Clinical Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnotherapy? How Does It Work?

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is an educational and communicative process, by which the conscious mind and the unconscious mind collectively agree. This is achieved by bypassing the critical faculty of the mind and establishing a pathway for selective thinking.

In an hypnotic state, you are not thinking in the traditional sense, you will be experiencing without questioning and importantly without critical judgement or analysis.

In essence, permitting yourself to effect change at a core level.  Some clients report Hypnotherapy as feeling like you are tapping into your intuitive or higher self. It is important to remember that your experience, will be just that.

Your very own personal experience.

Hypnotherapy is very misunderstood and often maligned. People often believe that Hypnotherapy is relinquishing control, or giving over their mind to someone else, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

During a Hypnotherapy session, the client remains in complete control at all times and can make decisions of their free will at any given time during the process.

Clinical Hypnotherapy is far removed from Stage Hypnosis, such as that utilised by the likes of 'Peter Powers', 'Steven Spellmaster' and company.

Clinical Hypnotherapists always work within the professional boundaries of their clients. 

Hypnotherapy can assist with:

Physical Pain Relief 
Emotional Pain Relief 
Chronic Pain Management
Ego Strengthening and Confidence Building
Fear
Phobia
Performance Enhancement
Quit Smoking
Weight Loss
Body Shaping 
Body Acceptance
Memory Retention
Effective Learning and Studying
Anxiety, Nervousness and Panic
Relaxation and Stress Management
Addiction & Gambling
Pre Operatively
(Before an Operation or Before a visit to the Dentist)
Insomnia & Sleep Disturbance
Identity Clarification
Bullying - Mean Girl Syndrome
Autoimmune Disease
Sexual Dysfunction
Digestive Issues

How many sessions of Hypnotherapy will I need?

Hypnotherapy Frequently Asked Questions

Will you make me do things I don't want to do?
As the client is in complete control and internally focused during a typical session, it is near to impossible to breach deeply held values, beliefs and ethics. Clinical Hypnotherapists are bound by a Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics, which prohibit working outside of the clients best interests.

Will I fall asleep?
Surprisingly, not too many people actually fall asleep while undergoing a Hypnotherapy session. However, many clients report feeling like they have slept for a good couple of hours. A large number of clients will feel profoundly relaxed, a deep, unburdened, not often experienced relaxation that is quite a new sensation for some. This 'feeling' can be mistaken for sleep. All or some of the Trance States mentioned in the Hypnotherapy Section may mimic a state of sleep. After all, 30 minutes of Hypnotherapy is the equivalent of 4 hours of sleep!

What if I open my eyes?
Some clients may initially feel a little uncomfortable closing their eyes in front of someone else for the first time, and of course, the Professional Hypnotherapist will accommodate this into the session. It is perfectly acceptable for the client to have their eyes open during the session. Once again, no two people will be the same and as we are trained professionals, we are happy to accommodate your needs. There are many strategies and tools available to assist with ensuring your Hypnotherapy session is memorable, relaxing and most importantly, comfortable.

Does it hurt?
On the contrary Hypnotherapy is a process that rejuvenates and enriches. Sessions are carried out in a calming and highly professional environment. Rejuvenation and Relaxation are not harmful in any way whatsoever.

Will I get instant results?
The answer to this question really depends on the individual. Some clients have experienced instant change after their very first session, while others see a gradual change over a number of days or weeks. There are so many factors that can govern the instant success of a session. If a client is extremely motivated to see change, they will often open up to that change, quickly and efficiently, whereas, if there is still some residual resistance to change, it may take a little longer for the intrinsic, internal change to occur.

Will I get addicted to Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is NOT addictive. It is a chemical-free, all-natural solution, that the client has complete control over. Many clients report such a profound sense of relaxation, rejuvenation and feeling of well being, after a session, that they find they look forward to their next session with excitement and zeal.

What is the fee for Hypnotherapy?
The fee for a 90-minute session of Hypnotherapy is $200.
Second or subsequent sessions are 60 minutes in duration and are also $200.

PLEASE NOTE: The above fees are for general hypnotherapy, they are not for  SUBCONSCIOUS MIND HEALING.

Can I get a rebate for Hypnosis?
Yes. If you have extras cover with a private medical health fund there are many funds offering rebates, these include the following:

Australian Unity Health
CBHS Health Fund
CDH Benefits Fund
CUA Health
Grand United Corporate Health
HBF Health
Health Care Insurance (Covers Quit Smoking & Weight Loss Only)
Health Partners
Health.com.au (Requires GP Sign Off)
Medibank Private (Requires 'bonus' or 'extras' cover)
Navy Health
Nurses and Midwives Health
Phonenix Health Fund
Queensland Country Health Fund (Covers Quit Smoking & Weight Loss Only)
Railway and Transport Fund
Teachers Health Fund
Westfund

Vicki Childs Hypnotherapy Provider Numbers:
Australian Unity 21154257, Medibank Private - A026795K. HCI - HYP1731N. Teachers - HYP1731N. CBHS - ASCH1731. Navy Health - 1731. All other Funds (issuing rebates*) as above Provider #1731 or #1731N.

James Childs Hypnotheapy Provider Numbers: Australian Unity -21200899, Medibank Private - A030494A, AHA #PM 2015658. All other Funds (issuing rebates*) as per AHA registration #PM 2015658.

Please check your eligibility with your fund prior to coming in. 

What Can I Expect from Hypnosis?

The process of Hypnotherapy will be a different and unique experience for each person, the experience will be as individual as your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values.

Some people experience profound and deep change from the first session, while others will see a gradual change over a few days, weeks or even months.

There is certainly no right amount of time. Importantly, a person who is hypnotised (clinically and professionally) will not go against their moral code or ethics.

Effective Hypnotherapy always works most efficiently when the Hypnotherapist and the client work towards shared goals.

Hypnotherapy is a pleasant and rewarding journey that can lead to positive life changes in many areas of your life. Hypnotherapy is a natural process that allows your mind to work with your body to achieve optimal health and wellness.

During any of your sessions, you may experience any or all of the following Trance States:

Levels of Trance:

Light Trance: When in a 'Light Trance' your body is relaxed and your hearing may become more acute to the surrounding sounds. This is a very pleasant trance and is often experienced by clients undertaking their first Hypnotherapy Session.

Medium Trance: When in a 'Medium Trance' your body is beautifully relaxed and you may become much more aware of external sounds, you may also find yourself becoming more focused on internal thoughts and feelings. This level of trance is very relaxing and refreshing.

Deep Trance: When in a 'Deep Trance' you are profoundly relaxed, you may be so relaxed that even though you are hearing sounds and suggestions you simply cannot be bothered responding to normal external influences as your focus becomes completely centred on your internal reality. This state of trance is deeply relaxing.

Waking Hypnosis: A client may experience 'waking hypnosis' while speaking with their Hypnotherapist, prior to the official session.

Waking Hypnosis can occur when the client has their eyes wide open.

This type of Hypnosis often occurs when two people simply communicate. In some cases, clients have likened this to being 'Spellbound' or 'enthralled' with an item or person.

It simply means the client is paying attention to the Hypnotherapist and the language they are using.

Hypnotherapy FACTS

Hypnosis is a state of mind.

Hypnosis is a state of mind that is usually induced by suggestion. The suggestion involved may be self-suggestion or suggestion given by another. The suggestion may be verbal or non-verbal in nature.

Certain (selective) thoughts and suggestions are communicated to the unconscious mind, which brings about this hypnotic 'state of mind.' When in a particularly relaxed state of mind, you may feel a little more responsive to suggestion or more likely to focus on your internal needs, any and all of these states of mind are normal and natural. Hypnosis is a conscious state of mind.

Hypnotherapy is a state of consciousness, not a state of unconsciousness as many people think. The client hears and knows what is being said and is fully aware of what is happening. When people are in a hypnotic state' they can talk, feel, hear, taste and smell. Hypnosis is a normal, natural state of mind.

For some people there is a natural 'fear' of Hypnosis, or perhaps some trepidation around the process, however, when we look at the process of Hypnosis, it is actually a very natural state of mind.

For instance, how many times have you 'lost yourself in a book', 'lost track of time' while enjoying a recreational activity or simply 'lost track of time'?

All of these states are a form of Hypnosis.

Hypnosis is simply a way to harness the power of YOUR mind and use it to create desired change. There is absolutely nothing to fear.

Hypnosis is a state of mind that can increase your powers of concentration. When a client is in a hypnotic state their powers of concentration are usually increased.

Often, this concentration is active and at other times it may be passive. The difference between passive and active concentration is the way the mind reacts to a thought or to the stimulus given to it.

A good example of how this works is by simply realising that the more you concentrate on something, the more real it becomes to you. Subsequently, it has more effect on your life and on your behaviour.

For instance, if you really want something to happen or change, the more attention you give it, the more likely it is to happen.

Where your attention goes......your energy flows.

Hypnotherapy MYTHS

Hypnotherapy is a bad or scary thing.
For some people Hypnotherapy  may be seen to be scary, this is often the case with many things in life, we have yet to experience, after all, it is an unknown experience for many.

People regularly associate Hypnotherapy with Stage Hypnosis, which is the form of Hypnosis used by some high profile Stage Hypnotists, such as Peter Powers, Steven Spellmaster and Bill Wheeler for example. Clinical Hypnotherapy (the Hypnotherapy we conduct at Lifeforce Hypnotherapy) is the accepted therapeutic model of Clinical Hypnotherapy, which is vastly different from Stage Hypnosis. 

Many experienced and qualified Clinical Hypnotherapists work in Hospitals, Dental Surgeries and with Youth to overcome fears and apprehension.

You will never be asked to do anything that deviates from your moral or ethical code, importantly, you will be in complete control at all times.

In short, if you enjoy relaxing and spending some time being introspective and self intuitive then there is absolutely no reason you should be scared or fearful of the process.

Only certain types of people can be hypnotised.
This is somewhat of a grey area and pertains mostly to the induction process of a formal Hypnotherapy session. In theory, almost anyone can be hypnotised, whether directly or indirectly.

Even individuals whom many researchers claim are unhypnotisable or have a low hypnotisability (due to medically induced circumstances) can in fact experience hypnosis to some degree.

In practice, there is a spectrum of responsiveness in people ranging from what are generally deemed low hypnotisables to high hypnotisables, in some individuals we see very high rates of hypnotisability and these people are actually referred to as Hypnotic Virtuosos.

Research has found there are only four (4) types of people WHO CAN NOT BE HYPNOTISED, these are;

Very young children, under the age of (six) 6.
Individuals who are mentally impaired either through suffering a psychotic mental illness or by neurological damage.
Those that don't want to be hypnotised to prove they can't be hypnotised.
Those that are being forced to attend by a partner or parent.

Anyone who can be hypnotised is weak-minded.
This particular misconception refers to the all-powerful Svengali image of the Hypnotist and is based on the belief that in order for a Hypnotist to control someone, the individual must have little or no will of his or her own. This misconception is probably the most common and incorrect idea of Hypnotherapy.

Clinical Hypnotherapy means that the client does the vast bulk of the work by using and tapping into their higher self, at no time will you be asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

If a client did feel any level of distress or feel uncomfortable during a session, they are at all times able to halt the session at their will.

Interestingly, many clients who come into the practice with a certain amount of trepidation are often the ones who benefit the most.

Hypnosis only works while you are having it done.
Hypnosis is a process that is based on an interaction of mutual power. The Hypnotherapist is providing a gateway for the unconscious mind to make favourable and desired change. Hypnosis is also a cumulative therapy. The length for which it will be effective and ongoing will very much depend on the individual and many other defining factors.

For some clients, change is immediate and long-lasting.

Some Stop Smoking clients are able to quit overnight and remain a non-smoker for the rest of their lives.

Of course, this is not always the case and levels of motivation and desire, play a huge part in overall success.

Generally speaking, we normally see the change process come into full effect around the 3-week mark.

In short, no, you will not need to keep coming back, week after week, however, many clients, like to do a top-up session at around the 3, 6 or 9-month mark to ensure continued success, well into the future.

Hypnosis has a very high success rate and clinical studies show that 97% of clients who are open to the process, experience success.

You can be hypnotised to say or do something against your will.  Clinical Hypnosis follows a therapeutic model, which is used in many large Hospitals, Surgeries and Medical Facilities worldwide. During a typical hypnotherapy session the client remains in control at all times.

Your mind cannot be manipulated in any way, as you are fully aware and in a conscious state at all times. Hypnosis is about empowerment and Clinical Hypnotherapists are respectful professionals, bound by a Code of Conduct.

Being hypnotised can be hazardous to your health.
When carried out by a Professional Clinical Hypnotherapist, there is absolutely no harm to your health. Experienced, certified practitioners are all about empowerment and optimal wellness. If you have any fears or qualms about Hypnotherapy, your chosen Practitioner should be more than happy to answer your questions and allay any fears you may have.

If in doubt, ask to see the Practitioners qualifications and ensure they are qualified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

You can become stuck in hypnosis.
Getting stuck in Hypnosis seems to be a fear held by many; Hypnosis does involve relaxation and space for the client to focus their attention and future goals, however, these processes are controlled by the client at all times. Clients can and do initiate and terminate Hypnosis sessions at their will. It is quite literally impossible to become stuck in a state of focused concentration or relaxation. You may feel profoundly relaxed, however, relaxation does not equal being stuck.

So, if you're ready to change your life, start by changing your mind!

If you'd like to discuss your Hypnotherapy Session or have further questions, please call us on the Button Below.