In this special episode of The Hypnotist, Adam Cox sits down with two innovators in the world of modern hypnotherapy: Bob Burns, creator of the legendary Swan Protocol, and Claudia Rickard, the mind behind the therapeutic Bunny Talk Process.
Bob shares the accidental discovery that became one of the most recognisable hand-based techniques in hypnotherapy worldwide. He explains how the Swan emerged organically from a client session, why it works so reliably in both in-person and Zoom-based therapy, and what makes it fundamentally different from traditional idiomotor signals like pendulums. Bob reveals why clients experience a profound sense of surprise and “other-than-conscious” movement during the Swan — and how that moment of wonder often becomes the catalyst for change.
Claudia brings the origin story of Bunny Talk — a deceptively simple shadow-puppet game she played with her daughter that evolved into a powerful therapeutic tool for anchoring safety, love, and emotional expression. She explains how she adapts the technique for both children and adults, helping clients communicate feelings that are otherwise difficult to surface.
Together, Bob and Claudia explore the possibility of combining the Swan with Bunny Talk — a hybrid approach they believe may unlock entirely new avenues for client transformation. They discuss the experimental nature of the integration, why novelty often leads to breakthroughs, and how their upcoming workshop will be the first place they test these ideas with a live audience.
The conversation also highlights:
The universal recognition of the Swan gesture among hypnotists
Why subtle involuntary movements become more visible in virtual sessions
How shadow-puppet metaphors allow clients to bypass resistance
The importance of experimentation and cross-pollination in therapeutic technique
Bob’s favourite “ice-breaker” tools he uses every day with clients
They wrap by inviting listeners to their Southampton event on January 3rd, a hands-on weekend for hypnotherapists, coaches, and change workers. The workshop includes:
A full-day live training
A private one-hour session with Bob
A two-day online workshop with Claudia in March
Emotional intelligence and inner child modules
Practical techniques you can use immediately with clients
If you’re curious about the future of hypnotherapy — or simply want to watch two world-class practitioners explore the edge of what’s possible — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Details of the event can be found here: https://keap.page/fah777/event-registration.html