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    Working with the Conscious Mind and the Subconscious Mind in Hypnotherapy

    BHI Editorial TeamMarch 13, 2023

    Working with the Conscious Mind and the Subconscious Mind in Hypnotherapy

    This guide covers hypnotherapy training. The human mind is an incredibly complex and fascinating system, with two distinct and interconnected parts – the conscious and the subconscious mind. While the conscious mind is the part of our mind that is responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, the subconscious mind operates below our level of awareness and is responsible for many of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

    The conscious mind is the part of our mind that we are aware of and can control. It’s the part of the mind that is responsible for our thoughts, beliefs, and decision-making. We use our conscious mind to solve problems, make decisions, and interact with the world around us. However, studies have shown that our conscious mind is only responsible for a small fraction of our overall mental activity. In fact, research suggests that as much as 95% of our mental activity occurs in the subconscious mind. (1)

    The subconscious mind, on the other hand, operates below our level of awareness and is responsible for many of our automatic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s the part of our mind that is responsible for our habits, fears, and beliefs. The subconscious mind is incredibly powerful and can have a significant impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that works directly with the subconscious mind. During hypnotherapy, the therapist guides the client into a state of deep relaxation, also known as a trance state. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions and can be reprogrammed to change unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    There are several different types of hypnotherapy, each designed to work with specific issues or conditions. For example, cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy is a type of hypnotherapy that is often used to treat anxiety and depression. It combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns, with hypnosis to help clients access their subconscious mind and make lasting changes.

    Another type of hypnotherapy is regression hypnotherapy, which is often used to help people uncover and work through unresolved issues from their past. During regression hypnotherapy, the therapist guides the client back to a specific event or time in their past, allowing them to revisit and re-experience the event in a safe and controlled environment. This can help the client gain insight into their behavior and emotions and make positive changes in their present life.

    While hypnotherapy can be effective for a wide range of issues, it’s important to note that it’s not a magic solution. Hypnotherapy works best when it’s used in conjunction with other forms of therapy and treatment. For example, a person with anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and hypnotherapy.

    The conscious mind and subconscious mind are two distinct parts of the human mind that work together to shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While the conscious mind is responsible for our rational thinking and decision-making, the subconscious mind operates below our level of awareness and is responsible for many of our automatic thoughts and behaviors. Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that works directly with the subconscious mind, allowing clients to access and reprogram their subconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    References:

    1. Bargh, J. A., & Morsella, E. (2008). The Unconscious Mind. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(1), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6916.2008.00064.x

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    Written by
    BHI

    BHI Editorial Team

    Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute

    Evidence-based content created by the Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute editorial team, drawing on current research in clinical hypnotherapy, neuroscience, and integrative mental health.

    Clinically Reviewed by
    KB

    Kelly Bearer, MA, LPC

    Clinical Director & Founder, Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute

    MA, LPC · NBCC ACEP No. 7691

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    Educational Purpose — Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute provides hypnotherapy education and training. Completion of any BHI program does not guarantee employment, income, or clinical outcomes. Individual results vary based on effort, prior experience, and professional context.

    Licensure & Scope of Practice — Your scope of practice after training depends on your existing professional credentials, licensing board requirements, and jurisdiction. BHI training alone does not confer a license to practice therapy or counseling. Students are responsible for verifying that their use of hypnotherapy skills complies with applicable state and local regulations.

    Continuing Education — CE credits are approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), ACEP No. 7691. CE eligibility and acceptance vary by licensing board and jurisdiction. Students should verify that NBCC-approved CEs satisfy their specific board's renewal requirements before enrolling. Programs designated as "0 CEs" do not offer continuing education credits.

    Payment Plans & Refunds — Payment plan enrollees are responsible for all scheduled installments regardless of continued participation. Full refund available within 14 days of enrollment (prior to program start), minus a registration fee of 10% of tuition or $100, whichever is less. After 14 days, tuition is held as a non-transferable credit valid for 18 months and may be applied toward any BHI program. Discounted or sale-priced purchases are final. The masterclass tuition credit is not considered a discounted purchase; the standard 14-day refund window still applies. See Refund Policy, Cancellation Policy, and Terms of Service for complete details.

    Testimonials — Student testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not guarantees of specific outcomes. Results vary based on individual effort, background, and circumstances.

    Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7691. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    © 2026 Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute, LLC. All rights reserved. Subconscious Shift Method™ and SSM™ are trademarks of Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute, LLC. BHI provides educational programs in hypnotherapy and related modalities. Our trainings, membership, and resources are educational in nature and do not constitute licensure, clinical supervision, or medical advice.

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