Recommended Reading for Hypnotherapy Students
Curated by The Empowerment Empress
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to study, practice, and witness the powerful transformations that hypnotherapy can bring. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into hypnotherapy or are deepening your existing knowledge, the right books can act like trusted guides. Below is a thoughtfully curated list of reading recommendations for students of hypnotherapy, mindfulness, NLP, and therapeutic storytelling. These are books I’ve personally found invaluable or that are widely respected in the field.
May they serve you on your journey of learning, transformation, and empowerment.
📘 Core Hypnotherapy Texts
1. Handbook Of Hypnotic Suggestions & Metaphors – D. Corydon Hammond
Known as the big red book, this book is a treasure trove for any practicing hypnotherapist. It contains hundreds of scripts, metaphors, and suggestions compiled by experienced practitioners. A go-to resource for inspiration when crafting sessions tailored to your client’s unique needs.
2. The Art Of Hypnosis – C. Roy Hunter
A beautifully clear and accessible introduction to the world of hypnosis. Roy Hunter, a master of client-centred hypnotherapy, explains the ethical, theoretical, and practical aspects of inducing trance, making this ideal for students and new practitioners.
3. The Art Of Hypnotherapy – C. Roy Hunter
A companion to “The Art of Hypnosis,” this dives deeper into therapeutic applications, client intake, customising scripts, and using hypnosis in clinical practice. Highly recommended for anyone moving beyond basic training.
4. Scripts & Strategies In Hypnotherapy – Roger P. Allen
Full of practical scripts and session strategies for a range of client issues, this is an incredibly useful resource. It helps you move from understanding theory into confidently applying it in session.
5. Hypnotherapy – Dave Elman
A true classic. Dave Elman’s techniques are the foundation of much of what we do in modern hypnotherapy, especially in medical and rapid induction contexts. His direct and effective approach still shapes how we work today.
6. Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis – Michael Yapko
A comprehensive and academic guide with practical insights. Yapko, a pioneer in integrating hypnosis with mindfulness and psychotherapy, offers both science and soul. Great for students who want to understand the psychological framework behind trance work.
🌀 Metaphors & Therapeutic Storytelling
7. My Voice Will Go With You – Milton H. Erickson (Edited by Sidney Rosen)
A collection of Erickson’s teaching tales, therapeutic stories, and metaphors. His indirect style of hypnosis and storytelling is a model for compassionate and subtle therapeutic change.
8. Trance-Formations – Richard Bandler & John Grinder
This lively book captures a seminar with Bandler and Grinder and provides insight into how metaphor, language, and NLP techniques can be woven into hypnotic practice. Quirky, energetic, and mind-expanding.
🧠 Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
9. N.L.P. The New Technology Of Achievement – Nightingale-Conant
A user-friendly guide that introduces the tools of NLP in practical steps. This book is perfect for those starting out and wanting to build confidence in their use of NLP techniques.
10. Guide to Trance-Formation – Dr. Richard Bandler
This book captures the creative genius of Bandler. It provides real-world applications of hypnosis and NLP, with tips for achieving rapid and lasting change. A great read for practitioners wanting to energize their approach.
⏳ Past Life & Regression Therapy
11. Past Lives, Future Lives Revealed – Dr. Bruce Goldberg
This book opens the door to spiritual hypnotherapy. Dr. Goldberg explores regression, progression, and the power of the subconscious in navigating soul experiences. A thought-provoking read for those drawn to metaphysical hypnotherapy.
12. The Art Of Hypnotic Regression Therapy – C. Roy Hunter
A practical, respectful guide to safely guiding clients through regression work. Clear methods, client-centred techniques, and ethical considerations make this a foundational text in regression therapy.
🧘 Mindfulness & Hypnosis
13. No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering – Thich Nhat Hanh
This beautiful book offers gentle wisdom about transforming pain into growth. It speaks to both therapist and client, reminding us that healing begins with acceptance and presence.
14. Mindful Movements – Thich Nhat Hanh
A wonderful companion for integrating body-based mindfulness practices into your daily life—or into your sessions. These gentle, meditative movements are healing in themselves.
15. Mindfulness and Hypnosis: The Power of Suggestion to Transform Experience – Michael Yapko
Yapko explores the fascinating intersection of mindfulness and hypnotherapy. This book is ideal for those who want to integrate presence-based approaches into their hypnotic work.
16. Any Book by Thich Nhat Hanh
It’s hard to choose just one. Thich Nhat Hanh’s work on compassion, presence, and the breath gently supports the inner journey that both hypnotherapist and client travel together.
🌟 Additional Recommended Reads
To round out your reading, here are a few more powerful titles that can deepen your understanding and enrich your practice:
17. The Wisdom of Milton H. Erickson – Edited by Ronald A. Havens
A deeper look at the philosophies and techniques of Erickson’s therapeutic genius.
18. Monsters and Magical Sticks: There’s No Such Thing as Hypnosis? – Steven Heller
A humorous and profound exploration of hypnosis that challenges assumptions and invites curiosity.
19. The Healing Power of Stories – Daniel Taylor
A must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of personal narrative.
20. The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
While not specifically about hypnosis, this book is essential reading for understanding trauma, memory, and healing — themes every hypnotherapist will encounter.
21. Inner Child Healing and Hypnosis: A Practical Guide for Hypnotherapists – Jackie Thomson
Written by my friend Jackie, this is a wonderful and beautifully written book and an insightful introduction to inner child healing for hypnotherapists.
21. Grief: A Journey through Emotions – A guide to understanding and transforming loss into healing – Katina Chapman
My book with personal true stories of love, loss and healing, insights from grief models and hypnosis, NLP, visualisations and mindfulness techniques.
🌊 Final Thoughts
As a hypnotherapist, mindfulness practitioner, and spiritual seeker, I know how important it is to keep learning, growing, and feeding your mind and heart with uplifting, practical, and soul-nourishing knowledge.
I encourage you to take your time with each book. Let what speaks to you resonate. Let what challenges you teach. And above all, remember that the most important book you’ll ever read… is the one you write in your client sessions, page by page.
With empowerment and light,
Katina – The Empowerment Empress ✨
Interested in learning Hypnotherapy? Read about my Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy.