Emotional patterns rooted in earlier experiences
When the past quietly shapes the present
Many emotional and relationship patterns don’t begin in adulthood.
They often develop earlier in life, at times when we were learning how to:
feel safe with others
express needs
manage closeness or distance
cope with conflict or uncertainty
These early experiences don’t have to be dramatic or traumatic to leave an imprint. Subtle, repeated experiences can be just as influential.
How early experiences can shape emotional responses
Earlier experiences may influence:
fear of abandonment or rejection
difficulty trusting others
people-pleasing or over-responsibility
withdrawing or shutting down during conflict
feeling “too much” or “not enough”
intense emotional reactions that feel hard to explain
These patterns are not flaws or failures.
They are often adaptive responses that once helped you cope.
The difficulty arises when these responses continue automatically, even when they’re no longer needed.
Why these patterns feel so hard to change
Emotional patterns formed early in life are usually held in the subconscious mind and the nervous system.
This means:
you may understand things logically, but still react emotionally
insight alone doesn’t always lead to change
reactions can feel automatic or out of proportion
the body may respond before the mind catches up
This is why people often say, “I know this isn’t rational, but I can’t stop it.”
How hypnotherapy can help
Hypnotherapy works at the level where these patterns are stored.
It can help by:
reducing the emotional charge linked to earlier experiences
calming the nervous system’s threat response
creating a sense of safety in the present
allowing new emotional responses to emerge
helping you respond rather than react
This is not about reliving the past or analysing it endlessly.
It’s about helping the body and subconscious recognise that the present is different.
A gentle, nervous-system-aware approach
My approach combines:
clinical hypnotherapy
mindfulness
a focus on emotional regulation
Work is always paced carefully and guided by what feels manageable for you.
Many clients notice:
greater emotional steadiness
less reactivity in relationships
clearer boundaries
more self-compassion
a deeper sense of ease with others
This work can support difficulties such as:
repeating relationship patterns
emotional triggers that feel overwhelming
difficulty feeling safe in closeness
fear of conflict or confrontation
insecurity or self-doubt in relationships
You don’t need to know exactly where a pattern comes from to work with it.
We start with what you’re noticing now.
Online and in-person support
I work with clients:
online worldwide, and
in person in Chichester and West Sussex
This work translates very well to online hypnotherapy and can feel just as supportive.
Considering working together?
If you recognise emotional patterns that seem rooted in earlier experiences and would like to explore them gently, you’re welcome to get in touch.