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Psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy …. choosing the right form of therapy can feel confusing. Terms like psychotherapy, counselling, and hypnotherapy are often used interchangeably, yet they describe different — and complementary — ways of supporting psychological change.
In my practice, these approaches are integrated thoughtfully and ethically to support meaningful, lasting change. This page explains what each approach involves, how they differ, and how they may work together depending on your needs.
Psychotherapy is a depth-oriented approach to understanding and addressing emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. It focuses not only on current symptoms, but on the underlying patterns, experiences, and meanings that shape how you feel, think and relate.
In my work, psychotherapy may explore:
Psychotherapy is often medium to long-term, allowing space for insight, emotional processing, and integration. The therapeutic relationship itself is a central part of the work and provides a safe, respectful environment in which change can occur.
Counselling is often more structured and present-focused. It can be helpful when you are dealing with specific challenges, transitions, or periods of distress.
In my practice, counselling may support work with:
While counselling can be brief or longer-term, it usually places greater emphasis on practical coping strategies, emotional support, and problem-solving. Counselling does not exclude depth — rather, it meets you where you are and focuses on what feels most relevant and manageable at the time.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses focused attention and deep relaxation to support psychological change. In this state, attention is narrowed, distractions are reduced, and people are often more receptive to insight, imagery, and therapeutic suggestion.
Clinical hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis. You remain aware, in control, and able to speak or stop at any time. Hypnosis is a natural state that many people experience daily — such as becoming absorbed in a book or drifting just before sleep.
When I use hypnotherapy, it may support work with:
Hypnotherapy is always used responsibly, collaboratively, and only where it is clinically appropriate. It is most effective when integrated within broader therapeutic work rather than used as a stand-alone technique.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, my approach is integrative and responsive.
Depending on your needs, therapy may involve:
Some people work primarily in one modality, while others move fluidly between approaches over time. The pace and direction of therapy are guided collaboratively, with attention to safety, readiness, and your personal goals.
All work in my practice is grounded in contemporary psychological understanding and trauma-informed principles. This means:
Hypnotherapy, when used, is applied carefully and only where it supports the overall therapeutic process.
Therapy sessions provide a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore what matters to you. Sessions may involve conversation, reflection, emotional processing, skills-based strategies, or guided experiential work, depending on the approach being used.
You do not need to know in advance which type of therapy is “right” for you. This is something we can explore together in the early sessions.
These approaches may be helpful if you:
If you are experiencing acute crisis or require immediate support, I will discuss appropriate referrals or emergency options with you.
If you would like to explore psychotherapy, counselling, or hypnotherapy, you’re welcome to book an appointment or arrange a complimentary introductory session. This offers an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your needs, and decide whether this approach feels like a good fit for you.
You may also wish to explore:
Australian Counselling Association (ACA#8312), Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (AACHP#2003094), EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA#1001198), Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA Reg.Clinical#30404)
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