Using what I have learnt in Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy at work

paulmdaly

Jul 26

4 min read

In 2025 I enrolled on the Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy (QCH) course after several years of reading and practising Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), together with recommendations from colleagues. One message kept coming up time and again: learning the theory is important, but real understanding only comes through practice.

In July 2025 we began our first module with the goal of qualifying as Cognitive Hypnotherapists and, ultimately, being able to support others.

What I didn't expect was how much I would use what I was learning in my day job at SAP, a global software company.

The last 12 months have brought significant change. New technologies, the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, changing customer expectations, organisational change and a new role have all increased the pace of work. Like many people in technology, there were times when I felt overwhelmed.

What surprised me most was how often I found myself drawing on techniques from QCH not to "do therapy" at work, but to manage myself better, communicate more effectively and respond differently to pressure.

Here are a few examples.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

One of the techniques that pushed my own boundaries was Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), often referred to as tapping.

During one particularly busy period, I committed to practising EFT for around five minutes every morning over two weeks.

Whether the explanation is through the stimulation of meridian points, changes within the nervous system or simply creating a regular opportunity to regulate myself, I found the results noticeable. I felt less overwhelmed, started the day with a clearer head and had more energy to focus on what mattered.

Perhaps the biggest benefit wasn't simply feeling calmer it was knowing I had a practical tool I could use when I recognised my own stress levels beginning to increase. That confidence alone has become a valuable safety net.

Transactional Analysis (TA)

Transactional Analysis has become one of the most useful models I use at work.

Learning about Parent, Adult and Child ego states helped me recognise that conversations happen on two levels: the communication itself and the underlying psychological interaction. It is surprisingly easy for any of us to slip into Child when challenged or Parent when under pressure.

When conversations remain Adult-to-Adult they tend to become more productive, collaborative and focused on solving problems rather than defending positions.

Reading Eric Berne's work, particularly The Structure and Dynamics of Organisations and Groups, also encouraged me to look beyond individual conversations and observe the dynamics of teams. Every group develops roles, patterns and ways of interacting. Once you begin noticing those patterns, you often understand why some meetings are highly productive while others achieve very little.

It has also helped me recognise where I can contribute most effectively and equally importantly when to step back and focus my time elsewhere.

Classic NLP techniques

NLP was my introduction into Cognitive Hypnotherapy and remains something I use almost every day.

Simple techniques such as the Circle of Excellence before delivering company-wide presentations or using an anchor before an important meeting continue to make a real difference. These techniques help me access more resourceful emotional states rather than allowing nerves or self-doubt to take over.

They're simple, practical and easy to apply.

Trance Phenomena

One of the areas I have found particularly interesting is Trance Phenomena.

Think about a typical online meeting today. Almost everyone has a laptop open, notifications appearing and multiple screens competing for attention. It is very easy to conclude that people are not listening.

One of the ideas I have explored is choosing what I pay attention to. Instead of focusing on those who appear distracted, I deliberately notice the people who are engaged, making eye contact, nodding or responding positively. That simple shift changes my own emotional response and gives me much better feedback while presenting.

I experienced something similar a couple of years ago when presenting to a large internal audience. I was comfortable speaking until I noticed several recording cameras broadcasting the session to a wider audience. Suddenly my attention shifted to the cameras. My breathing changed, panic crept in and I experienced that familiar feeling of light-headedness.

Today I deliberately train myself to notice what is useful. Rather than focusing on the cameras, I focus on the audience, their engagement and their reactions. That shift alone has transformed how I present.

WordWeaving

Another technique I have enjoyed exploring is Trevor Silvester's WordWeaving.

There have been many occasions, particularly during online meetings, where I have felt that although I was speaking, my message wasn't really landing. It reminded me of standing at a busy bar, waiting patiently while the bartender somehow never notices you.

Using WordWeaving principles together with a personalised audio recording helped reinforce a different expectation that my contribution is valuable, that people listen and that I can communicate my ideas with confidence.

Whether the change comes from the hypnotic language patterns, rehearsal or simply changing expectations, I have noticed a genuine difference in how I communicate.

Final thoughts

These are only a few of the techniques I have found myself using over the last year, often without consciously thinking about them.

What has surprised me most isn't that these techniques have helped me become a Cognitive Hypnotherapist. It's that they have also helped me become a calmer colleague, a more confident presenter and, I hope, a better communicator.

I still feel as though I am at the beginning of the journey. My current interests include Gestalt approaches, particularly Parts work, and the use of metaphor within therapy and communication. It's remarkable how many metaphors we use every day without even noticing them.

I'd be interested to hear whether anyone else has found psychological models or therapeutic techniques that have positively influenced the way they work, lead or communicate in a corporate environment.

References