Ilona spaar

about

Ilona is a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist and Certified Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Practitioner. She brings neuroscience and applied neuroplasticity to the forefront of her work, helping clients rewire their brains and release old patterns and beliefs. A trauma-informed practitioner, she supports nervous system regulation and restores balance across mind, body, and soul.

Working with individuals and groups, Ilona creates a warm, welcoming space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Known for her compassion, commitment and intuition, she guides each person collaboratively through a holistic, mind–body approach, fostering profound and lasting transformation.

Ilona is also a Certified Hypno Death Doula™, guiding clients with deep compassion through the end-of-life journey.

main focus & special interests

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• PTSTD and Complex PTSD

• Stress

• Fears and Phobia

• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching)

• Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem

• Grief and Loss

• Insomnia

• Chronic Pain

education & Credentials

• Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH), The Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy Canada

• Certified Somatic EMDR Practitioner, The Embody Lab

• Certified Hypno-Death Doula™, The Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy Canada & Valeria Neiman, C.H.t.

• Certified Guided Meditation Facilitator, The Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy Canada

• Certified Shamanic Healing Practitioner, Graduate of Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies

• PhD, University of Basel, Switzerland

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• Ranked #1 Best Hypnotherapist in Vancouver BC  2025 by Waterview

• Ranked #2 Best Hypnotherapist in Vancouver BC 2025 by Best of Vancouver 

BACKGROUND

Ilona holds a PhD in the Humanities and brings a rich, interdisciplinary background into her work. An award-winning researcher and published author, she is deeply curious about the intersection of healing, science and human experience. Her cultural background is Swiss-Canadian.

professional affiliations

• Association of Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists Canada (ARCH)

• Alliance 360 Sisterhood (Women in Business) Vancouver Chapter

• BNI Connections, Vancouver 

fun facts

• Give Ilona a mountain and she’s happy! She can often be found skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking with her son in the local mountains. 

• Turning her hobby into a profession, Ilona teaches the craft of crocheting in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, supporting women’s empowerment, creativity, and nervous system regulation.

• A trained historian, Ilona received the BC Heritage Award in 2024 for her role in saving a historic Swiss village in the Rockies, now preserved as a resort for all to enjoy.