As a clinical master hypnotherapist with over 30 years experience, Gary has dedicated his life to perfecting hypnotic techniques and developing structured systems to share them with others.

These systems, including Compounded Hypnotic Technique and Shadow Work, are designed to identify and address subconscious patterns that influence behavior and emotional responses, supporting lasting change in less time. They are developed for practical application in real-world clinical settings.

His approach is grounded in analytical hypnotherapy, with a focus on identifying and resolving the underlying causes of recurring patterns.

Through his company, Whole Health Consulting, Gary is expanding his work from clinical practice to providing advanced training - guiding therapists, psychologists, and healthcare professionals in effectively integrating clinical hypnosis into their existing modalities.

Shadow work

with gary josephson

Integrating Repressed Aspects of Self

Whole Health Consultingwww.whconsultant.com

What is shadow work

Overview

This lecture presents Shadow Work as a clinically grounded approach to understanding and working with subconscious protective patterns that influence behavior, emotional responses, and decision-making.

We will clarify the difference between suppressed and repressed material, and examine how these patterns present in real time, including recurring behaviors, emotional triggers, and internal resistance. Participants will learn how to recognize when a response is protective rather than responsive.

A structured five-phase approach will be introduced, focusing on awareness, understanding, integration, and updating responses, with an emphasis on creating long term change.

In addition, we will explore how hypnosis can support this work by enhancing focus, increasing responsiveness, and allowing for efficient access to underlying patterns without overwhelming the individual.

Practical strategies for integrating Shadow Work into existing clinical practices and self-exploration will also be provided.

Shadow Work is a structured process of identifying and integrating aspects of self that have been repressed, suppressed, avoided, or pushed outside of conscious awareness—often as a form of protection.

These patterns were originally adaptive, helping the individual manage emotional experiences or maintain stability. Over time, however, they can become outdated and begin to limit behavior, perception, and emotional flexibility.

Through guided awareness and intentional processing, Shadow Work allows individuals to access these underlying patterns, recognize their original purpose, and update them in a way that supports current functioning. The focus is not on reliving past experiences, but on working with what is present—bringing clarity, reducing internal conflict, and allowing for more adaptive responses.