What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a clinical therapy that uses hypnosis (a natural state of focused attention with heightened responsiveness to suggestion) to work with the unconscious patterns behind problems like anxiety, poor sleep, unwanted habits and low confidence.

How hypnosis works

Hypnosis is not sleep and it is not unconsciousness. It is a state of narrowed, absorbed attention. Similar to being deeply engrossed in a film or driving a familiar route on "autopilot". In this state, the analytical, critical part of the mind settles, and you become more responsive to helpful suggestions.

This matters because most stubborn problems are not run by logic. You already know that smoking harms you or that worry is unproductive. The pattern persists because it runs automatically, below conscious awareness. Hypnotherapy works at that level, helping the unconscious mind adopt new, more useful responses.

A clinical hypnotherapist guides you into hypnosis using voice and imagery, then delivers therapeutic suggestions tailored to your goal. You remain aware and in control throughout, and you can end the state at any time. If you're unsure about any of this, read hypnosis myths and facts and is hypnotherapy safe.

The clinical basis

Hypnotherapy has clinical research support across a range of areas, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pain, anxiety and smoking cessation. It is used as a structured, goal-directed therapy: not entertainment, and not a mystical practice. You can read more in hypnotherapy research and evidence.

How it applies at Norwest Wellbeing

At Norwest Wellbeing, clinical hypnotherapy is delivered by Paul Smith and Rebecca Smith, both clinical hypnotherapists and members of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) and the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). Sessions combine hypnosis with strategic psychotherapy, a goal-driven brief therapy, so you get both the conversation and the change-work in one appointment.

Rebecca also facilitates PSYCH-K® as a separate, fully awake belief-change service. If you are comparing the two, see PSYCH-K® vs hypnotherapy.

Your initial consultation runs up to 90 minutes and includes an audio recording of the trance part of the session so you can keep reinforcing the work at home. Sessions are available in-clinic at Norwest or by Zoom Australia-wide.

Wondering whether it suits your situation? Start with is hypnotherapy right for me, book at /appointments, or phone (02) 8069 9777.