How Hypnosis Can Support You on Your IVF Journey

When you think about IVF support, your mind might immediately jump to acupuncture, supplements, or lifestyle tweaks—but there’s a powerful, often overlooked therapy quietly gaining ground: hypnosis.

Yes, hypnosis. Not the stage kind with swinging watches and clucking chickens—but a deeply therapeutic, mind-body practice that’s carving out a well-earned place in the world of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

In Australia, the number of people turning to IVF—both couples and solo parents—is steadily rising. Along with the emotional toll, the financial investment can be significant, especially when multiple cycles are involved. That’s why it makes sense to explore every avenue that can help improve your chances of success.

Of course, there are the foundational pillars: maintaining a balanced lifestyle, eating well, reducing exposure to toxins, and supporting egg and sperm health with targeted supplements. Many IVF clinics now also recommend acupuncture as a complementary support. But one area that’s still often missed is emotional wellbeing—and yet, it might be the missing piece in the puzzle.

The Emotional Side of IVF: What We Can’t Ignore

There’s compelling research to back this up. A 2007 study on the psychological impact of infertility found that the stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by women undergoing IVF were comparable to those navigating cancer. That’s no small thing. Another study, published in 2000 in Reproductive Endocrinology, revealed that women who actively used stress-reducing techniques during IVF were more likely to fall pregnant.

Our mind and body are in constant communication—what we think and feel has a very real impact on our nervous system, hormones, and overall fertility. And this is where hypnosis truly shines.

Why Choose Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a gentle, safe, and natural way to create powerful shifts—not just in how you feel emotionally, but in how your body responds. It offers a direct pathway to calming the nervous system, processing the often complex emotions that arise during IVF, and building a more peaceful, hopeful mindset.

Research supports its benefits too. A 2014 review of complementary therapies found that hypnosis was particularly effective in reducing emotional distress, anxiety, and depression in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Even more striking, a 2006 study by Professor E. Levitas found that using hypnosis during embryo transfer doubled the pregnancy success rate.

What Hypnosis Actually Is

Let’s debunk a few myths first. Hypnosis is not mind control. You can’t be made to do anything against your will, and you don’t lose consciousness or get stuck in some altered state.

In reality, it’s a very natural and relaxed state of focused awareness—similar to that dreamy moment just before you fall asleep. In this space, the body shifts into the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, which is deeply supportive for healing, hormone balance, and fertility.

From here, we can use gentle visualisation and suggestion to release fear, reset limiting beliefs, and strengthen the connection between your mind and body. Most clients leave a session feeling lighter, more hopeful, and deeply grounded.

Beyond Conception: Benefits for Pregnancy and Birth Too

Hypnosis doesn’t stop being helpful once you see two pink lines. Used throughout pregnancy and birth, it has been shown to reduce delivery complications, increase maternal confidence, and even lower the risk of postnatal depression. When used consistently, it becomes a powerful anchor—supporting you through each new stage of the journey.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure where to begin—let’s talk.You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point to seek support.

With love and baby dust, Kate - Fertility Therapist - Mind Body Fertility