About Clinical Hypnotherapy

What Is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses focused relaxation and guided imagery to access the subconscious mind — where deeply rooted patterns, memories, and emotional associations are stored. In this state of heightened awareness (Theta state), the mind becomes more receptive to insight, healing, and positive change.

Unlike stage hypnosis or suggestion-only methods, clinical hypnotherapy is grounded in psychological science and used by trained practitioners to address emotional, behavioural, or psychosomatic issues.

How It Works

During a session, you enter a calm, meditative state where your conscious mind relaxes and your subconscious becomes more open.

Here, we work together to:

• Identify the root causes of your patterns or symptoms

• Reframe limiting beliefs stored in memory

• Install new, adaptive thought pathways through guided suggestions
  

This process encourages neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections — making real, lasting change possible.

What Clinical Hypnotherapy Can Help With

Emotional & Mental Health

• Anxiety and overthinking

• Low self-worth or confidence issues

• Relationship or attachment wounds

• Inner child healing

Behavioural & Physical Patterns

• Sleep issues or tension-related headaches

• Stress-related fatigue or burnout

• Procrastination or self-sabotage

• Phobias or habit change (e.g., smoking, overeating)

FAQ

Can I get “stuck” in hypnosis?

No, you will not. That’s an old wife’s tale. You have complete control the whole time. You can talk, move your body, get a tissue, even get up and leave.

How does it work?

Hypnosis is a science-based modality that taps onto your subconscious. It works by lowering your brainwave to the same as when you’re in REM (similar to the mode you're in just before falling asleep/feeling sleepy). That’s what allows you to access the subconscious mind.

Many people describe hypnosis as a process through which communication between the conscious and subconscious minds can take place.

What does hypnosis feel like?

A light trance/hypnotic state should feel just like relaxation. In fact, you will be more aware in hypnosis. There is no right or wrong way to experience hypnosis. Many people don’t realise they are in hypnosis until they come out of it.

What do I need to prepare or tell you?

Start with whatever feels most present for you. A recurring thought, emotion, relationship pattern, or memory. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Our work together is to explore and process what’s beneath the surface.

Will I lose control? Will I be doing things against my will?

You’re awake and in control. Imagine being sleepy. That’s exactly how you will be like during the session. Depending on your presenting issue, you will take my cues and answer my questions. Toward the end of the session, you’ll be guided through a process of re-wiring. Because your mind is in a highly suggestible Theta state, targeted suggestions help activate neuroplasticity - an ideal time for creating new neural pathways and strengthening change.

What if I go back to scenes that are painful or scary?

While going back to scenes in your life that are hurtful, it’s important to remember that you are not reliving that scene, you are simply reviewing it and that you are safe. I will support you and create a safe space for you to express your emotions and heal - you’ll be OK. Scenes to do with sexual abuse will not be regressed.

What if I'm not sure that hypnosis will work on me?

That's a needless worry. It's really not important. The depth of trance is not linked to results at all. So don’t get stuck on “Am I deep enough?” or "It's not easy to control me." or "I'm too strong to be hypnotised." or "Usually nothing works for me.". Tell yourself - “This is working.” and it will absolutely work. Just know that it is effective. Feel free to try it for yourself.

What if I think I already know the reasons behind my issue?

What makes hypnosis amazing is that even if you think you know the reason, you see it in a completely new or different way when you tap into your subconscious for details. That’s what allows you to change the meaning and ultimately, change your beliefs. And for many clients they go back to scenes that are totally different than what they expected. Just relax and trust that your subconscious mind will show you exactly what you need to see.

When will I start to see changes?

There are 3 common types of change from hypnotherapy - every person is different: i. Immediate: You feel a massive shift right away - immediate changes in your physiology, thoughts and behaviors right in the session. ii. Incremental: You see consistent shifts every day, or over time. iii. Retroactive: You don’t see the shifts right away and then one day you suddenly look back and see all of the things that are different in your life.

What if I need or want another session?

Many people begin noticing change after the first or second session. Deep-seated patterns often require 3–5 sessions, spaced 2–3 weeks apart, for sustained reprogramming.

Some clients may need more than one session on a particular issue, depending on how deep it is.

Most want to keep doing sessions to work on other areas of their life and receive therapy simultaneously to integrate the new beliefs and build new habits and behaviours.

Who is the practitioner performing this on me?

Performed by Lou, Clinical Hypnotherapist

Clinical hypnotherapy integrates hypnosis with psychological, psychotherapeutic, or medical knowledge to address mental health or psychosomatic conditions. It’s often used as a complementary or adjunct therapy within clinical practice.

Typical Use: Trauma processing or pain management Anxiety, phobias, or depression treatment PTSD, grief, or emotional regulation Psychosomatic disorders (e.g., IBS, chronic pain) Behavioural therapy integration (CBT, EFT, etc.)

Training Background: Awarded by RTT® and recognised by International Association of Counsellors and Therapists (IACT) Training involves clinical supervision, ethics, contraindications, and integration with mental health treatment.

Is Clinical Hypnotherapy an actual form of psychotherapy?

Yes, hypnotherapy is recognised as a legitimate therapeutic approach in psychology and medicine , particularly when used by trained clinicians (psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychotherapists).

British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH) and Royal College of Psychiatrists recognise “clinical hypnosis” as a legitimate psychotherapeutic and medical technique.

Australian Psychological Society lists hypnosis as an evidence-based adjunct to psychotherapy, particularly for anxiety, stress, and pain.

Research evidence supports its effectiveness for certain conditions (e.g. pain, anxiety, IBS, trauma processing, phobias), though not as a standalone cure-all.

Psychotherapy in general is not legally regulated in Singapore to comment on its stance in this regard.

Who is clinical hypnotherapy not suitable for?

Individuals with psychosis or delusional disorders

Conditions: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paranoid delusions, mania with psychotic features.

What’s the Difference Between Hypnotherapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy?

While both use hypnosis as a therapeutic tool, the scope, depth, and intent of each differ significantly.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis — a deeply relaxed and focused state — to help individuals access the subconscious mind and create positive change. It’s often used for habit change, stress reduction, motivation, or relaxation.

Practitioners may come from a wellness, coaching, or holistic background, and training can range from short courses to intermediate certifications. The approach typically focuses on suggestion-based techniques to shift behaviours and thought patterns.

Common uses include:

• Managing stress and anxiety

• Improving sleep or confidence

• Breaking habits (e.g., smoking, overeating)

• Enhancing performance or focus

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy integrates hypnosis with psychological and psychotherapeutic frameworks, making it suitable for deeper emotional, behavioural, or trauma-related work. It’s typically used by professionals trained in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy, often under clinical supervision.

Here, hypnosis becomes part of a structured treatment process — combined with modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), or trauma-informed care — to address underlying emotional or physiological roots of distress.

Common uses include:

• Anxiety, phobias, or trauma

• Psychosomatic or pain-related conditions

• Grief, depression, or emotional regulation

• Behavioural and relational patterns

Ready to start? Book your session directly here.

Ready to start? Book your session directly here.