We speak with expert Sonia Samtani for an honest look into the healing powers of hypnosis and share our recommended centres for those who are interested to explore hypnotherapy!
At Honeycombers, we’re open to exploring different channels of alternative healing that go beyond the confines of traditional medicine. Whether it’s Chinese herbal teas or innovative mental health apps, many Hong Kongers are embracing a wide range of healing practices, including hypnotherapy. Sonia Samtani, owner and CEO of All About You Wellness Centre, guides us through the ins and outs of the healing powers of hypnosis and shares memorable personal experiences.
Hypnotherapy in Hong Kong: Harness change with hypnosis
Q: What convinced you of the effectiveness of alternative healing methods?
A: “I realised that real confidence doesn’t come from how you look or act — it comes from within. That realisation led me to explore a wide range of healing modalities, including coaching, talk therapy, somatic work, and hypnotherapy. What stood out to me most was hypnotherapy, because it didn’t just help me cope — it helped me transform. It addressed the root causes of my patterns and rewired my core belief system.
Personally, regression therapy under hypnosis had the most profound impact on me. I’m someone who loves understanding why I’m wired a certain way, and regression gave me those answers. It allowed me to shift my story at the subconscious level, reflect deeply, and move forward with clarity and wisdom.
This work helped me build authentic confidence, discover my life purpose, and improve my relationships. I went from being a shy teenager who struggled to express herself, to becoming a professional speaker and therapist, addressing crowds of up to 10,000 people.”
Q: Can you describe your first experience with hypnosis?
A: “My first session felt like opening a door to a part of myself I didn’t even know existed. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but within minutes of entering a deeply relaxed state, I accessed a childhood memory that explained so much of my adult behavior. It was emotional, raw, and incredibly freeing. I felt like I had tapped into truth — not just intellectually, but on a visceral level.
With a coping mechanism of needing to be invisible, I saw that I held a deep-rooted belief of not being good enough, I understood when and why I created that belief, and what was needed to fully release it. There was no judgment, I felt safe, and the story that unfolded was so simple and obvious.
Aware of blocks shifting and inner resources unlocking. I knew I had to go deeper. I wanted to understand how the mind works, how beliefs are formed, and most importantly — how they can be transformed.”
Q: Who would benefit most from hypnotherapy?
A: “Those who are ready to change, clear on what they want, and aware that logic alone hasn’t been enough. Maybe you want to speak confidently, stay calm during a flight, stop emotional eating, or overcome anxiety. You’ve tried thinking your way through it, but something deeper keeps pulling you back. That’s when hypnotherapy becomes powerful — it goes beyond logic and speaks directly to the subconscious mind.
You don’t need to believe in hypnotherapy, you just need to be open and willing to go on the journey. It can help with anxiety, confidence, weight, phobias, addictions, sleep, and so much more. If you know what you want and you’re ready to explore why you haven’t been able to get there, hypnotherapy can be life-changing.”
Q: Why are we able to release our blockages during hypnosis?
A: “Because that’s when we step out of survival mode and into presence. In everyday life, we’re constantly analysing, planning, and reacting, all from the conscious mind. The real power, however, lies in the subconscious. That’s where your beliefs, emotions, and automatic patterns are stored. When you enter a deeply relaxed, focused state — like in hypnotherapy — the conscious mind quiets down, and the subconscious becomes accessible. It’s like unlocking your internal hard drive.”
Q: Do you have any tips or exercises we can try?
A: “Start with something simple: a daily practice to energise the start of the day and wind down at night. Consistency is key, so commit to it for at least 40 days before adding more.
In the morning, set a clear intention for how you want to show up. Then, use a breathing exercise, like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing, to regulate your nervous system and clear any tension. Follow that by connecting with your body and intuition. You can listen to my guided priming meditation on Spotify, which takes you through this process in under 10 minutes.
At night, close the day consciously. Reflect on what unfolded, what you learned, and mentally “close the files” so you’re not carrying unresolved thoughts into sleep. Take deep breaths to release any emotional residue, then repeat a positive affirmation as you drift off — something like, ‘As I become more relaxed and accepting of my reality, I effortlessly move toward my goals and continue to grow’.”
Where to try hypnotherapy in Hong Kong?
1. All About You Centre
Begin your journey of healing at All About You Centre, Hong Kong’s premier alternative healing centre specialising in hypnotherapy. Founded by Sonia Samtani – a visionary hypnotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience and over 40,000 client transformations – the centre addresses root causes of addiction, phobias, weight management, grief, fertility, and trauma. Every therapist is rigorously trained under Sonia’s expert guidance.
Services include private sessions and personal development workshops, conducted in English, Cantonese, and Hindi within a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. Complementary modalities like Tarot Reading and Pain Relief enhance the holistic experience. And for those aspiring practitioners, All About You also serves as a training institute, offering internationally recognised hypnotherapy certification.
Price: From $1,350 per session
Phone number: 6133 5976
Address: All About You Centre, Unit 10A, Wing Cheong Commercial Building, 19 – 25 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
All About You Centre website Book a free consultation
2. Renewed Edge Counselling & Hypnotherapy Centre
Established by Christine Deschemin, one of the founders of the Hong Kong Hypnotherapy Association, Renewed Edge Counselling & Hypnotherapy Centre is a premier wellness centre dedicated to hypnotherapy in Hong Kong. Access a comprehensive array of services in the 2,000-square-feet facility, including personalised one-on-one hypnotherapy session and hypnobirthing.
You can also undergo professional hypnotherapy training at the Renewed Edge Hypnotherapy School. Not only does its programme equip you with essential practical and theoretical knowledge, it’s also the only one in Asia that incorporates a module on psychopathology into its evidence-based curriculum. After studying for five months, you’ll receive certification from the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) in eight months. Join Renewed Edge’s upcoming winter cohort in January 2025 or the summer cohort in May 2025 to kickstart your own career in hypnotherapy!
Price: From $2,800 per person
Phone number: 9884 8036
Address: Renewed Edge Counselling & Hypnotherapy Centre, Suite 920, 9/F, 41 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
Renewed Edge website Book an appointment
3. EverCalm Menopause
Ever imagined you could integrate self-hypnosis into your daily life? This is made easy by EverCalm Menopause, a cutting-edge mobile app created by UpNow to revolutionise menopause management. Its non-invasive, evidence-based approach includes a gentle solution to managing symptoms and alleviating discomfort without the use of medication – and all you need is a phone! Simply engage in the EverCalm programme’s audio sessions for four weeks, 15 minutes daily, to soothe hot flashes, improve sleep, and stabilise mood swings, whether you’re at home or on the go. A straightforward alternative to traditional hypnotherapy sessions, the app also provides you with a comprehensive support system by giving you access to extensive reading materials, bonus resources, and a symptom tracker. To empower organisations to support their menopausal employees, EverCalm even offers the EverCalm Menopause Friendly Workplace Certification programme, fostering a more inclusive corporate environment that addresses menopause-related challenges.
Price: Free to download with in-app purchases
Download: EverCalm Menopause is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Want to learn more about alternative healing methods in Hong Kong? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop us an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is hypnotherapy, and how does it work?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that utilises hypnosis – a state of focused attention and relaxation – to help individuals address various issues. In this relaxed state, the conscious mind is often less critical, allowing the therapist to offer suggestions to the subconscious mind to alter unhelpful or unproductive thought patterns, behaviours, and emotional responses. Hypnotherapy has an ultimate goal of promoting positive change and well-being.
What conditions or issues can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy is used to address a variety of conditions and issues. Some typical areas include anxiety and stress management, overcoming phobias and fears, improving sleep, breaking unwanted habits (like smoking or overeating), and supporting emotional healing (especially trauma, PTSD, and grief). It’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of hypnotherapy can vary depending on the individual and the specific issue being addressed.
How do I choose a qualified and reputable hypnotherapist in Hong Kong?
When choosing a hypnotherapist in Hong Kong, it’s important to look for professionally trained and qualified practitioners. You should also consider the following:
– Certification and training: Look for certifications from reputable organisations like the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) or affiliations with local associations such as the Hong Kong Hypnotherapy Association.
– Experience: Consider the therapist's years of experience and their specific areas of expertise.
Reviews: Always look for online reviews and testimonials of your chosen clinic.
– Initial consultation: Many therapists offer an initial consultation session where you’ll discuss your needs and their approach, it’s a good opportunity to test whether you’re comfortable and confident with proceeding with hypnotherapy.
What can I expect during a typical hypnotherapy session in Hong Kong?
Each hypnotherapy session differs slightly depending on your goals and your therapist’s approach, but you can expect the following stages:
– Discussion: The therapist will start by discussing your aims and issues you wish to address. They will also explain the process of hypnosis.
– Induction: The therapist will guide you into a relaxed, hypnotic state using techniques like guided imagery, relaxation exercises, or focused attention.
– Suggestion: Once you are in a hypnotic state, the therapist will offer suggestions tailored to your specific needs and goals.
– Awakening: The therapist will gently guide you back to full awareness.
– Post-session Discussion: You may have a brief discussion about your experience and any insights gained.
The length of a session can vary, but it typically lasts between 50 to 90 minutes. You will always be in control during hypnosis and can choose to end the session at any time.
