Chapter One Counselling

Think of hypnotherapy as a key that helps you access the deeper parts of your mind, where long-held thoughts, emotions, beliefs and automatic patterns may sit outside your everyday awareness.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, similar to becoming deeply absorbed in a book, a film or a daydream. It is not the same as sleep. You remain conscious, aware and in control throughout the process, and you can speak, move or stop at any time.

Everyone experiences hypnosis differently. You may feel deeply relaxed, peaceful, light or more connected to your inner experience. Others simply notice a stronger sense of focus and awareness. There is no right or wrong way to experience it.

Hypnotherapy uses this focused state to gently explore and work with the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that may be keeping you stuck. It offers a supportive way to create change that goes beyond logical understanding alone.

The Power of Hypnotherapy

A meta-analysis involving over 600 studies and 72,000 participants found that hypnotherapy was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as attempting to quit smoking without assistance

*71% of participants with IBS responded to gut-directed hypnotherapy in one clinical study.
*84% reflects improvement compared with control participants at follow-up, not an 84% success rate.
*58% of reviewed studies reported benefits for at least one sleep outcome.
*81% reported quitting immediately after treatment in one small study; 48% remained smoke-free at 12 months.

References

Chamine, I., Atchley, R., & Oken, B. S. (2018). Hypnosis intervention effects on sleep outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 14(2), 271–283.

Elkins, G. R., & Rajab, M. H. (2004). Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: Preliminary results of a three-session intervention. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 52(1), 73–81.

Gonsalkorale, W. M., Miller, V., Afzal, A., & Whorwell, P. J. (2003). Long-term benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Gut, 52(11), 1623–1629.

Valentine, K. E., Milling, L. S., Clark, L. J., & Moriarty, C. L. (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336–363.

How does it work?

How Hypnotherapy Works

Hypnotherapy involves guiding you into a focused, trance-like state using therapeutic communication and relaxation techniques. This state of heightened concentration can make it easier to explore thoughts, emotions, beliefs and patterns that may sit outside your everyday awareness.

Rather than relying only on logical understanding, hypnotherapy can support deeper emotional and cognitive shifts. This may help you develop new internal responses, strengthen helpful beliefs and create meaningful changes in behaviour.

The Role of the Hypnotherapist

The role of the hypnotherapist is to work collaboratively with you, helping you enter a focused state in which therapeutic ideas, imagery and reflection can be explored more deeply.

The process is guided by your needs, goals and level of comfort. Trust, safety and a strong therapeutic relationship are central to the work, and you remain aware and in control throughout the session.

Understanding the Trance State

The trance state used in hypnotherapy is a natural and familiar experience. It can feel similar to becoming deeply absorbed in a book, a film, a creative activity or a daydream.

During this state, you may feel more focused, calm and connected to your inner experience. This can create space to explore thoughts, beliefs, emotions and automatic responses from a different perspective.

Integration with Other Therapies

Hypnotherapy can be integrated with other evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Combining these approaches allows treatment to address both conscious understanding and deeper emotional patterns, creating a more personalised and comprehensive therapeutic experience.

Benefits Of HypnotheraPy

Access to Subconscious Processes

Hypnotherapy allows you to tap into the subconscious mind, where deep-seated beliefs and patterns reside.

Change and Stuck Points

It enables you to revisit and modify learnt beliefs and behaviours, facilitating personal growth and transformation.

Mental Rehearsal

You can mentally rehearse situations where you lack confidence, helping you build resilience and preparedness.

Creative Solutions

Access to your subconscious mind opens the door to creative and innovative solutions to challenges you face.

Reduction of Unhelpful Automatic Processes

Hypnotherapy helps in reducing automatic, unhelpful subconscious processes that might be holding you back.

Emotion Management

It empowers you to better manage and regulate your emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.

Enhanced Self Efficacy

By fostering a stronger sense of control over your thoughts and actions, hypnotherapy helps you develop a better sense of self-efficacy and personal empowerment.

Hypnotherapy FAQ

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What if I can't be hypnotised?

If you're concerned about your susceptibility to hypnosis, there's no need to worry. I use various techniques and tools to guide you into the optimal state for hypnotherapy. You don’t need to enter a deep trance for hypnotherapy to have a positive impact on your life.

How many sessions will I need?

That's completely up to you. Some clients see benefits after two session, some may need 10. It depends on your unique needs and the way you respond.

Am I in control?

Yes, you will be in complete control the whole time. You can snap out of a hypnotic state instantly. It feels like a deep meditation, or similar to the feeling when you are about to sleep or just as you are waking up.

What happens if I fall asleep?

That is common. If you are able to relax enough to fall asleep during the session then you are relaxed and feeling safe. Your subconscious mind will be listening to the prompts and I will wake you up calmly at the end.

How do I know if I can be hypnotised?

A frequent misunderstanding about hypnosis is the idea that someone might claim that they are too analytical for hypnosis. Hypnosis happens because you decides to allow it. Those who are analytical can have effective outcomes as long as they are genuinely invested in the process.

Chapter One Counselling acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We recognise and value their continuing connection to lands, waters and culture and pay respects to Indigenous Elders, past and present.

Please note we are not a crisis service

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others please contact 000.

What is Hypnotherapy?