Hypnotherapists in Hunter Region, NSW

Photo of Joanne Elizabeth Milton - The good space counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L1
The good space counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Newcastle, NSW 2300
Qualified in counselling, CBT, NLP and hypnotherapy; my broad expertise complements lived experience, providing increased empathy.
My name is Jo, and I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As a counsellor at The Good Space Counselling, I aim to help you navigate life’s challenges and empower you to achieve personal growth and well-being.
Qualified in counselling, CBT, NLP and hypnotherapy; my broad expertise complements lived experience, providing increased empathy.
My name is Jo, and I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As a counsellor at The Good Space Counselling, I aim to help you navigate life’s challenges and empower you to achieve personal growth and well-being.
(02) 4082 8078 View (02) 4082 8078
Photo of Matthew Stanton - Life Matters Psychologists, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Life Matters Psychologists
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hamilton, NSW 2303
As well as therapy for adults and adolescents, we offer child psychology, couples counselling, and hypnotherapy.
Our dedicated Assessments team also offers cognitive and behavioural assessments, including for ADHD, ASD, and more. We also specialise in workplace wellbeing programs, including industry-leading EAP services, WHS consulting, psychometric testing, critical incident debriefs and more across the Hunter region.
As well as therapy for adults and adolescents, we offer child psychology, couples counselling, and hypnotherapy.
Our dedicated Assessments team also offers cognitive and behavioural assessments, including for ADHD, ASD, and more. We also specialise in workplace wellbeing programs, including industry-leading EAP services, WHS consulting, psychometric testing, critical incident debriefs and more across the Hunter region.
(02) 4965 3530 View (02) 4965 3530
Photo of Rob McClintock, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Rob McClintock
Counsellor, ACA-L1
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, NSW 2303
My clients experience lasting results, personal growth and mind mastery when combining Modern Psychology, Hypnotherapy and Wellness Recovery techniques with me.
As a survivor of addiction and depression, I bring lived experience to my practice. I specialize in Subconscious Dynamics and Clinical Hypnosis - a holistic approach that addresses root causes, not just symptoms. My "deep mind therapy" helps rewire subconscious patterns driving addiction, depression, and anxiety. With over a decade of experience and formal qualifications including Mental Health Counsellor (ACA) and Clinical Hypnotherapist (ASCH), I've helped many clients who found little success elsewhere. Real change happens in the subconscious - let me guide your transformation.
My clients experience lasting results, personal growth and mind mastery when combining Modern Psychology, Hypnotherapy and Wellness Recovery techniques with me.
As a survivor of addiction and depression, I bring lived experience to my practice. I specialize in Subconscious Dynamics and Clinical Hypnosis - a holistic approach that addresses root causes, not just symptoms. My "deep mind therapy" helps rewire subconscious patterns driving addiction, depression, and anxiety. With over a decade of experience and formal qualifications including Mental Health Counsellor (ACA) and Clinical Hypnotherapist (ASCH), I've helped many clients who found little success elsewhere. Real change happens in the subconscious - let me guide your transformation.
(02) 4075 3536 View (02) 4075 3536
Photo of Xavier King, Counsellor
Xavier King
Counsellor
Dungog, NSW 2420
A typical treatment plan includes counselling, hypnotherapy, guided meditation, and personalised self-care practices.
I work with individuals from all backgrounds, addressing challenges such as trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. My approach is non-judgmental, holistic, and compassionate, providing a safe space for exploration and healing. Together, we can build emotional resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges and create a fulfilling and balanced life for everyone.
A typical treatment plan includes counselling, hypnotherapy, guided meditation, and personalised self-care practices.
I work with individuals from all backgrounds, addressing challenges such as trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. My approach is non-judgmental, holistic, and compassionate, providing a safe space for exploration and healing. Together, we can build emotional resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges and create a fulfilling and balanced life for everyone.
(02) 5941 6436 View (02) 5941 6436
Photo of Toni Knight
Toni Knight
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a hypnotherapist with 12 years of experience, having achieved the highest possible accreditation with the Australian Hypnotherapy Association.
You're a busy, highly achieving professional and you're getting tired. Possibly burning out. You're feeling more negative these days and you're struggling sometimes to bring your usual 'A game' to what you do. You've tried holidays, 'self care' and self-help, but nothing seems to do much to move you out of the gloom. You feel stuck. And you're worried, because this can't continue. You want to get your mojo back, continue to achieve greatly, and make a positive difference. Joyfully. Your work matters, and you want to be all you can be. You want to thrive. But how do you even begin to get back to who you truly are?
I am a hypnotherapist with 12 years of experience, having achieved the highest possible accreditation with the Australian Hypnotherapy Association.
You're a busy, highly achieving professional and you're getting tired. Possibly burning out. You're feeling more negative these days and you're struggling sometimes to bring your usual 'A game' to what you do. You've tried holidays, 'self care' and self-help, but nothing seems to do much to move you out of the gloom. You feel stuck. And you're worried, because this can't continue. You want to get your mojo back, continue to achieve greatly, and make a positive difference. Joyfully. Your work matters, and you want to be all you can be. You want to thrive. But how do you even begin to get back to who you truly are?
(02) 4077 2834 View (02) 4077 2834
Photo of Mimi Bloom, Psychotherapist
Mimi Bloom
Psychotherapist
Wickham, NSW 2293
I specialise in trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues, offering a holistic approach that integrates EMDR, IFS, hypnotherapy, and the Gottman Method.
My unique range of modalities and experience offers targeted and effective treatments for individuals and couples struggling with trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues and more. Clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected, seeking healing from past experiences. To break free from limiting beliefs, build confidence, and restore emotional balance. They need a compassionate space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey to self-discovery. Using a holistic approach with EMDR, IFS, and other powerful modalities, I help my clients to move forward toward healing, connection, and growth.
I specialise in trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues, offering a holistic approach that integrates EMDR, IFS, hypnotherapy, and the Gottman Method.
My unique range of modalities and experience offers targeted and effective treatments for individuals and couples struggling with trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues and more. Clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected, seeking healing from past experiences. To break free from limiting beliefs, build confidence, and restore emotional balance. They need a compassionate space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey to self-discovery. Using a holistic approach with EMDR, IFS, and other powerful modalities, I help my clients to move forward toward healing, connection, and growth.
(02) 4058 4694 View (02) 4058 4694
Photo of Julie-Anne Kenworthy - Bluefield Alcohol Recovery Clinic, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Bluefield Alcohol Recovery Clinic
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Online Only
Are you looking for support to reduce your drinking or stop drinking? Are you interested in recovery medication (e.g. The Sinclair Method)? Starting your recovery or recently relapsed? Do you drink to enhance positive mood, to feel more comfortable fitting in, for social bonding or to avoid negative feelings? Is your drinking motivated by current or past unresolved stressors/trauma? Or has drinking just simply become a habit? Overdrinking for whatever reason can affect your psychological and physical health, your relationships with friends/family and work. I understand that the initial step in asking for help is very challenging.
Are you looking for support to reduce your drinking or stop drinking? Are you interested in recovery medication (e.g. The Sinclair Method)? Starting your recovery or recently relapsed? Do you drink to enhance positive mood, to feel more comfortable fitting in, for social bonding or to avoid negative feelings? Is your drinking motivated by current or past unresolved stressors/trauma? Or has drinking just simply become a habit? Overdrinking for whatever reason can affect your psychological and physical health, your relationships with friends/family and work. I understand that the initial step in asking for help is very challenging.
(02) 4058 4497 View (02) 4058 4497
Photo of Tracy Lancaster, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Tracy Lancaster
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Singleton, NSW 2330
I have completed a Diploma in Counselling, Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy along with a Certification in Breathework.
I have been working on myself for the past 6 years and healing childhood trauma to make me the best version of myself I can be. Since starting my own private practice to assist women with these issues, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing women and help them on this journey called life and bring them back to themselves to remember who they are before the world took that away from them. Life throws us curveballs and it is not until we sit back and look do we realise how much it affects our every day life, relationships, work and the list goes on. These deep rooted problems will trigger us before we know why.
I have completed a Diploma in Counselling, Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy along with a Certification in Breathework.
I have been working on myself for the past 6 years and healing childhood trauma to make me the best version of myself I can be. Since starting my own private practice to assist women with these issues, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing women and help them on this journey called life and bring them back to themselves to remember who they are before the world took that away from them. Life throws us curveballs and it is not until we sit back and look do we realise how much it affects our every day life, relationships, work and the list goes on. These deep rooted problems will trigger us before we know why.
(02) 5501 7071 View (02) 5501 7071
Photo of Alison Poisat - AJP Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
AJP Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
A life event that destabilises us can create all range of emotions and behavioural responses without our awareness and in turn, cause additional distress to your life. When we feel threatened, challenged or overwhelmed - our behaviours, feelings and thoughts can be all consuming. Without emotional processing and resolving the distress can form unhealthy maladaptive responses and associations. Engaging in professional help to support you through these events can provide you adaptive ways to respond to your world. Be brave and reach out.
A life event that destabilises us can create all range of emotions and behavioural responses without our awareness and in turn, cause additional distress to your life. When we feel threatened, challenged or overwhelmed - our behaviours, feelings and thoughts can be all consuming. Without emotional processing and resolving the distress can form unhealthy maladaptive responses and associations. Engaging in professional help to support you through these events can provide you adaptive ways to respond to your world. Be brave and reach out.
(02) 5302 8029 View (02) 5302 8029
Photo of Deborah Ann Petlueng - Empowered Lives Psychotherapy, MA
Empowered Lives Psychotherapy
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My unique approach using hypnotherapy & psychotherapy is specifically designed for women.
Hi I am Debbie, I have been supporting women to live with more joy, meaning & purpose for over 10 years. I am an Australian qualified Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Education. I am also the founder of Ageless Beyond 50 Facebook page with over 11,000 followers & facilitator of Ignite Wellness Retreats.
My unique approach using hypnotherapy & psychotherapy is specifically designed for women.
Hi I am Debbie, I have been supporting women to live with more joy, meaning & purpose for over 10 years. I am an Australian qualified Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Education. I am also the founder of Ageless Beyond 50 Facebook page with over 11,000 followers & facilitator of Ignite Wellness Retreats.
(02) 5604 8653 View (02) 5604 8653
Photo of Ann-Maree Riviere - Aligned Relationship Therapy, Counsellor, PACFA
Aligned Relationship Therapy
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Aligned Relationship Therapy offers support to individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns of conflict, disconnection, or imbalance. They may struggle with communication, intimacy, trust, or carrying unresolved wounds from past relationships. What they want is to feel heard, valued, and supported, while learning healthier ways to connect, manage conflict, and align their relationships with their values, moving from “just getting by” to experiencing deeper connection and growth.
Aligned Relationship Therapy offers support to individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns of conflict, disconnection, or imbalance. They may struggle with communication, intimacy, trust, or carrying unresolved wounds from past relationships. What they want is to feel heard, valued, and supported, while learning healthier ways to connect, manage conflict, and align their relationships with their values, moving from “just getting by” to experiencing deeper connection and growth.
(02) 4307 6579 View (02) 4307 6579
Photo of Victoria Quigg - Basalt Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Basalt Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I'm always grateful for the opportunity to provide support, as I'm aware of the bravery that therapy takes, being vulnerable in session is immense. All clinicians at the clinic I run aim to work in a non-directive, client-centred way, meaning the client sets their own treatment goals and we're just the support that holds difficult or overwhelming emotions where needed. This allows the client to drive their own therapy and shows them that they can create a better life. I am currently taking face-to-face clients with immediate availability.
I'm always grateful for the opportunity to provide support, as I'm aware of the bravery that therapy takes, being vulnerable in session is immense. All clinicians at the clinic I run aim to work in a non-directive, client-centred way, meaning the client sets their own treatment goals and we're just the support that holds difficult or overwhelming emotions where needed. This allows the client to drive their own therapy and shows them that they can create a better life. I am currently taking face-to-face clients with immediate availability.
(03) 4517 6204 View (03) 4517 6204
Photo of Kerry Bailey - Kerry Bailey @ The Functional Mind & SydneyHypno, Psychotherapist, AACBT
Kerry Bailey @ The Functional Mind & SydneyHypno
Psychotherapist, AACBT
Serves Area
Faculty of IAP (Institute of Applied Psychology) Qualified in Strategic Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Generative Trance, MOM, etc.
I am here to help & care for you. My Values: Integrity, Respect, Compassion, Authenticity, Trust & Empowerment. ​ My Philosophy: You are important, unique & valuable, & you deserve to live your best life. There may be aspects of your life where you feel held back somehow, that this feels like it is a struggle. My role is to guide & to assist you to get connected with all the missing pieces that will not only help you to get unstuck - these skills will also help you with long lasting, skilful strategies to live your best life. Your session is a judgement free zone, your safe space, where your outcomes are my sole focus.
Faculty of IAP (Institute of Applied Psychology) Qualified in Strategic Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Generative Trance, MOM, etc.
I am here to help & care for you. My Values: Integrity, Respect, Compassion, Authenticity, Trust & Empowerment. ​ My Philosophy: You are important, unique & valuable, & you deserve to live your best life. There may be aspects of your life where you feel held back somehow, that this feels like it is a struggle. My role is to guide & to assist you to get connected with all the missing pieces that will not only help you to get unstuck - these skills will also help you with long lasting, skilful strategies to live your best life. Your session is a judgement free zone, your safe space, where your outcomes are my sole focus.
(02) 9100 0242 View (02) 9100 0242
Photo of Zsuzsa Barta, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Zsuzsa Barta
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer a trauma informed, integrated approach in a safe empowering space. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist. With empathy, and effective modern techniques, I help clients manage Trauma, intense emotions, build coping skills, and improve emotional regulation. Sometimes you need to process Complex Trauma before you arrive to resilience, but you are helped all along the way. I blend deep psychotherapy with practical techniques. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, my goal is to support your growth, boost self-esteem, and help you feel more connected and fulfilled in life.
I offer a trauma informed, integrated approach in a safe empowering space. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist. With empathy, and effective modern techniques, I help clients manage Trauma, intense emotions, build coping skills, and improve emotional regulation. Sometimes you need to process Complex Trauma before you arrive to resilience, but you are helped all along the way. I blend deep psychotherapy with practical techniques. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, my goal is to support your growth, boost self-esteem, and help you feel more connected and fulfilled in life.
(02) 8000 1668 View (02) 8000 1668
Photo of Sharon Atkins, Counsellor, PACFA
Sharon Atkins
Counsellor, PACFA
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Counselling and psychotherapy are helpful to relieve your symptoms using strategies, Hypnotherapy is helpful to address the cause, and unwanted behaviours and habits.
I am a registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and I have been providing support to clients for over 10 years. Have you have been struggling with anxiety, fear, lethargy, lack of motivation or confidence, or just feel stuck? I am dedicated and I have genuine concern for your health and wellbeing on a holistic level, addressing both the cognitive and physical aspects and approach these topics with compassion and empathy, while you shift toward health and wellbeing. Choosing a counsellor who is a good match for you is imperative to your journey of recovery and meeting your individual needs.
Counselling and psychotherapy are helpful to relieve your symptoms using strategies, Hypnotherapy is helpful to address the cause, and unwanted behaviours and habits.
I am a registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and I have been providing support to clients for over 10 years. Have you have been struggling with anxiety, fear, lethargy, lack of motivation or confidence, or just feel stuck? I am dedicated and I have genuine concern for your health and wellbeing on a holistic level, addressing both the cognitive and physical aspects and approach these topics with compassion and empathy, while you shift toward health and wellbeing. Choosing a counsellor who is a good match for you is imperative to your journey of recovery and meeting your individual needs.
(02) 4012 0931 View (02) 4012 0931

Online Therapists

Photo of Aneta Zydzik-Plucinska, Psychotherapist
Aneta Zydzik-Plucinska
Psychotherapist
Faulconbridge, NSW 2776
The integration of hypnotherapy accelerates the therapeutic outcomes.
What I offer is not your traditional lengthy talk therapy - these are very effective, solution-oriented sessions aimed to equip you with new skills and thinking patterns, so you can enjoy lasting change. This efficiency is especially beneficial for those seeking swift progress or those who feel stuck in traditional therapeutic models.
The integration of hypnotherapy accelerates the therapeutic outcomes.
What I offer is not your traditional lengthy talk therapy - these are very effective, solution-oriented sessions aimed to equip you with new skills and thinking patterns, so you can enjoy lasting change. This efficiency is especially beneficial for those seeking swift progress or those who feel stuck in traditional therapeutic models.
(02) 4501 7422 View (02) 4501 7422
Photo of Jayshree Patel - Curamind therapy centre , Counsellor, PhD, ACA-L1
Curamind therapy centre
Counsellor, PhD, ACA-L1
Bella Vista, NSW 2153
I offer counselling, interactive psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy using a compassionate, empathetic approach.
I love working with diverse clients using different approaches that fits their needs and interests. My niche is Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Trauma, DV, Crisis and neurodivergence. Many of us have been experiencing various mental health challenges such as difficulty sleeping, depressed, stressed, overwhelmed, emotional disturbances, traumatised, affected by DV and crisis etc. The benefits of the therapy can be mental or emotional, physical, behavioural, and related to relationship or life. Some common benefits of therapy include better sleep, increased focus, reduce stress and improves emotional wellbeing. Your wellbeing is goal.
I offer counselling, interactive psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy using a compassionate, empathetic approach.
I love working with diverse clients using different approaches that fits their needs and interests. My niche is Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Trauma, DV, Crisis and neurodivergence. Many of us have been experiencing various mental health challenges such as difficulty sleeping, depressed, stressed, overwhelmed, emotional disturbances, traumatised, affected by DV and crisis etc. The benefits of the therapy can be mental or emotional, physical, behavioural, and related to relationship or life. Some common benefits of therapy include better sleep, increased focus, reduce stress and improves emotional wellbeing. Your wellbeing is goal.
(02) 8609 3072 View (02) 8609 3072
Photo of Maree Evans - Think Well Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapist
Think Well Hypnotherapy
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Erina, NSW 2250
My passion is to help you achieve your goals and enhance your well-being through the power of hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy.
My service is safe and effective for adults, teens, and children 6years and above. I can help you manage: Anxiety, Weight Management, Smoking/Vaping Cessation (Teen/Adult), Social and Performance Anxiety, Phobia, Insomnia, Low self-esteem, Pain, Post-Traumatic Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Behaviours, Anger, Procrastination, Cancer Care (stress/anxiety).
My passion is to help you achieve your goals and enhance your well-being through the power of hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy.
My service is safe and effective for adults, teens, and children 6years and above. I can help you manage: Anxiety, Weight Management, Smoking/Vaping Cessation (Teen/Adult), Social and Performance Anxiety, Phobia, Insomnia, Low self-esteem, Pain, Post-Traumatic Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Behaviours, Anger, Procrastination, Cancer Care (stress/anxiety).
(02) 4307 5535 View (02) 4307 5535
Photo of Nev Guven, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Nev Guven
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Norwest, NSW 2153
I'm a holistic and neuro affirming counsellor with a strengths based & solution focussed approach. I'm a Medicare provider (medicare rebate available) I offer EFT Tapping technique to treat anxiety, phobias, mood & affective disorders as well as depression. I also work with Workers Compensation SIRA, NDIS, Bupa, Aust Defence Force & Medibank. I provide clinical supervision & professional coaching to colleugIes and undertake acadamic teaching at a major University. I'm a certified creative art therapist and offer trauma counselling to teens and adults. I'm listed with Victim Services (please check the VS portal for availability).
I'm a holistic and neuro affirming counsellor with a strengths based & solution focussed approach. I'm a Medicare provider (medicare rebate available) I offer EFT Tapping technique to treat anxiety, phobias, mood & affective disorders as well as depression. I also work with Workers Compensation SIRA, NDIS, Bupa, Aust Defence Force & Medibank. I provide clinical supervision & professional coaching to colleugIes and undertake acadamic teaching at a major University. I'm a certified creative art therapist and offer trauma counselling to teens and adults. I'm listed with Victim Services (please check the VS portal for availability).
(02) 8403 0861 View (02) 8403 0861
Photo of Veronica Bona, Counsellor, PACFA
Veronica Bona
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Woollahra, NSW 2025
If you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, hopeless or lacking joy; like your emotions are uncontrollable or that they do not match with reality; that your worry is getting out of hand or that there is no longer any point, then it might be a good time to seek some support. ​ We are social creatures, and despite what our modern society might have us believe, we all need human connection to function. Seeking support is a huge sign of strength – the strength to actually reach out and let someone in, in order to start the healing process. ​ If you can relate to this or if you have set yourself a personal development goal please reach out.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, hopeless or lacking joy; like your emotions are uncontrollable or that they do not match with reality; that your worry is getting out of hand or that there is no longer any point, then it might be a good time to seek some support. ​ We are social creatures, and despite what our modern society might have us believe, we all need human connection to function. Seeking support is a huge sign of strength – the strength to actually reach out and let someone in, in order to start the healing process. ​ If you can relate to this or if you have set yourself a personal development goal please reach out.
(02) 8806 0062 View (02) 8806 0062

See more therapy options for Hunter Region

HypnoTherapy
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy works by using guided hypnosis to help you reach a state of focus and concentration through mental imagery and soothing verbal repetition. The state is somewhat like being absorbed in a book, a movie, or your own thoughts. You are not under a therapist’s “control,” but they can help you relax and turn your attention inward to discover the resources to achieve behavior change or better manage psychological concerns. Therapy sessions may involve guiding you through recognizing a problem, releasing problematic thoughts about it, and considering and accepting more productive alternatives before returning to normal awareness. Hypnotherapy is typically used by a therapist along with traditional forms of talk therapy. Eventually, your therapist can help you learn hypnotherapy techniques yourself so you can establish a stronger sense of control on your own in stressful or challenging moments.

Is hypnotherapy the same as hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy, which is sometimes called hypnotic suggestion, is a therapeutic technique in which a therapist uses hypnosis to help patients. It is not the kind of hypnosis portrayed in stage shows, or in movies or on television. You will not be unconscious or asleep during hypnotherapy, you will not lose control of yourself, your thoughts, or your free will, and you will be able to fully recall your experience. And while you will hear your therapist’s suggestions, it is always up to you to decide whether to act on them. Hypnosis by a trained mental-health professional is not a form of mind control, which is impossible to achieve anyway.

Can everyone be hypnotized?
The most common challenge of hypnotherapy is that as many as one in four people cannot be hypnotized. Brain imaging has confirmed differences in patterns of brain connectivity between those who respond to hypnotism and those who do not. Other people who could potentially be hypnotized may not respond to the technique because of their skepticism or resistance to entering a hypnotic state. If a therapist’s “post-hypnotic suggestion” is effective, it’s because they are suggesting something you want to achieve.

Does hypnotherapy work?
Through hypnotherapy, you can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. Like other talk therapy techniques, when hypnotherapy succeeds, it’s a case of mind over matter. Effective hypnotherapy involves self-healing because you access resources you need to change inside of yourself and learn how to tap into them whenever you need. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective therapy for anxiety, phobias, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and undesirable behaviors like smoking. It can be used to help improve sleep or to address relationship challenges, and to aid with pain management, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and the gastrointestinal side effects of pregnancy or chemotherapy.