Question 1

What is clinical hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Clinical hypnotherapy uses a natural state of focused, inward attention (a “trance”) to work with your subconscious mind - the part that runs your automatic habits and feelings.

In this state you’re usually relaxed, absorbed, and more open to helpful suggestions, while still aware of where you are and what’s happening.

Question 2

Will I lose control or fall asleep?

Accepted Answer

You stay awake and aware the whole time. The state feels similar to being deeply focused on a book or a podcast where the rest of the room fades into the background. You can open your eyes and stop at any moment.

Question 3

How is it different from stage hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Completely different. Stage hypnosis is entertainment. 
Clinical hypnotherapy is a one-to-one therapeutic process focused on one specific behavioural pattern.

There are no tricks, no commands, and no loss of control. You can stop at any point.

Question 4

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. You’re always in charge. I’m supervised by senior clinicians at the London School of Clinical Hypnosis, insured, and every session follows structured clinical protocols. Sessions are audio-recorded with your consent for supervision only. If at any point during the session something feels uncomfortable, you tell me and we stop.

Question 5

Does it work for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Most people can enter a relaxed, focused state simply by following the breathing and relaxation instructions. Willingness matters more than "hypnotisability." If you're open to the process and want to work on the pattern, that's the foundation.

Question 6

Why are the sessions free, and what does “supervised practice” mean?

Accepted Answer

I’m currently completing an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis, which requires a set number of supervised clinical hours following specific protocols. In this phase, a limited number of sessions are offered at no charge because they are part of my training and assessment, not a full‑fee private practice.

“Supervised” means every case I take is reviewed by experienced senior clinicians at LSCCH. This means you get my full attention in the session and an additional layer of expert oversight behind the scenes.

Question 7

What kinds of patterns do you work with in this supervised phase?

Accepted Answer

* Performance anxiety (presentations, exams, interviews, intimate/sexual performance)
* Stammering, social confidence, boundaries, and people‑pleasing
* General stress and “on edge” feelings (non‑crisis)
* Sleep onset or maintenance difficulties (non‑medical)
* Smoking/vaping, 
* Habits like nail‑biting, skin‑picking, jaw‑clenching, teeth grinding
* Weight management, emotional/stress eating and motivation for everyday movement (non‑eating‑disorder)
* Specific fears (flying, heights, bridges, lifts, driving, crowds, needles, dental/medical visits)
* Adjusting to life changes (move, job/role change, rebuilding routines)

Question 8

What can you NOT work with?

Accepted Answer

I stay within my training scope. I don't work with active trauma, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia), substance dependence, psychosis, severe depression, or active self-harm. If any of those come up during intake, I'll let you know and help point you toward the right support.

Question 9

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy is usually shorter‑term than many talking therapies.

The standard block is 3 sessions, once a week. For smoking, it's typically 1 session using a specific protocol. 3 sessions give enough time to identify the pattern, work with it, and build a response that holds. Some patterns respond faster.

We check progress each session and adjust from there, rather than promising a fixed number or quick “cure.”

Question 10

What happens in a typical session with you?

Accepted Answer

A standard session usually includes:
1. Brief check‑in – where you are with the pattern since last time.
2. Transition into trance – eyes closed, guided relaxation or focused attention.
3. Therapeutic work – imagery, metaphors and tailored suggestions related to your goal.
4. Ending the trance – a clear re‑orientation back to the room.
5. Short debrief – space to share what felt useful, without over‑analysing.

Sessions are online via secure video, so you join from a quiet, private space where you can sit or lie comfortably.

Question 11

Why are sessions recorded? Is it confidential?

Accepted Answer

Audio recording is required for supervision and skills assessment; it allows my supervisor to hear how I work and support me in improving. Recording only happens with your signed consent, and the files are used solely for supervision, stored securely and not shared beyond that professional context.

Outside of supervision requirements, your information and what you share in sessions are treated as confidential, within the usual limits of safety and the law that apply to all helping professionals.

Question 12

Do I have to “believe” in hypnosis for it to work?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need blind belief, but a reasonable openness and willingness to engage helps. Research and clinical manuals emphasise that your motivation, expectation and cooperation are key factors in response. If you’re unsure or sceptical, we can start by simply treating it as a structured relaxation and focus exercise and let your own experience guide you.

Question 13

What happens after the 3 sessions?

Accepted Answer

You walk away with breathing, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis tools you can use on your own. After I complete my certification, I'll offer paid sessions for anyone who wants to continue or work on something new.

Post-certification pricing is RM405 for 3 sessions.

Question 14

I'm interested to work with you, how do I reach out?

Accepted Answer

Simply fill in the intake form here, or drop me a text on IG!

Question 15

Where do the sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

Online via a secure video Google Meet.

You just need a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection.

Question 16

How can I prepare for an online session?

Accepted Answer

* Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted.
* Use a comfortable chair or place to lie down, with your head supported.
* Silence notifications and put phones on do‑not‑disturb.
* Wear comfortable clothing and avoid substances that make you drowsy or overstimulated.

You don’t need to “do” anything special; simply showing up, being curious, and letting yourself follow the process is enough.

Question 17

Does hypnotherapy replace medical or psychological treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach, not a substitute for medical care or psychological treatment. It is often used alongside other supports to help with symptoms, coping, and behaviour change.

If you have, or suspect you have, a significant medical or mental health condition, you should remain under the care of an appropriate practitioner. Where something falls outside my current scope, I’ll say so clearly and, where possible, suggest other avenues of support.

Question 18

Is hypnotherapy recognized by the Malaysian government?

Accepted Answer

Clinical hypnosis is referenced in the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s Pain Management Handbook (2022), and the MOH’s health technology assessment unit (MaHTAS) has published a review supporting its use for pain and anxiety. The Malaysian Society of Clinical Hypnosis works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The MOH launched a public consultation on formally regulating hypnotherapy in Malaysia in March 2026.

My training is with the London School of Clinical Hypnosis (LSCCH), affiliated with the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH), which is recognised by the UK’s Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Question 19

Is there evidence it works?

Accepted Answer

Malaysian studies include hypnotherapy for weight management at a public university (feasible, acceptable, no adverse effects reported) and a randomised trial at Hospital Kuala Lumpur using clinical hypnosis to reduce post-surgical pain.

Internationally, systematic reviews show hypnosis can help with sleep disturbances, specific phobias, and performance anxiety.

The SPHIA study showed female participants felt calmer and more grateful using Islamic-adapted hypnotherapy.

Question 20

Is hypnotherapy halal or haram?

Accepted Answer

The key question: does it involve shirk, sihir, jin, or anything clearly haram? Clinical hypnotherapy is a psychological method: deep relaxation, focused attention, and positive suggestions to help change thoughts, emotions, and habits. There are no spirits, no rituals, no forbidden practices.
Malaysian researchers developed Spiritual Hypnotherapy with Islamic Approach (SPHIA), integrating duʿa, adhān, dhikr, selected surahs, and ṣalāh imagery into sessions, with scripts validated by Islamic authorities in Malaysia. When kept within these limits, many scholars regard it as a permissible wasīlah (means) for treatment. If you personally like to begin with duʿa or dhikr for protection and barakah, that is welcomed.

Question 21

Is clinical hypnotherapy used in hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health’s health technology assessment unit (MaHTAS) has reviewed clinical hypnosis and found it effective for reducing procedural pain and anxiety. Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) has run a clinical trial on hypnosis for post-surgical pain. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) conducted a trial on hypnotherapy for anxiety. Self-hypnosis is referenced in the MOH Pain Management Handbook (2022).

Internationally, clinical hypnosis is recommended by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for irritable bowel syndrome and is used at hospitals including Stanford, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. The American Psychological Association has a dedicated division for clinical hypnosis research (Division 30).

Question 22

Have there been major studies on clinical hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A meta-analysis of surgical patients found that 89% of those receiving hypnosis had better outcomes than those who did not (Montgomery et al., 2002). For IBS, a meta-analysis found that only 5 patients need to be treated for 1 to benefit significantly (Schaefert et al., 2014). NICE in the UK recommends hypnotherapy specifically for IBS that has not responded to other treatments. In Belgium, a university hospital (CHU de Liège) has used hypnosis as part of surgical anaesthesia in approximately 9,500 procedures since 1992. Multiple Cochrane reviews have examined hypnosis for pain during childbirth, procedural pain, and chronic conditions.

Veronica Ching

Clinical & Behavioural Hypnotherapist 🌟 Specialize in performance anxiety, stress relief, emotional eating, insomnia, fears & phobias. See more 👇

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