Hypnosis Therapy
Use focused attention, guided relaxation and therapeutic suggestion to explore thoughts, emotional responses, habits and patterns that may have become difficult to change through conscious effort alone.
At Eternal Balance, every hypnosis therapy session is shaped around your goals, circumstances and comfort. Clinical Hypnotherapist Catherine Glover provides one-to-one appointments at the Surfers Paradise clinic, with online sessions also available.
What is hypnosis therapy?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention in which outside distractions may become less prominent and you can become more absorbed in thoughts, imagery and inner experience. Hypnosis therapy, also called hypnotherapy, uses this focused state within a therapeutic process to support an agreed goal.
Focused, not unconscious
You can usually hear Catherine, notice your thoughts and remain aware of the room throughout the process.
Collaborative
You and Catherine agree on the goal and approach. Suggestions should be consistent with what you want to achieve.
Personalised
The session is shaped around your experiences, needs and preferred way of engaging rather than one standard script.
Goal directed
Imagery, suggestion, therapeutic conversation and mental rehearsal may be used to support a meaningful area of change.
How does hypnosis therapy work?
There is no single experience or explanation that applies to everyone. In practice, hypnosis therapy uses focused attention to help you engage more deeply with ideas, imagery and alternative ways of responding. This may make it easier to examine a familiar pattern without the usual level of distraction or automatic resistance.
Rather than treating the mind as something that can simply be “reprogrammed”, it is more helpful to understand hypnosis as a structured process that may support learning, reflection and behavioural change. Your response will depend on the concern being addressed, your level of engagement and whether the approach feels suitable for you.
- Clarify the goalDiscuss what has been happening, what you would like to change and what a useful outcome may look like.
- Settle outside distractionsRelaxation, breathing, imagery or another suitable approach may be used to focus your attention.
- Explore new responsesTherapeutic language and imagery may help you consider another perspective or mentally rehearse a preferred response.
- Return and reflectYour attention is gradually returned to the room before you discuss the experience and any practical next steps.
What does hypnosis feel like?
People experience hypnosis differently. Some describe feeling deeply relaxed, while others notice a calm but alert sense of concentration. You may feel physically comfortable, become absorbed in imagery or notice that time appears to pass differently. A dramatic sensation is not required for hypnosis therapy to take place.
Hypnotic absorption is sometimes compared with becoming immersed in a book, film, creative activity or familiar drive. These everyday experiences are not identical to a therapy session, but they can help explain how attention may narrow while awareness remains present.
Some people relax deeply and others remain more analytical. There is no single “correct” feeling, and how relaxed you appear does not determine whether the session is useful.
What can hypnosis therapy support?
People consider hypnosis therapy for many different reasons. It may be used to explore habits, emotional responses, motivation, confidence and patterns connected with a particular concern. Suitability should be considered individually.
Anxiety and persistent worry
Explore anxious thought patterns, physical tension, triggers and automatic responses in a supportive setting.
Low mood and emotional wellbeing
Receive support for unhelpful thinking, reduced motivation and emotional patterns alongside appropriate healthcare.
Quit smoking
Address the routines, triggers and associations connected with smoking through a dedicated hypnosis program.
Eating habits and weight-related goals
Explore motivation, eating patterns and behavioural influences as part of a broader approach to sustainable change.
Fears and phobias
Examine thoughts, associations and automatic reactions connected with a particular fear.
Confidence, stress and personal change
Work with recurring emotional responses, self-beliefs, stress patterns or behaviours affecting everyday life.
What to expect from a hypnosis therapy session
Your appointment begins with a conversation, not hypnosis. You can ask questions and discuss any concerns before deciding whether to continue.
Discuss what you would like to change
Catherine will ask about the reason for your visit, relevant circumstances and what you hope may be different.
Agree on the approach
The process is explained and you can discuss whether the proposed focus and techniques feel appropriate for you.
Experience focused therapeutic work
Catherine guides your attention using relaxation, imagery, therapeutic language or another method suited to the session.
Reflect and consider next steps
You can discuss what you noticed and whether practical strategies or further support may be useful.
Session length and number: General hypnosis therapy appointments are currently listed as one-hour sessions. Some specialised programs are longer. There is no fixed number of sessions that suits everyone, so Catherine will discuss a starting point based on your goal and circumstances.
Work directly with Catherine
Catherine is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist and Regression Therapist. She holds qualifications in clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, along with a Diploma in Regression Therapy, and has a professional background in paediatric and mental health nursing and counselling.
Her approach is calm, collaborative and personalised. Rather than applying one standard script, Catherine takes time to understand what you are experiencing and what you would like to change before shaping the therapy around you.
Is hypnosis therapy safe?
Hypnosis is generally considered safe when provided by an appropriately trained and experienced practitioner, but it may not suit every person or situation. Your medical and mental health history, current symptoms and other treatment should be considered before proceeding.
Health note: Hypnosis therapy is not a substitute for diagnosis, medical care or urgent mental health support. Continue taking prescribed medication unless the clinician responsible for your care advises otherwise. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, or you are concerned about your safety, speak with a GP or an appropriate mental health professional before considering hypnosis.
Hypnosis therapy FAQs
Clear answers about hypnosis, appointments and what you can realistically expect.
Will I be asleep during hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is usually experienced as focused attention rather than sleep. You may feel deeply relaxed, but you can generally hear what is being said and remain aware of your surroundings.
Can I lose control or be made to do something against my will?
No. Hypnosis does not remove your judgement or personal values. You can reject a suggestion, speak, move or stop the session at any time.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
People vary in how readily they engage with hypnosis and how they experience it. Most people can participate to some degree, but hypnosis does not work in the same way for everyone and results vary.
Does hypnosis therapy actually work?
Hypnosis has been studied for a range of concerns, with the quality and strength of evidence differing by application. It may be useful for some people when applied appropriately, but it is not a guaranteed cure and should not replace necessary medical or psychological care.
How many hypnosis therapy sessions are needed?
The number varies according to the person, goal and type of support required. Catherine can discuss a recommended starting point after learning more about your circumstances.
Can hypnosis therapy be provided online?
Yes. Eternal Balance offers online appointments as well as in-clinic sessions in Surfers Paradise. Catherine can discuss whether an online session is appropriate for your needs.
What is the cost of hypnosis therapy?
Fees vary according to the type and length of the appointment. Refer to the current fees page for general sessions, packages and specialised programs.
Is hypnosis therapy covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Standalone hypnotherapy appointments at Eternal Balance are not Medicare-rebatable. Some private health insurance policies may provide benefits for hypnotherapy, quit-smoking or weight-related programs. Check directly with your insurer before booking.
Page information: Reviewed by Catherine Glover, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist and Regression Therapist. Updated August 2026. This page provides general information and does not constitute a diagnosis, guarantee of results or substitute for individual medical or mental health advice.