Harness the Power of the Mind-Body Connection

Clinical Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy in Vancouver & BC

Clinical hypnosis uses focused attention, guided imagery and therapeutic suggestions to explore changes in sensations, thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Many people feel absorbed or relaxed during hypnosis. You remain involved in the process and can discuss what feels comfortable with your counsellor. Suitability and responses vary from person to person.

At Wellspring Counselling & Psychotherapy Inc., select counsellors may use clinical hypnosis alongside other approaches when it fits your goals and preferences. Ask about their relevant training, experience and current availability.

Wellspring offers personalized, science-informed and experiential counselling. In-person appointments are available only in Vancouver, with select counsellors; online options are available across British Columbia. Availability depends on your clinician. Founded in 2016, Wellspring is led by Alistair Gordon, RCC, who has taught counselling psychology at UBC, is a published author and developed CorMorphosis™ Psychotherapy and Core Needs Therapy™ (CNT).

Explore our counsellor and psychotherapist profiles. Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and whether clinical hypnosis may be suitable. Approaches vary by counsellor.

Clinical Hypnosis

How Clinical Hypnosis Works?

Clinical hypnosis involves focusing attention and responding to suggestions that fit your therapeutic goals. A therapist may guide you using:

  • Progressive muscle relaxation or breathwork
  • Soothing imagery and metaphor
  • Gentle suggestions aligned with the client’s therapeutic goals
  • Inner journeys or rescripting techniques


The aim is to explore your experience and practise different ways of responding, at a pace that feels manageable. Your counsellor can explain how they use hypnosis and review your response with you. For background, see the National Cancer Institute’s explanation of hypnosis.

Discussing Whether Hypnosis Fits Your Goals

The goals you bring to counselling may include the concerns below. Whether hypnosis is appropriate depends on your situation, the practitioner’s training and the evidence for that concern:

  • Anxiety and stress reduction
  • Phobias and fears
  • Self-esteem and confidence building
  • Sleep difficulties or insomnia
  • Coping with pain-related distress
  • Trauma-related distress and emotional concerns
  • Motivation and habit change (e.g., smoking cessation, procrastination)

It may be considered alongside other approaches when it fits your needs and preferences. Evidence varies across uses: some pain-related uses have supportive findings, while studies for smoking cessation have produced conflicting results. See the NCCIH overview of hypnosis research. Ask your counsellor about the evidence relevant to your goals.

How Clinical Hypnosis Works

Schedule Your Initial 15-Min Consultation Today

Clinical Hypnosis at Wellspring

Some therapists use clinical hypnosis as part of their treatment plans when suitable. Sessions focus on working together, matching the pace to what the client is comfortable with. Hypnosis is a gentle and respectful way to help clients gain a deeper understanding and make personal changes.

People respond differently to hypnosis. Discuss realistic goals, ask about your counsellor’s relevant training and experience, and review progress together. The approach and number of sessions depend on your needs and response.

Check Our
Counselling Services

Comprehensive online counselling and psychotherapy services are the specialty of Wellspring Counselling Inc.

We offer treatment for various issues like anxiety, stress, anger, depression, relationships, trauma, parenting, and personal development.

Those looking for assistance navigating the complexities of the mind and challenges in life and relationships can access experienced and skilled counsellors.

Look into our specialized services here:

Stress

Stress from your job, home or social life may be taking a toll on you and you might be finding it difficult to cope.

Anger

Anger is both a powerful motivating emotion, and one that can be destructive without proper redirection.

Anxiety

Anxiety comes in many forms, such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, or even phobias.

Self Esteem

Our sense of self-worth can be impacted negatively because people internalize the responses they receive.

Depression

The good news is that a skilled and compassionate counsellor can help you to move toward a productive and meaningful way of life.

Relationships

In sessions, you will learn constructive communication skills that are necessary for respectful and flourishing relationships…

Book Your 15-Minute Consultation Today!

Affiliations

Our Memberships

RCC Logo | Wellspring Counselling Inc.
A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Emdria Logo | Wellspring Counselling Inc.

Clients Say

Testimonials

Mr. Gordon is someone that captures the spirit and the heart of active engagement. He is empathic, genuine and incorporates action and creative problem solving into his practice. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Gordon as an effective career and personal counsellor.

NA

I had no experience with therapy and was unsure of the whole process. Alistair made everything very accessible and unintimidating. It was clear that he puts quite a lot of effort and preparation into every session. I'm so glad that I decided to do this, and could not have asked for a better person to help me with this. I would highly recommend Alistair to anyone who has ever thought that they might benefit from talking to a professional.

EH

I am a young professional which for a long time now, has struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty in finding effective life coping mechanisms. Alistair was referred to me by a friend and upon the first meeting, I found Alistair to be empathetic, compassionate and intuitive. I have now been seeing Alistair regularly for 6 months and through that time my anxiety has significantly decreased, I have found effective methods of dealing with stress, found support dealing with identity issues, as well as finding inner strength to get through a tough break up. Alistair again and again, went the extra mile -thank you Alistair for your candor, openness and a safe space to get support. Thank you for playing such a large role in keeping me healthy and positive.

KL

I have been working with Alistair Gordon as my counsellor at Wellspring for almost 6 months now and cannot begin to tell you how far I have come with his help. I have tried working with other counsellors and therapists in the past but never really found one that clicked for me. I always felt judged, unsupported, and rushed at those appointments until I booked my first appointment with Wellspring and with Allistair. To anyone on the fence about booking an appointment or engaging in therapy: if you are willing to do the work, you couldn't ask for a better partner in your healing journey.

ER

When I decided to find a counsellor, I tried to find someone that I could relate to, someone that is like-minded and down-to-earth and with Alistair I really found the right person. He uses an integrative approach, showed me techniques to relax and get aware of my emotions, and helped me see things in a new perspective. Of course this is an ongoing process but I enjoy meeting and working with Alistair every time. The downtown office is a very neutral place - not too intimate, not too clinical - which is helpful to overcome apprehension, especially the first couple of times. What I find remarkable is that Alistair almost always knows what I'm trying to say, even if I can't put it into words. Working with Alistair helped me a lot and it was the right decision to put my trust in him.

MA

Alistair really cares about you the person, and I could really feel him trying to tackle my challenges. He was also very available for off-session contact via text and email. I think he did a great job with confronting me where I needed it. Alistair always could remember the important peoples' names in my personal life, which really helped with talking about my problems. I really felt like I was talking to a friend.

MS

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I enjoy how sessions are collaborative where I can take the lead for the direction of what we talk about, and at the same time I know that Alistair will offer helpful guidance and insight along the way. I also like how we focus on the future instead of just the past. I find this to be empowering and helpful to move forward in life.

RM

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I have always felt very comfortable with Alistair. He has a calming presence, and you can tell he cares about being the best counsellor for you. He helps you with all aspects of your concern, and is always able to help me find a solution to the problem I'm having.

SD

Alistair is an exceptionally talented counsellor and has always demonstrated strong ethics, great compassion, wisdom and respect for others. I highly recommend him as a counselling practitioner.

MB

Ready to Explore the Power of Hypnosis with Wellspring Counselling?

If you’re interested in using clinical hypnosis in your therapy, we encourage you to book a free consultation. This is a chance to discuss whether this approach fits your goals.

The free 15-minute consultation is a non-therapeutic introduction. Regular counselling sessions are separate, paid appointments. Review fees and policies, then compare counsellor profiles and ask about their use of clinical hypnosis. For sessions outside BC, check our province guide and confirm clinician eligibility.

At Wellspring Counselling, your counsellor can work with you to understand your concerns, choose an approach that fits your preferences and review progress together. Clinical hypnosis is one possible part of that work; suitability and responses vary.

What Clinical Hypnosis Can Help With