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Top 6 Peak Performance Coaching Programs for Hypnotherapy Certifications

You want to coach high performers, but the hypnotherapy certification on your wall does not match the skills your clients need. Most programs teach trance work while skipping the mindset reprogramming that actually moves people. That gap sends coaches hunting for something better.

This article breaks down what separates a genuine peak performance program from a repackaged script: credentials, accreditation, and training format. You will get six programs compared side by side, including Eli Bowman's NLP-based 75Mind, plus a clear framework for matching your goals, budget, and certification needs.

What to Look For in Peak Performance Coaching Programs with Hypnotherapy Certifications

When evaluating peak performance coaching programs that include hypnotherapy certifications, five criteria separate rigorous, results-driven training from superficial offerings: accreditation, curriculum depth, practical hours, instructor credentials, and ongoing support.

This article exists to help high achievers cut through marketing claims and choose training that genuinely develops both skill sets. Peak performance coaching focuses on helping individuals reach optimal mental and emotional states so they can perform at an elite level, whether in sport, business, or creative work. Hypnotherapy certification adds a powerful layer because it trains practitioners to access the subconscious mind, where limiting beliefs and emotional blocks often live.

Combining these disciplines is not simply a matter of stacking two certificates on a wall. The strongest programs show how neuro-linguistic programming, clinical hypnosis, and coaching methodology reinforce one another in real client work. A coach who understands trance work can guide a client past a plateau that talk-based sessions alone may never reach.

The evaluation framework used throughout this guide rests on five pillars: accreditation, curriculum depth, supervised practical hours, instructor experience, and post-certification support. Each of the six programs reviewed later is measured against these same standards so comparisons stay fair and useful. Readers will see where each option excels and where trade-offs exist.

Before comparing specific programs, it helps to understand what quality looks like in each pillar. The following section breaks down credentials, accreditation bodies, and training formats in detail.

Certification Credentials, Accreditation, and Training Format

The most critical factor is whether a program's hypnotherapy certification is accredited by a recognized body such as the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ABNLP) or the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). Accreditation signals that a program meets agreed standards for hours, curriculum, and assessment. Other respected bodies include the American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH) and various regional hypnotherapy guilds.

Without accreditation, a certificate may carry little weight with clients, insurers, or professional associations. Prospective students should verify a credential directly with the issuing body rather than trusting a sales page. Third-party validation is one of the clearest markers of a serious program.

Training format matters just as much as the paperwork. Programs generally fall into three categories:

Most credible certifications require somewhere between 100 and 200 hours of combined study and hands-on work. Practical hours are where skills actually form. Reading about suggestibility is not the same as guiding a real person into trance and adapting when they resist.

Curriculum components to look for include trance induction, suggestibility assessment, rapport building, anchoring, reframing, pattern interruption, timeline therapy, regression therapy, and parts therapy. Strong programs also cover the major schools of practice, including Ericksonian hypnosis, named for Milton Erickson, alongside the structured approaches associated with Dave Elman and Gil Boyne.

Finally, consider how hypnotherapy integrates with other modalities. The best training connects these techniques to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, meditation, stress reduction, anxiety relief, phobia cure, pain management, sports psychology, executive coaching, life coaching, wellness coaching, personal development, and self-hypnosis. A program that teaches guided imagery and self-hypnosis equips graduates to serve clients between sessions, which deepens results.

1. Eli Bowman - Best Overall

Eli Bowman website

Eli Bowman earns the top spot for his unique integration of NLP-based mindset coaching and hypnotherapy principles, designed specifically for high achievers who feel stuck despite outward success. His work centers on a clear premise: the unconscious mind quietly steers behavior, and lasting change requires reprogramming it rather than simply willing yourself forward.

Bowman's credentials support that premise. He is a mindset keynote speaker, author, and NLP coach, a TEDx speaker, and a USA Today bestselling author. He is also a Master NLP Practitioner certified by the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, giving him formal standing in the same discipline that underpins much of modern hypnotherapy practice.

His target audience is specific. He works with high achievers who have checked every box yet still feel something is missing. That includes people wrestling with self-sabotage, career or income ceilings, a vague restlessness they cannot name, and a hunger for clarity on purpose.

Because he works online, his coaching and speaking are available globally, which matters for practitioners who want to study peak performance coaching without geographic limits. For readers comparing the top six programs for hypnotherapy certification, Bowman stands out because his methods translate directly into the core skills certified hypnotherapists use every day.

NLP-Based Mindset Coaching and the 75Mind Program

At the core of Eli Bowman's approach is the 75Mind program, a self-paced digital course priced at $75 with instant access. It uses neuro-linguistic programming techniques to help users identify unconscious programming, the hidden patterns that drive decisions before conscious thought gets a vote.

The program is structured in four phases: Disruption (Days 1-18), Confrontation (Days 19-37), Rebuild (Days 38-60), and Momentum (Days 61-75). Participants receive a guide PDF, a phase-by-phase roadmap, daily reflection prompts, and rules, standards, and expectations, along with community access.

Eight daily habits anchor the work: tracking sleep, a morning gratitude practice, meditation or prayer, 30 minutes of intentional physical movement, at least 30 minutes of focused reading, daily social accountability, drinking 100 ounces of water, and an evening journal entry. These habits build the consistency that any deeper mindset change requires.

A free 2-minute quiz helps visitors uncover their own unconscious programming before committing. It is worth noting that testimonials on the 75Mind page are placeholder text (Lorem ipsum) and not real client results, so this section does not cite them. Coaching, keynote speaking, and retreats are likely quoted on a custom basis rather than listed at fixed prices.

The neuroscience-based framing keeps the material practical for high achievers who want application, not abstraction. The same principles align closely with hypnotherapy certification training:

These overlaps connect to traditions certified hypnotherapists already study, including Ericksonian hypnosis, Milton Erickson's indirect suggestion style, Dave Elman's rapid induction methods, and Gil Boyne's regression and parts therapy work. Students of timeline therapy, regression therapy, and sports psychology or executive coaching will recognize the same mechanics at play.

Beyond 75Mind, Bowman offers one-on-one personal coaching for individualized insight into unconscious patterns, keynote speaking for events, and retreats or live experiences. His USA Today bestselling book, The Program, covers reprogramming the unconscious mind in written form. The brand operates through Movement Maker LLC.

For anyone pursuing hypnotherapy certification or building a peak performance coaching practice, the appeal is coherence. The 75Mind program, the book, and the live work all reinforce one skill set: understanding how the subconscious mind shapes behavior, then changing it deliberately. That is the same territory covered in anxiety relief, phobia cure, pain management, and stress reduction work, which makes Bowman a natural first stop in this roundup.

2. The Tad James Company

Tad James website

The Tad James Company website

The Tad James Company is renowned for its comprehensive NLP and hypnotherapy certification programs, including the well-known Timeline Therapy(tm) and Hypnosis certification courses. Founded by Tad James, a figure widely recognized as a pioneer in neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis, the organization has trained practitioners across the globe for decades. Dr. Adriana James co-developed much of the current curriculum, and the company continues to operate as a family of trainings built around that shared body of work.

For anyone exploring a hypnotherapy certification pathway, this provider sits firmly in the established, lineage-driven category. Its reputation rests on a long track record rather than on novelty, which appeals to practitioners who value traditional methodology and recognized credentials.

The company holds affiliations with several professional bodies. Trainings lead to certifications through organizations such as the American Board of NLP (ABNLP) and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), among others. One concrete example: the live online Modern Hypnosis Certification Training leads to a Basic Certification in Hypnotherapy from the American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH). That certification requires a take-home assessment completed within 60 days and carries an annual renewal fee of $115 USD per year.

Prospective students should confirm current accreditation details directly with the company, since credentialing bodies and renewal terms can change over time.

The Tad James Company offers multiple training formats to fit different schedules and learning preferences:

This range means a working coach or therapist can often find a format that fits around existing commitments. The live online Modern Hypnosis Certification Training, for instance, runs across three days, which is a relatively compact entry point compared with longer residential programs.

The curriculum draws on several core techniques that appear throughout the company's certification tracks:

These methods overlap with skills used in clinical hypnosis and NLP practice, including trance induction, guided imagery, rapport building, anchoring, reframing, and pattern interruption. Students also encounter concepts tied to suggestibility and the workings of the subconscious mind. The blend gives graduates a toolkit that can be applied in stress reduction, anxiety relief, phobia work, and personal development settings.

Because the techniques are taught as an integrated system, students who complete a full track often leave with a coherent framework rather than a collection of disconnected tools.

The trainings are designed for a broad audience. According to the company's own descriptions, participants include:

That breadth reflects how peak performance coaching and hypnotherapy skills increasingly cross into corporate, clinical, and everyday contexts. Someone in sports psychology or executive coaching may use the same trance and reframing skills as a therapist working on anxiety relief.

For individuals simply seeking personal growth rather than a professional credential, the shorter introductory courses can serve as a low-commitment starting point before committing to a full certification path.

Pricing for Tad James Company programs is not publicly listed in a consistent, easy-to-find way. Interested readers should contact the company directly to request current fees, payment options, and any bundle pricing for multi-course tracks.

Two practical factors are worth weighing before enrolling. First, cost: certification tracks, travel to live events, and annual renewal fees can add up, so a clear budget helps. Second, time commitment: even compact formats require focused study, and the take-home assessment window means the learning continues after the course ends.

On the strengths side, the company offers an established reputation, recognized accreditation pathways, and a well-documented set of techniques. Potential limitations include limited public pricing transparency and the ongoing renewal costs attached to certain certifications. As with any program in this roundup, checking schedules, prerequisites, and refund policies in advance is a sensible step.

3. Tad James

Tad James, the founder of The Tad James Company, is a seminal figure in NLP and hypnotherapy, having trained thousands of practitioners worldwide in techniques like Timeline Therapy(tm) and Ericksonian hypnosis. His reputation rests on decades of teaching, authorship, and a distinctive philosophy that blends rigorous technique with personal transformation.

James holds certification from the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is widely credited as the developer of Timeline Therapy(tm), a method that uses a person's internal sense of time to release limiting decisions and emotional charges from the past. Practitioners often pair this approach with regression therapy and parts therapy inside a hypnotherapy certification pathway.

His teaching style is intensive and hands-on. Students are expected to practice trance induction, guided imagery, and suggestibility exercises in real time rather than simply observe demonstrations.

Rooted in Ericksonian Hypnosis

James builds much of his curriculum on the work of Milton Erickson, emphasizing indirect suggestion, metaphor, and permissive language over rigid scripts. This orientation appeals to practitioners who want flexibility in how they guide clients toward the subconscious mind.

The result is a style that values rapport building and observation as much as technique. Trainees learn to read a client's responses and adapt, which supports work in stress reduction, anxiety relief, and habit change. His approach also draws from Dave Elman and Gil Boyne, two other foundational figures in clinical hypnosis.

Books and Global Seminars

James has authored and co-authored books on NLP and hypnosis that are used as reference texts by practitioners long after their initial training ends. His live seminars have reached audiences across multiple continents, giving his methods an international footprint.

Beyond hypnosis, his framework overlaps with coaching disciplines. Skills like anchoring, reframing, pattern interruption, and timeline work translate directly into executive coaching, life coaching, and peak performance coaching contexts, where clients often want faster shifts in behavior and mindset.

Who Benefits Most

This path tends to suit people who want deep certification and personal transformation in the same experience. Common participants include therapists, life coaches, NLP practitioners, healthcare professionals, wellness consultants, public speakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Programs under The Tad James Company include a 3 Day Modern Hypnosis Training and a Hypnosis Trainers Training. A live online Modern Hypnosis Certification Training leads to Basic Certification in Hypnotherapy from the American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH), with a take-home assessment due within 60 days and an annual renewal fee quoted at $115 USD per year.

Time and Cost Considerations

Prospective students should expect a premium price point and a meaningful time commitment. The intensives move quickly, and the take-home assessment adds study hours after the live sessions end.

Because certification requires annual renewal, graduates should factor ongoing cost into their decision. For practitioners weighing the top six programs for hypnotherapy certification, Tad James represents the deep-end option: strong lineage, a defined methodology, and a demanding pace that rewards serious commitment.

4. Marisa Peer

Marisa Peer is a globally recognized therapist and creator of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), a hybrid approach combining hypnotherapy, NLP, CBT, and psychotherapy. Based in the UK, she has built a reputation as an author, speaker, and trainer whose work reaches a broad international audience.

Her method draws on several established traditions. RTT blends regression therapy, reframing, and parts therapy to trace persistent issues back to their root causes rather than managing surface symptoms. Practitioners are trained to guide clients into a focused state, identify the origin of a limiting belief, and then reshape how the subconscious mind responds to it.

The technique overlaps with familiar tools in the field, including guided imagery, anchoring, and pattern interruption, while also borrowing from cognitive behavioral therapy and neuro-linguistic programming. For clients, the appeal is a structured route to personal transformation. For therapists, it offers a defined framework they can apply across anxiety relief, confidence work, and performance blocks.

Certification runs through the RTT School, with an online training path that combines live instruction and supervised practice. RTT is accredited by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and other professional bodies, which matters for anyone comparing hypnotherapy certification options.

Peer's client base has historically included high achievers, celebrities, and athletes, and she has published books such as Your Mind, Your Rules and Tell Yourself a Better Lie. She also offers free audio hypnosis sessions and a premium 12-week Pioneer Group coaching program.

Two practical points deserve attention. First, RTT training sits at the premium end of the market, with costs often exceeding GBP2,000, so it is a significant commitment. Second, RTT is a proprietary method, meaning the curriculum centers on Peer's own system rather than a broad survey of clinical hypnosis traditions. That focus suits some learners and frustrates others.

Prospective students should weigh whether a branded framework fits their goals. Those drawn to Ericksonian hypnosis, Dave Elman inductions, or the Gil Boyne lineage may prefer a program with wider theoretical coverage. RTT remains a credible, well-known route into peak performance coaching and hypnotherapy certification, but it is not the only one worth considering.

5. David Snyder & Kain Ramsay

David Snyder and Kain Ramsay are two influential trainers who offer distinct but complementary approaches to NLP and hypnotherapy certification. Both have built substantial followings, yet they serve different learners with different budgets and goals.

David Snyder is best known for his work in neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, and personal development. His teaching leans toward advanced techniques such as pattern interruption, anchoring, and reframing, with a strong emphasis on practical demonstration.

Learners who want to work deeply with the subconscious mind often gravitate toward his style. His certifications are typically delivered in live and online formats, and pricing sits at a higher tier than many entry-level programs.

Kain Ramsay takes a different path. He is a psychologist, community builder, and personal growth coach, and serves as CEO of Kairen Holdings and founding director of Achology, a psychology-based online learning community.

Through the Achology Academy, Ramsay offers 28 courses across 7 schools. The catalog covers mental health and wellness, personal growth, and applied psychology certification, with topics that overlap with CBT, mindfulness, and life coaching.

His courses have helped over 679,500 people, a figure that reflects his reach in the affordable online education space. He also provides 1-to-1 consultations and group mentoring, along with books such as "Responsibility Rebellion" and "The Ultimate Life Coaching Handbook."

Accreditation matters when comparing the two. Ramsay's courses are often accredited by ABNLP and other professional bodies, which can matter for learners who want credentials recognized by industry associations.

The two trainers also differ in how they position themselves:

Target audiences reflect that split. Ramsay appeals to budget-conscious learners who want accessible, self-paced study. Snyder appeals to practitioners seeking advanced methods and deeper technique work.

On pricing, Ramsay's courses are typically under $500, while Snyder's programs tend to cost more. Neither style is inherently better. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize affordability and breadth or advanced technique and depth.

For readers comparing options in this roundup, both trainers represent credible paths into hypnotherapy certification and NLP study. Their contrasting formats make them useful benchmarks alongside the other programs featured here.

6. Robert Dilts & Judith DeLozier

Robert Dilts and Judith DeLozier are two of the original developers of NLP, and their certification programs emphasize systemic thinking and advanced NLP applications. Both have been international trainers and designers of Neuro-Linguistic Programming training programs since 1975, making them among the longest-standing figures in the field.

DeLozier was a member of Grinder and Bandler's original group, which gives her a direct lineage to the earliest days of NLP. Together with Dilts, she co-authored The Encyclopedia of Systemic Neuro-Linguistic Programming and NLP New Coding, a reference work that many practitioners treat as a foundational text.

Their work sits at the intersection of neuro-linguistic programming and broader change work. Practitioners often pair NLP methods such as anchoring, reframing, and rapport building with clinical hypnosis techniques like trance induction and guided imagery, which is why this program appeals to therapists who blend modalities.

Their training spans several areas. Dilts offers courses on systemic NLP, health, and leadership, while DeLozier focuses on NLP and hypnosis. Both are certified by ABNLP and other accrediting bodies, which matters for practitioners who need recognized credentials for their hypnotherapy certification pathway.

The self-paced options suit people worldwide who want to explore, extend, and enrich their NLP skills in pursuit of expertise, mastery, and artistry. Formats vary by course, so checking current availability is worthwhile before committing.

This program is aimed at experienced practitioners rather than beginners. If you already hold a hypnotherapy certification or have years of coaching behind you, the advanced framing may fit well. Those new to the field may find the material harder to apply without prior grounding.

Pricing tends to be premium and is not always publicly listed, so expect to inquire directly. Their programs can also lean more theoretical than hands-on, which is worth weighing if you learn best through supervised practice.

DeLozier received the NLP Award for Lifetime Contribution in 2019, a signal of how the field regards their body of work. For practitioners drawn to systemic thinking and the history of NLP, this remains one of the top six programs worth understanding.

How to Choose the Right Option

Choosing the right peak performance coaching program with hypnotherapy certification depends on three key factors: your goals, your budget, and the type of certification you need.

There is no single best program among the top six. A course built for deep personal transformation looks very different from one designed to prepare you for clinical hypnosis practice. Some focus on the subconscious mind through guided imagery and meditation. Others lean on neuro-linguistic programming, timeline therapy, or regression therapy as their core method.

Budget matters just as much. Entry-level options can cost under $100, while full professional certifications often run past $2,000. Price alone does not signal quality, but it usually reflects depth of training, live instruction, and accreditation.

Certification is the third filter. If you plan to practice as a certified hypnotherapist, accreditation from recognized bodies matters. Programs aimed at personal development may skip formal credentials entirely, which is fine for self-growth but limiting for a career.

Think of this framework as a filter, not a ranking. Apply it to each of the six programs below, and the right fit for your situation will become clear.

Matching Your Goals, Budget, and Certification Needs

Start by defining your primary goal: are you seeking personal peak performance, a career as a coach, or a clinical hypnotherapy certification?

If personal growth is the aim, affordable self-paced options make sense. Eli Bowman's 75Mind is priced at $75 and speaks directly to high achievers who feel something is missing despite checking every box. It also fits those dealing with self-sabotage, career or income ceilings, or a vague restlessness. Kain Ramsay's courses serve a similar entry-level audience.

If you want to practice professionally, prioritize accredited programs. Tad James Company and Marisa Peer's RTT are built for that path. Match the method to your interests too, whether that means Ericksonian hypnosis, parts therapy, or CBT-informed approaches.

Next, assess your budget in tiers:

Then check accreditation. For clinical practice, look for ABNLP, IACT, or NCH recognition. Consider format as well: online self-paced study suits busy schedules, while live training builds rapport and hands-on trance induction skills.

Finally, read reviews and testimonials, but weigh them carefully. Note that Eli Bowman's 75Mind testimonials are placeholder text, so evaluate that program on its stated focus and price rather than social proof.

Program Best For Budget Tier Accreditation Focus
Eli Bowman (75Mind) Personal peak performance Under $500 Personal development
Kain Ramsay Entry-level coaching Under $500 General coaching
Tad James Company Professional certification $500 to $2,000 Accredited training
David Snyder NLP and persuasion skills $500 to $2,000 Varies by course
Marisa Peer (RTT) Clinical-style practice $2,000 and up RTT certification
Robert Dilts Advanced NLP depth $2,000 and up Advanced certification

Work through these five steps in order. Each one narrows the field until one program clearly matches your goal, budget, and credential needs.

Final Verdict

After evaluating six top programs, Eli Bowman emerges as the best overall choice for high achievers seeking a neuroscience-based, NLP-driven approach to peak performance and subconscious reprogramming. His combination of verified credentials and a mindset-first methodology sets him apart from programs that lean primarily on certification hours alone.

Eli Bowman is a USA Today bestselling author and TEDx speaker, and he holds Master NLP Practitioner certification from the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. His teaching centers on the principle that 90-95% of everything you do, feel, and decide is controlled by the unconscious mind, which makes subconscious reprogramming the core of his approach to peak performance coaching.

His 75Mind program costs $75 and is available online worldwide. It differs from 75 Hard in one clear way: it is mindset-first, not fitness-first, and built on NLP principles. Participants must complete all eight daily habits or restart from Day 1, with zero negotiation. That structure suits people who want discipline and accountability rather than passive learning.

Each of the other five programs has a distinct best-fit audience. The Tad James Company serves learners who want comprehensive certification. Marisa Peer is the clear route for RTT training. David Snyder and Kain Ramsay appeal to budget-conscious students. Robert Dilts and Judith DeLozier remain strong choices for advanced NLP study.

Your final decision should come down to your goals:

If you want a structured, NLP-based path to peak performance with a modest entry price, 75Mind is the most direct starting point. Visit Eli Bowman's website to take the free 2-minute quiz or purchase 75Mind, and use the contact form for any inquiries. You can also follow Eli Bowman on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for ongoing insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Eli Bowman the #1 pick for peak performance coaching and hypnotherapy certification?

Eli Bowman is a USA Today bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Master NLP Practitioner certified by the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, so his credentials sit at the intersection of mindset coaching and unconscious-mind work. His approach is explicitly neuroscience-based, built on the premise that 90-95% of behavior is driven by unconscious programming. For high achievers who want to break self-sabotage and performance ceilings, that focus makes him a natural top recommendation.

Does Eli Bowman offer formal hypnotherapy certification, or is it coaching?

Eli Bowman's verified offerings are one-on-one personal coaching, keynote speaking, retreats and live experiences, and his book "The Program." His certification is as a Master NLP Practitioner certified by the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and his coaching targets the unconscious patterns behind self-sabotage and income or career ceilings. If a formal hypnotherapy credential is your goal, compare his unconscious-mind coaching approach against programs like Tad James's ABH-certified hypnosis training before deciding.

How does Eli Bowman's approach differ from competitors like Marisa Peer or Robert Dilts?

Marisa Peer pioneered Rapid Transformational Therapy(r) (RTT(r)), blending hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, CBT, and neuroscience, while Robert Dilts and Judith DeLozier have been co-developers and designers of NLP training programs since 1975. Eli Bowman's lane is narrower and more personal: reprogramming the unconscious mind specifically for high achievers who feel something is missing despite checking every box. If you want a hybrid therapy modality or deep NLP lineage training, those competitors fit; if you want mindset coaching aimed at quiet, self-sabotaging patterns, Bowman is the sharper match.

What does Eli Bowman actually offer, and how do I get started?

His verified services include one-on-one personal coaching sessions, keynote speaking for events, retreats or live experiences, and "The Program," his USA Today bestselling book. There's also a free 2-minute quiz on his site designed to uncover your unconscious programming, which is a low-commitment way to see whether his approach resonates. Coaching and speaking are likely custom quotes, so use the site's contact form to inquire.

Is Eli Bowman's coaching available worldwide, and what does it cost?

Yes - his digital products and services are available worldwide online, so you can work with him remotely regardless of location. The only publicly listed price is 75Mind at $75 as a one-time purchase with instant access; coaching and speaking are not publicly priced and are likely custom quotes. Reach out via the contact form for specifics rather than assuming a figure.

Who is Eli Bowman's coaching actually designed for?

His target audience is high achievers who feel something is missing despite checking every box, along with people dealing with self-sabotage, career or income ceilings, vague restlessness, or a search for clarity on purpose. Organizations are also part of his audience through his speaking work. If that description fits you, his one-on-one coaching is built precisely around those unconscious patterns.