The emotional part of the surgery deserves preparation too
My work focuses on that space between
knowing you’re okay and actually feeling okay.
ABOUT DEBORAH CHIOU
I’m Deb, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist and HeartMath® Coach. I work with people before and after plastic surgery to support the part of the experience that can be difficult to prepare for on your own. I work with my clients on:
- The fear before anesthesia.
- The uncertainty of surrendering control.
- The first look in the mirror.
- The vulnerable days of recovery.
And in general, the identity adjustments that can come with relating to your body differently.
My work combines clinical hypnotherapy with nervous-system-informed techniques to help you feel more mentally prepared before surgery and more supported as you recover. Learn techniques that you can use for the rest of your life.
In person Mexico city • Online Worldwide
Surgical care is understandably focused on the physical procedure:
- What to do beforehand
- What medications to stop
- When to arrive
- What recovery will look like
- What symptoms to watch for
But there’s another experience happening alongside it.
WHY I DO THIS WORK
Why I work with plastic surgery patients.
Because plastic surgery is something you choose, it can sometimes feel harder to admit when the experience is frightening, lonely, or more emotionally complicated than you expected.
You can spend months preparing for the physical change, but your inner world doesn’t necessarily change at the same pace.
Sometimes, even after altering something about your appearance you can still carry the same self-doubt, the same insecurities, or the same way of seeing yourself. Having a great surgery outcome doesn’t mean you don’t need time to also recognize yourself in it.
And sometimes there are other layers no one really prepares you for. Going through recovery without support, feeling unsure of how to explain the changes to other people, or realizing that confidence doesn’t automatically come the moment the swelling goes down.
That is the space I wanted my practice to make room for.
I’m here to support the emotional adjustment alongside the physical one. Helping you work with the fear, vulnerability, self-image, self-esteem, and changes in identity that can surface before and after surgery.
Because investing in how you look can happen in a matter of hours….
But feeling at home in that change can take longer.
Surgery can change what you see in the mirror.
But it doesn’t automatically change the way you see yourself.
My work is designed to complement your surgical and psychological care where needed.
I don’t provide psychological clearance for surgery or diagnose mental-health conditions.
My specialty is helping clients work with the experience surrounding surgery: anticipatory fear, anesthesia anxiety, loss of control, recovery vulnerability, body-image adjustment and the process of integrating physical change.
You don't have to explain your surgery to everyone to have someone to talk to.
Plastic surgery can be deeply personal.
Some people tell everyone. Others tell only one person, or choose to keep the procedure private altogether.
If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your fears, doubts, or recovery with the people around you, our sessions offer a confidential space where you don’t need to defend your decision, minimize how you’re feeling, or pretend everything is fine.
Your surgical team remains responsible for your medical recovery. My role is to make sure the emotional part of the experience doesn’t have to happen entirely inside your own head.
In person in Mexico City
I see clients in person, including people who travel here for plastic surgery.
If you’re coming to Mexico City for your procedure, we can begin working together online before you travel, continue in person while you’re here, and move back online once you return home.
Online sessions worldwide
Online sessions are available worldwide, regardless of where your procedure takes place.
Receive support from your home, hotel or recovery setting with a reliable connection, headphones and a private place to talk.
Ready to feel more prepared and supported?
Start with a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your procedure, timeline and goals.
Medical disclaimer: Hypnotherapy and HeartMath coaching are complementary educational and relaxation services. They do not diagnose or treat medical or psychiatric conditions and do not replace licensed medical care, psychotherapy, emergency services or your surgeon’s instructions.