Jeff Benink
Conference Topic
Breathe Like the Animals: Ancient Breath Science Meets the Hypnotic Mind
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Breath is the oldest induction tool we have — and animals have been using it instinctively for millions of years. This session draws on the illustrated book Breathe Like the Animals to map 10 natural animal breath archetypes directly onto hypnotic states, giving practitioners an immediately usable toolkit for pre-induction priming, deepening, and post-session anchoring.
Hypnotherapists already know that metaphor is medicine. Animal archetypes are cross-cultural, pre-verbal, and instantly embodied — exactly what trance work calls for. This session speaks the language of the field while opening a fresh clinical doorway.
Bio
Jeff Benink was born in Amsterdam and developed an early fascination with sound and entertainment. During his school years, he worked as a mobile DJ at parties, later transitioning into club DJing and eventually finding his voice on local radio. However, his true passion lay in live music. After a brief period playing guitar and saxophone, he discovered his love for sound engineering—especially mixing live bands. This passion took him across the globe, tuning audio for performances big and small.
His career took an unexpected turn when he worked at trade fairs in Germany during the winter months, providing technical support for the well-known stage hypnotist Pharo. What started as a technical job quickly became a personal fascination. Jeff witnessed not only how hypnosis could mesmerize an audience but also how Pharo used it backstage to help dancers overcome migraines, allowing them to perform in the next show without pain. This experience planted a seed in Jeff’s mind.
Although he bought a few books on hypnosis, it remained a side interest—until a theater accident forced him to look for a new career. By chance (or perhaps subconscious influence), he came across an advertisement for a four-year hypnosis training program. After attending an open day, he was hooked. The rest is history.
Sixteen years ago, Jeff opened his first practice, and since then, he has helped thousands of people through hypnosis. Today, he runs Hypnosepraktijk Zwolle and travels the world training other hypnotherapists, speaking at conferences, and working with companies.
But Jeff’s curiosity extends beyond hypnosis alone. Over the past fifteen years, he has expanded his expertise into human behavioral science, child development, and forensic psychology, making him a sought-after expert in behavioral change and mental processes.
In 2023, he published and presented his research on the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on young people, a study that gained widespread attention. A year later, in 2024, he developed the groundbreaking school program "Voices of the Mind." This interactive program teaches children to recognize and evaluate their thoughts, helping them develop critical thinking and effective communication skills.
His work has not gone unnoticed: in 2024, Jeff Benink was honored with the prestigious title of "Hypnotist of the Year". In 2025 he wrote the book "Breathe like the Animals, Meditation for children". In 2026 he was honored with the title "Hypnosis Ambassador of the Year". It was a well-earned recognition for a career that started with sound waves but evolved into exploring the deeper layers of the human mind.
Whether on stage, in his practice, or conducting research, one thing remains constant: Jeff Benink helps people understand and harness the power of their minds to improve their lives.