Hypnotherapy + Psychotherapy: Why This Powerful Combination Works (and May Be Covered by Your Benefits)

Sue Morrison
Apr 8
3 min read

If you’ve been curious about , but feel unsure because of what you’ve seen in movies, you’re not alone. Many people picture “stage hypnosis” and worry about losing control.

In reality, hypnotherapy is calm, collaborative, and deeply relaxing. It’s a powerful, evidence-informed approach used to support anxiety, habits, and emotional well-being—especially when combined with therapeutic support.

At White Brick Therapy in Stouffville, we offer hypnotherapy as part of your overall care, both in-person in York Region and Durham Region and virtually across Ontario.

What Is Hypnotherapy (Really)?

Hypnotherapy is a guided process that helps you enter a deeply relaxed, focused state of awareness. You’re not asleep, and you’re not out of control, you’re actually more aware, more focused, and more connected to your internal experience.

Think of it like that moment when you’re driving and suddenly realize you’ve been on “autopilot,” or when you’re absorbed in a book and the outside world fades away. That’s a naturally occurring hypnotic state.

In a hypnotherapy session, you are gently guided into this state so your mind and body can:

Slow down
Feel safe
Become more open to positive suggestions and change

How Hypnotherapy Calms the Nervous System

One of the most powerful benefits of hypnotherapy is its ability to regulate the nervous system.

Many people experience:

Stress
Anxiety
Overthinking
Physical tension

This is your nervous system in a “fight or flight” state.

During hypnotherapy:

Your breathing slows
Your muscles relax
Your heart rate decreases
Your mind becomes quieter

In this state, your body can:

Release tension
Process emotions more effectively
Feel grounded and safe
Become more receptive to change

This is why many clients looking find hypnotherapy especially helpful.

Brain Waves & Why Hypnotherapy Feels So Effective

As your body relaxes, your brain begins to shift into alpha and theta brain wave states.

These are the states associated with:

Deep relaxation
Emotional processing
Creativity
Increased openness to new ideas

In everyday life:

Beta = busy, analytical thinking
Alpha = calm, present awareness
Theta = deeply relaxed, inward-focused

✨ Hypnotherapy gently guides you into alpha and theta, where your mind is less critical and more receptive.

This is often described as being more “suggestible”, not in a controlling way, but in the sense that:You are more open to helpful, supportive thoughts and perspectives

What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

🔹 Smoking Cessation

Helping reduce cravings and shift long-standing habits

🔹 Weight Loss & Emotional Eating

Addressing patterns, triggers, and self-regulation

🔹 Anxiety & Stress

Calming the nervous system and reducing overwhelm

🔹 Self-Esteem & Confidence

Supporting more positive self-talk and internal beliefs

🔹 Relaxation & Sleep

Helping your body learn how to unwind and feel safe, this approach can be a gentle but powerful place to start.

Let’s Clear Up a Common Misconception

You are not:

Controlled
Asleep
Made to do anything against your will

You are:

Aware
In control
Able to come out of the state at any time

✨ Hypnotherapy is a guided experience, not something done to you

Coverage & Accessibility

Hypnotherapy on its own is not typically covered by extended health benefits.

However, when hypnotherapy is incorporated into a psychotherapy session with a Registered Psychotherapist, it may be eligible for coverage under psychotherapy benefits in Ontario.

If you’re located in Stouffville, York Region, or Durham Region, our team can help you understand your options and guide you toward the right fit.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve been feeling stuck, whether with anxiety, habits, or self-doubt, hypnotherapy offers a calm, supportive, and effective way to create change.

You don’t have to force it.

Sometimes, your mind and body simply need the right environment to shift.

White Brick Therapy & Integrative Mental Health

In-person in Stouffville, serving York Region & Durham Region and Virtual therapy available across Ontario✨ No waitlist | Trauma-informed care | EMDR, CBT, Hypnotherapy & more

Meet Susan: Integrating Science and Mind-Body Healing

At White Brick Therapy, we’re proud to offer hypnotherapy sessions with Susan Mason-Apps, MSc, a Biofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across York Region, Durham Region, and the greater Ontario area. Susan brings a unique blend of science and mind-body approaches to her work. She holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto and spent 10 years as a Forensic Scientist before transitioning into the field of hypnotherapy, biofeedback and nervous system regulation.