Clear Thinking Out Loud

Emotional Needs for Challenge: Podcast 137

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What can a lack of meaningful creative challenge do to people? Part seven in this series explores the detrimental effects of this unfulfilled need.

Upside of Addiction: Podcast 136

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Find out how addiction REALLY happens and why hypnosis is the tool to get rid of it.

Reframe Negative Bias: Podcast 135

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Depression gets us using a strictly negative bias. Under its baleful influence, anything ‘good’ that happens is interpreted as simply the ...

Help First Timers: Podcast 134

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you noticed that some clients feel under pressure to ‘perform’ or ‘do it right’ when it comes to the hypnosis part of th...

Dream Analysis: Podcast 133

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dream analysis is often simplistic and one size fits all. Here’s a guide to why your clients dream, and ways to figure out what their unconsciou...

How To Turn Therapy Goals: Podcast 132

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“But this feels insurmountable!” How I break down my clients’ therapy goals into easy steps.

How Lessons From a Conman Can Help: Podcast 131

14 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is ‘imposter syndrome’ preventing you from doing your best work?

Maximize Client Comfort Using PTSD: Podcast 130

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Provocative language is important when you’re treating someone with trauma. Here are three specific techniques to use when treating post-traumat...

Emotional Needs for Mind and Body: Podcast 129

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The connection between the body and mind mean mental and physical health cannot be disentangled, especially with it comes to meeting our Primal Human ...

Help Smokers: Podcast 128

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why understanding Stockholm syndrome can help you help smokers quit.

Help Client Through a Bad Situation: Podcast 127

31 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some of our clients are essentially balanced, happy, productive people when circumstances are fine. But when they’re going through a terrible ti...

Capture Client’s Attention: Podcast 126

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why you need to grab your client’s attention if you’re going to be able to help them and how to do so quickly.

Contact Hidden Parts of The Human Mind: Podcast 125

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of the ‘hidden observer’ deep within the human mind?

Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Podcast 124

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Artfully crafted therapeutic reframes are a wonderful way to rapidly help your clients discard limiting beliefs.

How to Get Clients Carry Out Therapeutic Tasks: Podcast 123

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The way you ‘package’ your therapeutic task request can make all the difference. Here are four ways to improve client outcomes by being a ...

Tips for Working with Unconscious Mind: Podcast 122

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When we communicate hypnotically, we need to know which part – conscious or unconscious mind – we are communicating with and seeking to in...

How to Deal With a Narcissist: Podcast 121

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here are 5 tips to help you help a client who may be stuck in the web of a sociopathic narcissist (or someone with ‘Narcissistic Personality Dis...

Emotional Needs for Control: Podcast 120

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part three of the series explores the need for control and how it can betray us when it is met in unhealthy ways.

History of Psychotherapy: Podcast 119

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that to be effective, therapists need to focus on client resources and potential solutions at least as much as pathology and causes.

Why I Use Hypnosis in Psychotherapy: Podcast 118

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever anyone asks me why I use hypnosis in psychotherapy, I feel like a swimmer being asked why he feels the need to get into water to swim. There&...

Helping Terminally Ill Clients: Podcast 117

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here are six ways you can help terminally ill clients find comfort, relaxation, and resolution.

How to Boost The Immune System With Hypnosis: Podcast 116

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Long gone are the days when it was assumed the mind and body were separate and distinct, that the thoughts and feelings of the mind had no or little d...

How to Help Bullied Clients: Podcast 115

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If we are to help our bullied clients, the first thing we need to understand is what exactly is happening when someone is being bullied.

Should You Use Regression in Therapy?: Podcast 114

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

False memories can be created during regression. Here are four reasons why taking your client back to the past isn’t always the right approach.

How to Encourage Post-Traumatic Growth: Podcast 113

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Character is built through experience – here are 3 therapy strategies which help your client reflect on what they have learnt from their trouble...

Power of Questions: Podcast 112

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Questions have an amazing ability to disrupt toxic thought patterns and widen perspectives. Here are 17 really useful solution-focused questions you c...

Open Your Client’s Mind for Change: Podcast 111

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How to use gossip (yes really) to help your therapy client.

The Dark Side of Your Emotional Needs – Status: Podcast 110

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wanting to be recognized can easily morph from a need to a demanding, all-consuming greed. So why is the drive for status so strong?

How to Help a Compulsive Shopper: Podcast 109

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s useful to ask when the out-of-control spending began and what, if anything, changed during that time. So often a problem pattern is a slopp...

Help Your Clients Sleep: Podcast 108

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Regular, deep sleep is a necessity for a healthy life, so here are three more tips for treating insomnia.

Maximize Client Motivation in Therapy: Podcast 107

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If client motivation is something you’ve struggled with from time to time, here are some quick tips…

Treating the Yo-Yo Dieter: Podcast 106

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Help your clients reach a stable, sustainable weight with these five techniques.

Why Are So Many People Depressed?: Podcast 105

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We asked our Uncommon Practitioners this question on our Facebook page and the response was fantastic with many wise words shared. Rather than one ans...

Accidental Hypnosis in Therapy: Podcast 104

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why I encourage all therapists to learn about hypnosis, even if they aren’t planning on delivering hypnotherapy.

How to Deal With Imposter Syndrome: Podcast 103

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It sounds strange, but positive feedback and compliments can make people suffering from ‘imposter syndrome’ feel even worse about themselv...

Increase the Power of Your Suggestions: Podcast 102

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may know exactly what your client needs, but how do you deliver that advice so it gets acted upon?

Paradoxical Interventions in Therapy: Podcast 101

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re not getting the results you want, stop what isn’t working and try something new and unexpected. Widen the way you see the prob...

Help Your Clients Control Their Emotions: Podcast 100

09 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When a client is at the mercy of their own feelings, they can feel out of control. Introduce the idea of self-mastery with these techniques.

Resistant Clients: Podcast 099

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Language and attitude is vital when helping clients transcend their self-sabotage during therapy.

Core Psychotherapy Techniques: Podcast 098

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Help clients move forward quickly with these three life coaching techniques.

Emotional Needs – Meaning: Podcast 097

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When our lives feel meaningful we are energized and focused. Even suffering is made more bearable. So when the human need for meaning is met in an unh...

Transcending Labels: Podcast 096

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It appeared that Kennedy had himself fundamentally flagged as having alcoholism rather than as having conquered alcoholism.

Treating Depression: Podcast 095

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many therapists and counsellors don’t feel confident treating depression. But we can make all the difference in the world and here are three way...

Inspire Clients: Podcast 094

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Clients often don’t really believe they can get better. Here’s 3 cunning psychotherapy techniques that subtly show them they can.

Disputing Irrational Beliefs: Podcast 093

20 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If your client tends to leap to emotional conclusions, here’s 3 ways to subtly dispute irrational beliefs and help them see the world in a much ...

Stop Worrying: Podcast 092

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Worrying is not harmless; it has consequences possibly leading to clinical depression. Helping your clients to stop worrying can have multiple benefit...

Different Personality Types: Podcast 091

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We can, and even must, use a person’s character and personality to help them thrive. Here are three ways to help you see your client clearly so ...

Treating Painful Memories: Podcast 090

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A step-by-step guide to treating painful memories causing your clients problems in the present.

Feeling Hopeless About a Client: Podcast 089

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When a client is unresponsive to therapy, it can feel deflating. Here are five ways to think outside the box and regain your therapeutic motivation.

The Dark Side of Emotional Needs – Connection: Podcast 088

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part five in the series explores our innate human desire for a sense of community and how it can work against us.

How to Strengthen the Therapeutic Alliance: Podcast 087

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The therapeutic alliance is a base from which therapy can happen. And in order for that base to develop, we need to be a certain way for our clients.

Therapeutic Task Types: Podcast 086

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may already be familiar with the idea of giving your clients ‘homework’ to do between sessions. Therapists like Milton Erickson and Ja...

Treating the Angry Client: Podcast 085

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When left untreated, destructive anger can steal friendships, partners, jobs and even health. Here are five calming tips to tame the beast within your...

Therapeutic Relationship: Podcast 084

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was a tragedy, but I didn’t know it at first. In the long-shadowed gloom of a winter evening, Mary painted the painful picture of what had ha...

Help Clients Take Responsibility: Podcast 083

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Blaming others for everything removes your client’s sense of control. Here are three ways to gently help them see their own influence.

Behavioural Interventions: Podcast 082

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As terrible as depression is, some simple interventions can be surprisingly effective in relieving symptoms. Use these techniques to help clients redi...

Disease of Civilisation: Podcast 081

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is a ‘disease of civilization’ and a curse of modern living. Here are some of the common life events that pose a risk of depres...

Make Tough Decisions: Podcast 080

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all approach life’s crossroads sometimes. There are paths, maybe many, to choose from. Help your clients see things more clearly so they can ...

7 Worst Business Mistakes: Podcast 079

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

By giving you the seven worst therapy business mistakes I made, I hope you can speed up the process of developing a successful practice!

Advice for First Therapy Session: Podcast 078

02 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My quick advice for a new therapist with perfectionist tendencies who is nervous about seeing her first client.

Diagnosing PTSD: Podcast 077

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Diagnosing PTSD can be tricky – here are 3 questions I always ask to find hidden trauma.

Setting Boundaries In Therapy: Podcast 076

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Setting boundaries with clients doesn’t come naturally to therapy practitioners. Empathy and wanting to help people is what brought you to this ...

Emotional Needs – Safety: Podcast 075

25 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part two of the series explores the inherent human need to feel safe and secure and shows how it can lead those desperate enough into unsafe situation...

CBT Techniques for Social Anxiety: Podcast 074

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These cognitive behavioural therapy strategies can help clients move past limiting fears and feel more socially comfortable.

Trauma Treatment PTSD & Phobias: Podcast 073

18 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For safe effective trauma treatment, it is vital to understand how PTSD and phobias are affecting your client

Relive Traumatic Experiences: Podcast 072

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are three reasons why I never get a client with PTSD to relive their traumatic experiences.

Two Vital CBT Techniques: Podcast 071

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Help free your clients from unhelpful depressive thought patterns by working with their unconscious and conscious minds.

Ericksonian Hypnosis: Podcast 070

07 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Milton Erickson was arguably the greatest psychotherapist in history. Here are 3 of his key hypnotherapy techniques.

Lead Clients: Podcast 069

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

External discipline, when required, within a supportive environment may be the primer for the development of self-discipline.

3 Core Hypnotherapy Techniques: Podcast 068

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

3 hypnotherapy techniques which can be applied to a range of client problems, from confidence troubles to healing from trauma.

Doesn’t Want Therapy: Podcast 067

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Arguing against a reluctant client will push them further away. Follow these reframing tips to help them see the benefits therapy can bring.

Help Asperger’s Client: Podcast 066

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Relationships can be hard to maintain for those on the autistic spectrum. Loneliness and isolation are common, as the seemingly random ‘noise&#8...

Psychology Of Persuasion: Podcast 065

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How is it that some people – and some situations – can persuade us so much more than others?

Hypnotic Language Mastery: Podcast 064

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get really good at hypnotic language? Here’s 3 key principles I always use.

Trance State: Podcast 063

03 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hypnosis is more effective and productive if we ‘soften up’ our clients, readying them for a trance state before we ever get to the &#8216...

‘Deepeners’ in Hypnosis: Podcast 062

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hypnotherapists use the word ‘deep’ to describe a state with a greater degree of perceptual abstraction. Here are three ways we can help o...

Anger Management: Podcast 061

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anger is not good or bad, but it needs to be contextual, useful and, because of its health and other implications, infrequent. Use these 7 steps and 3...

Crisis Intervention: Podcast 060

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What causes an emotional crisis and how can we successfully manage it? Here are five ways to handle a client in crisis, so you can feel confident in y...

Rapport Building Techniques: Podcast 059

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How to build rapport, so your client feels respected and validated

Emotional Needs for Attention: Podcast 058

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do otherwise rational human beings do crazy things? This series on the dark side of human emotional needs seeks to answer just this question, and ...

Milton Erickson Off Script: Podcast 057

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Milton Erickson yelled at a therapy client. I flirted with an elderly lady. Sometimes therapy goals can be met in the strangest ways…

Observing Self Psychotherapy: Podcast 056

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The ‘observing self’ helps us understand the workings of our own minds.

Hidden Trauma: Podcast 055

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are five cases from my own records in which trauma was found to be driving the current problem despite initially not being obvious.

Psychological Impotence: Podcast 054

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are 5 ways to treat psychological blocks at the root of sexual dysfunction.

Socratic Questioning Examples: Podcast 053

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are three ways to cut through a client’s negative rumination and ask healing antidepressant questions.

Judge Therapy Clients: Podcast 052

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Three tips to help you work effectively with clients who challenge your therapeutic objectivity.

Treat Depression: Podcast 051

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The symptoms of depression and characteristics of a hypnotized subject share some similarities. This causes hypnosis to resonate strongly with depress...

Affect Bridge: Podcast 050

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are four ways to free your clients from the influence of negative memories using the Affect Bridge

Hypnosis Inductions: Podcast 049

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hypnosis may not look like ‘hypnosis’. The ‘eyes wide and glassy’ look, lasting only a couple of seconds, may be just as recep...

Catastrophizing About Future: Podcast 048

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Subtle gentle ways to change your clients’ thinking style so they stop catastrophizing about the future

Positives in Negatives: Podcast 047

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why you sometimes want your client to think the worst and how it helped Peter become a better public speaker.

Heartbroken Client: Podcast 046

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk of the ‘pain’ of break up and this word is more accurate than you might have realised. When we feel rejected from a relationship, ...

Relationship Insecurity: Podcast 045

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You and I know that a healthy, loving, secure and mutually respectful relationship shelters us from life’s storms and gives us solace, stimulati...

Story Therapy Techniques: Podcast 044

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Master these story therapy techniques and you’ll be able to work much more directly with your client’s unconscious mind.

Client Responsibility: Podcast 043

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some clients can adopt a deep passivity about their lives, expecting and waiting for things to be done to and done for them.

CBT for OCD: Podcast 042

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Help clients break free from the compulsions controlling them with these CBT techniques for obsessive compulsive disorder.

Boosting Clients’ Emotional Resilience: Podcast 041

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

While making people feel bad for feeling bad doesn’t help, there is something to be said for practising gratitude and reflecting on comparative ...

Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Podcast 040

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety makes mountains out of molehills, and monsters out of moles. Here are six tips for treating generalized anxiety disorder in your clients.

Building Rapport With Difficult Clients: Podcast 039

29 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The utilization principle appeals to an individual’s unique personality traits and interests to bring about change

Classical Conditioning: Podcast 038

28 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Well into adulthood, my mouth would water whenever I heard a key turning in a lock. You may be wondering what on earth happened to me! The answer is, ...