Zac was fired up about this one—and for good reason. He sees scripts as a barrier between you and your client. Instead of connecting authentically and responding empathetically to the client’s unique trauma, a script can reduce therapy to something dry, routine, and, worst of all, impersonal.

In fact, relying on a script can unintentionally validate the client’s trauma. If a client feels unseen or unheard because you’re focused on reading, it reinforces the hopelessness they’re already struggling with. Hypnotherapy should inspire hope, not take it away!

And let’s be real—if you’re using a script with your client, why are they even coming to you? There are incredible hypnosis experiences available online for free—on YouTube and through apps. If you’re relying on a script, you’re not only wasting your time but also the client’s time by offering something they could get on their own.

But here’s the kicker: we MUST revisit these key points to re-fit them into our narrative.

Clients come to you for a real connection, authentic empathy, and the unique ability to respond to their individual needs. That’s something no script can offer!

I get it—starting out as a hypnotherapist can feel like standing face-to-face with what I call the “dragon of chaos.” It’s tempting to use a script as a safety net, but here’s the thing: that’s just running from the fight.

Instead of hiding behind a script, I recommend coming to your sessions with a bullet point plan. Think of it as your trusty sword and shield. It prepares you for the battle ahead without making you rigid or disconnected. Here’s an example of what a session plan might look like:

Bullet points allow flexibility. You’re present, connected, and able to adapt to the client’s needs. Scripts? Not so much.

This is why Zac and I are so passionate about skipping the script: Authenticity inspires hope and models resilience. Many of our clients come to us after feeling defeated by therapies like EMDR, where overly structured methods left them feeling hopeless. We need to be the opposite of that.

Remember, everything that happens during hypnosis is incredibly valuable information for your work. If a client doesn’t “go deep” or they have an unexpected response, that’s not a failure or a mistake. It’s an opportunity.

Revisiting the past takes courage. But the reward is profound—greater self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to live life with the wisdom of experience rather than the opinions of a younger, less-equipped self.

Remember, everything that happens during hypnosis is incredibly valuable information for your work. If a client doesn’t “go deep” or they have an unexpected response, that’s not a failure or a mistake. It’s an opportunity.

Get curious. Ask yourself what about the client caused that response. Each reaction is a little jewel of truth about them as a person—and when you use that insight, you can meet them even more effectively in future sessions. That’s how we truly inspire transformation.

Your Call to Action

Are you ready to take the leap and ditch the script? Let’s talk about it! Send me a reply with your thoughts or join our community on Discord to share your experiences.

And if you’re not already signed up for the Trauma Focused Hypnotherapy course, this is your sign to get started. You’ll learn the advanced skills you need to master bullet-point planning, connect with your clients authentically, and—most importantly—face the dragon of chaos with confidence.

Click here to learn more and sign up.