The Initial Sensitizing Event (ISE)
Hypnotherapy and Hypnobalancing™ in Berlin
ISE: Initial Sensitizing Event (ISE)
What is an initial sensitizing event (ISE)?
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The Initial Sensitizing Event (ISE)
The initial sensitizing event (ISE) is the original memory responsible for causing the symptoms the client is suffering. The initial sensitizing event (ISE) is not always easily detected, and there is often more than one initial sensitizing event.
When Did It Begin? Understanding the First Emotional Wound
Sometimes, we react more strongly than the situation seems to deserve. We feel overwhelmed, afraid, ashamed — even though nothing bad just happened. And often, we don’t know why.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many people who experience anxiety, emotional overreaction, or deep self-doubt carry something inside that was never fully seen or understood — something that started much earlier.
In therapy, we sometimes call this the Initial Sensitizing Event, or ISE.
What Is an Initial Sensitizing Event?
An Initial Sensitizing Event is the very first time your nervous system learned to associate a certain feeling — like fear, shame, or helplessness — with a specific situation.
It might be a moment you don’t consciously remember.
It might seem small from the outside.
But for the younger version of you, it left a strong emotional imprint.
That first wound — the moment you felt wrong, unsafe, or too much — may still echo in your body today.
How the Body Stores It
- Even if the memory isn’t clear, your body remembers the feeling.
- Your breath might become shallow.
- Your stomach might tighten.
- Your heart might race — and part of you wants to run, freeze, or shut down.
This happens because your system is trying to protect you. It learned a long time ago that this kind of situation might hurt.
Patterns That Repeat
Let’s say your ISE happened when you were 4 years old — maybe someone raised their voice, and you felt unsafe, even though no one touched you.
Today, whenever someone speaks loudly — or you feel criticized — your body reacts as if you’re 4 again.
You may feel anxious, small, or like you have to disappear.
That’s not weakness.
That’s a learned survival response.
And the good news is: what was learned can also be unlearned — with time, care, and safety.
How We Work with the ISE in Therapy
In sessions, we don’t push you to find your ISE.
We create space for your body to remember — gently, in its own time.
One method I use is called the Affect Bridge.
It helps connect what you’re feeling right now to earlier moments when the same feeling first appeared.
Not to relive it — but to meet it with new resources, adult presence, and support.
In 6-Step Hypnobalancing™, identifying and softening the ISE is a key part of the healing process. It’s not about digging up pain.
It’s about creating safety where there once was fear.
What You Should Know
You don’t need to “go back” if it doesn’t feel right.
The ISE is just one part of your story — not your whole identity.
Healing doesn’t require remembering every detail.
It requires connection, compassion, and regulation.
Your body isn’t trying to sabotage you. It’s trying to protect a part of you that once felt very alone.
You don’t have to stay in that place. Not anymore.
Gentle Next Steps
If this resonates with you, you don’t need to do anything drastic.
Maybe start by noticing:
- When do I feel out of proportion to the moment?
- What does my body do in those moments?
- What might this be connected to?
And if you’d like support in exploring this further, I’m here.
Not to analyze you.
But to walk beside you — gently, respectfully, and with trust in your inner timing.
“Healing begins when we stop trying to fix the reaction
— and start listening to what it’s protecting.”
– Karsten Noack
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About This Page
This page is designed to provide essential information for individuals interested in psychotherapy through hypnotherapy. However, it is not intended to replace professional psychotherapy, medical consultations, examinations, or diagnoses by a licensed medical practitioner.
My Role and Expertise
I am a hypnotherapist licensed to practice psychotherapy under the HPG (Heilpraktikergesetz). My work focuses on helping people manage anxiety and anxiety disorders. It is important to note the following distinctions:
- I am not a medical doctor.
- I do not provide medical diagnoses, prescribe medications, or make promises of healing.
- Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care where such intervention is necessary.
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If you have any questions about psychotherapy with hypnotherapy, feel free to reach out. I am happy to provide more information and guide you on how hypnotherapy can support your journey to improved well-being.
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You can find answers to frequently asked questions, such as fees, on the home page. There are also lots of articles and details about me (profile) to help you get an idea of who I am. This will also make it easier for you to decide if I am the right therapist for you and your problem.
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Published: March 12, 2007
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 17, 2025
Translation: August 23, 2019
German version:
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T: RR
AN: #932