Seeking Treatment
See also FAQ About Hypnotherapy.
What happens during hypnosis?
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.
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.”
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 Hypnotherapist.
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 go to our Find a Hypnotherapist page and locate a hynotherapist near you.
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.
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