Hypno4life®
Scope of Practice & Contraindications
What hypnotherapy is, what it is not, and who it is suitable for.
Last updated: May 2026
1. What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help you access a natural state of heightened receptiveness — often called a trance state. In this state, the mind becomes more open to exploring thoughts, feelings, habits and patterns that may be difficult to reach in everyday awareness.
Sessions at Hypno4Life® draw on a range of approaches, which may include — depending on your goals and what works best for you:
- Solution-focused hypnotherapy
- Parts therapy and inner-dialogue work
- Relaxation and stress-response regulation
- Visualisation and future-self techniques
- Trauma release work
- Habit and pattern interruption
- Confidence and performance work
2. What hypnotherapy can help with
Hypnotherapy is used by many people to support positive change in areas such as:
- Stress, anxiety and overwhelm
- Low confidence and self-doubt
- Unwanted habits (e.g. smoking, nail-biting, overeating)
- Sleep difficulties
- Decision clarity
- Performance anxiety (e.g. public speaking, sports, exams)
- Motivation and goal-setting
- Phobias and irrational fears
- Grief, transitions and life changes
Results vary between individuals. Hypnotherapy is a supportive process, not a guaranteed cure. The number of sessions needed depends on the individual and their goals.
3. What hypnotherapy is not — important boundaries
Hypnotherapy at Hypno4Life® is a coaching and personal development service. It is not a medical or clinical treatment. Please read the following carefully.
3.1 Not a medical service
Hypnotherapy sessions at Hypno4Life® are not medical consultations, diagnoses, or treatments. I am not a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. Sessions are not a substitute for medical care, and nothing discussed in a session should be taken as medical advice.
3.2 Not psychotherapy in the clinical sense
In Germany, the protected title of “Psychotherapeut/in” is reserved for licensed professionals operating under the Psychotherapeutengesetz (PsychThG). I do not hold this title. My practice operates within the framework of personal development and wellbeing coaching, not regulated psychotherapy.
3.3 No guarantee of results
I cannot and do not guarantee specific outcomes. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process that depends on your openness, engagement, and individual circumstances. Client experiences and results vary.
3.4 Not a replacement for professional treatment
If you are currently receiving medical or psychological treatment, hypnotherapy may complement your care — but it should not replace it. Please inform your doctor or therapist that you are considering hypnotherapy.
4. Contraindications — who should not book (or should seek advice first)
Hypnotherapy is safe for most people. However, sessions are not appropriate for everyone. Please do not book a session — or speak to your doctor before booking — if any of the following applies to you.
4.1 Do not book without prior medical approval if you have:
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychosis, or another psychotic disorder
- Active suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt
- Severe clinical depression currently under medical management
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or complex dissociative conditions
- A condition or medication that significantly affects cognitive function or consciousness
In these cases, a written note from your GP or treating clinician confirming that hypnotherapy is appropriate for you may be required before we proceed.
4.2 Please inform me before booking if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are currently undergoing psychiatric medication changes
- Have experienced significant trauma and are not currently in professional therapeutic support
- Are under 18 years of age (parental or guardian consent is required)
If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, please contact me before booking. I am always happy to have a brief conversation to assess whether we are a good fit.
5. Referral and duty of care
I take my duty of care seriously. If at any point during our work together I form the view that your needs fall outside the scope of what I can appropriately offer, I will say so — respectfully and without judgement — and help you identify a more suitable resource or professional.
This is not a failure of the process. It is part of ethical practice.
6. Questions?
If you have any questions about this document, or are unsure whether hypnotherapy is right for you, please reach out before booking:
contact@hypno4life.com
This document is reviewed periodically. If you are reading a printed or saved copy, please check the website for the most current version.
