Autism and hypnotherapy: the surprising links
As an AuDUD woman and therapist, I've tried many forms of therapy. The one approach that works for me, and my clients, is hypnotherapy (particularly when it's combined with a supportive coaching framework).
However, I've had some hypnotherapy sessions which have felt not only ineffective, but simply "wrong". The hypnotherapists haven't been bad, but they haven't understood how autistic minds work.
On one occasion, I became so panicky during a session I had to leave early.
Part of the problem is being in situations which feel wrong at a sensory level, and creating a supportive environment is an important part of delivering neurodiversity-affirming hypnotherapy. But the main issue has been around communication.
As hypnotherapists, the words we use are at the core of how we communicate with the conscious and unconscious minds - and if we get this wrong, our clients can have an experience that's anything from unpleasant to extremely triggering.
Hypnotherapy for Autistic Adults: Questions and Answers
How does hypnotherapy work with autistic people's imaginations?
Autistic people often have incredible imaginations (contrary to some incorrect stereotypes) and many autistic people spend a lot of time "in their own world", whether that's daydreaming, thinking about things that interest them or being creative. Hypnotherapy works with people's rich, inner worlds and, if guided in the right way, it's an approach that many autistic people engage with rapidly and effectively.
Can hypnotherapy help autistic people manage their emotions?
Autistic people's brains often go more quickly go to an intensely emotional response, and that it's harder for them to move forward after feeling triggered. Autistic people often experience meltdowns - extreme, uncontrollable responses which can take some time to recover from. Unlike traditional talking therapy, hypnotherapy can help people regulate their emotions at the deepest of levels.
Can hypnotherapy help with over-thinking?
Autistic people have incredible minds that often will work through, in great detail and at length, until they find a solution. The flip side of this is "overthinking" situations that are more difficult or negative. Hypnotherapy can help autistic people get out of negative thought loops by calming the nervous system and providing them with powerful tools to shift their thinking.
How can hypnotherapists help autistic people find solutions?
Autistic people are often pushed into finding solutions that meet neurotypical expectations, but which are completely wrong for an autistic person. Without an understanding of how and why autistic people experience the world in the way they do, many hypnotherapists encourage their clients to find solutions that are overwhelming, unsuitable and sometimes unsafe. A nueodivergent-aware hypnotherapist will work with what feels right for the client - no matter how different or unconventional that might look.
How can hypnotherapists support autistic people's communication needs?
There is a vast spectrum of experience when it comes to communication. Some autistic clients might struggle with understanding metaphor, displaying a need for concrete, clear communication. Others don't struggle at all with metaphors or indirect language, but might find it confusing when therapists give unclear instructions or when they are too vague in their communication. Hypnotherapists need to start from a point of recognising communicatioin differences and working with their client's specific needs, ensuring that communication is addressed clearly from the first point contact.
Are there ways in which hypnotherapists can adapt their hypnotic language for autistic clients?
Yes. When a hypnotherapist is talking to a client, when the client is in a state of hypnosis, it's important that the hypnotherapist is "talking their language". If a client has aphantasia, for instance - a condition that is more common in autistic people - it's important that the hypnotherapist adjusts their language so that it is not relying on visual descriptions. If a client requires a high level of detail and instruction, the hypnotherapist should adjust their language so that the client does not feel confused during the session.
How does hypnotherapy work with a PDA autistic profile?
Many autistic people also have a PDA profile. PDA traditionally stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, but is now more commonly called Persistent Drive for Autonomy. People with a PDA profile often have very strong responses with "being told what to do", even if the message is supportive or something they want to engage with. Hypnotherapists can learn language patterns that allow them to work supportively and effectively with clients who have a PDA profile.
Do some hypnotherapists specialise in working with autistic clients?
Yes. Some hypnotherapists have undertaken additional training in hypnotherapy for autism and specialise in this area. It is helpful to look for a hypnotherapist who is skilled in working with autistic and neurodivergent clients to ensure your needs are met.