By Matthew J. Brownstein
When the doors opened on October 2, 2025, for the Eighth Annual IAIH Conference — Facilitating Enlightenment: Interpersonal Hypnotherapy as a Path of Self-Realization — something hung in the air: a quiet, powerful anticipation of transformation. For those who attended — in person or virtually — the event became more than a series of lectures or workshops. It became a living container for growth, healing, and connection.
Participants Experienced Profound Transformation
From the very first moments — beginning with the pre-conference master class I had the honor of leading — participants were invited into deeper territory: rapid resolution processes, intuitive hypnotherapy, ancient wisdom traditions, and the stages of spiritual growth.
Over the three full conference days, presenters held space for the exploration of shadow integration, nonduality, nervous system regulation, and the heart’s intelligence — often weaving experiential practices with theory and live demonstrations. In breakout sessions and closing circles, attendees were guided to integrate not just knowledge, but a deeply felt, lived transformation.
Many shared with me — in hallway conversations and evening reflections — that this wasn’t just about “learning new techniques.” It was a turning point. Old self-stories loosened their grip. Limiting beliefs revealed themselves — sometimes in tears, sometimes in laughter, sometimes in silent awe. The transformation was not merely intellectual. It reverberated through mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Heartfelt Love, Vulnerability & Connection
What made this conference truly stand out was the relational field — the love, authenticity, and vulnerability that participants brought and cultivated together.
In the hotel corridors, there was laughter, tears, shared dreams, and genuine care. Many attendees remarked that they felt safe to show up fully, to speak their truth, to ask questions, and to share wounds. The closing circle on Sunday afternoon wasn’t just a formal ritual — it was a sacred weaving of many threads: voices, tears, laughter, and acknowledgments — into a tapestry of gratitude.
This kind of open-hearted connection is no accident. It arises when people are aligned around a shared purpose, willing to lean into discomfort, and committed to witnessing one another. In that space, healing and expansion naturally emerge.
Networking, Collaboration & Co-Creation
Beyond the internal shifts, the IAIH 2025 Conference offered fertile ground for collaboration. From conversations before and after sessions to structured breakout groups, many participants formed new alliances, co-teaching proposals, mentorship bonds, and joint initiatives.
It was deeply inspiring to witness seasoned practitioners extending support to newer colleagues — trading referral ideas, discussing projects, and envisioning how Interpersonal Hypnotherapy might further evolve in the years to come. The sense that we are not isolated practitioners but part of a collective movement became beautifully tangible.
The conference also reinforced the importance of community in sustaining growth — of weaving networks that amplify impact not just individually, but systemically within the healing professions.
Grateful Reflection & Looking Ahead to 2026
As the closing moments of the 2025 gathering faded, there was a palpable reluctance to part — and a bright eagerness to carry forward what had been kindled. We leave Orlando (or the virtual gathering rooms) not as we came in, but subtly shifted: more aligned, more aware, more committed to walking the path of service with integrity and love.
I want to express deep gratitude to all presenters, organizers, volunteers, and especially the participants — each of you contributed to the alchemy of this gathering. Thank you for your willingness to evolve, to share, to connect, and to give.
And now, with excitement and anticipation, we look forward to welcoming you to the October 2026 IAIH Conference. Our hearts are already opening to that time. May we come together again — to deepen, to expand, to love, and to transform — in ways yet unseen.
Until then, may the seeds sown in 2025 continue to blossom in your life, your practice, and your heart.
With love and eager anticipation,
Matthew J. Brownstein
President, International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists
