Hypnosis often conjures up scepticism, jokes and opinions largely based around stage entertainment experiences. Because of this association, the therapeutic value of hypnosis is often misunderstood. Hypnotherapy is a therapy using hypnosis to tap into the wisdom of our unconsciousness. It is a subtle and gentle therapy that harnesses our motivation to make change.
Unlike our conscious mind, which is actively aware; our unconscious mind is a powerful part of our brain that holds information including memories and experiences, constantly influencing our actions and decision making. By accessing our unconscious mind through hypnotherapy, we can have a fresh lens on our thoughts, feelings, motives and behaviours.
“A subtle and gentle therapy that harnesses our motivation to make change”
I decided to become a clinical hypnotherapist after my own experience with hypnotherapy. After leaving a long-term marriage, I had a lot to unpack. Psychology appointments had allowed me to process things in my conscious mind, but after the end of yet another relationship, I felt like I was repeating the same behaviours on loop. Hypnotherapy offered me the opportunity to get to know myself better and see things from a different perspective.
Hypnotherapy is used to address behaviour change including increasing confidence and self-esteem; reducing pain, stress and anxiety; conquering fears and phobias; and addressing addictions. Hypnotherapy is not a passive process or a cure all therapy. It requires a genuine desire to change something, and a willingness to be an active participant in making that change. For this reason, hypnotherapy is not for sceptics, people coming because they were told to or those seeking someone to “fix” them.
Hypnotherapy delivers an incredible sense of relaxation, peace and positivity. The more you engage in hypnosis, the quicker your brain accesses this state of clarity and wisdom. It can be used as a primary therapy or supplementary tool supporting other therapies. It tends to be short-term, with most courses lasting 3-6 weeks.
“Look for a hypnotherapist that is registered with a professional organisation such as the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association”
It is important to look for a hypnotherapist that is registered with a professional organisation such as the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association which requires members to have a minimum of 1,000 hours training from a recognised provider, together with mandatory monthly supervision and appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
As a clinical hypnotherapist, I am trained to support clients with a wide variety of conditions. However, my areas of interest centre around anxiety, fears/phobias as well as food and eating-related concerns such as gut pain, cravings, Binge Eating Disorder and Avoidant Restrictive Feeding Intake Disorder (ARFID).
“Hypnotherapy can be delivered over secure videoconference platforms”
Many clients are surprised to learn that hypnotherapy can be delivered over secure videoconference platforms. I offer both in-person sessions as well as Telehealth. If you are interested in learning more about hypnotherapy and how it could help you, please reach out or book an appointment online.
