Clinical Hypnotherapy has come a long way in establishing itself as a legitimate, therapeutic modality. Gone are the days when it was mistakenly dismissed as mere hocus-pocus or confused with the flashy performances of stage hypnotists. However, despite its proven effectiveness and growing recognition, the old stigmas still persist.

I have found in clinic, especially with those who are new to the process, that the same questions seem to come up that are often related to this old way of seeing the practice. So I thought it's time to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding Clinical Hypnotherapy, and reveal its true nature as a powerful tool for personal transformation and healing..

Common Myths About Hypnotherapy

• Can I get stuck in a hypnotised state?

This is absolutely not going to happen… Most people feel a sense of deep calm & clarity directly after a session, but are always alert and fully awake.

• Can a Hypnotherapist program me to do things against my will?

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist my intention is always aligned with my patients’ needs. No subconscious change can occur without prior conscious approval, this is both according to my standards of practice, and also simply not possible. Your will is more powerful than you think!

• But can you make me dance like a chicken or quack like a duck?

Even though this is what hypnotists on stage are famous for, that’s simply not Hypnotherapy, which has a different process and therapeutic rather than comedic purpose!

• Do you touch me or make me speak during the session?

There are some Hypnotherapists that use affirmations during sessions or ask questions and although this is useful in some situations, I find it mostly unnecessary. We have an in-depth conversation ahead of the actual hypnotherapy to get clear about your intentions and desired outcomes, and this is what I will refer to duringt he session itself.

There is absolutely no need for a practitioner to touch their clients at all. 

• Will I become dependent on Hypnotherapy to maintain any positive changes?

Not at all.

Once connection is made with the subconscious mind, a kind of rewiring occurs which then allows the positive changes that you have wanted to become a new feature of your thoughts and behaviours.

Depending on the behaviour change or issue that you’re wanting to resolve, there can be lasting change after just one session. For deeper or more complex issues, there may be a series of sessions required, however once this is completed, the change is permanent.

Although some people do come back for Hypnotherapy regularly as a form of stress relief or to continue working through new issues or aspects of themselves that they become aware of, there is no need for maintenance sessions.

Want to try Hypnotherapy for yourself?

Hypnotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of problems that you may be having trouble with. People come to see me when they’re experiencing:

• Grief and loss
• PTSD, painful memories or effects of trauma
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty sleeping or struggling to get to sleep
• Impacts of stress on their nervous system, like clenched jaw, pain, nervous twitch etc
• Overwhelming emotional responses

If you are ready to resolve any of the above and move forward in your life feeling free from these issues, then I look forward to seeing you in the clinic.

Amanda Davies

Diploma (Clinical Hypnosis), Advanced Cert. (Trauma, Grief & Addiction), Cert. (Anxiety & Depression) Cert. (Life Coaching)

Amanda is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and she is a Clinical member of the Professional Hypnotherapist Association of Australia. With over 15 years experience, Amanda has empowered many to create positive change and move forward.

Amanda has a special interest in phobias, negative self-talk, anxiety and the mind body connection in wellness, therefore eradicating self-sabotage and unlocking people’s full potential.