Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy

MORE ABOUT HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnotherapy

Access the Power of the Subconscious to Support Healing, Growth & Lasting Change

Do you feel stuck despite your best efforts? Are there habits, beliefs, or emotional patterns you just can’t shift, no matter how much willpower you use? Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, evidence-informed way to access deeper parts of yourself: helping you change from the inside out.

At Four Wings Psychology, we provide hypnotherapy in Nepean and virtually across Ontario. Our clinicians integrate hypnotherapy with complementary therapeutic approaches to help you heal anxiety, phobias, trauma, sleep issues, and more - with safety, consent, and empowerment.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy (also referred to as clinical hypnosis) is a therapeutic technique that guides you into a relaxed, focused state (a “trance” or hypnotic state). This state is a heightened form of inner attention in which your mind is more open to insight, suggestion, and transformation. You stay fully aware and in control throughout the process.

In this state, you can work with subconscious beliefs, emotions, and imagery that often lie beneath the level of active awareness. Because the conscious mind’s “filtering” is softer in hypnosis, you might find that you're more open to taking in new perspectives, internal resources, and more adaptable ways of thinking and feeling.

Hypnotherapy isn't magic or “mind control.” It’s a collaborative process: you are always the one experiencing, choosing, and receiving the change.

What Hypnotherapy Can Help With

Hypnotherapy is versatile. It’s often used alongside other therapeutic modalities (CBT, emotion-based therapies, trauma work) to deepen and accelerate change. Common uses include:

  • Anxiety, panic, stress management
  • Phobias, fears, and performance anxiety
  • Sleep difficulties / insomnia
  • Habit change (e.g. smoking cessation, nail biting)
  • Building confidence and self-esteem
  • Managing pain, psychosomatic symptoms, or chronic health stress
  • Trauma, inner child work, and belief-change
  • Grief, loss, and emotional release
  • Supporting positive life transitions and goals

While hypnotherapy is helpful for many issues, it's not a standalone “cure-all.” It’s most effective when combined with trauma-informed care and psychotherapy - which is precisely how we offer it at Four Wings.

What to Expect in Hypnotherapy at Four Wings

We tailor hypnotherapy to your needs, goals, and pace. Here’s a typical flow:

  1. Consultation & Intake
    We start with a conversation about your goals, history, readiness, and expectations. We’ll explain how hypnosis works, address myths or concerns, and create a plan together.
     
  2. Preparation & Grounding
    You'll learn relaxation, grounding, and safety techniques. These support emotional regulation and make sure you feel secure both inside and outside of trance.
     
  3. Induction / Deepening
    We guide you into a relaxed, focused state using imagery, breath work, or other induction strategies, tailored to how you naturally take in experiences.
     
  4. Therapeutic Work in Hypnosis
    In trance, we may:
    • Explore and change limiting beliefs
    • Strengthen internal resources (confidence, calm, self-compassion)
    • Use imagery, parts work, or symbolic metaphors
    • Release emotional charge or “unfreeze” stuckness
    • Integrate new views or self-directed suggestions
       
  5. Emerging & Processing
    You’re gently guided back to full awareness. Afterward, we reflect on your experience and integrate insights into everyday life.
     
  6. Homework & Practice
    You may receive guided recordings, journaling tasks, or self-hypnosis practice, always tailored to your capacity and comfort.
     

The number of sessions depends on your goals, depth of material, and how the work unfolds. Some people notice change after 3–6 sessions; others benefit from more extended integration with talk-based therapy.

Why Choose Four Wings Psychology for Hypnotherapy?

  • Integration with evidence-based therapy and trauma-informed care
  • Clinicians trained in both hypnotherapy and psychological models
  • Culturally sensitive, and ethical practice
  • Safeguards and support in place for emotional safety
  • In-person sessions in Nepean and secure virtual options across Ontario
  • Transparent communication and consent every step of the way

We believe in your autonomy, dignity, and capacity for change. Hypnotherapy isn’t about “fixing you,”  it’s about co-creating a path to new possibilities within you.

Safety, Myths & Considerations

  • You stay in control. You will never do anything against your will under hypnosis.
  • Hypnosis is not sleep. It’s a relaxed awareness, rather than an unconscious state.
  • It’s safest when combined. Hypnotherapy is best used with a therapist aware of trauma, dissociation, and mental health needs.
  • Not for everyone. Hypnotherapy is generally contraindicated for some severe dissociative conditions or active psychosis; your therapist will assess readiness.
  • Side effects are rare. Slight dizziness, vivid imagery, or emotional release may occur. These are normal and managed therapeutically.

When offered by skilled, ethical clinicians, hypnotherapy is considered low-risk and highly supportive. 

Ready to Explore Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy might be just the bridge you’ve been needing to shift patterns, soften internal barriers, and invite new growth. If you’re curious, let’s talk.

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