Breaking Free: How Hypnotherapy Heals Trauma Bonds in Abusive Relationships

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Maree-Nicole

Clinical Hypnotherapist - Life Coach - Reiki Master
Number 1 Best Seller Author of I See You

In toxic relationships, pain often masquerades as love. Trauma bonds—deep emotional ties formed through cycles of abuse and brief affection—can make leaving feel impossible. If you’ve ever felt addicted to someone who’s hurting you, torn between love and fear, or stuck in a loop of leaving and returning… you’re not alone.

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist and someone who’s lived it, I know this bond well. Hypnotherapy became my turning point—and now, it’s how I help others break free and reclaim their self-worth.

What Is a Trauma Bond?

A trauma bond is an intense emotional attachment created through repeated cycles of abuse, followed by moments of kindness or connection. It’s not just emotional confusion—it’s a survival response. Trauma bonds often develop from childhood wounds, leading you to confuse pain with love, guilt with loyalty, and fear with safety.

Why It’s So Hard to Leave:

  • Inconsistent reward: Moments of affection create false hope.
  • Low self-worth: Victims internalise the abuse.
  • Fear of abandonment: Leaving feels like losing your identity.

How Hypnotherapy Breaks the Cycle

Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind—the place where these emotional patterns live. Unlike talk therapy alone, hypnosis bypasses the critical mind to access the root beliefs and stored trauma keeping you stuck.

What Hypnotherapy Can Do:

  • Rewrites false beliefs like “I deserve this” or “They’ll change”
  • Reprograms your responses to triggers and emotional hooks
  • Reinforces self-worth, safety, and emotional boundaries

EMDR-Inspired Hypnosis: A Powerful Combo

In my trauma-informed practice, I blend EMDR-style bilateral stimulation with hypnotherapy to help clients safely process emotional pain without reliving it.

This may include:

  • Gentle eye movements or rhythmic tapping
  • Safe visualisation practices
  • Empowering affirmations like:
    • “I am enough.”
    • “I am safe now.”
    • “This no longer defines me.”

This approach:

  • Neutralises emotional triggers
  • Releases trauma held in the body
  • Restores inner calm and clarity

Signs You May Be in a Trauma Bond

  • You make excuses for their behaviour
  • You feel anxious without them
  • You minimise abuse when talking to others
  • You feel shame or guilt for wanting to leave

If any of these resonate—know that awareness is the first step. Healing is the next.

Case Study: From Bonded to Empowered

“Emily” (name changed) came to me after leaving an emotionally abusive partner. Although she knew it was toxic, she felt pulled back—confused, ashamed, and emotionally hooked.

Through hypnotherapy, we worked on:

  • Healing abandonment wounds in the inner child
  • Breaking the subconscious link between love and pain
  • Visualising a future rooted in peace and self-worth

Her words after Session 4:

“I feel detached from the illusion. Like I’m finally free from the mental cage.”

Techniques I Use for Trauma Bond Healing

TechniquePurpose
Parts TherapyDialogues with wounded parts (e.g., Inner Child, Protector)
RegressionRevisiting root memories in a safe state
Positive SuggestionEmbedding new beliefs: “I deserve love without pain.”
Somatic ReleaseLetting the body express and release tension

“I See You” — A Mirror for the Healing Journey

My book I See You isn’t just my story—it’s a mirror for anyone trapped in silence, survival, or shame. It walks the emotional path from invisibility to empowerment, and includes a free audio program (Rise Above) to support healing at home.

From:

  • Silence → Voice
  • Fear → Strength
  • Survival → Self-trust

Hypnotherapy + Talk Therapy = Lasting Change

While hypnotherapy gets to the emotional root, talk therapy supports integration and reflection.

Why this combo works:

  • Emotional excavation (hypnotherapy) + Cognitive processing (therapy)
  • New thought patterns become long-term change
  • You heal, and you grow

Self-Worth: The Foundation of Healing

The trauma bond can’t survive where self-worth grows.

Hypnotherapy helps:

  • Embed self-worth into the subconscious
  • Rewire associations: love = safety, not pain
  • Reinforce boundaries that honour your value

Your Next Step

If you feel emotionally exhausted…
If you’re tired of justifying their behaviour…
If peace sounds better than passion…
You’re ready.

Take the First Step to Break Free

[Book a Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy Session]
[Download the Free “Rise Above” Audio Program]
[Order the Book: I See You]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can hypnotherapy help with complex trauma?
Yes. It safely works through layers stored in the body and subconscious.

2. Will I be “out of it” or unaware?
No—you’re always in control. It’s a relaxed but alert state.

3. Is it mind control?
Absolutely not. You choose what to accept.

4. Can I do sessions online?
Yes. Virtual hypnotherapy is just as effective with a quiet, private space.

5. What if I cry during a session?
Tears are healing. Hypnosis creates space for emotional release.

6. Do I need to believe in hypnosis for it to work?
No. Just a willingness to be guided is enough.


“Hypnosis didn’t erase my past. It gave me permission to rewrite my future.” — Maree-Nicole, author of I See You

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