Tutu Layers of Trauma Hypnosis Worksheet

Writing a Hypnosis Script: A Behind-the-Scenes Guide

General Structure of a Critical Incident Process

Step

Description

Induction

Initiate hypnosis and guide the listener into a state of relaxation.

Establish Anchor to Comfort

Create a sense of safety and calm.

Age Regression to Context

Return the listener to the time of the traumatic event.

Exploration of Context

Understand and address the traumatic experience.

Elicit Affective Associations

Identify emotional connections related to the trauma.

Identify Central Distortion(s)

Pinpoint any distortions or false beliefs created by the trauma.

Catharsis

Allow for emotional release and processing.

Dissociation of Affect

Separate the emotional charge from the memory.

Dimensional Shifting of Representation/Reframing

Change the perception of the traumatic event.

Restructuring of Focus and Memory Content

Shift focus from the trauma to new, empowering perspectives.

Amplification of Alternate Representation(s)

Increase the strength of the new, positive memory.

Age Progression with New Resource

Move forward in time with the new, positive experience.

Posthypnotic Suggestion for Future Accessing

Provide the listener with tools for future use.

Reorientation

Gradually return the listener to their normal waking state.

Suggestion Structures and Styles

Type

Description

Direct Suggestions

“You can do X.”

Indirect Suggestions

“I knew someone who experienced doing X.”

Authoritarian Styles

“You will do X.”

Permissive Styles

“You can allow yourself to do X.”

Positive Suggestions

“You can do X.”

Negative Suggestions

“You cannot do X.”

Content Suggestions

“You can experience this (specified sensation, memory, etc.).”

Process Suggestions

“You can have a specific experience.”

Posthypnotic Suggestions

“Later, when you are in situation A, you can do X.”

Truisms

Example

"Most people . . ."

"Everyone . . ."

"You already know . . ."

"You already know how to . . ."

"Some people . . ."

"Most of us . . ."

"It is a very common experience to . . ."

"Everybody . . ."

"You've known all along how to . . ."

"There was a time when you didn't . . ."

"Sooner or later . . ."

"Sooner or later, everyone . . ."

"In every culture . . ."

"It gives everyone a sense of pleasure to . . ."

"Not Doing" Statements

Example

"You don't have to . . ."

"It isn't necessary to . . ."

"It isn't important . . ."

"You don't need to . . ."

"Without knowing it, you've . . ."

"You don't need to be concerned if . . ."

"Just allow it to happen . . ."

"Without really trying, it will just happen all by itself . . ."

Hypnosis Structure for Trauma

Follow this structured approach:

Induction

Create a "yes set" with three truths and one suggestion:

• Truth: "Notice how as you breathe in and out."

• Truism: "There is only this moment."

• Truth: "You already know how to let your breath guide you."

• Suggestion: "Embrace it, as you go deeper into this experience."

Transform into permissive phrasing:

• Truth: "Have you noticed if your breath naturally flows in and out?"

• Truism: "Have you observed whether there is only this moment unfolding before you?"

• Suggestion: "Could you embrace it, as you let yourself go deeper into this experience?"

Establish Anchor to Comfort

Use childlike thinking to encourage relaxation:
“Remember when we were kids, and our brains thought up the silliest things ever? Like how the moon followed our car because it liked us best, or how chocolate milk came from brown cows.”

Age Regression to Context with Dissociation

Inspire awe using truisms:
“Most people don’t realize how incredible it is to simply exist. You already know how to face challenges and embrace the journey. Sooner or later, everyone recognizes how unique and irreplaceable they are.”

Exploration of Context

Contextualize trauma:
“I know how overwhelming it feels when your mind races, imagining worst-case scenarios. Your mind might be trying to protect you, even if it feels intense. Healing is possible, and with time, peace can return.”

Dissociation with "Not Doing"

“I once knew someone who didn’t know they didn’t have to let their thoughts control them. Without trying, they found balance as they learned to ground themselves.”

Apply Suggestion Techniques

Use a combination of styles for each section:

• Direct Suggestions: “You can allow yourself to relax completely.”

• Indirect Suggestions: “I knew someone who found peace by letting go.”

• Permissive Suggestions: “You might discover how easy it is to feel calm.”

• Content Suggestions: “You can experience tranquility washing over you.”

• Posthypnotic Suggestions: “Later, when you hear a calming sound, you’ll feel this peace again.”

Induction: Experiential and Selective Absorption of Attention

Start by anchoring the listener in their present experience with truths and truisms, weaving in suggestions that gently invite exploration. Speak to their inner voice with a tone of curiosity and gentle reassurance.
Example Script Highlights:

• "Notice how your breath flows in and out, effortlessly, as though it's been guiding you all along."

• "Feel the gentle rise and fall of your chest, the rhythm that's always been a part of you."

• "Can you imagine how each exhale carries away tension, leaving behind calm?"

Anchor to Comfort: Experiential, Nonconceptual Involvement

The goal is to deepen the connection to feelings of safety and familiarity, using their own memories and associations. This is where whimsy and a touch of nostalgia open the door to emotional warmth.
Example Script Highlights:

• "Remember the feeling of giggling uncontrollably, your belly aching with laughter, knowing you were safe in that joy."

• "What if, just for a moment, you let yourself smile at the thought of being a kid, believing the moon followed you home?"

• "Picture how comforting it felt to be wrapped up in a blanket, knowing everything was okay."

Dissociation: Flexibility in Time/Space Relations, Alterations of Perceptions

Invite them to step back from the immediacy of their experience, creating space for perspective shifts. Time becomes fluid, and the enormity of existence feels accessible.
Example Script Highlights:

• "Every choice, every moment in history, has led to this perfect now—your breath, your being, a miracle in motion."

• "As you breathe, imagine time unfolding like a river, carrying you gently, merging the past, present, and future into one flowing moment."

• "Feel how the universe aligns in this instant, supporting you, holding you, inviting you to simply be."

Fluctuations in Involvement: Motoric/Verbal Inhibition

Guide them into the stillness of doing less, allowing their mind and body to ease naturally. This part emphasizes letting go and surrendering to the moment.
Example Script Highlights:

• "You don’t need to hold onto every thought—just let them come and go, like leaves drifting downstream."

• "Notice the quiet between breaths, the space where stillness resides, waiting to welcome you."

• "Feel how your body finds its rhythm without effort, your mind softening as it releases the need to do."

Thank you for taking the time to explore and integrate these tools and techniques. Your journey towards healing and transformation is a profound one, and every step you take in embracing these practices brings you closer to peace, understanding, and empowerment. May you continue to discover the strength within, and may the path ahead be filled with growth, healing, and the gratitude of knowing you are always supported.

With deep appreciation,

Julie