Clinical Hypnotherapy
Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention as an adjunct within evidence-based psychological therapy — integrated with CBT and Schema Therapy by a registered psychologist, not a standalone cure.
About this service
Hypnotherapy is a focused, relaxed state of attention in which the mind becomes more open to therapeutic suggestion and change. It is not mind control or stage-show entertainment — it is a clinically recognised technique used alongside evidence-based psychological care.
Franco uses hypnotherapy as an adjunct within broader psychological therapy, not as a standalone treatment. It is integrated with Schema Therapy and CBT so that the deeper emotional patterns driving a difficulty are addressed, not just the surface symptom. This combined approach is what distinguishes clinical hypnotherapy delivered by a registered psychologist from commercial or stage hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Suitability is discussed openly during the free 15-minute call, where Franco will help you determine whether it is an appropriate addition to your care or whether another approach would better serve your needs. No outcomes are guaranteed, and hypnotherapy is never presented as a cure.
Hypnotherapy for anxiety: Guided relaxation and targeted suggestion can help calm an overactive nervous system and reduce the physical tension and racing thoughts that accompany anxiety. Integrated with CBT, it supports the cognitive and behavioural work that addresses anxiety at its roots.
Hypnotherapy for depression: Hypnotherapy may support motivation, energy and the automatic thought patterns that accompany low mood, used alongside behavioural activation and Schema Therapy. It is not a substitute for the deeper therapeutic work depression often requires.
Hypnotherapy for alcohol: Therapeutic suggestion can support reduced cravings and reinforce commitment to change, while Schema Therapy addresses the emotional needs and coping patterns underlying disordered drinking. It is part of a broader plan, not a standalone solution.
Hypnotherapy for drug addiction: Hypnotherapy may assist with craving management and relapse-prevention strategies as an adjunct to comprehensive psychological care. For physical-dependence-level addiction, specialist addiction services may be more appropriate, and Franco can help you think through the right path.
Hypnotherapy for gambling: Suggestion work can help interrupt the automatic urge to gamble, while the underlying emotional voids and schemas that the behaviour is serving are addressed in therapy so the change is lasting.
Hypnotherapy for weight loss: Hypnotherapy can support mindful eating and motivation for healthier habits, integrated with therapy that addresses the emotional eating and self-worth patterns beneath disordered eating. It is not a quick fix and works best as part of a broader plan.
The approach
- Guided relaxation and focused-attention induction tailored to your comfort and paced to your tolerance
- Targeted therapeutic suggestion for anxiety, cravings, sleep and motivation, integrated with CBT strategies
- Schema Therapy integration to address the underlying emotional patterns and unmet needs driving the difficulty
- Practical self-hypnosis and relaxation skills you can use independently between sessions
- A collaborative, measured approach — never a standalone fix or a promised cure
Benefits
- Can reduce anxiety, tension and unhelpful habitual responses as part of broader care
- Supports behaviour change for smoking, weight, gambling and other habits alongside deeper pattern work
- Complements CBT and Schema Therapy for more durable, lasting change
- Non-invasive and conducted at your pace and comfort level by a registered psychologist
Who it's for
- People seeking support for anxiety, stress or sleep difficulties as part of broader therapy
- Those wanting help changing entrenched habits or cravings, with the underlying patterns also addressed
- Individuals looking for a complementary approach alongside evidence-based talk therapy
- Anyone curious about clinical hypnotherapy as one element of comprehensive psychological care
What to expect
- An initial discussion of your goals and an honest assessment of whether hypnotherapy is a suitable adjunct for you
- A relaxed, guided session conducted at your pace and comfort level, with your consent throughout
- Integration with your broader therapy plan so change is reinforced between sessions
- Practical skills you can use independently to maintain progress, with no promised outcomes
Questions about Clinical Hypnotherapy
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. Clinical hypnotherapy is a relaxed, focused state — you remain aware and in control throughout. It is conducted by a registered psychologist and integrated with evidence-based care. It is not mind control, and you cannot be made to do or say anything against your will.
Will hypnotherapy work on its own?
It can be helpful for some concerns, but Franco uses it as an adjunct within broader psychological therapy rather than a standalone treatment. It works best when integrated with Schema Therapy and CBT to address both the surface habit and the deeper pattern beneath it. No outcomes are guaranteed, and it is not presented as a cure.
Is hypnotherapy suitable for everyone?
No. Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone, and suitability depends on your individual circumstances and goals. This is discussed openly during the free 15-minute call, where Franco will help you determine whether it is an appropriate addition to your care or whether another approach would serve you better.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
It is commonly used as an adjunct for anxiety, stress, sleep, smoking cessation, weight management, gambling, alcohol and other entrenched habits, as well as supporting motivation and emotional regulation. Franco integrates it with evidence-based therapy so the underlying emotional patterns are also addressed.
Are there Medicare rebates for hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is delivered as part of psychological therapy sessions. For information on session fees and Medicare rebate eligibility with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, please see the Fees page. Franco will discuss the specifics with you during your consultation.
Ready to explore clinical hypnotherapy?
A free 15-minute call is the simplest way to find out whether this approach fits your needs. Every intake is personally triaged by Franco.
Other services
Explore the other therapeutic services Franco offers.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy explains how early experiences shape core beliefs, emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and relationships — and how therapy helps people recognise and change these lifelong patterns.
Learn moreCBT
CBT helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. It is structured, goal-oriented, and strongly supported by research for anxiety, depression, and a range of emotional difficulties.
Learn moreEMDR Trauma Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an important approach to trauma treatment. It helps people process distressing experiences and traumatic memories that continue to affect emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
Learn more