Clinical hypnotherapy at Saltbush is part of a focused therapeutic process.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and absorption, similar to becoming deeply involved in a book, film or train of thought. During hypnotherapy, you are guided into a calm, inwardly focused state where outside distractions can become less important and you may find it easier to notice thoughts, feelings and patterns in a different way. You are not asleep or unconscious, and you remain aware and in control throughout the session. Hypnosis is used alongside psychotherapy to support reflection, learning and new ways of responding, rather than to make you do anything against your will.

You do not need to be “good at hypnosis”. Your role is simply to listen, notice what comes up and allow yourself to engage with the process in whatever way feels natural.

What does hypnosis feel like?
Everyone experiences hypnosis a little differently. Some people feel deeply relaxed, while others simply notice that their attention has become more focused and inward. You may still hear sounds around you, notice thoughts coming and going, or feel completely aware of where you are. There is no need to “switch off” or reach a particular depth of hypnosis for the session to be meaningful.

Will I still be in control?
Yes. Hypnosis is not mind control, and you cannot be made to do or say something you do not want to. You remain aware throughout the process and can speak, move or stop the session at any time. Most people remember the session afterwards, although, just as with any period of deep relaxation or focused attention, some parts may feel more memorable than others.

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
We begin by talking about what has been happening for you, the patterns you have noticed and what you would like to change. The hypnosis component usually comes later in the session and is tailored to the themes we have explored together. You are guided through the process using language, imagery and focused attention, and there is time afterwards to reflect on the experience and discuss what you noticed.

1. We start by understanding what's happening

At your first session we will get to know each other and explore what has been happening. And together, we'll identify an initial direction for you to move forward.

2. We work with the pattern

Strategic psychotherapy helps us identify patterns of thinking, feeling and responding that may no longer be helping you. Clinical hypnosis may then be used to reinforce different ways of responding and give you an opportunity to experience those changes at a deeper level.

3. The work continues between sessions

You may be given practical things to notice, practise or experiment with between sessions. You will also receive the hypnotherapy recording to listen to between appointments.

4. We build momentum, then create space

Most clients begin with approximately 6 sessions.

Sessions are generally weekly at the beginning so we can build momentum and develop the work consistently. After the first few sessions, we may move to fortnightly appointments as you begin applying what you've learned more independently. Therapy duration is always guided by your individual needs and progress.

5. We review what's changing

Throughout the process, we'll check in on what's becoming easier, what's still getting in the way and whether there is anything else that would be useful to work on. The aim is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely. It's to help you develop greater awareness, flexibility and confidence in your ability to respond differently in everyday life.