Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Hypnotherapy
What is hypnotherapy?
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Hypnotherapy is a gentle and supportive therapeutic approach that helps you access a calm,
deeply relaxed state of focused awareness.
In this space, we work with the subconscious mind - the part of us where many habits, emotional responses, beliefs and patterns are held.
It can be a powerful way to create positive change when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or ready to move forward.
In this space, we work with the subconscious mind - the part of us where many habits, emotional responses, beliefs and patterns are held.
It can be a powerful way to create positive change when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or ready to move forward.
How does hypnotherapy work?
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Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to
meditation, daydreaming, or that peaceful feeling just before sleep.
In this calm state, the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions, reframing and healing work, helping shift patterns that may no longer be serving you.
In this calm state, the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions, reframing and healing work, helping shift patterns that may no longer be serving you.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
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Yes, hypnotherapy is a safe and natural process when provided by a qualified practitioner. You
remain fully aware, safe and in control throughout the session. Many clients tell us they leave
feeling lighter, calmer and deeply relaxed.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
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Not at all. This is one of the most common concerns, and it’s completely understandable. You
remain aware the entire time and cannot be made to do or say anything that doesn’t feel right
for you. Think of it as being deeply relaxed, while still fully present.
Will I still be in control during hypnosis?
Yes, absolutely. You remain fully aware, safe and in control throughout the session. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to daydreaming or meditation. You cannot be made to do or say anything that doesn’t feel right for you.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is usually experienced as a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to
meditation, daydreaming, or that calm feeling just before sleep.
Some clients experience a deeper trance-like relaxation, while for others it may feel
lighter and more similar to quiet mental stillness. Both experiences are completely
normal.
Throughout the session, you remain aware, safe, and in control.
Will I remember the session?
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Yes, most clients remember all or most of what takes place during the session. Some parts may
feel dreamlike simply because you are so deeply relaxed.
Your Sessions & What to Expect
What happens in the first session?
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Your first session is a gentle, supportive space where we take the time to really listen and
understand what you’ve been experiencing. Together, we’ll talk through what has been going on
for you, what you would like support with, and how you would like to feel moving forward. There
is no pressure - this is simply a safe and caring conversation to help you feel heard,
understood and comfortable.
From there, Katarina will gently guide you through a personalised hypnotherapy session that is thoughtfully tailored to your needs, goals and pace.
From there, Katarina will gently guide you through a personalised hypnotherapy session that is thoughtfully tailored to your needs, goals and pace.
How many sessions will I need?
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Every person’s journey is unique. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions,
while others benefit from longer-term support depending on the issue and how deeply rooted it
is. This will always be discussed with care so you feel supported and clear on the process.
How long is each session?
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Initial consultations are generally around 90 minutes, allowing time to fully explore
your needs.
Follow-up sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes.
Follow-up sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes.
How quickly will I notice results?
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Every person’s journey is unique, and change can look a little different for everyone. Some
clients notice a positive shift after their very first session, while for others the changes
begin to unfold more gently over time.
Both experiences are completely natural, and there is no right or wrong way for progress to happen. Meaningful and lasting change often occurs in layers, with each session helping to build greater calm, clarity and confidence.
Both experiences are completely natural, and there is no right or wrong way for progress to happen. Meaningful and lasting change often occurs in layers, with each session helping to build greater calm, clarity and confidence.
How We Can Support You
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety and stress?
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Yes, hypnotherapy can be incredibly supportive for anxiety, overwhelm, racing thoughts and
emotional stress. The goal is to help you feel calmer, safer within yourself and more in control
of your thoughts and emotions.
Can hypnotherapy help with confidence and self-esteem?
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Absolutely. Hypnotherapy can gently work with the beliefs and inner narratives that may be
impacting your confidence, helping you reconnect with self-worth and inner calm.
Can hypnotherapy help with smoking or habits?
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Yes - many clients seek support for smoking cessation and habits they feel ready to release. We
work with the subconscious patterns that often keep these behaviours in place.
Can hypnotherapy support weight loss?
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Yes, hypnotherapy can support mindset, emotional eating patterns, motivation and healthier
habits. The focus is on sustainable, compassionate change rather than pressure.
Can hypnotherapy help with phobias and fears?
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Yes, hypnotherapy can be a gentle and supportive way to help with fears and phobias. Whether
it’s fear of flying, driving, needles, public speaking, social situations or another specific
fear, sessions are carefully tailored to help you feel safe, calm and more in control.
The aim is to gently work with the underlying emotional response so that situations which once felt overwhelming can begin to feel more manageable and less distressing over time.
The aim is to gently work with the underlying emotional response so that situations which once felt overwhelming can begin to feel more manageable and less distressing over time.
Can it help with IBS and chronic pain?
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Yes, many mind-body conditions such as IBS and chronic pain can be closely linked to stress and
subconscious responses.
Hypnotherapy can help calm the nervous system and support symptom relief.
Hypnotherapy can help calm the nervous system and support symptom relief.
Fees, Rebates & Booking
What are your fees?
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Initial consultation: $170
Follow-up sessions: $145
Can I claim through private health?
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Some private health funds may offer rebates depending on your level of cover.
We recommend checking directly with your provider prior to your appointment.
Do I need a referral?
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No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with us. You are very welcome to reach out
and book directly whenever you feel ready. If you have any questions before booking, please feel
free to get in touch on 0494 079 268, we’re always happy to help guide you through the next
steps.
How do I book?
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Booking is simple and designed to feel as easy as possible.
You can book online through our website at a time that suits you, or if you would prefer to speak with someone first, please feel free to contact the clinic directly on 0494 079 268. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you find the right appointment option for your needs.
You can book online through our website at a time that suits you, or if you would prefer to speak with someone first, please feel free to contact the clinic directly on 0494 079 268. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you find the right appointment option for your needs.
Northern Beaches Clinic Locations
Where is the clinic located?
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The Mind Shift Clinic offers appointments from our welcoming clinic locations in Balgowlah and
Allambie Heights on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Do you see clients from surrounding suburbs?
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Yes, absolutely - we warmly welcome clients from across the Northern Beaches, including Manly,
Brookvale, Dee Why, Freshwater, Narrabeen, Mosman and surrounding Sydney suburbs.
If travelling to the clinic isn’t convenient, we also offer personalised online hypnotherapy sessions, so you can receive the same calm and supportive care from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are located.
If travelling to the clinic isn’t convenient, we also offer personalised online hypnotherapy sessions, so you can receive the same calm and supportive care from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are located.
Is parking available?
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Yes, parking is available near both our Balgowlah and Allambie Heights clinic locations. Please
feel free to give us a call prior to your appointment, and we’ll be happy to guide you with
nearby parking options and access details to help make your visit as easy and stress-free as
possible.
Online Hypnotherapy Sessions
Do you offer online sessions?
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Yes, absolutely - we warmly support clients through online hypnotherapy sessions across Sydney,
Australia and around the world. Many people find online sessions incredibly comforting, as they
allow you to relax in the privacy and familiarity of your own home.
The experience is still deeply personalised and supportive, with the same gentle guidance and care as an in-person session. Wherever you are in the world, Katarina can work with you online to help you feel calmer, more confident and supported on your journey.
The experience is still deeply personalised and supportive, with the same gentle guidance and care as an in-person session. Wherever you are in the world, Katarina can work with you online to help you feel calmer, more confident and supported on your journey.
Are online sessions as effective?
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Yes, for many clients, online hypnotherapy sessions are just as effective as meeting in person.
Because hypnotherapy is based on relaxation, focus and guided therapeutic support, it translates beautifully into an online setting. In fact, many people find they are able to relax even more deeply when they are in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
The same gentle, personalised and supportive process is followed, with each session tailored to your individual needs, goals and pace.
Because hypnotherapy is based on relaxation, focus and guided therapeutic support, it translates beautifully into an online setting. In fact, many people find they are able to relax even more deeply when they are in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
The same gentle, personalised and supportive process is followed, with each session tailored to your individual needs, goals and pace.
What do I need for an online session?
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Preparing for an online session is simple and designed to help you feel as comfortable as
possible. All you need is a quiet, private space where you can relax without interruption, a
stable internet connection, and a comfortable chair, sofa or bed where you feel supported.
Many clients like to have a blanket, water and headphones nearby to help create a calm and nurturing environment. Before your session, we recommend allowing yourself a few quiet minutes to settle in so you can get the most from the experience.
Many clients like to have a blanket, water and headphones nearby to help create a calm and nurturing environment. Before your session, we recommend allowing yourself a few quiet minutes to settle in so you can get the most from the experience.