Can clinical hypnosis help people manage anxiety, trauma, pain, chronic symptoms, or other emotional and physical concerns? In this episode, licensed professional counselor Josh Korac speaks with pediatric pulmonologist and clinical hypnosis specialist Dr. Ran Anbar about what hypnosis is, how it works, and how it may support healing. Dr. Anbar explains that clinical hypnosis is not mind control. It is a focused state of attention that can help people use relaxation, imagination, language, and internal awareness to influence emotional distress and physical symptoms. Rather than taking control away from the patient, therapeutic hypnosis aims to increase a person’s sense of agency. Josh and Dr. Anbar discuss how hypnosis may be used with anxiety, chronic pain, breathing difficulties, functional symptoms, trauma-related concerns, and other conditions. They explore techniques such as guided imagery, relaxation, positive self-talk, and noticing the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. The conversation also examines the subconscious mind. Dr. Anbar describes it as a possible source of creativity, insight, and problem-solving. Hypnosis may help some people access perspectives or internal resources that are difficult to reach through ordinary conscious thinking. Josh and Dr. Anbar also discuss the power of language. The words used by clinicians, parents, and patients can affect expectations, confidence, and the way someone understands symptoms. Supportive language may increase hope and agency, while frightening or overly limiting messages may unintentionally increase distress. They address common misconceptions about hypnosis, including fears about losing control, revealing private information, or being forced to act against your values. Dr. Anbar explains the difference between clinical hypnosis and stage hypnosis, and why trust, consent, collaboration, and appropriate training matter. The episode also explores hypnosis and trauma. Hypnosis may help some people approach difficult memories or emotional experiences with greater distance and safety, but this work requires caution. Josh and Dr. Anbar discuss dissociation, internal voices, memory, and the importance of treating the whole person rather than focusing only on a diagnosis. In this episode, you will learn about: • What clinical hypnosis is and how it works • The difference between therapeutic and stage hypnosis • Why hypnosis does not require giving up control • Relaxation, guided imagery, and positive self-talk • Hypnosis for anxiety, pain, and chronic symptoms • The connection between emotions and physical sensations • How language and expectations can affect healing • The subconscious mind as a source of creativity and insight • The role of trust, consent, and collaboration • Hypnosis, trauma, dissociation, and emotional safety Dr. Ran Anbar is board certified in pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics. He is a fellow and approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and has used clinical hypnosis with thousands of children. He previously served as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and director of pediatric pulmonology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He is the author of Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis: A Journey to the Center. Learn more about Dr. Anbar at centerpointhypnosis.com. Josh Korac is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado who specializes in trauma, family estrangement, loneliness, and complex relationship concerns. He is also the Lead Moderator of Estrangement.com. Learn more about Josh at joshuakorac.com. This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, mental health treatment, diagnosis, or an established therapeutic relationship. Hypnosis may not be appropriate for every person or condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.