Abreactions in Hypnotherapy: What They Are and How to Handle Them with Confidence

For a new hypnotherapist, guiding clients through abreactions can be a little distubing the first time it happens. Of course, you will get used it after a while and fortunately, abreactions don't happen too often, but when they do, it is important for the therapist to remain calm and in control of the situation.

Abreactions in Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is an incredible tool for transformation, but every now and then, a session takes an unexpected turn when the client suffers an abreaction.

If you’re not familiar with abreactions, the first time you witness one can seem a bit daunting.  You may wonder if you did something wrong or how you should deal with it, or you may even find yourself panicking a little bit.

So, what is an abreaction? You could think of it as an emotional ‘unloading’, when a client unexpectedly re-experiences strong feelings or trauma during trance.

An abreaction can manifest as a single tear sliding down the client’s face or they might cry uncontrollably, moan, shake, shout, or even appear confused or distressed.

It can look intense at the time for afterwards, when the client looks back on the experience, they reveal that it was nowhere near as bad as it appeared.

So, remember:

An abreaction is not a bad thing, on the contrary, it can be immensely cathartic.
An abreaction is not a sign you’ve done anything wrong.
And yes — you can handle it.

Case History Example

Client A was regressed back to the first time she experienced her fear of abandonment and was able to visualise herself lost in a shopping mall and crying for her parents.  She was surrounded by strangers trying to help but at 3 years of age, didn’t realise their intentions.  During hypnosis the client felt herself back in that situation and distressed at the prospect of never being found.  In the hypnotic experience she was shaking and visibly upset.

Why Do Abreactions Happen?

During hypnosis, the subconscious mind is open and becomes more accessible. Old, buried emotions may surface as part of the healing process. While this might catch you (and your client) by surprise, it’s often a sign that something meaningful is being released or resolved.

How to Handle Abreactions Calmly and Safely

Here is a simple, confidence-boosting guide to managing abreactions like a professional.

1. Stay Calm and Grounded

Your calmness is contagious. Take a deep breath, soften your voice, and let your client know they’re safe. Use grounding words like:

“You are safe here. You’re doing really well. I’m right here with you.”

2. Slow the Session Down

Use deepening and soothing techniques. Suggest feelings of comfort and safety. Bring their focus back to the present gently:

‘Feel your feet on the ground… feel the chair supporting you’

3. Guide, Don’t Analyse

Now’s not the time to question why the abreaction occurred. Just support the release and guide them back to calm. Processing can come later if needed.

4. Use a Safe Place Technique

It’s a good idea to establish a ‘safe place’ early on in the session, especially if you suspect that analytic work is going to take place.

So, already if set up, take them back to this safe place otherwise gently suggest they visualise somewhere they feel comfortable, a calming space or feeling.

5. Post-Session Aftercare

Give them time to talk, reflect, and return fully to the here and now. Offer water, reassure them, and if needed, refer them to further support (especially in cases of trauma).

A Final Reminder for Practitioners

Abreactions aren’t something to fear, they are moments of emotional honesty. When handled with compassion and confidence, abreactions can be powerfully healing. As a hypnotherapist, you’re not just guiding someone into trance, you are providing space for their healing journey and techniques to help them along.

So, stay calm, stay grounded, and trust yourself.