“Hypnosis begins with the premise that the client has valuable abilities that are present but hidden that can be uncovered and used in a deliberate way to overcome symptoms and problems.” Michael Yapko

Clinical hypnotherapy should be practiced by a trained professional who adheres to ethical guidelines and works collaboratively with the client.

Gillian Moore is a Clinical Psychologist and Hypnotherapist with extensive experience and training. Gillian is the third generation in her family to be trained and experienced in the art of hypnosis and psychotherapy. 

What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates techniques from hypnosis and psychotherapy. It involves the use of hypnosis to help individuals achieve a natural state of deep relaxation and focused attention (light trance/alpha brain waves to medium trance/theta brain waves) and access their unconscious mind where learned behaviour patterns and emotional conflicts are stored. 

During a clinical hypnotherapy session, you will be guided into a state of relaxation that makes you more susceptible to desired changes, enabling the therapeutic use and benefit of suggestions and imagery to release negative feelings and rapidly integrate new skills, strategies and strengths. 

Whilst in hypnosis, the client hears and knows what is being said and is aware of what is happening and is in control of their mind and body. Creative talents and abilities never before experienced are available to them. Clients can deliberately program their unconscious with beneficial ideas that have a post-hypnotic effect on their behaviour and habits.  

Effectiveness studies for multiple presentation types are numerous and replicated. Recent particular interest in the effectiveness and use of hypnotherapy for sufferers of IBS has resulted in Monash University’s development of the app ‘Nerva’ to reduce public wait times for hypnotherapy appointments. 

Hypnotherapy is so effective because it not only bypasses conscious cognitive intelligence and critical thought processes (Pre-Frontal Cortex), which usually act as a gatekeeper for adopting lasting change, but it also bypasses the fight or flight response (Sympathetic Nervous System) as the Central Nervous System is in a soothed state (Parasympathetic Nervous System), available to digest new behavioural and emotional information. 

Clinical hypnotherapy is used to address a wide range of issues, such as managing pain and medical conditions, reducing stress and anxiety, overcoming phobias, improving sleep, releasing negative thoughts, changing habits and enhancing performance in different areas of life. Hypnotherapy gently releases blocks and fears, creating new inner beliefs to make changes in the way you think, feel and behave.  

How many sessions will I need?

Typically, an initial session is required for assessment of the challenges to be addressed, with a subsequent session allocated for hypnotherapy.  

How do I prepare for my session?