Imagine This…
You’re in a quiet, comfortable space. Your breathing slows. Your mind feels calm, yet focused—like being lost in a good book or daydream.
In that state, it’s easier to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost confidence, or release patterns that keep you stuck. That’s the power of clinical hypnosis—a gentle, evidence-based way to help your mind work with you, not against you.
At Synthesis Psychology, we integrate clinical hypnosis into a personalized counselling approach, so it supports—not replaces—your broader therapy goals.
What Is Clinical Hypnosis?
Clinical hypnosis (sometimes called hypnotherapy) is a guided process that helps you enter a deeply relaxed yet highly focused state. In this state, your mind becomes more receptive to new perspectives and ways of thinking.
And no—this isn’t stage hypnosis. You won’t be clucking like a chicken or doing anything outside your values. You’re always aware, always in control, and able to stop at any time.
Instead, think of it as a therapeutic “deep dive” into your mind’s natural ability to imagine, focus, and reframe.
How Clinical Hypnosis Works at Synthesis Psychology
Every session is unique to your needs, but often follows a flow like this:
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- Settling in – We’ll talk about what’s been going on for you and what you’d like to focus on that day.
- Guided relaxation – I’ll lead you into a calm, centered state using safe, grounding techniques.
- Personalized suggestions – Here’s where we work with your goals—whether that’s releasing stress, preparing for a life event, or shifting unhelpful thought patterns.
- Integration and reflection – You’ll come back to full alertness, with space to reflect on the experience and how to carry insights forward.
Some clients notice changes quickly—such as feeling calmer or sleeping more soundly—while for others, hypnosis becomes a powerful part of ongoing therapy, helping reinforce skills learned in session.
When Hypnosis Can Help
Because hypnosis works by focusing your attention and quieting mental “noise,” it can support many areas of mental and emotional health, including:
- Anxiety and stress management – creating more calm in your mind and body
- Sleep disorders and insomnia – helping your nervous system shift into rest mode
- Boosting self-esteem and confidence – reframing self-talk and inner beliefs
- Emotional regulation and relaxation techniques – building resilience to life’s ups and downs
- Trauma recovery – reducing distress responses and supporting a sense of safety
- Eating disorders and body image concerns – fostering self-compassion and body acceptance
- Motivation and goal setting – boosting focus and follow-through
- Relationship and communication skills – building confidence in expressing yourself
While hypnosis isn’t a cure-all, it can be a meaningful complement to other evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, or somatic approaches—especially when you’re feeling “stuck” in old patterns.
Myths vs. Reality
A lot of people hesitate to try hypnosis because of what they’ve seen in movies or on stage. Here’s the truth:
- You can’t be made to do anything you don’t want to do.
- You’re not asleep—you’re in a state of focused awareness.
- It’s safe when done by a trained mental health professional.
You can remember and reflect on everything that happens.
At Synthesis Psychology, hypnosis is always collaborative, transparent, and tailored to your comfort level.
Is It Right for You?
Hypnosis can be a great fit if:
- You’re curious and open to trying a new approach
- You want to address issues like anxiety, sleep, or self-esteem from a different angle
- You’ve tried traditional talk therapy and want to add another tool to the process
It works best when you see it as part of your counselling journey—not a “quick fix,” but a skill you can return to whenever you need it.