t a gimmick or a one-size-fits-all script. It’s a professional, therapeutic process rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and somatic awareness.

As a licensed professional counselor, registered nurse, and integrative professional , I draw from decades of experience in the mental health and medical fields. My approach weaves together research-based techniques with holistic mind-body-spirit healing. Hypnosis is simply the doorway we use to access deeper change—at both the conscious and subconscious levels.

Clinical hypnotherapy has been researched and shown to support a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges. These include:

Reducing anxiety and panic

Healing trauma and grief

Managing chronic pain and illness

Natural pain management for childbirth 

Supporting weight loss and emotional eating recovery

Improving sleep and nervous system regulation

Enhancing focus, motivation, and habit change

Addressing depression, fatigue, or burnout

Navigating life transitions, fertility issues, and spiritual healing

The Healing Within Hypnosis™ Approach

In my practice, I use a unique approach I call Healing Within Hypnosis™. This is a trauma-informed, soul-centered method that blends:

Clinical hypnosis

Polyvagal and somatic therapy principles

Inner child and parts work

Breathwork, mindfulness, and visualization

Spiritual psychology and ancestral wisdom

Evidence-based neuroscience

This method helps clients reconnect to their body’s wisdom, calm the survival brain, and safely process stored emotional pain. You do not need to enter a deep trance or “go under.” Most clients remain aware and engaged throughout the session—and yet the healing goes deep.

Whether you’re struggling with a chronic pattern, old trauma, or simply feel stuck, Healing Within Hypnosis™ offers a gentle, compassionate path back to yourself.

Clinical Hypnotherapy Training

Become a certified hypnotherapist with our Clinical Hypnotherapy Training program. Master the art of inducing trance and facilitating positive change. Start your journey today! Learn how to integrate the art of hypnosis into your therapy sessions.

Cathy Armstrong, LPC-S, RN,*PhD non secular, religious studies and spirituality 

– Clinical Hypnotherapist & Educator

My training in clinical hypnosis began in the early 1980s through the Nueces County Psychological Association, where I first studied under Dr. Jack Tractor, a Houston-based clinical hypnotherapist. I completed his full series of basic, intermediate, and advanced clinical hypnosis training, which laid the foundation for my integrative, trauma-informed approach.

Following this, I pursued advanced hypnotherapy training with Dr. Mary Louise Holt, PhD, a respected professor and clinician formerly on faculty at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Dr. Holt’s mentorship deepened my understanding of subconscious healing and expanded my skill set in applying hypnotherapy to clinical and medical populations.

Over the decades, I’ve continued to specialize in:

Hypnosis for natural childbirth and fertility enhancement for women and couples navigating infertility

Weight loss hypnosis, including protocols for emotional eating, body image, and long-term wellness

Hypnosis to support cancer treatment, including pain management and symptom relief during radiation and chemotherapy

Hypnosis for bariatric surgery preparation and follow-up, including the use of Virtual Gastric Band (Virtual RYOT) techniques

I later received certification in clinical hypnotherapy through PeachTree Continuing Education and have continued to learn from a wide range of experts in the field of integrative and trauma-informed hypnosis.

I am a former Fellow of the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH). While I am no longer an active member due to the board’s inactivity and restructuring following the pandemic, I continue to uphold the highest standards of ethical, evidence-based care in my hypnosis practice.

Today, I offer training seminars, CEUs, and professional development workshops for licensed professional counselors and other healing professionals across Texas. My method, Healing Within Hypnosis™, reflects over four decades of clinical experience, spiritual insight, and commitment to empowering transformation through the subconscious mind.