Is hypnotherapy safe?
Clinical hypnotherapy is safe when delivered by qualified practitioners. You remain aware and in control throughout, and at Norwest Wellbeing both practitioners are AHA and HCA members.
Last reviewed 8 August 2026
Yes. Clinical hypnotherapy is safe when delivered by a qualified practitioner. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention that you enter and leave many times a day; in a clinical setting it is simply used deliberately, with your consent, toward a goal you choose.
You stay in control
During hypnosis you remain aware, can hear everything, and can end the state whenever you wish. A hypnotherapist cannot make you act against your values, and you cannot get "stuck". See hypnosis myths and facts for the common fears addressed one by one. Most people simply feel deeply relaxed and focused, and leave the session calm.
Qualified, accountable practitioners
At Norwest Wellbeing, hypnotherapy is delivered by Paul Smith (Dip.Clin.Hyp., Dip.Psych.Th.) and Rebecca Smith (Dip.Clin.Hyp.), both members of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) and the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). Sessions follow a clinical structure: informed consent, a defined goal, and transparent methods explained as you go. Children and teens are seen with parent or guardian involvement, and Paul Smith leads the clinic's paediatric hypnotherapy work.
Consent, privacy and recordings
Your sessions are confidential, with records held securely on Australian servers for the legally required period. Therapeutic recordings (such as the audio of the trance portion of your initial consultation) are made with your consent via the intake form; you can stop a recording during a session and withdraw future consent at any time. Confidentiality has the standard professional limits: risk of harm to self or others, child or elder abuse reporting, court orders, and de-identified professional supervision.
When hypnotherapy is not the right tool
Safety also means using the right service. Norwest Wellbeing provides scheduled clinical hypnotherapy only and is not a crisis service. Hypnotherapy at the clinic is not suitable for psychosis, acute suicidality, complex personality disorders needing specialist programs, or unmanaged substance dependence. In an emergency call 000, or use the 24/7 lines listed in emergency and crisis support, such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you have a specific health concern and want to check suitability before booking, phone (02) 8069 9777 or request a free 15-minute callback at /appointments. For how the therapy itself works, read what is hypnotherapy.
