Life after addiction and trauma isn’t about being “fixed” or “perfect.” It’s about rediscovering who you are and learning how to live in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. For many, addiction is tangled up with trauma, pain, and unmet needs. It’s often a way of coping when life throws the unimaginable at you. That’s not to say it’s a good way to cope, but it’s a human way.
Understanding that addiction isn’t a moral failing or a sign of weakness is one of the most important shifts we can make, whether we’re on the journey ourselves or helping others through it. It’s about recognising the complexity of addiction, looking past the behaviour, and understanding the person.
As solution-focused hypnotherapists, we’re in a unique position to help. Rather than dwelling on the past or dissecting the problem, we focus on solutions, strengths, and possibilities. This forward-thinking approach is empowering for clients because it moves the focus to what they can do, rather than what they’ve done.
In sessions, we work with clients to explore their best hopes and identify small, achievable steps toward those hopes. This isn’t about promising a quick fix - it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction. Through guided relaxation and carefully crafted suggestions, hypnotherapy helps clients connect with their subconscious mind, where so many patterns and behaviours are stored.
One of the most powerful tools in our toolkit perhaps is the Miracle Question. This isn’t about magic; it’s about imagination. By asking clients to picture what life would look like if their problem were resolved, we help them uncover their own solutions. It’s a deceptively simple question with profound results, allowing clients to focus on the possibilities rather than the barriers.
Integrating hypnotherapy with psychotherapy and counselling creates a holistic approach that addresses both the emotional and psychological dimensions of recovery. Integrated Hypnotherapy allows clients to process trauma and break free from limiting beliefs, while the psychotherapy and counselling input can provide space for reflection, support, and practical strategies.
Books like Unbroken Brain by Maia Szalavitz offer valuable insights for therapists, reframing addiction as a learning disorder rather than a moral failing. Her perspective reminds us that recovery isn’t about fixing a “broken brain” but about helping clients relearn healthier ways of coping. Similarly, Erica Spiegelman’s Rewired takes a holistic view of recovery, emphasising authenticity, gratitude, and self-awareness - principles that align beautifully with the solution-focused approach.
While these reads provide interesting perspectives, the heart of our work lies in the therapeutic relationship we build with our clients. As solution-focused hypnotherapists, we’re not there to fix or judge. We’re there to guide, support, and empower.
Recovery is deeply personal. It’s not about following a rigid formula but about finding what resonates with each individual. The process isn’t linear, and it’s definitely not easy. There are setbacks, hard days, and moments when progress feels invisible, as I well know. But recovery isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress. It’s about recognising that even small steps forward are still steps forward.
Addiction and trauma don’t define a person. They’re chapters in a story, not the whole book. Life after addiction is about writing new chapters - ones filled with growth, connection, and purpose.
Recovery isn’t a destination - it’s a journey of rediscovery. It’s about embracing who you truly are, recognising your worth, and building a life that reflects your strength and resilience. As solution-focused hypnotherapists, integrated therapists and counsellors, we hold the privilege of walking alongside our clients on this journey, helping them uncover their potential and take meaningful steps toward the future they deserve. No matter how tangled the past may feel, the future is wide open, ready to be shaped by the choices they make and the support we provide. Together, we help them move from surviving to thriving.
As therapists, it’s essential that we also take the time to help ourselves. To guide clients or students effectively, we must reflect on our own best hopes and ensure we are staying true to the path that allows us to convey clarity, compassion, and resilience. What are our best hopes as professionals, and how can we keep aligned with those intentions? Inevitably, there will be times when we slip off the path -perhaps due to exhaustion, self-doubt, or the weight of the work we do. In those moments, it’s about recognising that we’re human too. Recovery isn’t just for our clients; it’s for us as well. It’s about regaining our footing, reconnecting with our purpose, and remembering that even small steps forward are still progress.
Now, I know this might sound like I’m about to go into a full-blown sales pitch - but I promise, it’s not! Supervision and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) have genuinely been my saviour. Supervision offers a supportive space to reflect, process challenges, and keep our practice grounded. CPDs give us fresh perspectives and tools to not only better serve our clients but to keep ourselves inspired and evolving as practitioners.
When I’ve felt overwhelmed or lost my way, leaning into these opportunities has brought me back, every time. They’re not just professional add-ons - they’re lifelines. And trust me, investing in your own growth doesn’t just make you a better therapist, it helps you reconnect with the reasons you started this journey in the first place.
By Lisa Williams Edgar
~ Written with thanks to Lorraine Payne and Adrian Davies ~
