Question 1

What is clinical hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, brain health coaching, NLP & art therapy?"

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy is about reprogramming, resetting the mind, focusing on things you’d prefer to be focusing on and letting go of the things you don’t want to be holding onto.  The hypnosis helps to bring you to a relaxed focus of attention.   The NLP part of it is really interesting as well as it really looks at our language and how we set things up in our mind and we can change that really effectively, safely and quickly.   The other part is the brain health coaching. The metaphor I give this is if the brain is like the hardware and then the thinking is in a sense the software. We need to look at what's been happening with brain. Such as whether you are getting enough sleep, eating properly or exercising enough. Some of these things can actually effect the way our brain is working.   There are lots of different things that we can do, but it's looking at the mind and the brain holistically and going from there.   We look at your language patterns and any limiting beliefs that might be behind what you're saying. And and we put together strategies so that you can go forwards. The hypnotherapy itself It's not mind control, it's really lovely safe and natural.   We do tailor make it for you so it is very specific and unique to you. Which means you are more likely to take it on board because you've had a part in designing it.   Sometimes art therapy is used alongside the psychotherapy.  You do not need to be good at art to have art therapy. It is more the relaxing process.  Children often find it helpful too.

Question 2

What are your credentials? Are you registered with professional associations?

Accepted Answer

PROFESSIONAL BIO Certified Brain Health Coach with Amen Clinics Published author Clinical Hypnotherapist & Strategic Psychotherapist Master NLP Practitioner & NLP Leadership and Coach Adolescent & Family Therapist Art Therapist B.A (Hons) Practitioner of Generative Change in Generative Trance Certified Massage Therapist Certified RTO Trainer and Assessor Former lead assessor for IAP the Institute of Applied Psychology Former therapist for Barnardos and Mission Australia PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS ​ Clinical Member AHA (Australian Hypnotherapy Association) Prof Member ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) Member ANS (Australasian Neuroscience Society) Prof Member HCA (Hypnotherapy Council of Australia) Clinical Mentors - Dr. Michael Yapko and Gordon Young

Question 3

Do you work with children and young people?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I work with children from the age of eight upwards. Children respond to hypnotherapy really well. Children come to see me to help with fears and phobias, separation anxiety, bullying, anxiety and a range of other reasons.   Young people also coming to see me because of HSC pressures, or feeling anxious, confidence, help with pressures of studying HSC’s, and with social media pressures and depression. It helps to boost their confidence.

Question 4

What may it help with?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety  Stress Depression Weight Reduction Motivation Fears & Phobias, flying, lifts Insomnia Imposter Syndrome Concentration Studies, inc HSCs Performance Nail Biting Separation Anxiety Bullying Relationships Smoking Ceasation Social Media bullying Fertility Creativity Public speaking and much more...

Question 5

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on the reason for your visit.  It may take between one to three sessions. Sometimes it may be a few more.  I recommend having mind maintance sessions throughout the year for general wellbeing.

Question 6

What happens in a session? 10 myths explained

Accepted Answer

MYTH ONE A hypnotist might turn you into a chicken or make you do other embarrassing things. ​ FACT  A clinical hypnotherapist would not do this.  A stage hypnotist is very different and will do this because it is expected of them as an entertainer.  Participants would also have agreed to be involved in this way.  Clinical Hypnotherapy is only used to help fulfill therapeutic goals by enabling the subconscious to make positive changes.   ​ MYTH 2 I can't be hypnotized because my mind is too strong.  Only weak people can be hypnotized. ​ FACT  This has been proven to be untrue.  An open mind is actually a strong mind.  It depends on what people think the experience will be like.  It is not something that is “done” to you.  Many people are aware of everything that is being said and if they don’t agree with something they can reject that idea just as if they were wide awake.   ​ MYTH 3 Hypnotists swing a watch in order to hypnotise a subject. ​ FACT This is outdated these days and rarely used.  It is actually more like a deep-guided relaxation exercise.      ​ MYTH 4 What if I fall asleep and have no memory of the session? ​ FACT Hypnosis is often found to be so relaxing and occasionally some people drift off to sleep. However most people are able to relax and also listen clearly to every single word. There are medical studies that show that even in deep hypnosis a person is still aware and are actually concentrating at some level. The hypnosis session is recorded so that it can be listened to as homework to reinforce the benefits, so if someone falls asleep it doesn’t matter.   MYTH 5 Someone else will be in control of my mind? ​ FACT No, not at all.  You will remain in control.  Just like in every day life you are able to pick and choose what thoughts you listen to and take onboard and able to disregard things that you may not agree with.  Even if deeply relaxed you are able to make decisions and choices for yourself.  There is a saying that "all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis" and that really you are always in control. ​ MYTH 6 You can remain permanently stuck in hypnosis. ​ FACT You can’t get stuck.  Some people may relax so much that they don't want to open their eyes straight away as they are enjoying the feeling so much.  It is a bit like watching television and zoning out where you don’t notice things around you but you become aware as soon as you hear someone mention your name, your attention comes back instantly. ​ MYTH 7 You’ve never been hypnotized. ​ FACT Many people think they’ve never been hypnotised but actually we often go into a type of trance almost daily.  When we are daydreaming for example, or driving long distance or even watching television.  Try asking a child a question when they are fixated to their favorite program or engrossed in a game.  Meditation is even similar to self-hypnosis. ​ MYTH 8 If I can hear the therapists voice during the hypnosis then it hasn’t worked. ​ FACT No not at all.  That is a big misconception.  Even in hypnosis you are able to listen and follow the hypnotherapists voice, this is evident because as the therapist brings the session to a close the client listens and opens their eyes when asked.  Some people may feel like they have drifted off because they g=have been relaxing, but it depends on the person.  Even if they are lightly in trance the effects can still be as effective. ​ A hypnotist cured me in one session! ​ MYTH 9 FACT Many people have heard this and this can lead to an unrealistic expectation.  It is not a magic pill.  In reality the person may have considered the changes they have wanted to make for some time and therefore ready to think differently.  Often a problem has been around for quite some time and therefore more than one session is suggested to help enable lasting significant change. ​ MYTH 10 Hypnosis comes from the "Supernatural." ​ FACT Hypnosis is a very natural state that has been studied scientifically and proven to have significant benefits and successful outcomes. Hypnotherapy is based on many years of clinical research and helps people to focus their mind on the ways they would prefer to think rather than being stuck in old patterns and unhelpful behaviors.  When a person is calm they are more open to new ideas and have clarity.  For example it is known that some people listen to classical music whilst studying to help them relax and therefore concentrate better. Hypnotherapists are not magicians.  (Although the results can feel magical :)   copyright Melissa McLeod ​

Question 7

Can I use my private health cover?

Accepted Answer

Here is a list of the Private Health Fund Providers that do accept AHA provider number. Please check with your provider.   BUPA Medibank Private Australian Health Management (AHM) -is owned by Medibank Private Australian Unity CBHS Health Fund CUA Health Fund Grand United Health HBF (WA) Health Care Insurance Limited Health.com.au Health Partners Navy Health Fund NRMA Health Insurances (East Coast & Tasmania) Phoenix Health Fund Queensland Country Health rtHealth Fund (Formerly Railway and Transport Health Fund Ltd) Reserve Bank Health Society Teachers Federation Health SGIC Health Insurance (SA and NT) SGIO Health Insurance (WA)

Question 8

How much does it cost? Do you give concessions?

Accepted Answer

Initial Session 90 minutes $260 With concession card $180   Follow Up Session 60 minutes $180 With concession card $120   Value Package 1 x 90 minutes + 2 x 60 minutes $550

Question 9

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is street parking.

Question 10

How do you accept payments? Do you have Afterpay?

Accepted Answer

Eftpos, you are welcome to tap and go. Visa and mastercard Direct Bank Deposit if session is online. Yes, afterpay is available.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure 24 hours notice if you need to cancel, so someone else may benefit from the time slot. 50% of the cost of the session will need to be paid if within the 24 hours.

Question 12

Do you have a COVID-19 plan in place?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am registered as COVID safe with NSW Government Health and have a plan in place. There is a QR code upon entery and hand sanitisation at the door.

Question 13

What do I need to do first?

Accepted Answer

Please either phone or book your initial discovery call with me.  You are welcome to book online to make a time. The initial 15 minute call is free of charge and I am happy to answer your questions.

HYPNOTHERAPIST ARTIST AUTHOR

1300 252 332

MIND

BODY

SPIRIT

CONTACT

Phone 1300 252 332
Email hello@melissajmcleod.com
Location Cromer, Northern Beaches, NSW

HOURS

MON | TUES 10AM - 2.30PM
WED | THURS 10AM -7PM
FRI | SAT 10AM - 5PM
SUNDAY CLOSED

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Clinical Hypnotherapy Sydney on the Northern Beaches
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