Can hypnotherapy help heal childhood trauma? Does it work for anxiety? Can it change your personality—or simply help you understand yourself more deeply?
In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low speaks with clinical hypnotherapist Craig Meriwether about the science, misconceptions and practical applications of hypnotherapy.
Craig explains how subconscious beliefs formed in childhood can continue influencing confidence, relationships, anxiety and emotional wellbeing long into adulthood. He also addresses common myths about hypnosis, including whether people lose control, whether everyone can be hypnotised and how hypnotherapy differs from stage hypnosis.
If you've ever felt intellectually aware of your patterns but unable to change them, this conversation explores why lasting change often happens beneath conscious awareness.
Questions Answered in This Episode
- What is clinical hypnotherapy?
- How does hypnotherapy work?
- Can hypnotherapy help anxiety?
- Can hypnotherapy help childhood trauma?
- Does hypnotherapy change your personality?
- Is hypnotherapy safe?
- Can hypnotherapy help introverts?
- What is the difference between hypnosis and stage hypnosis?
- Why do subconscious beliefs affect adult behaviour?
- How many hypnotherapy sessions do most people need?
Key Takeaways
- Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process—not mind control.
- The subconscious mind often develops protective strategies during childhood that continue into adulthood.
- Anxiety and fear can be viewed as protective responses rather than personal flaws.
- Healing often involves updating subconscious beliefs that no longer serve us.
- Trust, safety and client autonomy are essential components of effective hypnotherapy.
Chapters (approx)
00:00 Introduction to Craig Meriwether
02:15 Craig's journey through anxiety and depression
06:30 What hypnotherapy actually is
12:30 Myths about hypnosis and stage hypnosis
18:00 Can everyone be hypnotised?
27:00 Conscious vs subconscious mind
33:00 Why childhood experiences shape adult behaviour
36:30 Can hypnotherapy help introverts and social anxiety?
42:00 Serena's biggest insights from the conversation
About Craig Meriwether
Craig Meriwether is a clinical hypnotherapist who helps people work through anxiety, trauma, confidence issues and subconscious patterns that may be preventing them from living the life they want.
Connect with Craig
https://releasethepast.com
About The Quiet Warrior Podcast
The Quiet Warrior Podcast is a show for introverted professionals navigating visibility challenges and what leadership looks like when you’re quiet by nature.
If this episode resonated, please rate and review the show on your listening app. Your support helps more introverts become Quiet Warriors.
Work with Serena
Host Serena Low is a trauma-informed coach and former lawyer who brings lived experience to every conversation, meeting quiet women leaders at the edge of The Transition and guiding them towards clarity and congruence.
Book a paid Diagnostic Call with Serena to determine if your next career move is stay/go: https://calendly.com/serenalow/diagnostic-call
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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions
