Welcome back to Talk Time with Meredith McCarthy. I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Wellington, New Zealand, with over 30 years of experience, and every week I share practical insights into the art and science of clinical hypnotherapy.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about double binds — a classic Ericksonian language pattern that helps bypass resistance and create cooperation in a gentle, ethical way. Double binds give clients the freedom of choice, while both choices naturally lead toward positive change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What double binds are and why they work so effectively in hypnotherapy
- How to use double binds to bypass resistance and guide clients into trance
- Clinical examples: “You can close your eyes now, or in a moment…”
- Everyday examples: “Would you like one sugar or two?”
- How to apply double binds ethically to create empowerment and change
Key Takeaways
- Double binds redirect resistance into collaboration
- They create freedom through choice while moving toward the desired outcome
- This technique is subtle, ethical, and simple to integrate into everyday conversations
- A classic Ericksonian tool, still powerful in modern hypnotherapy practice
If you’d like to study advanced hypnotherapy techniques, explore the NZACH 1000-hour Diploma Programme: www.nzach.ac.nz
I’d love to hear from you: Have you noticed double binds in everyday conversations, or used them in your own practice? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this Talk Time, please like, share, and subscribe — it really helps the channel grow and reach more people interested in hypnotherapy and the power of language.
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