FAQ

Yes and no. Some policies will cover hypnotherapy but it's not a given. Check with your provider to see if you're eligible for a rebate.

No.

Whoever is getting treatment, must be willing and engaged in the process so although you might think hypnotherapy will be helpful for a friend or loved one, they need to be the one who wants help.

Hypnotherapy is not like stage hypnosis. You have control over the entire process and can choose to listen or ignore. The goal is to achieve therapeutic and positive outcomes. It's important to understand that you are responsible for the outcomes. As the hypnotherapist, I guide you, but you need to do the work to make improvements in your life.

No

There are a number of hypnotherapeutic approaches. I use what's called Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy. That means we look at your personal skills and incorporate them into the treatment plan. So each client will have a different experience.

Because each treatment plan is personalised to your needs, scripts aren't used.

Yes, but only the hypnosis part of the session.

The reason I record the session is so that you can listen to it in between our sessions. It helps with reinforcing the treatment.

If you have mental health issues such as bipolar or schizophrenia, I am unable to treat you and will refer you to a GP or mental health specialist

No

Although hypnotherapy is very effective in treating pain, it's not a cure.

It's important you've explored all reasonable avenues and are using hypnotherapy as a last resort. We need to know there's no underlying serious issues causing the pain before we start treatment.

To provide the best treatment, you'll need to complete an intake form at least 48 hours before our first meeting. If I have any questions based on your answers, I may call you. If your concern falls outside my scope, I may need to cancel your session(s).

I belong to a number of associations including Australian Hypnotherapist Association, and the International Strategic Psychotherapists Association.

In order to practice, I am required to complete a minimum number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points annually along with a minimum number of hours with an accredited supervisor.

An abreaction is an emotional response. It's generally uncontrollable crying.

If this happens to you, I'll pull you out of the trance and ensure your wellbeing.

I may call your emergency contact if I think you need to be with someone.

Yes and no

Although you as a parent might think your child may benefit from hypnotherapy, your child needs to be willing to participate. So if they don't want to go through the process, I can't help. On the other hand, if they want to go through the with the program, hypnotherapy can be very effective for children suffering anxiety or phobias.

The process is similar, but we tend to use stories incorporating their heroes and villains they're familiar with.

The Road Hypnotherapy specialises in using hypnotherapy to address a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, stress, phobias, smoking cessation, weight management, self-esteem issues, and more. Through the power of hypnosis, I work with clients to address their specific needs and help them achieve positive and lasting change in their lives. I am committed to providing personalised and effective treatments that empower clients to overcome their challenges and live their best lives.

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often called a trance. In this state, you can access your subconscious mind to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories that may be affecting your behaviour and mindset. As a certified hypnotherapist, I help clients with anxiety, stress, phobias, weight management, smoking cessation, and more. Through personalised sessions, hypnotherapy can help you make positive changes, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals.

Hypnotherapy involves guiding you into a state of deep relaxation where your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and changes. During a session, you can expect to work closely with me and I will interview you to understand your goals, address any concerns, and tailor the hypnotherapy process to your specific needs. I will then guide you into a state of focused attention, similar to being absorbed in a good book or movie, allowing you to access your subconscious and work on overcoming challenges or achieving personal growth. Throughout the session, you will remain conscious, in control, and able to remember everything that happens. The experience is a collaborative effort between you and the hypnotherapist, focused on empowering you to make positive changes in your life.

People often ask for a clear explanation of what hypnotherapy actually involves and how it differs from meditation or sleep.

They want to know you remain in control throughout and are not "mind‑controlled".

I like to think of it as "guided daydreaming", with a key to the subconscious. Your subconscious mind plays a powerful behind-the-scenes role in almost everything you do, think, and feel. It’s like the autopilot system of your brain — silently running the show while you’re busy being “conscious.”

Every smoker knows smoking is bad for you, but knowing this, isn't enough for many to stop. Talking to the part of the brain that runs to show (the subconscious) helps shift thought patterns.

Hypnotherapy can be the cherry on top of your existing treatment plan.

Your subconscious mind plays a powerful behind-the-scenes role in almost everything you do, think, and feel. It’s like the autopilot system of your brain — silently running the show while you’re busy being “conscious.”

🌙 What your Subconscious Mind does:

Here are some of its main roles:

🔁 Stores Habits and Patterns

It holds all the routines you’ve repeated enough times to become automatic — like brushing your teeth, driving, or the way you react when stressed.

🧠 Once something is repeated enough, your subconscious takes over to save you effort and energy.

🎞️ Holds Memories and Beliefs

It’s where long-term memories, core beliefs, and learned behaviours live — even the ones you don’t consciously remember forming.

🔍 This includes beliefs about yourself, your worth, your safety, and how the world works.

💬 Filters Information

Your subconscious helps you process and filter the millions of bits of sensory information you're exposed to every second — deciding what’s important or what to ignore based on your past experiences and beliefs.

🧠 Drives Emotions and Reactions

Emotions often arise from subconscious triggers — not conscious thought. That’s why you might feel anxious, sad, or angry before you realise what’s bothering you.

💥 Your subconscious reacts faster than your conscious mind can think.

🔒 Protects You

It’s designed to keep you safe — but sometimes it overprotects you based on outdated or irrational fears (like avoiding public speaking or change, because of a past embarrassment).

✨ Why This Matters in Hypnotherapy:

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious directly — the part of you that stores habits, emotions, and beliefs — to reframe, update, or release what's no longer helpful.

You're not unconscious — you're deeply relaxed, focused, and receptive to suggestion in a way your everyday mind isn’t.

A frequent concern: “Can everyone be hypnotised?” or “Will hypnotherapy work for me?” Questions around susceptibility and misconceptions about hypnosis are common

- You don't need to go "deep" for me to tap into your subconscious

- I can't make you do anything you don't want to ie you're in control

- You can't get 'stuck' in trance

- it's not a replacement for your existing treatment plan

Many wonder if they’ll lose control or be made to do something against their will. Safety and transparency in process are key concerns.

I'll talk you through any concerns you have - every time we do an hypnosis session.

Before your first session, you'll fill out an Intake Form to help me understand your history, needs, and expectations. The session typically lasts 90-120 minutes. We'll discuss your goals, explore your skills and talents, and set up some "homework" to help you achieve your objectives.

Yes, I am a member of ISPA (International Strategic Psychotherapy Association), which is a member of our industry's peak body - HCA

I hope a diploma in hypnotherapy - the highest qualification I can hold in Australia

As a compliant member of ISPA, I'm also required to complete a minimum number of personal development hours and supervision.

People often ask how to distinguish credible local hypnotherapists, what red flags to watch for (e.g. hidden fees, high upfront cost, lack of reviews), and how to ensure rapport and qualifications match.

Look out for:

- are they on an approved association directory (ISPA, HCA, AHA)

- Do they have a reported breach with AHPRA?

Hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained, licensed, and certified professional who follows ethical guidelines. It involves guided relaxation and focused attention to induce a trance-like state, allowing exploration of thoughts and memories that are less accessible in normal consciousness.

During hypnotherapy, the client remains in control and cannot be made to do anything against their will or ethical beliefs. They are typically aware and can exit the hypnotic state at any time. Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing; any therapeutic changes come from the client's own choices.

However, some risks and side effects can occur, though they are rare. These may include dizziness, headache, anxiety, stomach upset, or false memories. More severe psychological effects have been reported in some cases, such as panic attacks, confusion, or impaired coping skills, especially if hypnosis is misused or performed unethically. This underscores the importance of seeking hypnotherapy only from qualified practitioners.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting hypnotherapy, especially if you have specific health concerns. Certified hypnotherapists often have professional backgrounds in healthcare fields like medicine, psychology, or social work and have additional training in hypnosis techniques.