Confidence Classic: How to Rewire Your Subconscious & Break the Patterns Holding You Back with Todd & Gina Goodwin
In this episode of Creating Confidence, Todd and Gina Goodwin explore how the subconscious mind influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They explain that while most people try to create change through willpower and conscious reasoning, these methods often fail because our actions are primarily guided by subconscious beliefs formed through emotional experiences.
The Goodwins discuss how hypnosis and visualization techniques can help reshape subconscious patterns more effectively than traditional approaches. Through case studies and examples, including host Heather Monahan's experience with driving anxiety, they demonstrate how these methods can address various challenges—from trauma and anxiety to overeating and identity issues—by changing underlying beliefs and perceptions at the subconscious level.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 11, 2026 episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
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1-Page Summary
Subconscious Mind's Power and Behavioral Influence
Todd and Gina Goodwin explore how the subconscious mind shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Todd Goodwin explains that our thoughts and beliefs are primarily formed by the subconscious, which is developed throughout our lives. He notes that emotional experiences are more likely to become lasting memories, indicating that the subconscious is where our experiential learning takes place.
According to Goodwin, our actions can stem from either negative sources, like low self-worth and compulsive needs, or positive sources, such as inspiration and fulfillment. He emphasizes that negative self-talk can trigger adverse emotional reactions, potentially leading to issues like phobias and panic attacks.
Willpower and Reasoning Limit Lasting Change
The Goodwins discuss how willpower alone often fails to create lasting change. Todd Goodwin explains that mental analysis is typically ineffective because the brain doesn't primarily learn through this process. They note that positive thinking exercises can be undermined by disempowering subconscious beliefs rooted in negative past experiences, as the subconscious often overrides conscious efforts.
Effectiveness of Hypnosis In Addressing Subconscious Issues
Todd Goodwin describes how hypnosis and similar techniques can rapidly shift patterns by changing underlying subconscious beliefs and perceptions. He introduces the concept of using physical gestures as anchors paired with positive emotions to create new associations in the subconscious.
Heather Monahan shares her personal success with hypnosis, describing how it helped her overcome driving anxiety during COVID through remote sessions. Gina Goodwin emphasizes the effectiveness of visualization, explaining that imagining desired outcomes while feeling associated emotions can convince the mind that the accomplishment is achieved.
Case Studies and Examples of Hypnosis Helping Clients
Todd Goodwin shares a compelling case study of a client who had been trafficked by her mother, resulting in trauma and disempowering beliefs. Through subconscious work, the client experienced rapid improvements in various symptoms, including overeating and anxiety.
Goodwin notes that clients sometimes resist change when they strongly identify with their issues, such as being an alcoholic or workaholic. He emphasizes the importance of helping clients build an identity around what inspires them rather than one that compensates for perceived deficiencies.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- The role of the subconscious in forming thoughts and beliefs is complex, and conscious cognition also plays a significant role in shaping our mental processes.
- Not all emotional experiences become lasting memories; some are forgotten or repressed, and individual differences in memory processing must be considered.
- The dichotomy between negative and positive sources of action may be oversimplified, as human motivation is often a mix of various factors and not easily categorized.
- Negative self-talk is just one of many potential triggers for adverse emotional reactions, and other factors such as biological predispositions or external stressors can also contribute to mental health issues.
- Willpower can be effective when combined with strategies like habit formation, environmental changes, and social support, suggesting that it should not be entirely discounted in the process of change.
- Mental analysis and conscious reasoning can be effective for learning and problem-solving in various contexts, and their effectiveness may depend on the individual and the specific situation.
- Positive thinking exercises can be beneficial and are supported by cognitive-behavioral approaches that emphasize the restructuring of thought patterns, suggesting that they should not be universally dismissed.
- The claim that the subconscious overrides conscious efforts may not account for the complexity of human agency and the interplay between conscious and subconscious processes.
- The effectiveness of hypnosis is still a subject of debate in the scientific community, and while it may help some individuals, it may not be universally effective or appropriate for all types of issues.
- The use of physical gestures as anchors is a technique that may not work for everyone, and its effectiveness can vary based on individual differences and the context in which it is used.
- Visualization techniques, while helpful for some, may not always lead to the conviction of achievement or actual success, and relying solely on this method may not address all the factors necessary for goal attainment.
- Remote hypnosis sessions may not be as effective for everyone, and some individuals may require in-person therapy or alternative therapeutic approaches.
- Rapid improvements in symptoms through subconscious work may not be sustainable or applicable to all individuals, and long-term outcomes may require ongoing support and intervention.
- The concept of resistance to change due to identification with issues may not fully capture the complexity of why individuals struggle with change, and other factors such as fear, ambivalence, or external barriers may also play a role.
- Building an identity based on inspiration is a positive approach, but it may not be sufficient for all clients, and some may require additional strategies to address deep-seated issues or practical challenges in their lives.
Actionables
- You can create a 'mindfulness jar' to visually represent the process of settling your thoughts, which can help in understanding the subconscious mind's influence. Fill a clear jar with water and glitter, shake it to represent your thoughts, and watch as they settle, mimicking the process of gaining clarity over time. This can be a calming practice to help you visualize the settling of overwhelming emotions and thoughts, allowing you to focus on the underlying patterns in your subconscious.
- Develop a habit of 'emotional journaling' to track the source of your actions and understand whether they stem from negative or positive sources. Each day, write down key decisions you made and the emotions that drove them. Over time, you'll be able to identify patterns and work on shifting from negative to positive motivational sources, such as replacing self-criticism with self-encouragement when facing challenges.
- Engage in 'role-play visualization' to strengthen positive subconscious beliefs, where you imagine yourself in a scenario embodying the traits you wish to develop. For example, if you want to be more confident in social situations, spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself interacting with others confidently. Pair this with a physical gesture, like a power stance, to anchor the emotion and reinforce the positive association in your subconscious.
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Subconscious Mind's Power and Behavioral Influence
Todd Goodwin and Gina Goodwin provide insights into how the subconscious mind orchestrates our thoughts, emotions, actions, and behaviors, revealing the challenges of enacting lasting change through willpower and reasoning alone.
Subconscious Mind Controls Thoughts, Emotions, Actions
Todd Goodwin explains how thoughts, including beliefs, images, and perceptions, are largely shaped by the subconscious mind—a faculty that is molded throughout life. Emotions associated with these thoughts are more likely to solidify into memories, suggesting the subconscious is the domain where experiential learning and responses are formed.
Subconscious Mind Shapes Experiences and Responses
Goodwin discusses the origins of actions, differentiating between those stemming from low self-worth and compulsive needs, such as a desire to prove oneself, versus actions arising from inspiration and fulfillment. He highlights the subconscious's role in this dynamic, elucidating how negative self-talk can lead to adverse emotional reactions and potentially result in issues such as phobias and panic attacks.
Behaviors and Habits Stem From Subconscious Beliefs, Perceptions, and Past Experiences
Todd Goodwin reveals how the subconscious influences behaviors and habits, stating that single, particularly emotional, experiences can create lasting impressions. These subconscious beliefs and experiences often dictate success or continual self-sabotage in achieving goals. He pinpoints how negative habits can stem from subconscious attempts to alleviate uncomfortable emotions, such as stress or sadness, which can lead to addiction if the root cause isn't addressed.
Willpower and Reasoning Limit Lasting Change
Todd and Gina Goodwin tackle the limitations of willpower in effecting change, emphasizing the strength of the subconscious mind in guiding behavior. They discuss how visualizations paired with emotions can leverage the subconscious, which is unable to distinguish between real and imagined events.
Willpower or Analysis Alone Is Ineffective
Todd Goodwin states tha ...
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Subconscious Mind's Power and Behavioral Influence
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The role of the subconscious mind in controlling thoughts and behaviors is significant, but it is not the sole determinant; conscious decision-making and self-awareness also play crucial roles in shaping our actions and habits.
- While the subconscious mind does influence emotions and memories, it is an oversimplification to suggest that all experiential learning and responses are formed there; cognitive processes and conscious reflection also contribute to learning and memory formation.
- The origins of actions are complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including conscious choices, social conditioning, and biological instincts, not just subconscious drives related to self-worth or inspiration.
- Negative self-talk can indeed contribute to emotional distress, but it is not the only factor that leads to phobias and panic attacks; genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and physiological factors also play roles.
- The assertion that single emotional events create lasting subconscious impressions may not account for the brain's ability to adapt and change through new experiences and cognitive reappraisal.
- The idea that subconscious beliefs and experiences dictate success or self-sabotage might not fully consider the impact of external factors such as opportunity, education, and social support.
- While negative habits can stem from attempts to alleviate discomfort, they can also arise from learned behaviors, social influences, or a lack of alternative coping strategies.
- Willpower, when combined with strategies such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, and environmental control, can be effective in producing lasting change, contrary to the suggestion that it is typically ineffective.
- Mental analysis and conscious reasoning are integral parts of problem-solving and decision-making, and they can lead to behavior change when applied in structured and reflective ways.
- The effectiveness ...
Actionables
- You can create a subconscious mood board by selecting images and words that represent your desired emotional states and goals, then place it somewhere you'll see daily, like your bedroom wall or office space. This visual tool serves as a constant, passive reminder to your subconscious of the feelings and achievements you're aiming for, subtly influencing your thoughts and actions toward those ends.
- Develop a habit of performing a daily "emotional audit" by setting aside a few minutes each evening to write down the emotions you experienced throughout the day and the situations that triggered them. This practice helps you identify patterns in your emotional responses and the subconscious beliefs that may be driving them, allowing you to consciously address and reshape those beliefs over time.
- Engage in "role-play visualization" where you imagine your ...
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Effectiveness of Hypnosis In Addressing Subconscious Issues
The Goodwins and Heather Monahan discuss how hypnosis and other similar techniques can rapidly shift patterns and address underlying subconscious issues for lasting change.
Hypnosis and Subconscious Methods Rapidly Shift Patterns
Techniques Access the Subconscious to Reframe Underlying Issues' Causes
Todd Goodwin explains that hypnosis, NLP, and similar methods change underlying subconscious beliefs, thought patterns, and perceptions, leading to changes in behaviors without constant reminders or practices. Goodwin discusses the process of using a physical gesture as an anchor while experiencing positive emotions through a song that has a strong association for an individual. By repeating this conditioning and using the trigger in a previously stressful situation, individuals can recreate positive feelings, leading to a positive association in the subconscious.
Resolving Subconscious Factors Enables Lasting Change
The effectiveness of such techniques has been confirmed by Heather Monahan, who recounts her own experience with managing stress while driving. She further introduces Todd and Gina Goodwin as experts who have assisted many in overcoming unwanted emotions, habits, and trauma faster than talk therapy by addressing the subconscious causes. Monahan's own anxiety during COVID, especially when driving over highways, was quickly resolved via hypnosis over Zoom.
Subconscious Retains Information Differently Than Conscious Mind
Trauma Imprints Subconsciously Via "Single-Trial Learning"
Goodwin describes "single-trial learning" as a process where intense emotional experiences instantly imprint memories in the subconscious, which retains information differently than the conscious mind. Experiential techniques like visualization and anchoring are successful in addressing this, as evidenced by Heather Monahan’s experience, which involved separating her from memories of childhood sexual abuse, thus reducing the control those memories had ...
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Effectiveness of Hypnosis In Addressing Subconscious Issues
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Clarifications
- Hypnosis is a focused state of attention and increased suggestibility where the conscious mind relaxes. It allows access to the subconscious by bypassing critical thinking and resistance. During hypnosis, suggestions can reframe beliefs and emotions stored subconsciously. This process helps change automatic responses and behaviors without conscious effort.
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that studies how language, behavior, and thought patterns influence the brain. It uses techniques to reprogram subconscious responses by changing mental and emotional associations. NLP often complements hypnosis by providing tools to access and modify subconscious beliefs and habits. Both aim to create rapid, lasting change by altering internal mental maps.
- Anchoring is a technique where a specific physical action or stimulus is linked to a particular emotional state through repetition. This creates a mental shortcut, allowing the person to trigger the desired emotion by performing the anchored action later. It works by associating the stimulus with the subconscious mind's response patterns. Anchoring is often used in hypnosis to quickly access positive feelings or states during challenging situations.
- Single-trial learning occurs when a single, intense emotional event creates a strong, lasting memory imprint in the subconscious. Unlike gradual learning, which builds knowledge over multiple repetitions, single-trial learning forms immediate associations. This rapid encoding helps explain why traumatic experiences can have powerful, enduring effects. It often bypasses conscious processing, embedding memories deeply and quickly.
- Physical gestures can become anchors through a process called classical conditioning, where a specific movement is repeatedly paired with a strong emotional experience. Over time, performing the gesture alone can evoke the same emotional state without the original trigger. This works because the brain links the gesture with the associated feelings at a subconscious level. Anchoring is commonly used in hypnosis and NLP to quickly access desired emotional states.
- The conscious mind processes information actively and logically, handling deliberate thoughts and decisions. The subconscious mind stores memories, emotions, and learned behaviors automatically, often without awareness. Memories in the subconscious are encoded through emotional intensity and repetition, making them more durable but less accessible to conscious recall. This difference explains why subconscious memories influence feelings and habits even when we don't consciously remember them.
- Visualization involves creating vivid mental images of desired outcomes to engage the subconscious mind. This process activates the brain's neural pathways similarly to real experiences, reinforcing new beliefs and behaviors. By repeatedly imagining success and associated positive emotions, the subconscious begins to accept these scenarios as reality. This helps replace limiting patterns with empowering ones, facilitating subconscious reprogramming.
- The subconscious mind processes information through sensory experiences and emotions rather than logical reasoning. Experiential techniques engage multiple senses and feelings, creating stronger neural connections. Intellectual methods rely on conscious analysis, which the subconscious often bypasses or resists. Therefore, experiential approaches align better with how the subconscious naturally learns and stores information.
- The subconscious mind stores memories and emotions by linking them to sensory experiences like sights, sounds, and smells. These sensory connections create associations that can trigger automatic emotional or behavioral responses. Because of this, certain stimuli can unconsciously evoke feelings or ...
Counterarguments
- Hypnosis and NLP are not universally accepted or effective for everyone; individual experiences and responses to these techniques can vary widely.
- The scientific community is still divided on how hypnosis works and its effectiveness, with some researchers calling for more rigorous studies to validate the claims made by practitioners.
- While hypnosis may work rapidly for some, others may require multiple sessions or may not experience the desired changes at all, suggesting that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
- The concept of "single-trial learning" is not fully supported across all fields of psychology, and the idea that a single event can lead to a permanent and significant imprint on the subconscious is debated.
- The effectiveness of experiential techniques like visualization and anchoring may be overstated, as their success can be influenced by a person's suggestibility, belief in the process, and other psychological factors.
- The claim that the subconscious prefers experiential techniques over intellectual approaches is not universally supported, as cognitive-behavioral therapies that involve intellectual engagement have been shown to be effective for many individuals.
- The idea that the body's natural healing can lead to lasting change once subconscious blocks are removed may oversimplify complex ...
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Case Studies and Examples of Hypnosis Helping Clients Overcome Challenges
The potential of hypnosis to resolve deep-seated subconscious issues is highlighted by Heather Monahan and Todd Goodwin, showcasing its effectiveness in helping clients overcome various emotional and behavioral challenges.
Clients Conquer Issues With Subconscious Work: Anxiety, Trauma, Self-Limiting Beliefs, Unhealthy Habits
Through the use of targeted techniques, hypnotherapy has been shown to rapidly address and resolve issues rooted in trauma, which often lead to secondary symptoms like anxiety. When these underlying issues are addressed, clients typically experience automatic behavioral changes such as increased confidence and healthier choices.
Case Study: Resolving Subconscious Beliefs Rapidly Improves Client Trafficked by Mother
Todd Goodwin recounts the transformation of a client who had been trafficked by her mother to a false guru during her teenage years. This led to repeated rape and exploitation, resulting in the formation of disempowering beliefs like feeling worthless. Through the subconscious work, the client rapidly changed her emotional responses to traumatic memories, and this directly improved symptoms such as overeating and anxiety. She was able to highlight every symptom that had diminished as a result of addressing the subconscious elements of her trauma.
Targeted Subconscious Techniques Address Ptsd and Obsessive Behaviors
Todd Goodwin details the use of hypnosis for clients with PTSD stemming from traumatic incidents, such as a client who found her husband with another woman. By focusing on the subconscious level, Goodwin's approach aims to unearth and tackle the root causes of conditions like PTSD and obsessive behaviors, facilitating significant improvement in clients' well-being.
Clients May Resist Changing Patterns, Fearing Loss of Identity or Purpose
Clients Identifying Strongly With Issues May Hesitate to Change
Goodwin explains that clients might resist changing behaviors that they strongly identify with, s ...
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Case Studies and Examples of Hypnosis Helping Clients Overcome Challenges
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Hypnosis may not be effective for everyone, as individuals can vary greatly in their responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions.
- The effectiveness of hypnotherapy can be influenced by the skill of the practitioner, and not all practitioners may be equally competent.
- Some psychological issues are complex and multifaceted, and may require a combination of treatments, including medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other approaches, in addition to or instead of hypnotherapy.
- The rapid changes reported in hypnotherapy may not be permanent, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess the durability of the outcomes.
- There is a risk of creating false memories or altering real ones during hypnosis, which can lead to additional psychological harm.
- The idea that all or most psychological issues stem from subconscious factors is a simplification and may not account for the full range of biological, social, and environmental influences.
- Skeptics argue that the perceived effectiveness of hypnotherapy could be due to placebo effects or the natural course of psychological recovery.
- Some clients may not be comf ...
Actionables
- You can start a reflective journaling practice to uncover subconscious patterns influencing your behavior. Dedicate a few minutes each day to write about your emotional responses to daily events, looking for recurring themes or triggers. Over time, you may notice patterns that point to deeper issues, such as a tendency to overeat when feeling stressed, which could be a sign of using food as a coping mechanism for unresolved emotional distress.
- Create a personal identity board that focuses on your aspirations and values rather than your past behaviors. Use a corkboard or digital app to pin images, quotes, and goals that represent who you want to be and what you find meaningful. This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder and motivation to make choices aligned with your desired identity, rather than being held back by past compensatory behaviors.
- Engage in r ...
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