Frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between hypnosis & Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is simply the natural state of focused, heightened awareness and deep relaxation (the same brain-wave state you slip into while daydreaming or just before falling asleep). It is a tool — neutral, safe, and used in many contexts, from stage entertainment to meditation apps.
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic application of that state by a trained professional. In a clinical hypnotherapy session, hypnosis is used safely, intentionally and collaboratively to bypass the critical faculty, access the subconscious mind, and facilitate rapid, lasting change — whether that’s resolving anxiety, healing trauma, releasing habits, managing pain, or rewiring limiting beliefs. Think of hypnosis as the vehicle; hypnotherapy is the highly-skilled, trauma-informed driver who knows exactly where you want to go and how to get you there safely and efficiently.
What if I can’t be hypnotized?
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Almost everyone can be hypnotized – the only true exceptions are severe intellectual disability, active psychosis, or being under the influence of certain substances.
In a professional clinical setting with a skilled hypnotherapist, we meet you exactly where you are. Some people drop into profound relaxation immediately; others need a slower, conversational approach and a few sessions to get used to the relaxation state with someone guiding you.
Either way, you only need a light-to-medium level of trance for powerful therapeutic results – the same state you naturally enter while driving on “autopilot” or being absorbed in a good book. Every session is tailored to your unique suggestibility style, so even self-described “analytical” or “control-oriented” clients achieve excellent outcomes (often surprisingly fast). If you can imagine or daydream, you can absolutely benefit from hypnotherapy.
is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by province and insurance provider. In Ontario (and most of Canada), clinical hypnotherapy is increasingly recognized and often covered. I always recommend contacting your provider and asking: “Are services by a Clinical Hypnotherapist eligible under my psychotherapy or mental-health benefits?”
Most plans also have a yearly HSA, mental-health or paramedical allowance of $500–$2,000+ that can potentially be applied.
QHHT and Subconscious Coaching are considered personal-development services and are not typically reimbursed by insurance.
do i need a referral from a doctor?
No, you do not need a referral. Clinical hypnotherapy in Canada is a direct-access service — just like booking with a naturopath, acupuncturist, or massage therapist. You can schedule your appointment directly with me at any time.
That said, many clients do choose to inform their physician or therapist (especially if they’re working on medical or mental-health concerns), and I’m always happy to collaborate or provide progress summaries if requested. If your doctor has recommended hypnotherapy for anxiety, pain, IBS, smoking cessation, or other conditions, simply book your session and bring any relevant notes — no formal referral paperwork is ever required.
who is not considered a good fit for hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is remarkably safe and effective for the vast majority of people, but it is not appropriate in a few specific situations:
Active psychosis, schizophrenia with command hallucinations, or severe untreated bipolar mania (hypnosis can sometimes intensify delusions or dissociation in these states).
Severe intellectual disability or neurological conditions that prevent basic comprehension or communication.
Being under the influence of recreational drugs or heavy alcohol during the session.
If you have a diagnosed mental-health condition, are on psychiatric medication, or have a history of dissociation, we simply discuss it in the discovery call or intake — most clients in these categories do beautifully with minor adjustments. When in doubt, I will always refer you to the most suitable professional (psychiatrist, trauma-trained psychotherapist, etc.) before proceeding. Your safety and best outcome are non-negotiable.
is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes — when performed by a properly trained professional, hypnotherapy is one of the safest therapeutic modalities available. It has been formally recognized as safe and effective by the Canadian Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the British Medical Association for decades.
You cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis (it’s a naturally occurring state you enter and exit multiple times daily), you remain fully aware and in control, and you can open your eyes or end the session at any moment. There are no known negative side-effects in healthy individuals; the most common “side-effect” is feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed, or even euphoric afterward.
The only absolute contraindications are active psychosis, certain severe dissociative disorders, or being intoxicated. For everyone else — including those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, or on medication — clinical hypnotherapy is not only safe but often dramatically more effective and faster-acting than many conventional approaches. I screen thoroughly before every first session to ensure it is the right fit for you.
What are your credentials?
I am a soon-to-be Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH) through the Canadian Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy, governed by CACHE (Canadian Association of Counselling Hypnotherapists & Educators) — the most respected clinical hypnotherapy training and regulatory body in Canada. My certification is in final registration (expected completion early 2026).
I am also a certified Level 2 Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique® (QHHT®) Practitioner, trained directly through Dolores Cannon’s official curriculum (one of the few practitioners in Ontario at this advanced level).
My training includes hundreds of hours in advanced clinical hypnotherapy, trauma-informed care, regression therapy, pain management, children’s hypnotherapy, parts therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming, plus ongoing advanced education in various areas of study such as Neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, Epigenetics/SNP Genotyping, Nutritional Anthropology, Quantum Biology and Consciousness/Spiritual Enlightenment.
I adhere to strict ethical guidelines and am committed to continual professional development so every client receives the most current, evidence-based care available.
is hypnotherapy confidential?
Yes — completely. Everything you share before, during, and after a session is strictly confidential and protected under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA) and the professional code of ethics of CACHE.
I do not share recordings, notes, or any identifying information with anyone — not doctors, not insurance companies, not family — without your explicit written consent. The only legal exceptions (as with all regulated health professionals) are imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others, court-ordered disclosure, or suspected child abuse — and even then, only the minimum required information is released.
Many high-profile and private clients choose my practice specifically because confidentiality is absolute. You can speak freely, knowing your story stays entirely between us.
how many sessions will i need?
It depends on your goal and how deeply the pattern is rooted — but most people experience significant, lasting change far faster than with traditional talk therapy.
Single-issue or habit change (smoking, simple phobias, sleep, confidence): 1–4 sessions
Anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, weight, pain: usually 4–8 sessions
Complex or developmental trauma, long-standing depression, chronic conditions: 6–12 sessions (sometimes fewer when we hit the core quickly)
Deep identity or performance upgrades (via Subconscious Coaching): many clients see permanent shifts in 3–6 sessions
The majority of my clients finish their full course in 4–10 weekly and then either stop completely or return occasionally for “tune-ups.” You’ll feel noticeable change after the very first 2-hour session, and we reassess progress every time so you never continue longer than necessary. My promise: we work efficiently, ethically, and only until the change feels natural and irreversible.
what does it feel like to be hypnotized?
Most people describe it as the deepest, most pleasant relaxation they’ve ever experienced — like the delicious moment just before you drift off to sleep, or being completely absorbed in a great film or a long drive on autopilot.
Common sensations include:
Heavy, warm limbs (or sometimes light and floaty)
Tingling or gentle energy moving through the body
Time distortion (an hour feels like 10 minutes)
Vivid, dream-like imagery or simply a quiet, spacious mind
A profound sense of safety and “letting go” without losing awareness
You hear my voice the entire time (whether you consciously follow it or not), you can move or speak if you want to, and you typically can remember everything afterward. Clients usually leave saying, “That was the best nap I never actually took” or “I’ve never felt this relaxed in my entire life.” It’s deeply restorative — and surprisingly ordinary in the best possible way.