Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Hypnotherapy
What is hypnotherapy?
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Hypnotherapy is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps calm the mind, shift unhelpful
patterns, and support lasting positive change. It’s a therapeutic process that uses focused
attention to access the subconscious mind – that part of us where our habits, beliefs and
behavioural patterns are held.
It can be a powerful way to help you move forward in life when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or experiencing functional symptoms.
It can be a powerful way to help you move forward in life when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or experiencing functional symptoms.
How does hypnotherapy work?
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Hypnotherapy works by guiding the mind into a state of focused attention, similar to daydreaming
or meditation. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestions, reframing
and healing work and positive change is more easily accepted.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
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Yes, hypnotherapy is a safe therapeutic 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 myths. You remain aware and in control throughout the
process and can not 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.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is usually experienced as a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to meditation, daydreaming. Some clients experience a deeper trance-like relaxation, while for others it may feel lighter and perhaps it may feel like not much is happening at first. Both experiences are completely normal.
Throughout the session, you remain aware, safe, and in control.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is usually experienced as a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to meditation, daydreaming. Some clients experience a deeper trance-like relaxation, while for others it may feel lighter and perhaps it may feel like not much is happening at first. 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 what takes place during the session. Some parts may
feel dreamlike simply because you are so deeply relaxed.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
What happens in the first session?
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In the first session, 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 conversation to help you feel heard, understood and comfortable to explore those issues
you’d like to work through. In this conversation your goals will be clarified and practical
tools provided to help you get to your desired outcome as fast as possible.
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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It depends on your personal circumstances, complexity of your situation and goals. Generally,
the number of sessions is discussed in the first session once your desired outcome has been
discussed.
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 clarity, confidence and empowerment.
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 clarity, confidence and empowerment.
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 help with building confidence and improved self-esteem by
addressing unhelpful inner narratives and anxiety, stemming from long held beliefs.
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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The focus is on sustainable change and building a healthier relationship with food.
Can hypnotherapy help with phobias and fears?
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Yes. Whether it’s fear of flying, driving, needles, heights, 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 work with the underlying emotional response – anxiety response - so that situations which once felt overwhelming can begin to feel less distressing.
The aim is to work with the underlying emotional response – anxiety response - so that situations which once felt overwhelming can begin to feel less distressing.
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.
Research from Monash University into gut-directed hypnotherapy demonstrated a 72% reduction in IBS symptoms. It’s a staggering result that highlights how effective gut-directed hypnotherapy can be.
Hypnotherapy can help calm the nervous system and support symptom relief.
Research from Monash University into gut-directed hypnotherapy demonstrated a 72% reduction in IBS symptoms. It’s a staggering result that highlights how effective gut-directed hypnotherapy can be.
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 answer any questions you may have and guide you through the booking process.
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 answer any questions you may have and guide you through the booking process.
How do I book?
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Booking is easy – you can send us a message with your preferred day / time options and you will
receive an email back with availability. Or if you prefer to speak with someone first, feel free
to contact the clinic….
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.
Scroll down to see the locations’ address in the footer.
Scroll down to see the locations’ address in the footer.
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, we support clients online across 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 supportive and effective, with the same guidance and care as an in-person session.
The experience is still deeply supportive and effective, with the same guidance and care as an in-person session.
Are online sessions as effective?
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Yes, for many clients, online hypnotherapy sessions are just as effective as meeting in person.
What do I need for an online session?
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Preparing for an online session is simple - 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 comfortable and supported.
Many clients like to have a blanket, water and headphones nearby. 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. Before your session, we recommend allowing yourself a few quiet minutes to settle in so you can get the most from the experience.