Hypnotizing Ghosts: How Hypnosis Helps Heal the Hungry Parts Within Us 👻✨
by David Barron
Have you ever felt haunted—not by a creaky attic or a shadow in the mirror—but by something deeper? Maybe it’s a relentless craving, a fear that won’t let go, or a voice inside whispering, “You’re not enough.”
In a recent live hypnosis discussion, practitioner David Barron (also known as Dantalion Jones) explored a powerful metaphor: we all carry “ghosts.” And yes—hypnosis can help “hypnotize” them. 🎙️
What Is a “Ghost,” Really?
Here, a ghost isn’t supernatural—it’s psychological. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, the idea of the “hungry ghost”: a being with a bloated belly but only a pinhole for a mouth. No matter how much it consumes, attention, validation, substances, likes on social media, it’s never satisfied. A Hungry Ghost will keep you doing something you Want to stop, or prevent you from doing what is needed.
It’s need is insatiable. It’s fear is crippling.
Sound familiar?
- The person scrolling TikTok for hours, chasing a dopamine hit that never quite fills the void.
- The hoarder who can’t throw away an empty McDonald’s bag because letting go feels like losing part of themselves.
- Even my younger self, obsessively chasing romantic validation or gym routines—not for health, but to quiet an inner ache.
These aren’t just habits. They’re manifestations of unmet emotional needs—ghosts born from trauma, fear, or learned helplessness.
The Hypnotist as Compassionate Exorcist 🧘♂️
There is a fascinating story about a fellow hypnotist who called himself an “exorcist.” But instead of holy water or Latin chants, his method was simple: he talked to the ghost.
In trance, he’d ask the “entity” (really, a disowned part of the client’s psyche):
“What do you truly want? What would let you finally rest?”
Then, he’d give it—symbolically, emotionally—until the part felt seen, satisfied, and no longer needed to cling so tightly. Clients often reported afterward: “It’s gone. I don’t feel it anymore.”
This isn’t magic—it’s parts work, a well-established therapeutic approach. One powerful method can be found in the book Core Transformations by Connirae Andreas, where you gently dialogue with the part of you that’s holding you back, uncovering its deepest positive intention and transforming it through compassion.
Spotting Ghosts in the Wild 👀
It’s wise to follow this brilliant real-world tip: listen closely to conversations.
“Every conversation is addressing an unmet need.”
That friend who always mentions their 27 books or viral videos? Their ghost craves significance.
The person who recounts every hardship in detail? Their ghost seeks empathy, not solutions—just to be truly heard.
Even tone of voice, posture, or word choice can reveal the mask someone wears to hide their ghost. Remember: “Recognizing the ghost stops judgment. Suddenly, you see suffering—not strangeness.”
When Not to Name the Ghost 🚫
Of course, not everyone responds well to ghost metaphors. For some, the word carries too much cultural or religious baggage. In those cases, hypnotists might simply refer to “a part of you” or focus on building emotional resources (like calm or confidence) without diving into symbolic exorcism.
And while dramatic Catholic-style exorcisms make for great movies, psychologically speaking, banishing a part of yourself rarely works. As Nietzsche warned:
““Be careful, lest in casting out your demon you exorcise the best thing in you.””
True healing isn’t about casting out—it’s about welcoming in.
There is a technique used in hypnosis called the “room with two chairs.” The client sits in one chair as themselves, then moves to another as their “ghost.” Through dialogue, the two parts reconcile. The ghost integrates. The person becomes whole again.
A Kinder Way to Heal 💛
At its heart, “hypnotizing ghosts” is about radical compassion—for others and for ourselves. It invites us to look beyond surface behaviors and ask: What pain is driving this? What need is trying to be met?
Next time you feel stuck in a loop—overeating, overworking, overthinking—pause. Imagine a small, hungry ghost inside you, tugging at your sleeve. Instead of scolding it, ask gently:
“What do you need?”
Often, the answer isn’t more control—but more kindness.
So whether you’re a hypnosis newbie or a seasoned practitioner, remember: the most haunting things in life aren’t under the bed. They’re in the heart. And with the right approach, even ghosts can find peace. 🕯️
Inspired by the weekly hypnosis discussions hosted by David Barron. Tune in on YouTube to explore more mind-healing ideas! If you want to join the discussion please email us at the contact form and we’ll send you the zoom link. We welcome your participation.
If you have questions call us today (603)589-8033 or fill out the contact form.
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