Metaphors That Heal: Storytelling for the Subconscious | Talk Time with Meredith McCarthy

Meredith McCarthy's NZACH Talk Time Podcast

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Welcome to Talk Time with Meredith McCarthy – Clinical Hypnotherapist, educator, and founder of the New Zealand Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy (NZACH).

In this episode, we explore how metaphors and storytelling bypass resistance, speak directly to the subconscious, and create lasting transformation. From childhood fairy tales to therapeutic metaphors in hypnotherapy, stories have always shaped how we understand the world — and in hypnosis, they can unlock powerful shifts.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why metaphors bypass resistance and speak to the subconscious mind
• How everyday sayings (“as heavy as lead”, “light as a feather”) hold therapeutic power
• Classic metaphors in therapy: the mountain climb, the healing river, the locked door with a key, the healing garden
• How to design metaphors for a client’s unique needs and interests (cars, ballet, fishing, sport, etc.)
• The difference between short one-liners and long metaphorical journeys
• Why leaving space for the client’s imagination makes metaphors so effective
• Practical ways to weave storytelling into hypnotherapy sessions

Key Takeaways:

• Metaphors speak the natural language of the subconscious.
• They bypass conscious resistance and create a safe space for healing.
• The most effective metaphors come from the client’s own imagery and lived experiences.
• Your role as a therapist is to plant the seed — and let the subconscious mind do the rest.

📌 Want to train in advanced hypnotherapy techniques?
Explore the NZACH 1000-hour Diploma Programme: www.nzach.ac.nz

💬 I’d love to hear from you: What metaphors have been powerful in your own work or life? Share in the comments below.

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