Hypnosis is the process by which a person induces an altered state of attention or degree of awareness in another person. The process may result in a variety of phenomena, which occur spontaneously or in response to verbal or other stimuli. These phenomena include: alterations in consciousness and memory; increased susceptibility to suggestion; the production of responses and ideas unfamiliar to the person in the normal state of mind; or changes in behaviour, perceptions, or psychological processes.

Hypnosis can also occur naturally when a person has become totally absorbed in what they are doing. Thus, like day-dreaming, hypnotic-like states may occur in people regularly.

Hypnosis is not the same as sleep. It is not like an anaesthetic. You do not "pass out" and you are not unconscious when you are hypnotised. You do not lose control over your mind or your feelings. You do not weaken or surrender your will to any other person. In fact, your will-power may be strengthened with hypnosis.

In hypnosis, it is usual to feel relaxed, at ease, and you may well enjoy a special peace of mind. Many people comment on their feeling of comfort and security, or the sensation of lightness or floating. What is particularly pleasant about hypnosis is the fact that it is natural and safe when used by trained professionals, and almost everyone can learn to use it by themselves and be helped by it. It can be learned and used by adults, adolescents, and children alike.

Where hypnosis can be used:

Hypnosis is particularly useful for helping people change their behaviour, symptoms, and attitudes. It is one of the most powerful psychological methods for mental and physical relaxation. Thus, hypnosis is useful for anxiety and stress control, and phobias. It is also useful in dealing with attention type deficits, motivation, assertiveness and confidence building, ego-strengthening and enhancing psychotherapy and counselling.

Medical Applications:
Treatments for most conditions including asthma, enuresis, hypertension, migraine, obesity, smoking cessation, gastrointestinal disorders and anxiety. It is also used extensively for labour and childbirth, minor surgical procedures, and pain control.

Psychological & Psychiatric Applications:
Include anxiety control, motivation training, attitude change, depression, eating disorders, fears and phobias, memory training, nail biting, panic and performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, stuttering, study problems, trauma counselling, thumb sucking.

All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except when;

It is subpoenaed by a court;
Failure to disclose certain information would place the client or another person's life in imminent danger;
Your prior approval has been obtained to provide reports for a third party;
It is necessary to provide details to enforce the legal rights of AllPsych Services (eg. essential details for debt collection) or;
A mandatory notification is required by law (in South Australia, Psychologists are mandatory notifiers of suspected child abuse, Nurses at risk, or of possible firearms risk).

Please note that clients have the right to remain totally anonymous by NOT providing their name or contact details.

Anonymity will be respected and no identifying details will be recorded, but please be aware that this excludes the use of some payment options and may cause minor administrative difficulties.

Confidentiality is controlled according to strict guidelines set down by the Australian Psychological Society and the South Australian Psychological Board.  This is also provided in accordance with State Legislation. 

For further information regarding confidentiality, ethical guidelines for psychologists and the procedures for making a complaint, please use the following links which will connect you to The Australian Psychological Society and to the South Australian Psychological Board

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