Conversational Hypnosis for Complex Trauma

Sidereus Hypnosis and Conversational Therapy: An Exploration of Narrative, Dialogue, and Therapeutic Change

I. Introduction: Navigating Hypnosis and Therapeutic Conversation

A. Contextualizing the Inquiry

This report addresses an inquiry into "Sidereus hypnosis and conversational therapy," aiming to provide an expert-level exploration of these two domains. It seeks to examine their individual characteristics, theoretical underpinnings, and potential interrelations. The juxtaposition of a specific, and possibly niche, hypnotic technique ("Sidereus Hypnosis") with a broader psychotherapeutic framework ("Conversational Therapy") invites a nuanced investigation. Such an investigation naturally leads to considering shared therapeutic mechanisms, particularly those concerning narrative, the construction of meaning, and the dyadic process inherent in most therapeutic encounters.

The exploration of these modalities touches upon a fundamental aspect of human psychology: the drive to make sense of experience and to heal through connection. "Sidereus Hypnosis," which available information links to storytelling hypnotherapy 1, inherently engages with the power of narrative to shape perception and foster change. Storytelling, by its nature, is a primary way humans organize events into meaningful sequences and derive understanding from their lives.2 Simultaneously, "Conversational Therapy," especially as exemplified by sophisticated models like Hobson and Meares' Conversational Model, focuses on the co-creation of understanding and the development of self through deeply attuned dialogue.3 Both approaches, therefore, tap into the psychological processes of structuring experience into coherent narratives and forming connections that support this process. The underlying current in this inquiry appears to be an interest in how different modalities facilitate these human needs for meaning-making and relational connection within the context of healing.

B. Outline of the Report's Exploration

The report will commence with an overview of the historical and conceptual landscape of hypnosis, providing a necessary foundation for understanding specific hypnotic approaches. It will then delve into "Sidereus Hypnosis," seeking to define it primarily through its identified association with "story telling hypnotherapy" and its connection to the practitioner Stuart Morgan-Ayrs, drawing upon the available, albeit limited, direct information.

Subsequently, "Conversational Therapy" will be examined. A significant focus will be placed on the well-documented Conversational Model developed by Robert Hobson and Russell Meares, given its detailed theoretical framework and specific therapeutic techniques. This will be complemented by a brief consideration of broader uses of the term "conversational" in various therapeutic contexts to provide a fuller picture.

A core component of this report will be a comparative analysis. This section will explore points of convergence, such as the role of narrative and metaphor, and points of divergence, including the use of formal trance and the conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship, between Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis and the Conversational Model.

The report will conclude by synthesizing these findings, discussing the implications for therapeutic practice, and suggesting potential avenues for future research. The aim is to illuminate how these different approaches harness narrative and dialogue to promote therapeutic change and to delineate their unique contributions to the field of psychotherapy.

II. The Landscape of Hypnosis: Historical Roots and Core Concepts

A. From Ancient Practices to Scientific Inquiry

The phenomena associated with hypnosis have a lineage that extends far back into history, predating modern scientific nomenclature. For instance, the Persian physician and philosopher Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 980–1037) made early distinctions between sleep and a state akin to hypnosis, referring to it as al-Wahm al-Amil in his The Book of Healing (1027). He suggested that one could create conditions in another person leading them to accept the reality of this induced state.5

In Western cultures, the scientific and medical interest in what would later be termed hypnosis evolved, often with skepticism, from earlier practices like those of magnetists.5 Paracelsus (1493–1541), a Swiss physician, used magnets in his healing work, and figures like Valentine Greatrakes (1628–1682) gained fame for healing by touch and the use of magnets.5 However, it was Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815), an Austrian physician practicing in the late 18th century, who brought these phenomena to broader scientific attention with his theory of "animal magnetism" or "mesmerism".5 Mesmer believed in a subtle physical fluid or force that he termed "animal magnetism," distinct from mineral or cosmic magnetism, residing in the bodies of animals and humans. He posited that imbalances in this fluid caused illness and that "mesmeric" procedures, initially involving magnets and later non-magnetic manipulations, could restore balance and health.5 While Mesmer's theoretical explanations involving an occult force were eventually discredited, his methods and the phenomena they produced continued to intrigue medical practitioners.6

This historical trajectory reveals a persistent effort to understand and harness states of focused attention and heightened receptivity for therapeutic ends. The shift from Mesmer's concept of an external, almost mystical force ("animal magnetism") to later conceptualizations focusing on internal psychological and physiological states marks a significant evolution in the understanding of these phenomena. This ongoing refinement highlights a fundamental question: Is the therapeutic effect derived from a unique, altered state of consciousness itself, or is this state primarily a facilitator for other established psychological mechanisms such as suggestion, expectation, and focused attention? This question remains relevant when considering how various hypnotic techniques, including narrative-based approaches, are theorized and applied.

B. The Coining of "Hypnosis" and Early Definitions

The term "hypnosis" itself was introduced into the lexicon in the 1880s in France, some two decades after the death of James Braid (1795-1860), an English physician who had adopted the term "hypnotism" in 1841.5 Étienne Félix d'Henin de Cuvillers had earlier coined "hypnotism" and "hypnosis" as abbreviations for "neuro-hypnotism," meaning nervous sleep. Braid popularized these terms and provided the earliest systematic definitions of hypnosis, critically distinguishing the hypnotic state from normal sleep. He defined it as "a peculiar condition of the nervous system, induced by a fixed and abstracted attention of the mental and visual eye, on one object, not of an exciting nature".5

Braid further elaborated that the "real origin and essence of the hypnotic condition, is the induction of a habit of abstraction or mental concentration, in which... the powers of the mind are so much engrossed with a single idea or train of thought, as, for the nonce, to render the individual unconscious of, or indifferently conscious to, all other ideas, impressions, or trains of thought." He considered the hypnotic state to be the "very antithesis or opposite mental and physical condition to that which precedes and accompanies common sleep." Thus, Braid defined hypnotism as a state of mental concentration that often leads to progressive relaxation.5 Braid's contribution was pivotal in moving the understanding of these phenomena away from Mesmer's magnetic fluid theories towards a psycho-physiological explanation, framing it as an induced state of focused attention and mental abstraction. This laid crucial groundwork for more systematic scientific investigation and clinical application.

C. Core Characteristics of the Hypnotic State

Modern conceptualizations describe hypnosis as a special psychological state with certain physiological attributes, only superficially resembling sleep, and marked by the individual functioning at a level of awareness other than the ordinary conscious state.6 A primary characteristic of this state is a heightened degree of receptiveness and responsiveness to suggestions. Inner experiential perceptions, such as imagined sensations or emotions, can acquire a significance and reality typically accorded only to external stimuli.6

During hypnosis, the individual often appears to heed only the communications of the hypnotist, typically responding in an uncritical, automatic fashion while disregarding other aspects of the environment unless specifically pointed out by the hypnotist. Consequently, in a hypnotic state, an individual may see, feel, smell, and otherwise perceive in accordance with the hypnotist's suggestions, even if these suggestions are in apparent contradiction to the actual stimuli present in the environment.6

The induction of hypnosis relies significantly on the subject's willingness, cooperation, and trust in the hypnotist. Common induction techniques invite the subject to relax comfortably and fix their gaze on an object. Gradually, suggestions are introduced that require increasing distortion of the individual's perception or memory, such as the suggestion that it is difficult or impossible for the subject to open their eyes.6 The process of induction can vary in duration, from considerable time to mere seconds. Hypnosis is understood as a phenomenon of degrees, with trance states ranging from light to profound, and the depth can vary between individuals and even within the same individual across different sessions.6 The central phenomenon underpinning these effects is suggestibility—a state of greatly enhanced receptiveness and responsiveness to suggestions and stimuli presented by the hypnotist.6

The historical evolution from Mesmer's theories to Braid's neuro-physiological explanations, and further to the psychological interpretations of figures like Ambroise-Auguste Liébeault and Hippolyte Bernheim (who viewed hypnosis as a combination of psychologically mediated responses to suggestions, devoid of physical forces 6), underscores a continuous debate. This debate revolves around whether hypnosis is primarily a unique "altered state" or if its effects are better explained by an intensification of normal psychological processes such as focused attention, imagination, role enactment, and response expectancy. This enduring dialectic influences how specific hypnotic modalities, including those employing narrative, are understood and utilized—questioning whether the therapeutic power lies in the narrative content, the unique properties of the hypnotic state, or an interaction between the two.

III. Sidereus Hypnosis: An Exploration of Storytelling in Trance

A. Defining Sidereus Hypnosis: The Link to Storytelling Hypnotherapy

The term "Sidereus Hypnosis" is not widely established in mainstream academic hypnosis literature as a distinct modality with a unique, extensively documented theoretical framework. Its primary definitional anchor within the provided materials comes from a direct equation with "Story Telling hypnotherapy." One source explicitly lists "Story Telling hypnotherapy or Sidereus Hypnosis" as one of several forms of formal hypnotherapy, alongside techniques such as suggestion, regression, visualization, and analysis.1 This suggests that Sidereus Hypnosis is understood, at least by this source, as a specific application or type of storytelling within a formal hypnotic context. Beyond this explicit link, detailed independent explanations of "Sidereus Hypnosis" outlining its unique principles or techniques are scarce in the available information.1 Consequently, its characteristics must largely be inferred from the broader principles and practices of storytelling or narrative hypnotherapy.

B. The Role of Stuart Morgan-Ayrs

The name Stuart Morgan-Ayrs is closely associated with "Sidereus Hypnosis" in the provided materials. He lists "Sidereus Hypnosis" as one of his "CPD competency awards, certificates & Diplomas" 7, and another source mentions a "Sidereus Hypnosis diploma" among his qualifications.8 This positions Sidereus Hypnosis within the ongoing professional development of a practicing psychotherapist who employs an integrative approach. Morgan-Ayrs' practice is described as combining psychoanalysis, hypnoanalysis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other methods, tailored to client needs and grounded in evidence-based core therapies.7 His training encompasses various forms of clinical hypnosis, and he utilizes hypnotherapy for behavioral change and as a platform for psychological therapies such as analysis and visualization.8

The pattern of "Sidereus Hypnosis" appearing almost exclusively in connection with Stuart Morgan-Ayrs' qualifications 7, coupled with the singular explicit equation to "Story Telling hypnotherapy" 1 and the absence of extensive independent academic literature on it as a distinct, universally recognized category 1, suggests that "Sidereus Hypnosis" likely represents a specific branding, a specialized application, or perhaps a particular school of thought or training program within the broader domain of storytelling hypnotherapy. It may be a label for an approach unique to a particular practitioner or training lineage, rather than a term like "Ericksonian Hypnosis" or "Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy" which have more extensive, independent bodies of literature.

C. Principles and Techniques of Storytelling/Narrative Hypnotherapy (as a proxy for Sidereus Hypnosis)

Given the identification of Sidereus Hypnosis with storytelling hypnotherapy, its principles and techniques can be inferred from the latter.

1. Narrative Construction and Meaning-Making: A core element of storytelling hypnotherapy involves guiding the client to explore their life story. This includes identifying key events, influential figures, and the emotional and psychological impact of these experiences.2 The therapeutic goal is to help the client discover or construct meaning, a sense of purpose, and a "unifying narrative" that integrates disparate life experiences into a coherent whole.2 This process empowers clients by enabling them to become active agents in understanding their life's trajectory and re-interpreting past events in ways that foster personal growth and resilience.

2. Use of Symbolic Language and Emotional Distancing: Storytelling in a therapeutic, particularly hypnotic, context often employs comforting suggestions, rich symbolism, and metaphor. These elements can provide necessary emotional distance, allowing individuals to approach and process difficult or traumatic material without being overwhelmed.9 This technique has been noted as particularly valuable in therapy with children who have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse, where metaphor and symbolism can make threatening content more manageable and facilitate its integration.9

3. Evocative and Indirect Communication: It is probable that storytelling hypnotherapy, and thus Sidereus Hypnosis, incorporates principles of evocative and indirect communication, similar to those found in Ericksonian hypnosis, which heavily utilizes storytelling. This can include the use of embedded metaphors and other forms of multilevel communication designed to engage the unconscious mind and bypass conscious resistance.10 While the source discussing Ericksonian principles does not explicitly name Sidereus Hypnosis, its emphasis on indirection and evocative language is highly compatible with sophisticated narrative work in a hypnotic setting.

4. Fostering Positive Psychological States: Narrative approaches within therapy are not solely focused on processing past difficulties. They can also be integrated with solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral interventions to cultivate positive psychological states such as hope. Hope, in this context, is often defined as goal-directed thinking that encompasses both the capacity to envision pathways to desired goals and the perceived agency to pursue those pathways.11 Storytelling can thus be employed not only to re-script past narratives but also to help clients envision and move towards desired futures, thereby enhancing resilience, well-being, and quality of life.11

D. Applications and Potential Efficacy (inferred for Sidereus Hypnosis via Storytelling Hypnotherapy)

The general applications of hypnotherapy are extensive, encompassing the treatment of anxiety and stress, phobias, unwanted habits (such as smoking or overeating), pain management, and various aspects of personal development, including enhancing self-esteem and motivation.1

Storytelling hypnotherapy specifically has documented applications in the treatment of trauma. For instance, its use with sexually abused children highlights its capacity to provide emotional distance and symbolic tools for processing traumatic experiences effectively.9 More broadly, narrative interventions (which would include storytelling hypnotherapy) have been linked to positive outcomes such as increased hope and quality of life, alongside decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in individuals facing significant life challenges, such as children diagnosed with cancer.11

Regarding efficacy, the clinical research literature generally supports hypnotic procedures, indicating that they often yield higher rates of improvement compared to wait-list or no-treatment conditions for various issues. For specific problems like smoking cessation, hypnotic interventions have been found to be generally comparable in effectiveness to a variety of non-hypnotic treatments.13

The particular potency of storytelling hypnotherapy (and by inference, Sidereus Hypnosis) may stem from its unique ability to bridge conscious and unconscious processes. Storytelling inherently involves conscious cognitive faculties: the organization of plot, the development of characters, and the explicit construction of meaning.2 Simultaneously, the hypnotic state facilitates access to altered states of awareness and heightened suggestibility, which are often associated with deeper, unconscious processing.1 The strategic use of metaphor and symbolism within storytelling hypnotherapy 9 directly engages the symbolic language often attributed to the unconscious mind. Therefore, this modality offers more than just a cognitive reframing of experience (as might be the primary focus in some purely cognitive therapies); it allows the new, more adaptive narrative to be experienced more vividly and integrated at multiple levels of consciousness. This deeper, multi-level integration could potentially lead to more profound and lasting changes compared to approaches that address only conscious thought patterns or attempt to access unconscious material without a clear, organizing narrative structure.

IV. Conversational Therapy: The Dynamics of the Therapeutic Dialogue

The term "conversational therapy" can encompass a range of approaches. However, a particularly well-defined and influential model is the Conversational Model developed by Robert Hobson and Russell Meares.

A. The Conversational Model (Hobson & Meares): A Deep Dive

1. Origins and Foundational Aims:
   The Conversational Model (CM), also known as Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Therapy (PIT), was developed principally by Robert Hobson, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the UK, in collaboration with Russell Meares, formerly Professor of Psychiatry in Sydney, Australia, with work beginning in the 1960s.3 It emerged from their work with patients who had often failed to respond to other forms of treatment and were, in the language of the time, sometimes described as "unanalysable" or presenting with what would now be termed "borderline" personality organization.3
   
   

2. The central theoretical task of psychotherapy, according to this model, is to "potentiate the emergence and amplification of that dualistic form of consciousness that William James called self".3 A primary aim is the fostering of a particular form of relatedness that Hobson termed "aloneness-togetherness"—a state where the client can feel both separate and connected in the therapeutic relationship.3 Beyond correcting maladaptive patterns of relating, the model focuses on the "generation of self," understood as a dynamic process that arises within the therapeutic conversation, "as a third thing, between people".3 The overarching goal is the restoration of a disrupted sense of personal being or self, which is seen as being uniquely disturbed in different forms of mental illness.3 The model's development out of work with individuals with severe personality disturbances underscores its focus on fundamental aspects of self-development and relational capacity, rather than solely on symptom reduction.

3. Theoretical Underpinnings:
   The Conversational Model is rooted in psychodynamic ideas but distinguishes itself by striving for theoretical parsimony, avoiding overly complex jargon.4 It places significant emphasis on the observable process of therapy, advocating for the use of audio and video recordings for supervision and teaching—an innovative practice at the time of its development.4
   
   

4. A strong influence on the model comes from the work of William James, particularly his theories on emotion and consciousness. Hobson adopted James's view that bodily changes directly follow the perception of an exciting fact, and that the feeling of these changes is the emotion.4 This perspective predates, yet aligns with, later neuroscientific findings on the neural basis of feelings, where emotions are seen as complex action programs and feelings are the perception of these programs, inherently involving both mind and body.4

5. Furthermore, the model emphasizes that the self is fundamentally a product of interpersonal relationships, particularly the early interactions between a child and their primary caregiver(s). This draws on the contributions of developmental theorists like D.W. Winnicott and Daniel Stern.4 A "good enough" caregiving relationship is seen as fostering a reasonably stable sense of self, whereas neglectful or abusive early relationships can result in an unstable and chaotic adult sense of self.4 The "proto-conversation" between mother and infant, characterized by intersubjectivity, mirroring of emotions, and shared feeling states, is considered crucial for forming the affective core of the self. Meares suggests that feelings are the "coinage of this proto-conversation".4 Symbolic play, especially, is viewed as essential for personal development, enabling feeling states to be captured, organized, and internalized to form the self's core.4

6. Core Constructs of the Conversational Model:
   The Conversational Model is built upon several key constructs that inform its therapeutic approach. These are summarized in Table 1.
   
   

7. Table 1: Core Components of the Conversational Model (Hobson & Meares)

Component

Description

Sources

Experience

A kind of knowing that is felt in the body from the inside. It is always in relation to things, persons, and situations, and possesses a sense of flow. The model makes no fundamental distinction between mind and body in the experiencing process.

4

Myself (The Self)

The inner "me"; a sense of ongoing life within, characterized by both movement (stream of consciousness) and stability (a "core self"). It develops interpersonally, primarily through early caregiving relationships, and is continually shaped by contact with others. Symbolic play is crucial for its formation, allowing feelings to be organized and internalized.

4

Language and Symbols

A critical distinction is made between "jam-jar language" (logical, clear, discursive, used for information transfer) and "feeling language" (symbolic, metaphorical, used to convey how one feels). "Presentational symbols" (e.g., metaphors, images) which are fluid, organic, and understood through perception of the whole, are vital for representing the complex flow of emotional life. The form of the conversation (syntax, lexicon, phonology, tone of voice) is considered to manifest and constitute a form of consciousness and relatedness, not just transmit information.

3

Forms of Feeling

A visual image, metaphor, or other symbolic representation of a feeling state (both mental and physical aspects) that has an organizing or containing quality. "Forms of feeling" are created from the actual experiencing of the feeling within the therapeutic relationship, not merely from thinking or talking about it. They provide structure and coherence to potentially overwhelming feelings.

4

Therapeutic Aim

The restoration, generation, and potentiation of the self, particularly that "dualistic form of consciousness" James called self. Fostering a relational state of "aloneness-togetherness."

3

Key Therapist Behaviours

Using statements rather than questions to encourage clients to stay with experience. Offering "understanding hypotheses" (statements that reflect and slightly deepen or extend the client's intimated meaning, often using analogy or metaphor). "Cue response" (actively perceiving and responding to a multitude of verbal and non-verbal cues). Focusing on feelings in the "here and now" and facilitating the "carrying forward" of feeling. Encouraging a "symbolic attitude" and the use of metaphor. Attending to the "minute particulars" of the interpersonal interaction (gestures, nuances of feeling).

4

4. 
   Therapeutic Stance and Key Interventions:
   In the Conversational Model, the therapist places considerably less emphasis on traditional psychodynamic interpretation (interventions directed at "insight" and the "unconscious" which are seen as risking invalidation and dependence 3) and far greater emphasis on the process of sharing feeling states by picturing and re-shaping them within the context of a human conversation.4 The therapeutic endeavor is about getting to "know someone"—their inner "me"—rather than merely accumulating facts or information about them.4
   
   

5. The distinctive therapist behaviors (as detailed in Table 1, such as favoring statements over questions, offering understanding hypotheses, and responding to cues) are specifically designed to promote the use of "feeling language" and facilitate the co-creation of "forms of feeling".4 The therapist aims to capture, through an imaginative act, possible meanings from the client's verbal and non-verbal communications, trying these out and modifying them in a dialogue geared towards mutual understanding.4

6. The Conversational Model can be understood as a therapy of co-created emergence. It is fundamentally concerned with establishing a specific kind of relational environment—one of "aloneness-togetherness"—where a more coherent, vital, and authentic sense of self can emerge through the dyadic process of symbolizing felt experience. The model posits that the self is "a dynamism, a process, arising in conversation as a third thing, between people".3 Therapeutic change is therefore less about the therapist "doing to" the client (e.g., providing definitive interpretations for the client to accept) and more about "being with" the client in a way that facilitates their own capacity to find, articulate, symbolize, and integrate their moment-to-moment affective experience. The "conversation" itself, in its unique form and quality, becomes the active agent of change, fostering the emergence and amplification of the self.3

B. Broader Conceptions of "Conversational" Approaches in Therapy

Beyond the specific and detailed framework of Hobson and Meares' Conversational Model, the term "conversational" appears in relation to other therapeutic modalities, often highlighting different aspects of dialogue.

1. Informal "Conversational Hypnosis":
   This term refers to the use of hypnotic language patterns and the modeling of narrative without a formal trance induction procedure. It can be subtly integrated within psychoanalysis or other psychotherapy sessions to focus attention, gently challenge assumptions, or direct the client towards recall, reflection, or consideration of particular experiences.1 Techniques associated with conversational hypnosis include embedded commands (subtle commands within a larger sentence), presuppositions (assumptions embedded in language), the use of metaphors and stories to bypass critical conscious scrutiny, and pacing and leading (matching and then subtly guiding the client's state).1 The aim is often to communicate directly with the subconscious mind to facilitate change. Applications are cited for anxiety and stress reduction, overcoming phobias, habit modification, pain management, and general personal development.1 This illustrates that "conversational" can refer to a style of communication and the strategic deployment of language to induce subtle hypnotic effects, which differs markedly from the deep relational and self-generative focus of Hobson's model.
   
   

2. Conversational Elements in Other Therapies:
   The adjective "conversational" is also used to describe aspects of dialogue in other therapeutic frameworks. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is sometimes characterized as having a "conversational" quality in its structured, evidence-based, and motivational approach to scrutinizing and developing the nexus between thoughts, feelings, ideas, and actions.14 Here, "conversational" implies a collaborative, interactive, and goal-oriented dialogue.
   
   

3. Similarly, in the field of aphasia therapy, "conversation-focused intervention" is an approach that emphasizes authentic social interaction. Therapy aims to overcome communication barriers by focusing on social action and collaboration, often involving dyadic work with conversational partners (e.g., spouses). The goal is to improve meaning-making and social participation in real-life conversational contexts.15

4. These examples demonstrate that "conversational" can be used more broadly to denote collaborative, interactive, and purposeful dialogue within various therapeutic settings. While conversation is a ubiquitous tool in therapy, its theoretical underpinnings, specific objectives, and the way it is conceptualized as a mechanism of change can vary significantly compared to the profound depth and specific aims of the Conversational Model.

C. The Spectrum of "Therapeutic Conversation" – From Strategic Influence to Relational Depth

The various uses of "conversational therapy" or "therapeutic conversation" reveal that these terms span a wide spectrum of practice and intent. At one end of this spectrum, exemplified by informal conversational hypnosis 1 or certain dialogic aspects of CBT 14, conversation serves as a strategic tool. In conversational hypnosis, language is employed to "bypass the critical conscious mind" and deliver therapeutic suggestions, representing a directive and influential use of dialogue.1 In CBT, the "conversational" element often involves a structured, psychoeducational dialogue aimed at scrutinizing and modifying thought patterns and behaviors.14

At the other end of the spectrum lies the Conversational Model of Hobson and Meares.3 Here, conversation is conceptualized as a profound relational process that "manifests and constitutes not only a form of consciousness but also a form of relatedness".3 The therapeutic work centers on the process of relating through "feeling language," which is believed to lead to the co-construction of meaning and the fundamental generation and restoration of the self. This represents a deeply experiential and intersubjective use of conversation, where the dialogue itself is the primary medium for self-development rather than merely a vehicle for delivering targeted interventions. Understanding this spectrum is crucial to avoid conflating these qualitatively different approaches and to appreciate the diverse ways in which dialogue can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.

V. Bridging the Modalities: Sidereus Hypnosis and Conversational Therapy in Dialogue

Comparing Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis with the Conversational Model reveals both intriguing points of convergence, suggesting shared underlying therapeutic principles, and significant divergences in terms of technique, theoretical emphasis, and the conceptualization of change mechanisms.

A. Points of Convergence

1. Centrality of Narrative and Metaphor:
   Sidereus Hypnosis, by its definition as a form of Storytelling Hypnotherapy, inherently relies on narrative construction and the evocative power of stories.1 The use of metaphor and symbolism is considered key for facilitating emotional processing and providing distance from traumatic material.9 Similarly, the Conversational Model places a very high value on what it terms "feeling language," which encompasses "presentational symbols" like metaphors and analogies, to capture and share the subtle and complex nuances of emotional experience. This process is central to the co-creation of "forms of feeling".4 Therapists using this model frequently employ analogy and metaphor within their "understanding hypotheses" to reflect and deepen the client's articulated experience.4 Both modalities thus recognize that human experience, particularly emotional experience, is often best accessed, understood, and transformed through non-literal, symbolic, and narrative means, moving beyond purely logical or factual discourse.
   
   

2. Focus on Client's Subjective Experience and Meaning-Making:
   Storytelling Hypnotherapy, and by inference Sidereus Hypnosis, aims to assist clients in finding personal meaning in their life events and in constructing a "unifying narrative" that lends coherence to their experiences.2 The Conversational Model is profoundly attuned to the client's moment-to-moment subjective experience. Its core objective is to help clients symbolize and understand their inner world, thereby restoring a disrupted sense of personal being and fostering a more robust self.3 Both approaches, therefore, can be considered client-centered in their deep respect for and intensive exploration of the individual's unique experiential world and their inherent capacity to generate new, more adaptive meanings.
   
   

3. Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship:
   The establishment of a positive therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective hypnosis in general. Trust, rapport, and the client's willingness to cooperate are considered essential prerequisites for hypnotic induction and responsiveness to suggestion.1 The Conversational Model elevates the therapeutic relationship to an even more central role, viewing the specific quality of relatedness it terms "aloneness-togetherness" as the primary crucible for the generation and restoration of the self.3 For Hobson and Meares, the quality of the interpersonal exchange is not merely facilitative but is the very medium of therapeutic action. While the theoretical conceptualization and the precise role attributed to the relationship in the mechanism of change may differ in emphasis, a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic alliance is foundational for both approaches.
   
   

B. Points of Divergence

1. Use and Conceptualization of Trance/Altered States:
   Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis, as a form of formal hypnotherapy, operates within the framework of an intentionally induced hypnotic trance.1 This trance state can range from light to profound and is considered a special psychological state characterized by heightened suggestibility.6 In contrast, the Conversational Model does not involve formal hypnotic induction. While it aims to foster what Hobson called a "dualistic form of consciousness" or a particular experience of "self" that emerges through the process of attuned therapeutic dialogue 3, and while this state undoubtedly involves focused awareness and deep engagement, it is not typically framed or understood as "trance" in the conventional hypnotic sense.
   
   

2. Primary Locus and Mechanism of Change:
   In Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis, therapeutic change is thought to be facilitated by several interacting factors: the heightened receptivity and suggestibility characteristic of the hypnotic trance, the cognitive and emotional reframing power of the narrative itself, and the symbolic resolution of conflicts or integration of experiences that can occur within the constructed story. The story, imbued with therapeutic suggestions, acts upon the client's psyche. In the Conversational Model, change arises primarily from the intersubjective process of the client symbolizing their felt experience in an ongoing, moment-to-moment dialogue with an attuned therapist. This leads to the development of "forms of feeling" and the gradual strengthening, differentiation, and coherence of the self.3 The process of relating and co-creating meaning through "feeling language" is the core mechanism of change.
   
   

3. Emphasis on Interpretation vs. Co-created Understanding:
   While storytelling hypnotherapy can be a collaborative process, some hypnotic approaches may involve a greater degree of therapist-led suggestion or narrative direction, where the therapist might construct or guide the core elements of the therapeutic story. The Conversational Model, however, explicitly de-emphasizes traditional psychodynamic interpretation, where the therapist offers insights into unconscious dynamics. Instead, it prioritizes the therapist's role in helping the client articulate, symbolize, and make sense of their own emerging experience in their own terms.4 The understanding is co-constructed, with the therapist facilitating the client's discovery rather than providing pre-formulated explanations.
   
   

C. Potential for Integrative Frameworks and Mutual Enrichment

The distinct strengths of Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis and the Conversational Model offer intriguing possibilities for mutual enrichment and potential integration. The Conversational Model's sophisticated understanding of "feeling language," the subtle dynamics of intersubjective relating, and the process of co-creating "forms of feeling" 3 could significantly inform and enrich the process of storytelling within Sidereus Hypnosis. Applying these principles could make the narrative construction more deeply attuned to the client's emergent experience, more genuinely client-led, and more experientially resonant, potentially moving beyond pre-scripted narratives to stories that arise more organically from the client's inner world.

Conversely, the structured context of hypnotic trance, as utilized in Sidereus Hypnosis, might provide a uniquely focused and receptive psychological state for some clients to access, explore, and symbolize the very "feeling states" that are central to the Conversational Model's therapeutic work. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it difficult to connect with, articulate, or symbolize their emotions in ordinary waking consciousness due to overwhelming anxiety, ingrained defenses, or alexithymic tendencies. The hypnotic state could, in such cases, serve as a safe and contained space to encounter and begin to process these otherwise inaccessible experiences. A thoughtful integration could therefore leverage the strengths of both: the Conversational Model's relational depth and nuanced understanding of symbolic processing could guide the how of narrative work in hypnosis, while the hypnotic state could provide an enhanced medium for such deeply personal and transformative work.

D. Comparative Overview

To further clarify their distinct and shared characteristics, Table 2 provides a comparative overview of Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis and the Conversational Model.

Table 2: Comparative Overview of Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis and the Conversational Model (Hobson & Meares)

Feature

Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis

Conversational Model (Hobson & Meares)

Primary Theoretical Basis

Principles of suggestion, narrative psychology, hypnotic state theory.2

Psychodynamic-interpersonal theory, developmental psychology (especially attachment and self-development), phenomenology of self and experience.3

Core Therapeutic Goal

Problem resolution, reframing of experience, behavioral change, emotional processing through narrative suggestion in trance.1

Generation/restoration of self, development of "forms of feeling," enhanced capacity for authentic relatedness and "aloneness-togetherness".3

Key Techniques/Mechanisms

Formal trance induction, guided storytelling, use of metaphor, direct and indirect suggestion, symbolic resolution.1

Promotion of "feeling language," therapist use of "understanding hypotheses," "cue response," focus on "here and now" feelings, co-creation of symbolic representations ("forms of feeling").4

Role of Therapist

Guide, facilitator of hypnotic state, co-constructor or suggester of narrative elements, provider of symbolic input.2

Attuned, responsive partner in dialogue; co-creator of meaning; facilitator of the client's symbolization of their own felt experience; model of authentic relating.3

Use of Altered State

Deliberate induction of formal hypnotic trance (ranging from light to profound) as the primary working state.1

Fostering a specific "dualistic form of consciousness" or "self-state" characterized by reflective awareness and embodied feeling, emerging organically from the therapeutic conversation.3

Nature of "Conversation"/Dialogue

Often a therapist-guided or co-created narrative construction within the hypnotic state; can be more unidirectional in terms of suggestion delivery, though interactive.1

A deeply intersubjective, moment-to-moment dyadic process where the form of language and relating is as crucial as content; emphasis on co-creation of shared understanding and meaning.3

VI. Concluding Perspectives and Future Directions

A. Synthesis of Findings

This report has undertaken an exploration of Sidereus Hypnosis and Conversational Therapy. "Sidereus Hypnosis" appears to be most accurately understood as a specific form or branding of "Story Telling hypnotherapy," with its principles and applications largely inferred from this broader category. Its primary documented association is with the practitioner Stuart Morgan-Ayrs, who lists it among his credentials.1 This modality operates within a formal hypnotic trance and utilizes narrative structures, metaphor, and suggestion to facilitate therapeutic change, aiming to reframe experiences, resolve conflicts symbolically, and promote well-being.2

In contrast, the "Conversational Model," developed by Hobson and Meares, is a distinct and theoretically elaborate psychodynamic-interpersonal approach.3 It does not employ formal hypnotic induction but focuses on the meticulous analysis and facilitation of therapeutic dialogue. Its core aim is the generation and restoration of the client's sense of self through the co-creation of meaning and "forms of feeling" within a specific type of therapeutic relationship characterized by "aloneness-togetherness".3 The emphasis is on "feeling language" and the therapist's attuned responsiveness to the client's moment-to-moment subjective experience.

Key convergences between these approaches include the central importance of narrative, metaphor, and symbolic representation in processing experience, a profound respect for the client's subjective world and their capacity for meaning-making, and the foundational role of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. However, significant divergences exist in their use of formal trance, their primary conceptualizations of the mechanisms of change (e.g., suggestion in trance vs. intersubjective symbolization of affect), and the relative emphasis on therapist-guided interpretation versus co-created, emergent understanding.

B. Implications for Therapeutic Practice

The distinct characteristics of narrative hypnotic approaches like Sidereus Hypnosis and depth-oriented conversational models like Hobson and Meares' have important implications for therapeutic practice. Therapists can benefit from understanding the specific strengths, indications, and underlying philosophies of each.

The choice of modality, or the consideration of integrative approaches, should be carefully guided by a thorough assessment of the client's needs, presenting issues, psychological capacities, and preferences for different types of therapeutic engagement. For instance, clients who respond well to structured imaginative engagement, or who require assistance in accessing and reframing specific memories or experiences, might benefit significantly from storytelling hypnosis. Conversely, individuals presenting with fundamental deficits in their sense of self, chronic relational difficulties, or severe personality disturbances might require the sustained, depth-oriented relational work offered by the Conversational Model.

Furthermore, an awareness of the broader spectrum of "therapeutic conversation"—ranging from strategic linguistic interventions to profound intersubjective encounters—can help practitioners become more conscious and intentional about their use of language, their relational stance, and the specific therapeutic processes they aim to facilitate.

C. Avenues for Future Research

While general hypnotic efficacy has a degree of empirical support 13, further research is needed to specifically validate the efficacy of "Sidereus Hypnosis" as a distinct entity, or more broadly, particular models of "Storytelling Hypnotherapy," for various clinical conditions. This would require studies with clear operationalization of the techniques and appropriate control groups.

Comparative outcome studies pitting narrative hypnotherapies against well-established models like the Conversational Model for specific client populations (e.g., those with trauma histories or personality vulnerabilities) could illuminate differential benefits and help clinicians make more informed treatment choices.

Qualitative research exploring the phenomenological experiences of clients in both narrative hypnosis and the Conversational Model could provide valuable insights. For example, investigating any potential experiential overlap between advanced hypnotic states focused on internal experience and the "dualistic form of consciousness" described in the Conversational Model 3 could be a fruitful area of inquiry.

Finally, the development and investigation of thoughtful integrative approaches that seek to combine elements of narrative hypnosis with the relational and symbolic processing principles from the Conversational Model could lead to new and potentially more potent therapeutic interventions. Such research would need to carefully articulate the theoretical rationale for integration and systematically evaluate both the process and outcomes of these combined modalities.

D. Final Overarching Perspective: The Art and Science of Therapeutic Transformation through Narrative and Dialogue

The exploration of Sidereus (Storytelling) Hypnosis and the Conversational Model ultimately underscores a profound truth about psychological healing: therapeutic change is deeply intertwined with the human capacity to create and re-create meaning through narrative, and to experience and develop a sense of selfhood in and through dialogue. Sidereus Hypnosis, as a form of storytelling in trance, directly harnesses the power of narrative to reframe past experiences and envision new possibilities, leveraging the receptive state of hypnosis to facilitate this process.1 The Conversational Model, through its meticulous attention to the nuances of therapeutic dialogue, aims to foster the emergence of a more coherent and vital self by enabling the client to find words and symbols for their innermost feelings and experiences within a deeply attuned relational field.3

While their methods and theoretical frameworks differ significantly—one employing formal trance and structured narratives, the other relying on the organic unfolding of "feeling language" in moment-to-moment interaction—both ultimately tap into these fundamental human processes. Both acknowledge, implicitly or explicitly, that raw, unformulated experience often needs to be processed, symbolized, and integrated into a coherent personal narrative for psychological well-being to flourish. The differences in their approaches highlight the varied pathways through which individuals can achieve similar overarching goals of meaning, coherence, emotional regulation, and improved functioning. This suggests a common ground rooted in the fundamental human need to make sense of one's life and to do so within a relational context that offers safety, understanding, and the possibility of transformation. The art of psychotherapy lies in the therapist's sensitive attunement and skillful application of these principles, while the science continually seeks to understand their underlying mechanisms and differential efficacy more deeply, ultimately enriching the potential for healing and growth.

Compiled by Gemini AI 04.06.2025

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Stuart practices online and in Edinburgh, UK. He is a fully registered and qualified hypnotherapist, as well as being accredited in multiple other forms of therapy. He is a certified advanced trauma specialist and has been certified in the use of hypnosis for trauma. His speciality is blending conversational hypnosis, analysis, NLP and other appropriate therapies into a stage based trauma treatment programme.