What happens during hypnosis?
A clinical hypnotherapist uses hypnosis to facilitate a state of mental, physical and emotional relaxation in their client.
When you are in hypnosis, your conscious mind – the busy, analytical part of the mind – takes a rest. Hypnosis allows you to tap into the storehouse of information that lies in the subconscious (sometimes referred to as the unconscious) mind and make positive changes to thought patterns, habits, or the effects of traumatic incidents that are having a negative impact on you, either mentally or physically.
How do I choose a hypnotherapist?
When choosing a hypnotherapist, check that they are a member of a recognised association, such as The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists. See our directory at Find A Practitioner.
What does hypnosis feel like?
The feeling when in hypnosis is of being physically and mentally relaxed. It has been likened to the feelings we experience just before waking completely from sleep or just as we drift off to sleep. Some people say it feels like daydreaming. When in hypnosis, you experience a state of complete mental, physical and emotional relaxation. This in itself is a very healing state to be in. Leading American hypnotherapist, Dr Milton Erickson, described the process of clinical hypnosis as “a free period in which individuality can flourish.”
Is a doctor’s referral necessary?
A referral is usually not necessary, however, a medical check may be advisable if an issue has a predominantly physical cause. Often, the hypnotherapist will work with your doctor. Some health funds require sign-off by a doctor in order to qualify for a rebate.
How do I contact a qualified hypnotherapist through the ASCH?
To find a qualified practitioner, you can:
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Contact our office on 1300 851 173 and ask for a referral from our list of qualified members, OR
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Go to our Find a Practitioner page and check out the listings yourself.
Remember, the hypnotherapist you select in our database is:
- fully qualified
- fully trained in hypnosis theory and research in a course approved by the ASCH or is certified as having successfully completed the ASCH’s membership criteria
- a professional who is bound by, and adheres to, the Code of Ethics of their profession and also the Ethical Code of Practice of the ASCH.
See below for acronyms of qualifications/credentials.
What is the cost of treatment?
The cost of treatment varies. Check with the practitioner when you make an appointment.
Health insurance cover
Some health insurance providers will pay for hypnotherapy services under their extras cover. See health funds for more details.
Acronyms
| AACHP | Australia Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy |
| AAPH | American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists |
| AHA | Australian Hypnotherapists Association |
| APHP | The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy |
| ASH | Australian Society of Hypnosis |
| IHA | The Irish Hypnotherapy Association and The Guild of Irish Hypnotists |
| ICHP | Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy |
| NCH | National Council for Hypnotherapy |
| NHPC | National Hypnopsychotherapy Council |
| NHRA | National Hypnotherapists Register Australia |
| NRAH | The British National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists |
| NRRH | National Regulatory Register for Hypnotherapy |
| OCH | The Organisation for Curative Hypnotherapists |
| PBH | Professional Board of Hypnotherapy |
| PCHA | Professional Clinical Hypnotherapists of Australia |
| PLTA | The Past Life Therapists Association |
| RBCCH | Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis |
| RSPH | The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health |
| SHTC | Society of Holistic Therapists and Coaches |
| STT | Society for Transformational Therapy |
| SSM | The Society of Stress Managers |
| THI | The Newton Institute |
| UKCHO | UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations |
| UKCP | United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists |
| UKHA | UK Hypnotherapy Association Ltd |
| UFH | United Fellowship of Hypnotherapists |
| WFH | The World Federation of Hypnotherapists |