The Hot Take: EMDR Ain't It

This hypnotist has strong opinions on this increasingly popular modality

Author’s Note: This essay is a hot take and includes research information as well as statistics. I am a professional hypnotist.I invite you to learn from it, however I also invite you to do your own research. If EMDR is something that you’d like to pursue or had great results from…right on! As an individual with autonomy please figure out the path that works best for you.

People frequently ask me if I ever pick things up from my loved ones.

The Short Answer: Yes.

The Long Answer: Yes, however I often will keep it to myself or reach out to them to just do a checkin. Usually I will straight up say ‘hey there, been thinking about you…what’s going on?’' From time to time I’ll ask about special matters, I’ve predicted quite a few pregnancies and engagements over the years!

Over the past few weeks I’ve been getting a spiritual nudge to check in with one friend in particular. After about the third nudge, I finally reached out. Clearly spirit needed me to do a TB. She informed me that she was starting her mental health journey with support from therapy (let’s go mental health). She also mentioned that she was thinking about EMDR. I immediately rolled my eyes. Not at her for any reason…but over the concept of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Later that day I checked in with another friend, who immediately told me she was considering it as well.

If this wasn’t the push I needed to share my hot take…I do not know what is.

EMDR is not the move. Absolutely not. Nope.

What is EMDR?

According to Emotions Therapy Calgary over 60,000 therapists are EMDR certified. “An inadequately trained therapist might not only fail to help you but could potentially cause harm. They may miss crucial safety measures or struggle to manage the intense emotions that can surface during sessions.” the website also states.

This makes me think of this classic viral video of android vs iPhone alarms.

Who’s Android?

✨Hypnosis!✨
Late last year I added hypnotism to my repertoire of spiritual offerings. I was blown away with how much it resonated with my work as a healer and a glamour witch. I literally get to transmute babes who want more for themselves in the most beautiful way. It’s the ultimate quantum makeover with the magic of neuroscience. EMDR Healing states “Both therapies have been used in psychotherapy, specifically with trauma victims, to help them overcome their anxiety, stress, or dissociation as a result of the trauma and its memories”

So what do success rates look like for each?
For EMDR generally there is anywhere between a 84-90% success rate according to a variety of studies on the subject. Usually it can take anywhere between 8-12 sessions to complete EMDR for a particular trauma or issue.

According to a study by Alfred Barrios (1970), “Hypnosis has a 93% success rate with less sessions than both behavioral and psychotherapy, according to research studies. This led researchers to believe that for changing habits, thought patterns, and actual behavior hypnosis was not only the most effective method but that it needed less time/sessions than other forms of therapy.” Number of sessions varies from client to client. For me personally I only need 1-2 sessions per concern/issue for my clients.

Isn’t Hypnosis kinda junk science too?
Hypnosis often gets a bad rep due to media depictions. Queue weird man using a watch with a pendulum or Vegas performance of someone barking like a dog. These are stereotypes of hypnosis that have been debunked many many times. If you’re still skeptical, just remember by volunteering to be a stage guinea pig…you are consenting to antics, which makes your mind open to hypnosis. You can’t be hypnotized into doing things against your will.

As Uncle Ben from Spider-man once so wisely said “great power comes great responsibility”. Not all hypnotists are created equal either; some are far more aggressive with their approaches which can also be damaging or off putting to someone getting treatment.

So why exactly do you prefer hypnosis to EMDR?
EMDR essentially throws you back into the fires of a traumatic event, which can be very jarring for an individual; especially if they do not have support long after their sessions. I have heard horror stories of people being re-traumatized all over again…and not having the support system to work through what has bubbled to the surface. Situations like this can be emotionally detrimental to one’s mental health; particularly long after the sessions.

“EMDR uses reprocessing techniques while hypnosis doesn’t. EMDR therapy helps the person overcome the emotional barriers to remembering the event carefully and seeing the trauma in a way that doesn’t result in self-blame, anxiety, or distressing thoughts. Hypnosis goes into the deeper consciousness to get to the healing within, which is already there and obstructed by other things,” accord to EMDR Healing.

Hypnosis provides more of a gentle approach to healing; rather than re-traumatizing individuals, most hypnotists will work on putting said trauma in a “black box” rather than causing potential harm in revivifying it.

This approach works much better for others vs. being thrown into the deep end of a pool. Plus hypnosis is generally significantly cheaper than EMDR. Another rad thing about hypnosis? We do not even have to pry about what specifically you want to work on; similarly to Reiki…your subconcious mind will take in the healing that needs to be done and help transmute as needed.

Can you do hypnosis AND EMDR?
Yes! In fact I would say having both together can help fill in the gaps if you need support in soothing yourself post EMDR sessions.

What else can I use Hypnosis for?
So many things! The most notable conditions include:

• PTSD

• depression

• anxiety

• insomnia

• long and short term goals

• mindset work

• Chronic pain

• Smoking

• Cord-cutting energies from people, places, or things

Are you taking new hypnosis clients?
Yes! I am currently taking on new clients, you can look into my offerings here. Happy to always do a free consultation call too if you’d like to see if we are a good fit.

What should I look for in a good hypnotist?
Someone who offers consults or is willing to set up time to talk to you about their practice. Like psychics, each hypnotist is different. Personally I am someone who loves doing past life regression, cord cutting, and timeline collapsing. I’m a storyteller by nature, so you’re in for a mighty vivid experience that is quite relaxing.

• What is your training and certification in hypnosis?
  This helps verify their credentials and ensures they have professional experience in the field.

• What techniques or modalities do you use in your hypnosis sessions?
  Some practitioners focus on past life regression, subconscious reprogramming, or therapeutic hypnosis—make sure their approach fits your goals.

• How do you tailor sessions to individual clients?
  A skilled hypnotist should personalize their methods based on your specific needs, comfort level, and experience with hypnosis.

• What can I expect during and after a session?
  This helps you understand the process, potential sensations, and how hypnosis might integrate into your healing or personal growth journey.

• Do you incorporate any ethical considerations or trauma-informed practices?
  Especially important if you’re working through sensitive topics—ensuring they prioritize consent, safety, and client well-being is key.

That’s all for now baby witches!
xo,
Janine 💋