Alpha Hypnotics was born from a deep recognition: true healing emerges at the intersection of rigorous understanding and authentic human connection. Our clinical practice, though a family business, is the culmination of decades of experience, research, and a profound commitment to personal transformation, authentic recalibration and deep improvement.

Over two decades ago, Alfred Podhorodecki, then a distinguished Deputy Head of Department at Monash University and a Chief Inspector in the Transit Police, saw firsthand how trauma embeds itself in both body and mind. Through his work in law enforcement, academia, and human resource management, he observed the cyclical nature of suffering in individuals and across families, communities, generations of developing pockets of society. His experience working with diverse populations, particularly Aboriginal communities and disadvantaged individuals, reinforced his understanding of how unresolved trauma underlies many of society’s most persistent struggles.

These insights, however, did not directly lead Alfred to hypnotherapy. Instead, his extensive background in forensic psychophysiology, criminology, and education deepened his appreciation for the subconscious influences that shape human behaviour. As he delved further into investigative and forensic hypnosis—training extensively, including at Houston University—he recognised its potential not only as a tool for truth-seeking but as a powerful means of facilitating deep and lasting personal change.

Alpha Hypnotics began with Alfred’s journey, but developed as an aspect of his son James’ upbringing and ambitious drive towards understanding authenticity philosophically and practically. James Podhorodecki –  hypnotherapist, philosopher, and author, specialises in Sartrean existentialism, phenomenology, and dialectical ontology – basically who and what we make of ourselves – how and why we do so. James grew up around hypnosis, learning from his father, but his own path led him into philosophy, where he became a published academic and carved out a unique writing/artistic style in Aussie Gonzo Existentialism. His work explores themes of authenticity, self-determination, and the search for meaning, mirroring his approach to hypnotherapy.

James’ therapeutic approach integrates existential and phenomenological thought with Gestalt hypnotherapy and parts therapy, focusing on authenticity, self-reconnection, acceptance, integration and purpose-finding. His work isn’t merely about resolving surface-level issues—it is about guiding clients toward a deeper understanding of themselves, their adaptive patterns, and their innate capacity for transformation.

Our father-son collaboration inspires many self-reflections and interest focal points that we understand as balancing the practice out in a contrastive yet complimentary manner rarely experienced in psychotherapy. For us, Alpha Hypnotics represents the synthesis of two distinct approaches to healing—one rooted in decades of applied practice, forensic expertise, and trauma-informed methodologies, the other enriched by existential inquiry, self-actualisation, and philosophical applied theory. Together we’re a motivated team, and our faith in hypnotherapy deepens year after year.