Psychology and Hypnotherapy

Research shows psychological treatments are effective in managing many mental health disorders. Some common issues include pain management, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and trauma. Our aim is to provide you with new skills to overcome the many challenges life throws at you.

What is psychology and hypnotherapy?

Psychology is a part of allied healthcare that focuses on the mind and human behavior in great detail, helping equip people with practical skills to cope better with everyday life and more challenging situations. Psychology recognises the important link between the mind and the body and how these influence each other.

Hypnotherapy refers to therapy or positive suggestions given during the hypnotic state. Hypnosis is a completely natural state of mind, and the overall effect is usually one of great relaxation where stress and tension have no place. Contrary to a popular misconception that hypnosis is a form of unconsciousness or deep sleep, contemporary research suggests that it is actually a heightened state of focused attention and suggestibility, with diminished peripheral awareness.

A variety of techniques may be employed, as appropriate to your individual needs.  Such techniques include hypnosis, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprogramming, thought field therapy, ego state therapy and mindfulness.

What conditions can psychology and hypnotherapy treat?

At WHRIA, we focus on the treatment and management of chronic pain. Our psychologist takes a practical and holistic approach to care, appropriate for all ages and for those with complex medical conditions.

For pain management, hypnotherapy focuses on how to change the way you respond to pain or a stressful situation that may be associated with pain. The aim of hypnotherapy treatment is to help you manage your pain and discomfort, rather than have it control you, so you can regain your quality of life.

Qualifications and training

In Australia, psychologists are government-registered practitioners with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), and need to have studied for at least six years.

Our AHPRA-registered psychologist, Tanya Wollstein, is also a hypnotherapist with 30 years clinical experience, using psychotherapy and hypnotherapy to alleviate stress-related problems. For more details on our psychologists, please see the Our Team section of this website.

What to expect on your first consultation

You should allow one hour for your initial consultation. This will give us time to conduct a thorough analysis of your psychosocial history.

We’ll discuss your specific and perceived findings, as well as proposed care and treatment options. We’ll work closely with you to make sure you understand how and why we make our recommendations, based on the difficulties you are experiencing. We’ll share various self-help strategies to assist you with the ongoing management of your pain and anxieties.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, you don’t need a referral to make an appointment. However, if you are eligible for the Better Access Initiative your GP or psychiatrist can provide you with a special referral form to claim Medicare rebates and private health fund rebates.

Psychology treatment rebates are available through most private health insurance funds if you have extras cover, but you’ll need to check this with your provider.

You should note that you can’t claim Medicare and private health fund rebates at the same time. If you have HCF membership, this fund will only cover if you have exhausted Medicare rebates.

Helpful resources

If you’d like more information about our psychology and hypnotherapy services please browse our fact sheets on the Health Information page.

If you have a specific enquiry for our WHRIA psychologist

Click Here

© 2024 Women's Health & Research Institute of Australia. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Website by Phil Kurth