About Altered-State Therapy

Altered-state therapies use modified states of consciousness, such as through hypnosis or deep relaxation, to access healing potential. While our network of altered-state specialists is growing, you can explore therapists trained in hypnotherapy and related approaches.

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Altered-state therapy refers to therapeutic approaches that intentionally shift awareness from ordinary waking consciousness to access deeper levels of the mind. These modified states may be induced through hypnosis, deep relaxation, breathwork, guided imagery, or other techniques. The goal is often to bypass conscious defenses and work directly with subconscious patterns.

These approaches have roots in ancient healing traditions and modern clinical hypnotherapy. If you're interested in altered-state work, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer hypnotherapy, guided imagery, or meditation-based approaches that work with consciousness in therapeutic ways.

Mariya Garnet

Pre-Licensed Professional
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Offers In-Person (Collingwood, )
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NT, and NU.
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Mariya Garnet

Mariya Garnet

Pre-Licensed Professional
She/Her
$140/session
Existential questions, Spirituality, Somatic Therapy, Addiction, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma, Shadow Work, Self-esteem, Self-Development, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Identity and Self-Exploration, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Psychedelic therapy, Nature-Based Spirituality, People pleasing, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Intergenerational trauma, Relationships, Emotional Numbness
Existential questions, Spirituality, Somatic Therapy, Addiction, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma, Shadow Work, Self-esteem, Self-Development, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Identity and Self-Exploration, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Psychedelic therapy, Nature-Based Spirituality, People pleasing, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Intergenerational trauma, Relationships, Emotional Numbness
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What is altered-state therapy?

Altered-state therapy encompasses approaches that deliberately shift a person's state of consciousness for therapeutic purposes. This can include hypnotic trance, deep meditative states, or other forms of modified awareness. In these states, people may access memories, emotions, or insights that are less available in ordinary waking consciousness, potentially facilitating healing and change.

What are the benefits of altered-state approaches?

Altered-state therapies may help people access and process material that's difficult to reach through talk therapy alone. These approaches can support relaxation, stress reduction, pain management, habit change, and emotional healing. Many people find altered states allow them to gain new perspectives on problems, release old patterns, and connect with inner resources for healing.

Who might benefit from altered-state therapy?

People who are curious about working with consciousness or who have found traditional talk therapy limiting sometimes explore altered-state approaches. These methods may appeal to those dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, habits they want to change, or trauma. People who enjoy meditation or relaxation practices often find altered-state therapy accessible and engaging.

How do I find an altered-state therapist?

While our network of altered-state specialists is growing, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer hypnotherapy, guided imagery, or other consciousness-based approaches. Look for therapists with clinical hypnotherapy training or those who mention working with trance states, breathwork, or deep relaxation techniques in their profiles.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

Hypnotherapy is the most established form of altered-state therapy. Guided imagery uses visualization in relaxed states. Meditation-informed therapy works with contemplative states. Somatic approaches may incorporate altered awareness of body sensations.

How can First Session help me explore these approaches?

First Session helps you find therapists who work with consciousness and altered states. Watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist's approach, filter by specialties like hypnotherapy, and book directly online. Many therapists offer free consultations where you can ask about their experience with altered-state techniques.