What is Clinical Hypnotherapy? Brisbane Livewell Clinic

If you’re considering Hypnotherapy but unsure what to expect, you’re in the right place. This article explains what Clinical Hypnotherapy actually involves, how it works, and why many patients choose it to help address issues such as anxiety, trauma, pain, and ingrained habits.

Last updated on 2 January 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Looking into Hypnotherapy and Want Real Answers?

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses guided hypnosis to help patients access their subconscious mind. In this deeply relaxed state, the Hypnotherapist can work with the patient to change unhelpful thoughts, emotions or behaviours. It is often used to support anxiety, trauma recovery, pain management, sleep issues, and habit change.

Key Takeaways

Clinical Hypnotherapy uses guided focus and relaxation to help reset emotional patterns
It may assist with anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, IBS, grief, trauma recovery and sleep challenges
Patients stay in control during the session and remain mentally aware

What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a therapy that uses focused relaxation to access the subconscious mind. This allows patients to explore and shift the underlying patterns that may be contributing to emotional or physical symptoms. It is delivered by a trained Clinical Hypnotherapist and is used in a professional setting.

You are not asleep or unconscious. You stay aware, can speak, and can stop the session at any time. The relaxed state simply helps bypass the critical part of the mind so that new, helpful patterns can be introduced.

What Can Clinical Hypnotherapy Help With?

Generalised anxiety and panic
Chronic pain and fatigue
IBS and stress-related digestive issues
PTSD and trauma recovery
Insomnia and sleep problems
Emotional resilience and stress
ADHD and Autism
Grief and loss
Confidence and mood regulation
Overcoming fears, including fear of public speaking, and phobias

Three Unique Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy

1. A different approach when talk therapy isn’t enough

Clinical Hypnotherapy is helpful when conscious understanding isn’t creating change. It works by resetting emotional and behavioural patterns at the subconscious level.

2. A supportive tool alongside physical health care

When used alongside therapies like Naturopathy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Acupuncture or Massage, Clinical Hypnotherapy can help patients manage stress that impacts digestion, sleep, and nervous system function.

3. A way to calm the body and mind

The relaxation techniques used in Clinical Hypnotherapy may help reduce overactive stress responses. This makes it suitable for patients who feel stuck in cycles of worry, tension, or burnout.