Hypnotherapy and improv may seem like unrelated fields, but they share a powerful connection in fostering personal growth.
By participating in theatrical improv workshops, hypnotherapists can enhance their active listening, adaptability, and authenticity—key skills that deepen client relationships and improve therapeutic outcomes. There is even a growing movement of improv for the purposes of therapeutic change.
Recently, the Jacquin Hypnosis Academy hosted the "No Buts" Improv Workshop, expertly facilitated by Ian Harvey Stone, a vastly experienced actor, comedian, and teacher of such things. Around 20 of us hypnotherapists gathered, not quite knowing what to expect and most feeling some trepidation about our improv skills and what might be asked of us. However, Ian’s expert guidance eased us into the foundational lessons of improv, including listening, accepting, committing, expanding, making offers, rolling with failures and more.
Improv is more than just making things up, finding the humor, and saying "yes, and." It's about being present, trusting your instincts, and having the flexibility to fully commit to an idea, even when you have no backup plan or clear direction. In fact, as we soon discovered, making plans and clinging to them only got in the way.
We will definitely host more of these workshops, as everyone enjoyed it immensely. If it was work, it certainly felt like play. Upon reflection, here are my ten key takeaways from the workshop that highlight how hypnotherapists can enhance their skills through improv.
1. Be Open and Present
In hypnotherapy, being fully present with your clients is crucial. Similarly, in improv, engaging wholeheartedly in the moment is essential. This presence enhances connection and responsiveness in both fields, allowing for more authentic and effective interactions.
2. Listen Actively
Active listening is a cornerstone of hypnotherapy, enabling us to understand our clients' needs deeply, and allow them to know they have been heard. In improv, listening carefully to scene partners helps us respond authentically and build on their ideas. This skill improves our ability to tune into our clients and provide more tailored support.
3. Say "Yes, And..."
Hypnotherapy involves accepting and building on clients' narratives. In improv, the principle of "Yes, and..." fosters collaboration and creativity. By adopting this mindset, we can help clients constructively advance their stories and explore new possibilities. There were of course moments where we felt stuck, not sure of how to proceed and the old "No, but..." habit emerged. Remembering to relax and simply turn this into a "Yes, and..." soon got things moving again.
4. Be Supportive
Supporting clients through their therapeutic journey mirrors supporting fellow improvisers in a scene. Creating a safe and encouraging environment in both settings allows everyone to thrive and grow, enhancing the overall experience. I often refer to hypnosis as a "collaborative act of our imaginations". Improv when it works meets this description too.
5. Take Risks
Encouraging clients to explore new perspectives often requires taking risks. Improv teaches us to step out of our comfort zones, leading to personal growth and the discovery of new possibilities. This willingness to take risks can translate into more dynamic and effective hypnotherapy sessions.
6. Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive outlook is beneficial in hypnotherapy to foster a healing atmosphere. Similarly, positivity in improv encourages creativity and makes the experience enjoyable for all. This positive energy can help clients feel more comfortable and open during sessions.
7. Be Authentic
Authenticity builds trust with clients. In improv, bringing our genuine selves to the scene enhances performance and the authenticity of interactions. This genuine approach fosters deeper connections and more meaningful therapeutic relationships.
8. Practice Flexibility
Hypnotherapy requires adaptability to clients' changing needs. Improv also demands flexibility to pivot and adjust to new directions during a scene. This practice helps us become more adaptable and responsive in our therapeutic work. Some of the improv tasks we engaged in required, rapid changes of mood or theme, and it was wonderful to see how quickly we could adapt. Changes in demeanor, body language, and voice were almost instantaneous once we had warmed up.
9. Embrace Mistakes
Mistakes are learning opportunities in both hypnotherapy and improv. Embracing them can lead to valuable insights and memorable moments that contribute to growth and creativity. This perspective encourages a more open and explorative approach in therapy sessions.
10. Reflect and Apply
Reflection is key in hypnotherapy to refine techniques and approaches. After each improv session, we engaged in some reflection on what you've learned and considering how to apply these insights can solidify skills and enhance performance in both arenas. Continuous reflection and application are essential for ongoing development.
The experience was overwhelmingly positive and liberating for all who took part. I'd encourage any therapist to attend. Participating in improv workshops can provide new perspectives, enhance therapeutic techniques, and contribute to personal and professional growth.