Hypnotherapy FAQs: Your questions answered

Starting your journey with hypnotherapy can feel a bit daunting, and it’s completely normal to have questions. That’s why I’ve put together these FAQs — so you can get a feel for how hypnotherapy works, what sessions are like, and how it might help you create lasting change.

During your free initial consultation, we’ll chat about your goals, your challenges, and what you’re hoping to achieve. My aim is to create a personalised plan that works with your subconscious mind — no willpower battles, just real transformation that feels natural.

Take a look through these questions, and if anything else comes to mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a gentle, guided process that helps you tap into your subconscious mind to make positive changes. Think of it as a way to gently rewire habits, release stress, and strengthen the mindset you need to achieve your goals. It works with your mind, not against it — which is why change feels natural rather than forced.

During a session, I guide you into a relaxed, focused state where your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. This isn’t like stage hypnosis — you’re fully aware and in control throughout. This relaxed state helps you shift patterns that may be holding you back, whether it’s stress, anxiety, cravings, or limiting beliefs. Patterns were learned, so they can be unlearned.

Hypnotherapy can support a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Weight management and creating a healthy relationship with food
  • Anxiety and stress — transforming overwhelm into calm confidence
  • Quit smoking — becoming a non-smoker naturally, without cravings
  • Phobias and fears — rewiring your fear response so you can face life with ease
  • Building confidence and releasing limiting beliefs
  • Sleep improvement and deep relaxation

The beauty of hypnotherapy is that it works at the subconscious level, where habits and beliefs actually live. That’s why change tends to feel effortless rather than like a constant battle.

Absolutely. Hypnotherapy is non-invasive, fully confidential, and tailored to your comfort. You stay completely in control at all times — you can’t be made to do anything against your will (that’s just stage show nonsense!). Sessions are designed to feel calm, supportive, and even deeply relaxing.

Not at all. This is one of the biggest myths about hypnotherapy. You’re fully aware and in control throughout the entire session. You can’t be made to do anything against your will. It simply feels like a deeply relaxed, focused state — similar to being absorbed in a good book or daydreaming.

Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree. All it requires is a willingness to relax and engage with the process. If you can daydream, get absorbed in a movie, or drift off while reading, you can likely benefit from hypnotherapy.

While both involve relaxation, hypnotherapy is goal-directed. During hypnosis, I guide you with specific suggestions tailored to your goals — whether that’s becoming a non-smoker, releasing anxiety, or changing your relationship with food. It’s a therapeutic process designed to create lasting change at the subconscious level.

Hypnotherapy services

Your hypnotherapy sessions include transformational coaching. This means we’re not just working at the subconscious level — we’re also integrating those changes consciously into your daily life. It’s a whole-person approach that creates lasting transformation, not just temporary fixes.

If you’d prefer a self-guided option, you might also like the Transformative HypnoTrack — a personalised audio recording you can listen to anytime.

  • Free initial consultation: 15 minutes
  • First session: 90 minutes
  • Subsequent sessions: 45-60 minutes

I recommend setting aside some quiet time after your session for reflection — it helps those subconscious shifts integrate and lets you hold onto that lovely relaxed feeling a bit longer.

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual goals and needs. Some clients experience significant shifts after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer program. During your free initial consultation, I’ll give you an honest assessment of what’s likely to work best for you. Most clients see real transformation in weeks, not years.

Yes, your privacy is paramount. All sessions are confidential.

I work exclusively online via Zoom, which means I can serve clients right across Australia and New Zealand — wherever you have a quiet space and internet connection.

Preparing for your coaching consultation or hypnotherapy

Please:

  • Dress comfortably
  • Position your camera to show your upper body
  • Use headphones for clarity and privacy
  • Find a quiet, cosy space free from interruptions
  • Refrain from alcohol, recreational drugs, or mind-altering substances beforehand

I’ll guide you into a relaxed, focused state using my voice and gentle techniques. Your mind may wander — that’s completely normal — but you’ll stay aware and in control throughout. Most clients describe the experience as deeply relaxing, like that lovely floaty feeling just before you drift off to sleep. Afterwards, you might feel calm, refreshed, or even a bit dreamy.

Effectiveness and results

This varies by individual and goal. Some people notice shifts after the very first session — perhaps feeling calmer, more in control, or simply thinking differently about their challenge. Others need a few sessions for the changes to fully integrate. Your commitment to the process is key, but here’s the good news: because we’re working with your subconscious mind, change often feels natural and effortless rather than like hard work.

First, please don’t be hard on yourself. Failed attempts don’t mean there’s something wrong with you — it usually just means you haven’t found the right approach yet. Hypnotherapy works differently because it addresses the subconscious patterns driving your behaviour, not just the conscious ‘willpower’ level. Combined with techniques like EFT, NLP and Timeline Therapy™, we can often succeed where other methods haven’t. You don’t need more willpower — you need a different approach.

here are often subtle shifts at first — you might notice you’re feeling calmer, more confident, or responding differently in situations that used to trigger you. Perhaps you’re sleeping better, or that craving just isn’t as strong as it used to be. During our sessions, I’ll check in with you regularly so we can track your progress together and adjust our approach if needed. You can also read what other clients have experienced.

Qualifications and approach

I hold certifications in hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Timeline Therapy™, life coaching and meditation.

I’m a member of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and maintain professional indemnity insurance.

I’m committed to ongoing professional development because I believe you deserve evidence-based, effective support.

I integrate techniques like NLP, timeline therapy, neuroscience, and life coaching into my hypnotherapy practice for a tailored, evidence-based approach.

I offer coaching and hypnotherapy services exclusively online via Zoom. This means I can serve clients right across Australia and New Zealand — from the Gippsland coast to the outback and everywhere in between.

There’s actually a real benefit to online sessions: you’re in your own comfortable space, which helps you relax more deeply and take an active role in your transformation. Plus, no travel time means it’s easier to fit sessions into your busy schedule.

Making services accessible

Yes. Flexible payment plans are available to align with your financial situation. View my full pricing or get in touch to discuss options.

I’m happy to offer a limited number of pro bono sessions each year. To apply, get in touch or email me at info@gippslandhypnotherapy.com.au with ‘Pro Bono Application’ in the subject line.

NDIS coverage varies by plan. Contact your plan manager regarding eligibility. Payment is required upfront, and then you can apply for rebates.

My services are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Contact your provider regarding potential future coverage.

I hope these FAQs help you understand more about my coaching and hypnotherapy services. Please get in touch to learn more or book a free initial consultation.

Ready to create lasting change?

Book your free 15-minute consultation and let’s chat about what’s possible for you. No pressure, no obligation — just an honest conversation about how hypnotherapy might help you achieve your goals.