Overcome Addictive Habits Using Hypnotherapy

Understanding Addictive Behaviour

By the time someone reaches out for hypnotherapy to break an addictive habit or dependency, they’ve usually hit a point where something has to change. Maybe they’ve recognised it themselves, or maybe someone close has said, “This isn’t working anymore.”

Habits like smoking, vaping, drinking, substance use, or gambling can take a real toll - not just on the person doing them, but on family, friendships, and long-term health too.

Most people already know the habit’s not helping them. They wake up thinking, “Today I won’t do it,” but by the end of the day, they’ve slipped back into it… and then comes the guilt, frustration, and that inner voice saying, “Why can’t I just stop?”

When I talk to clients, I often hear things like, “It helps me relax,” or “It helps me feel like I fit in.” But once we dig a little deeper, it usually turns out that the habit is doing something more - it’s helping them cope. It’s a way of easing emotional discomfort like stress, anxiety or depression - numbing the feelings.

A lot of the time, there’s a link to past trauma or PTSD, even if they haven’t put those pieces together yet.

And when we get to the heart of it, there’s often a fear sitting underneath it all: “What will life look like without this?” That question is so common - and it’s also where real change starts.

How hypnotherapy helps break addictive habits

Whether you’re ready to quit smoking, cut back on drinking, or let go of another addictive habit, hypnotherapy for addictive habits and dependencies can be a powerful tool for change.

As a clinical hypnotherapist, I work with people who feel stuck in unhelpful patterns - helping them understand what’s really driving the behaviour and guiding them toward lasting change. At Miracle Minds, I offer a tailored treatment plan, usually over four to five sessions, to help you break free from the cycle.

Together, we’ll work on:

Interrupting cravings and urges that fuel the habit
Strengthening your desire for healthier, more empowering behaviours
Training your mind to filter out the noise - those thoughts and feelings that aren’t helpful
Activating your relaxation response, so you feel calmer and more in control throughout the day
Collaborating with your GP or other health professionals if your habit includes a chemical or physical dependency

Unlike talk therapy, hypnosis for addictive habits works directly with the subconscious mind to embed more helpful cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses. Over time, these changes become your brain’s new autopilot - helping you overcome problem behaviours, rebuild self-trust, and experience lasting improvement.

At Miracle Minds, we can deliver hypnotherapy treatment in Canberra or from the comfort of your own home via our secure telehealth facility - whatever works best for you.

Find out how hypnotherapy services can help you

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How much does hypnotherapy cost?

At Miracle Minds, I believe in being upfront about fees. Both the initial consultation and standard sessions are $195. For eligible clients, flexible payment plans are available to make therapy more accessible. For full details, please visit my Fees page.
Do I need Medicare or a mental health treatment plan?

You don’t need a mental health treatment plan from your GP to make an appointment to see me. Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can be used in conjunction with any other professional medical services including a psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is not currently covered by Medicare, so you do not need a Medicare card to make an appointment or receive hypnotherapy treatment.
What should I expect during a hypnotherapy session?

If this is your first time, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure - but the process is gentle, and you’re in control the whole time. When we begin the hypnosis, I’ll guide you into a calm, relaxed state - similar to how it feels when you’re deeply focused or daydreaming. You’ll still be aware of what’s happening, just more open to helpful suggestions that support the changes you want to make. After your session, you’ll receive a personalised recording to listen to at home. This helps reinforce the work we’ve done and supports ongoing, lasting results. For full details, please visit our blog Inside Hypnotherapy: Step by Step Guide to what really happens in a session.
What is Multi-Channel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI)?

Think of your brain like a filing cabinet. When something overwhelming or traumatic happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t get a chance to 'file it away' properly - it stays messy and keeps popping up at the wrong times, like in anxiety, flashbacks or strong emotional reactions. Eye movement therapies like MEMI help your brain finish filing those memories. By guiding your eyes while you think about the event, we're helping the brain reprocess it in a way that feels less intense and more distant - kind of like turning down the volume on a memory. You’ll still remember what happened, but it won’t feel like it’s happening all over again. It becomes something that happened, not something you're still living through. For more details, please visit our blog Letting go of trauma: A guide to eye movement therapy
What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that uses deep relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind. We call this a trance state—and yes, everyone can reach it! Once you're in this relaxed and focused state, I use techniques like guided imagery, visualisation, and suggestion therapy to help shift unhelpful patterns, reinforce positive behaviours, and support lasting change at the subconscious level—where your “autopilot” lives. Hypnotherapy can be an effective approach for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, PTSD, and habit-related challenges like smoking, gambling, and alcohol use.
Do you have online therapy sessions?

Yes, I offer both online and in-person sessions located in Dickson, ACT. Contact me today and schedule a free 15-minute phone call where you can explain the change you are seeking, and I can explain how hypnotherapy can help.
What will I experience with hypnosis?

Hypnosis feels a lot like those everyday moments when you’re lost in a book or gazing out the car window, completely absorbed. You’re not asleep or unconscious - you’re relaxed, focused, and still aware of what’s happening. It’s like switching your mind to “Do Not Disturb” mode, where the outside noise fades and your attention gently turns inward - an yes, everyone can get there! In that relaxed, focused state, your subconscious is more receptive, allowing you to take on the suggestions you need to reframe negative thought patterns and reinforce positive behaviours.
Why should I choose you as my therapist?

I discovered the power of hypnotherapy over 15 years ago when it helped me overcome debilitating claustrophobia. This began my journey to becoming a therapist. As a veteran and former senior executive, I understand high-pressure environments and life’s challenges. I'm accredited through the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia and hold qualifications in Clinical Hypnosis, Strategic Psychotherapy, and Applied Science. My approach is empathetic, practical, and results-focused.
Will hypnotherapy for anxiety help with my sleep?

Anxiety and poor sleep often go hand in hand. Hypnotherapy helps calm the nervous system, quiet racing thoughts, and reduce the mental overactivity that keeps you awake. By working with the subconscious, we can break the cycle of worry at bedtime and retrain your mind to feel safe, calm, and ready for rest.
What if I can't relax or switch off my mind?

That’s completely okay - and very common in people with anxiety. Hypnotherapy is designed to meet you where you are. You don’t need to "clear your mind" or force yourself to relax. The process itself guides your mind into a calmer state, even if you arrive feeling tense or restless. It's gentle, safe, and works with your mind - not against it.
Can hypnotherapy help with panic attacks?

Hypnotherapy helps you access the subconscious patterns that trigger panic attacks. By calming the nervous system and reprogramming your automatic responses, it becomes easier to manage intense fear, shortness of breath, and racing thoughts. Over time, many clients experience fewer panic attacks - or stop having them altogether.
How does hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is highly effective for anxiety because it works directly with the subconscious mind, where many anxious thoughts and patterns are stored. Rather than just managing symptoms, hypnotherapy helps reduce overthinking, calm the body’s stress response, and reprogram the automatic reactions that keep anxiety going. Most clients begin to feel lighter and more in control after just a few sessions.
How many hypnotherapy for anxiety sessions will I need?

Most clients notice positive shifts after just one session, but for lasting change, I usually recommend 4 to 5 sessions. We'll talk through your specific needs during your initial consultation and tailor a plan to suit you. To make things easier, all sessions are scheduled in advance at the time of booking.
Will hypnotherapy for depression help with my sleep?

Depression often affects sleep, whether it’s struggling to fall asleep, waking too early, or feeling unrested no matter how long you sleep. Hypnotherapy helps shift the heavy thought patterns and emotional weight that can interfere with natural rest. By working with the subconscious mind, we can create a deeper sense of calm, ease emotional tension, and retrain your mind and body to feel safe and ready for restorative sleep.
What if I can't relax or switch off my mind?

That’s completely okay - and very common in people running depression. Hypnotherapy is designed to meet you where you are. You don’t need to "clear your mind" or force yourself to relax. The process itself guides your mind into a calmer state, even if you arrive feeling tense or restless. It's gentle, safe, and works with your mind - not against it.
How does hypnotherapy help with depression?

Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for depression because it works with the subconscious mind, where many unhelpful beliefs and emotional patterns are stored. Instead of just pushing through low moods, hypnotherapy helps shift the underlying thought loops, increase motivation, and reconnect you with a sense of hope and purpose. Most clients begin to feel more energised, emotionally lighter, and mentally clearer after just a few sessions.
How many hypnotherapy for depression sessions will I need?

Many clients begin to feel a shift after just one session, but for meaningful and lasting change, I typically recommend 4 to 5 sessions. We'll talk through your specific needs during your initial consultation and tailor a plan to suit you. To make things easier, all sessions are scheduled in advance at the time of booking.
How many hypnotherapy for stress sessions will I need?

Everyone responds a little differently, but most clients begin to notice a real shift in how they handle stress within the first one or two sessions. For lasting change, I typically recommend 4 to 5 sessions of hypnotherapy for stress, tailored to your specific triggers, lifestyle, and goals. We’ll discuss your needs during your free consultation and create a plan that supports meaningful, sustainable results.
What if I can't relax or switch off my mind?

That’s completely okay - and very common in people running in a stressful state. Hypnotherapy is designed to meet you where you are. You don’t need to "clear your mind" or force yourself to relax. The process itself guides your mind into a calmer state, even if you arrive feeling tense or restless. It's gentle, safe, and works with your mind - not against it.
How does hypnotherapy help with managing stress?

Hypnotherapy is highly effective for managing stress because it works directly with the subconscious mind, where your automatic responses to pressure, overwhelm, and daily demands are stored. Rather than just coping with symptoms, hypnotherapy for stress helps calm the nervous system, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and create a deeper sense of balance and control. Most clients report feeling calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges after just a few sessions.
Will hypnotherapy for stress help with my sleep?

Yes — stress and sleep issues are closely linked, and hypnotherapy for stress can be a powerful way to improve both. When your nervous system is constantly on alert, it becomes harder to switch off at night. Hypnotherapy helps calm the mind, regulate the stress response, and create the inner conditions needed for natural, restful sleep. Many clients find they fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more refreshed after just a few sessions.
How many hypnotherapy for trauma sessions will I need?

Many clients are surprised at how quickly they feel relief. Using Multi-Channel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), it's often possible to begin releasing the emotional impact of a traumatic memory in as little as 15 minutes — without needing to relive the experience. I typically combine MEMI with clinical hypnotherapy over 4 to 5 sessions, which allows us to clear the emotional residue and reinforce long-term change. During your initial consultation, we’ll create a personalised plan based on your history, goals, and what feels safe for you.
What is Multi-Channel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI)?

Think of your brain like a filing cabinet. When something overwhelming or traumatic happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t get a chance to 'file it away' properly - it stays messy and keeps popping up at the wrong times, like in anxiety, flashbacks or strong emotional reactions. Eye movement therapies like MEMI help your brain finish filing those memories. By guiding your eyes while you think about the event, we're helping the brain reprocess it in a way that feels less intense and more distant - kind of like turning down the volume on a memory. You’ll still remember what happened, but it won’t feel like it’s happening all over again. It becomes something that happened, not something you're still living through. For more details, please visit our blog Letting go of trauma: A guide to eye movement therapy
Do I need to explain what happened in order to treat my trauma?

No - you don’t need to share the detail of what happened in order to benefit from hypnotherapy for trauma. Many of the techniques I use, including clinical hypnotherapy and Multi-Channel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), allow us to work with the emotional impact of trauma without requiring you to relive or retell the full experience.
Can hypnotherapy deal with previous trauma?

Yes - hypnotherapy for trauma is a highly effective way to process unresolved experiences, especially when paired with other trauma-informed approaches. I often integrate Multi-Channel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), a gentle, neuroscience-based technique that helps the brain reprocess trauma without needing to revisit the full emotional intensity of the memory. By combining clinical hypnotherapy with MEMI, we can reduce the emotional charge, shift automatic reactions, and support lasting change — all while keeping you grounded and safe throughout the process.
What if I can't relax or switch off my mind?

That’s completely okay - and very common in people impacted by previous trauma. Hypnotherapy is designed to meet you where you are. You don’t need to "clear your mind" or force yourself to relax. The process itself guides your mind into a calmer state, even if you arrive feeling tense or restless. It's gentle, safe, and works with your mind - not against it.
Will hypnotherapy for trauma help with my sleep?

Yes — many people who have experienced trauma struggle with sleep due to intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or a nervous system that just can’t switch off. Hypnotherapy for trauma works by calming the subconscious mind, releasing emotional tension, and helping the brain process unresolved experiences more peacefully. By reducing hypervigilance and internal noise, clinical hypnotherapy and techniques like MEMI can support improvements in sleep.
How many hypnotherapy sessions does it take to break a habit?

Most clients notice meaningful change within 1 to 2 sessions. However, to get lasting results I recommend up to 5 sessions so we can address the underlying emotional reason you formed the habit it the first place - like stress, anxiety, or trauma.
What types of behaviours can hypnotherapy help change?

Hypnotherapy is effective for a wide range of compulsive or unwanted behaviours - including smoking, emotional eating, alcohol overuse, nail biting, and excessive screen time. If it feels automatic or hard to control, hypnotherapy can help.
Can hypnotherapy help reduce urges and cravings for unwanted habits?

Yes — clinical hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to help break the cycle of automatic habits and emotional triggers. It helps reduce urges, manage stress or anxiety more effectively, and supports the development of healthier, long-term behaviours.
Can hypnotherapy help if nothing else has worked to stop my habit?

That’s very common. Many clients come to hypnotherapy after years of trying to change the habit with limited success. Because we work directly with the subconscious - where habits are stored and triggered - it often succeeds where other approaches haven’t.
How does hypnotherapy work for habits I’ve had for years?

Long-standing habits often run on autopilot. Hypnotherapy helps uncover the emotional drivers beneath the behaviour and rewires the subconscious patterns that keep it going, even after years of repetition.