The Media That Moved Me This Year
Sometimes I’m asked: “Who does the hypnotist see for treatment?”
And while I’m always happy to refer clients to colleagues and teachers I deeply admire, sometimes the most transformative work doesn’t come from a session at all, rather it comes from the media we let into our minds.
Books, podcasts, videos, these all serve as mirrors and mentors for me. They teach what I don’t yet know, affirm what I already believe, or lovingly challenge what I once assumed to be true.
Below are the works that shaped me most this year, the ones that stretched, soothed, and reminded me what’s possible.
1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
An iconic 12-week creative recovery program, and, in my opinion, one of the most effective spiritual disciplines of our time.
This book dismantles every belief you’ve ever held about your creativity being “blocked.” Whether you dream of acting, writing, painting, or simply living more creatively, Julia Cameron’s structure gives you a map back to your own magic.
The exercises are deceptively simple, and include the infamous Morning Pages, which are three handwritten pages of stream of consciousness each day, which I’ve kept up for over ten years now, and Artist Dates, which is time alone with your curiosity and following your inner child’s guidance.
Every time I’ve completed this process, my life has shifted measurably. This year, I worked through all 12 weeks with a small group, and it was incredible to witness everyone’s lives expand in real time.
2. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
Recommended by a client, this book is now one of my most underlined and referenced. Branden explores how the roots of self-esteem are planted in childhood and how they quietly shape every relationship, decision, and boundary we make as adults.
His framework, six pillars built on awareness, acceptance, responsibility, and integrity, parallels much of what I teach in hypnosis: that the subconscious is not the enemy, but the architecture of everything we believe possible - and possible to shift and change throughout your life.
I haven’t yet finished it, but even only halfway through, it’s been a masterclass in understanding self-worth on a cellular level.
3. The Emerald Podcast by Joshua Michael Schrei
If myth, psyche, and spirituality had a conversation, this podcast would be it.
Each episode feels like a guided trance, rich with storytelling, history, and insight into what it means to be human. Schrei explores modern culture through an ancient lens, weaving together anthropology, art, and mysticism.
This isn’t self-help in the traditional sense, but it’s deeply healing. It reminds us that our personal stories are always part of something much older, and much larger.
4. Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott
This one might rattle a few cages, and that’s the point.
Elliott explores the radical idea that we unconsciously “get off” on the very patterns that cause us pain. While I don’t align with every interpretation she offers, I do find her approach to shadow integration fascinating.
Her exercises teach you to own what you’ve been unconsciously recreating, to transmute shame into power, and to finally meet the parts of you that secretly run the show. It’s messy work, yet deeply liberating.
Final Thoughts
I often remind my clients that healing isn’t just about releasing what hurts; it’s about expanding what inspires. The books, podcasts, and teachers we choose shape our subconscious as much as any session can.
So, if you’ve been looking for your next deep dive, maybe start here.
Let one of these voices become your next mirror, your next nudge, your next gentle awakening
I don’t normally run sales, but this Black Friday, I will offer something special if you’ve been thinking about purchasing any audio series from the store. Make sure you’re on my mailing list for this one!
