Episode Details

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty and guest Doug O’Brien—master storyteller, hypnotherapist, bestselling author, and NLP trainer—break down how our inner narratives drive mental and emotional health. Doug explains the structure of beliefs (cause → effect → meaning), how NLP, hypnosis, and Havening Techniques interrupt limiting patterns, and why rapid change is possible when we learn to reframe, reprogram, and retell our story. Practical tools include morning questions, state management, and belief reframes (Sleight of Mouth).

About the guest  :

Doug O’Brien is a hypnotherapist, international NLP trainer, and author of The User’s Guide to Storytelling and The User’s Guide to Sleight of Mouth. He teaches practical neuro-linguistic methods, hypnosis, and Havening to help people shift beliefs and behavior effectively.

Key takeaways:

• Your story shapes your state. We live inside inner representations; narratives can be chains or catalysts for change.

• Beliefs have structure. Most beliefs follow cause → effect → meaning; change the linkage and you change the belief.

• Name it to change it. First step: realize “it’s a story,” not absolute reality—then author a better one.

• NLP is a user manual for the brain. Understand your “neuro-linguistics,” and you can reprogram patterns toward desired outcomes.

• Morning Questions reset focus. Ask: What am I happy/excited/grateful for? Why? How does it feel? Attention directs state; state drives behavior.

• Havening for trauma. As a psychosensory method, Havening supports safety and can facilitate rapid, lasting change for encoded traumatic responses.

• Self-work vs. professional help. Many shifts are DIY; for legitimate trauma, work with trained practitioners.

• Evidence through examples. Compare yourself to role models who share your traits; swap limiting labels for empowering identities.

• Rapid change is possible. Challenge the story that “change takes years.” With the right tool and readiness, breakthroughs can be immediate.

• Storytelling persuades. Whether with kids, teams, or audiences, clear stories engage imagination and drive behavior.

How to connect with the guest  

• Website: essentialcoachingskills.com

• Podcast: Essential Coaching Skills Podcast

• Search: “Doug O’Brien hypnotist” to find official links and resources.

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of