Tara Gilligan

 

Hi I’m Tara,

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body - the ways our thoughts, emotions, and nervous system continuously shape our health and behaviour. I believe that every person has an innate capacity to heal given the right tools. My mission is to help others unleash their innate potential and live happy, fulfilled lives. I strive to empower people to reach their goals and free themselves from limiting thoughts and unconscious patterns. I believe that both hypnosis and somatic work are powerful tools for personal growth and better health - tools that increase self-awareness and strengthen the mind-body connection.

My educational path began with a degree in Psychology over 30 years ago, where I focused on human behaviour, resilience, and the science of change. Shortly after, I began studies - and a lifelong practice - in yoga, breathwork, and somatic experiencing, integrating body-based wisdom with modern neuroscience to support deep, sustainable transformation.

After experiencing the power of hypnosis myself, I became certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy with the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) - the gold standard for professional hypnosis training and ethics, and the oldest and largest professional hypnosis organization in the world. Since then, I’ve continued to pursue advanced training and certifications in hypnotherapy and complementary disciplines (listed below) across North America, the UK and Europe, ensuring my clients have access to the most current and effective tools available. I have worked for several years with clients personally and through the Canadian Hypnosis and Wellness Centre.

I am currently completing a Master’s in Psychotherapy with a combined specialty in Advanced Hypnotherapy and Yoga & Somatic Healing, to further integrate clinical and evidence-based approaches into my practice. Consequently, my work is grounded in up-to-date neuroscience, compassion, and evidence-based mind-body practices.

Through my continued education and years of experience, I’ve learned that whether you’re trying to quit smoking, lose weight, increase self-confidence, reduce stress or anxiety, improve relationships, or break free from patterns of self-sabotage - it all comes back to the subconscious mind. The subconscious governs nearly all our automatic thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It stores the learned patterns, emotional imprints, and protective mechanisms we’ve developed over a lifetime.

When we consciously want to change but feel blocked or pulled back into old habits, it’s usually because the subconscious is still operating from outdated programming - beliefs or emotional responses that no longer serve us. Through hypnotherapy and integrative mind-body work, I strive to access this deeper level of awareness where real transformation occurs. By aligning the subconscious mind with your conscious goals, change stops feeling like a struggle and begins to unfold naturally.

My approach is warm, collaborative, deeply personal, and trauma informed. I create individualized strategies to help clients retrain unhelpful patterns and regulate their nervous system. Drawing from a diverse toolbox of therapeutic techniques such as Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Neuroplasticity and Brain Rewiring, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and several other specialties, I help clients navigate a broad spectrum of concerns - including, but not limited to, stress and anxiety, fears and phobias, unwanted emotions, harmful habits, addictions, sleep issues, chronic pain, and confidence or self-worth challenges.

My work also supports those facing grief, relationship struggles, or the lingering effects of trauma and nervous system dysregulation. Clients learn to release old emotional patterns, build resilience, and experience greater calm, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives.

In addition to hypnotherapy and somatic work, I provide executive and personal coaching to help clients achieve meaningful growth in both their professional and personal lives. By combining coaching strategies with hypnosis, we can address challenges at multiple levels - strengthening mindset, confidence, focus, and emotional regulation while releasing subconscious patterns that hold you back. This unique combination helps you move beyond insight alone, translating clarity into real, lasting action and results.

I am particularly passionate about working with children and teens and see them in person in the greater Ottawa area. Using play therapy and other creative techniques, I help young clients navigate key developmental stages and the emotional and physical challenges that often accompany growth and change.

Clients often describe me as intuitive, grounded, and genuinely invested in their growth. I strive to create a space that feels both safe and empowering - where curiosity replaces judgment and small, meaningful shifts lead to lasting transformation. My role is to help you reconnect with your inner calm and capability and guide you back to the wisdom already within you. Together, we’ll equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools to navigate daily life with greater ease.

My commitment is to bring integrity, compassion, and evidence-based insight to every session - translating complex science into simple, practical strategies that empower real change. Through this process, you’ll reclaim your health, happiness, and sense of control, and begin a journey of genuine healing and self-discovery.

I live in the Rideau Lakes area with my husband and our fur babies. My amazing son is grown and off discovering the world. When I’m not seeing clients, you’ll find me outdoors - hiking, kayaking, or spending time with loved ones. I also enjoy unleashing my creative side through food, fashion, and art.

I love to travel and have backpacked extensively throughout Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, South and Central America, Africa and the Middle East. I’m fascinated by the vast differences in cultural philosophies on health and happiness and believe there is so much we can learn from one another - lessons I continue to weave into my work and my life.

If you’re ready to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control — to move forward with confidence and ease — I would be honoured to walk beside you on your path to lasting change.

Specialties and Advanced Hypnotherapy / Coaching Training

Emotional and Psychological Well-Being

Stress, Mindfulness, and PositivityConfidence and Self-Esteem

Depression

Anger Management

PTSD

Grief, Bereavement, and Compassion Fatigue

Healing the Inner Child

Internal Family Systems

Neurosculpting

Nervous System Reset Protocol

Play Therapy

Relationships and Interpersonal Healing

Relationships (Co-dependency, Breakups, Narcissistic Recovery, Sexual Abuse)A

dvanced Hypnotherapy for Children and Teens

Addictions (Substance, Pornography, and Smart Devices)

Behavioural Change and Performance

Focus, Concentration, and Goal Setting

Peak Mindset and Sports Psychology

Weight Management

Gastric Band Hypnosis

Hoarding

Fears and Phobias

Physical Health and Mind-Body Conditions

IBS and Crohn’s

Stroke Recovery

Migraines

Insomnia and sleep issues

Women’s Health (Menopause, Infertility, Hypnobirthing)

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Brain Gut Connection

Pain Management

Integrative and Mind-Body Practices

Polyvagal Therapy

Mindfulness and Meditation

Yoga and Somatic Integration 

Breathwork and Nervous System Regulation