Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is simply a state of focused absorption and internal experience. The therapist guides you into a comfortable level of relaxation allowing you to pay attention to your internal reality instead of external distractions. In this very comfortable state the subconscious mind takes the lead and the conscious mind can take a rest from what it likes to do best; that is, think, analyze, plan and sometimes just chatter, chatter, chatter.

When in this state of relaxed absorption your subconscious mind works to find solutions that suit your desired outcomes. The subconscious mind is a deep well of information and intuitive knowledge and when it is accessed profound insight and changes can take place.

By utilising the skills hypnotherapy helps you develop, you can address the physical, emotional and psychological issues that you need to improve in your life, in a gentle but powerful way.

What happens in a Hypnotherapy session?

Hypnosis is a natural state of absorption, and one that we all commonly experience in our day-to-day lives. It may surprise you to find that you have experienced a form of hypnotic trance in a number of areas of your life, for example; when you are daydreaming or staring into the distance, prompting someone to say ‘a penny for your thoughts’; or when becoming so involved in reading a good book in a busy café that you don’t notice the noise of people talking around you; or when driving on ‘auto pilot’, distracted by thoughts of other things and finding yourself arriving at your destination without conscious awareness of the trip. All of these common situations of deep immersion in an experience are in fact hypnotic states

In a hypnotherapy session the relaxation that evolves allows you to access a state of heightened awareness and insight. The normally busy thinking chatter of your conscious mind is replaced by an expansive awareness and quiet centredness in both mind and body, allowing you to access your own inner wisdom.

Is Hypnotherapy safe?

Yes, hypnotherapy is safe and you will naturally only take in helpful, positive suggestions that work to support your desired outcomes. You can easily reject anything that doesn’t fit with that.

Hypnotherapy is not mind control. In hypnosis you cannot be made to do anything against your will or do something that is against your own standard of morality or ethics. It is a collaborative process between you and the therapist, and only suggestions that support your wellbeing and desired outcomes will be offered, for your subconscious mind to choose to take up, or not.

What is a Trance?

In a hypnotherapy session you experience a hypnotic or trance state. A trance is simply a state of internal focus and concentration. This is a very natural and commonly occurring state, one that we have all experienced many times, for example when we daydream, or when we drive on ‘auto pilot’, or when we do physical exercise and feel in the ‘zone’ or ‘flow’ from the rhythm of the activity. When we do something we enjoy like knitting or gardening, we often go into a trance state where time passes unnoticed as our activity carries us ‘away’ happily. The mythology about mind control and trance is a fantasy that popular media has generated in order to sensationalise the theme for television and movie audiences to enjoy.

Will I Get Stuck in Hypnosis?

You cannot get stuck in hypnosis, and you can easily come out of the relaxed state at any time of your choosing. Hypnosis is not sleep. During hypnosis you are awake and aware of what is happening throughout. It is just like being at the movies, where you are engrossed in the story and engaged emotionally with the characters and drama unfolding, but at the same time you are fully aware that you are sitting in a movie theatre surrounded by people, and that you can get up and leave any time you want.

In the same way, in hypnotherapy your conscious mind is aware of everything that is going on, and at the same time your deeper levels of consciousness are doing some very important work for you, tapping into the wisdom that is within.

Will I Remember Everything?

You will consciously remember everything you want or need to remember about the session. People are surprised at how differently time passes while in deep relaxation, but most are able to remember everything about a session. Anything not remembered is stored at the deep subconscious level where it is working for you ‘under the radar’.

Can Anyone Be Hypnotized?

Anyone who can concentrate and become intently absorbed in something can experience hypnotherapy. Some people find it easier to go into the various levels of relaxation faster than others, but nearly everyone is capable of reaching the states of relaxation and receptiveness required. Even light levels of trance can create powerful change on a subconscious level, and people often find that their experience of trance deepens over several sessions.

There are a few exceptions to this, and hypnotherapy is contra-indicated for people suffering certain psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia or bi-polar depression, and those people who suffer from dementia.

How Long Has Hypnotherapy Been Used?

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been around for hundreds of years. Hypnosis was used as pain control for medical operations in the 19th century, prior to the use of chemical anaesthesia. In the present time, clinical evidence supports the efficacy of hypnosis for physical and mental health. It suggests that hypnotherapy increases the effectiveness of other medical or psychological therapy that a person undertakes.

Currently hypnosis is used for pain control, childbirth, dentistry, stress reduction, elite sports training, and many other areas of application. In Australia it is increasingly common to find general practitioners, psychologists, dentists and allied health care professionals who either use or recommend hypnotherapy in their treatment protocols.

What Is Spiritual Hypnotherapy?

Spiritual hypnotherapy uses hypnotherapeutic techniques to access the wisdom of our Soul in a process of discovery and insight. To experience ourselves as a spiritual being made up of mind, body and soul, is an empowering and freeing realization.

‘We do not have a soul…we are a soul and have a body’

What Is Past Life Regression Therapy?

Past Life Regression Therapy is a regression technique that allows you to explore one or more of your soul’s incarnations. Utilizing hypnosis to facilitate a gentle and illuminating experience that can uncover root causes of current issues in your life, in order to find resolution and healing.

What is Life Between Lives Spiritual Regression?

Have you ever wondered what happens after we die, or where we go between incarnations? Those questions that lie at the very heart of being human, such as Why am I here? Do I have a life purpose?

A Life Between Lives session gives you an experience of your immortal identity as a soul. You will gain profound insights relating to your life purpose and the goals you have set out to achieve.

Is A Referral Necessary?

No, a referral from a doctor is not necessary. However it is advisable to consult a doctor in order to establish or rule out any medical causes or conditions involved in the issues presenting. In some cases your hypnotherapist can consult with your doctor (with your consent) to discuss your treatment plan. If you are currently receiving any medical or psychological treatment please bring to your session any information you feel might be pertinent.

Is My Session Confidential?

Yes, your session is completely confidential, and my Duty of Care as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist requires that I maintain your records confidentially as set out by Professional Body guidelines.

Are Private Health Rebates Applicable?

Yes, there are a number of Private Health funds that cover Hypnotherapy, when carried out by a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. You can check with your individual fund to determine the details of your cover.