
Meet Dr. Kadi
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Dr. Abir Kadi, PhD
Dr. Abir Kadi, a PhD graduate from McGill University, is a certified Counselling Hypnotist and Naturopath, recognized by The National Guild of Hypnotists and L’Association des Naturothérapeutes du Québec. Her journey into this field began in 2008 with a Community Psychosocial Intervention Training in Montreal, where she supported vulnerable immigrant families navigating life transitions.
Driven by a passion for hypnotherapy, Dr. Kadi pursued further certifications, becoming a Guild Certified Hypnotherapist and completing an advanced three-level Clinical Hypnotherapy program at the University of Toronto. Today, she runs her own practice, helping clients tap into the power of their subconscious minds to overcome challenges and create profound change.
Specializing in areas such as anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, habit change, and pain management, Dr. Kadi takes a compassionate and individualized approach to every client. Her goal is to guide clients on their mindfulness journey, empowering them to achieve balance, clarity, and personal growth.
How It Works
Let's take a few moments to answer your frequently asked questions!
Frequently asked questions
The idea of hypnosis as mind-control probably springs from stage hypnosis, where people are indeed hypnotized for the entertainment of others and encouraged to perform bizarre/amusing/humiliating acts, depending on your point of view. In reality, stage show hypnosis is exactly that – showbiz. The hypnotist is there to entertain, and they have many techniques to ensure that the people who end up on stage will put on a good show for them. This isn’t to say they’re faking it – they’re not. But the selection process is very thorough. Highly introverted people are very unlikely to find themselves before the audience doing Elvis impersonations or eating raw onions believing them to be apples. Highly introverted people are unlikely to attend the show in the first place, and that’s a very important point. Everybody at the show arrives with certain expectations. They expect to be entertained.
Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep.
A major misconception is that you lose control. People under hypnosis are in total control of themselves and would never do anything they would normally find objectionable, immoral or unethical.
Some people also worry that they will become “stuck” in hypnosis. This is as likely as being “stuck” in a daydream – it simply never happens. Even if the hypnotist were to become incapacitated in the middle of an induction, the worst that would happen is that the subject would fall asleep and wake up in the normal way (to a rather unpleasant sight). And, in hypnosis you naturally awaken if there´s an important reason to return to room awareness.
Another common fear about hypnosis is that it will somehow make you blurt out your deepest darkest secrets. Hypnosis isn’t a truth drug – for a start, people are just as capable of lying under hypnosis as they are at every other time. When you’re in a hypnotic trance state, you’re still aware of everything that’s going on around you (some studies suggest that you’re actually more aware), so you’re free to say as much or as little as you wish.
Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic approach that can help address a variety of concerns. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as the specific issue being treated, the skill of the hypnotherapist, and the client’s openness to the process. When conducted by a trained professional, hypnotherapy is a completely safe practice with no risks of losing control or being made to do anything against your will.
Research has shown hypnotherapy to be particularly effective for managing anxiety, stress, phobias, chronic pain, and insomnia. It is also widely used for behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing overeating, or breaking other unwanted habits. Additionally, hypnotherapy has been successful in boosting self-confidence, improving focus, and enhancing performance in academic, athletic, or professional settings.
The power of hypnotherapy lies in its ability to work with the subconscious mind, where deep-seated habits, beliefs, and emotions are stored. By accessing this level, hypnosis can help reframe negative patterns, release emotional blocks, and build healthier, more constructive behaviors.
Hypnosis feels different for everyone, but it is often described as a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus. You may feel like you’re in a light daydream or just before falling asleep, where your body feels calm and your mind becomes more open and receptive. While in this trance-like state, you remain fully aware of your surroundings and in control of your thoughts and actions. Many clients find the experience to be pleasant, peaceful, and even restorative.
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on the issue being addressed, your personal goals, and how quickly you respond to the process. Some clients experience significant improvements after just one or two sessions, especially for targeted concerns like smoking cessation or stress management. For deeper issues, such as childhood trauma or long-term anxiety, a series of sessions may be recommended to ensure lasting change. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and develop a plan tailored to your needs.
There’s no extensive preparation required for your first session. However, it’s helpful to come with a clear understanding of what you’d like to achieve through hypnotherapy. Take some time to reflect on your goals, whether that’s reducing stress, overcoming a habit, or improving your confidence. Wear comfortable clothing to help you relax, and try to arrive well-rested and hydrated. During the session, I’ll guide you through the entire process, answer any questions, and ensure you feel completely at ease.
Hypnotherapy is a safe and non-invasive practice when conducted by a trained professional. It does not involve any medication or physical interventions, making it a natural and gentle approach to healing and personal growth. There are no serious risks or side effects, though some clients may feel temporarily emotional or reflective after addressing deep-rooted issues. These feelings are a normal part of the healing process and typically subside quickly. If you have specific concerns, I’m happy to address them before we begin.
Yes, you will be fully capable of driving and functioning normally after a hypnotherapy session. Hypnosis does not impair your motor skills or judgment, and you’ll emerge from the session feeling alert and refreshed. Many clients report a sense of calm clarity and even heightened focus after their sessions, making it easier to return to their daily activities with renewed energy.
Our Hypnotherapy Service
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15 Rue Jos Montferrand,
Gatineau, QC, J8X 0C2
613-903-9328