New Zealand's Longest Standing
Independent Association for
Professional Hypnotherapists
Established in 2000
Welcome, the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists Incorporated (NZAPH) is the longest- standing organisation concerned with the advancement of knowledge and professional practice of hypnosis and hypnotherapy in New Zealand. The NZAPH was established in 2000 and incorporates two associations: The NZ Hypnotherapists Association (established in 1960) and the NZ Guild of Hypnotherapists (established in 1992).
Nau mai hāere mai ki te New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists Incorporated (NZAPH). Ko mātou te rōpū tāroaroa ī roto i tēnei mahi. Kua roa mātou e tu ana mō te ahu whakamuatanga ō te mātauranga nei, me te mahi ngāio ō te rotu. I whakatūria te rōpū nei i te tau 2000. Kua whakauru mātou i ngā hononga e rua: Te NZ Hypnotherapists Association
(i whakatūhia i te tau 1960) me te NZ Guild of Hypnotherapists (i whakatū i te tau 1992).
Stronger Together
Let’s unite to advance hypnotherapy in Aotearoa.
Join NZAPH, a trusted, self-regulating professional body aknowlaged by the Ministry of Health and AHANZ.
Together, we build credibility, grow public trust, and shape the future of our profession.
Our Role as a Trusted Self-Regulating Association
The New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH) is a self-regulating professional body, formally registered as an Incorporated Society under New Zealand law.
We provide a governance framework for our members through a clear Constitution, Code of Ethics, and Complaints Procedure, all aligned with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. This supports ethical and accountable practice for both practitioners and the public.
Self-Regulated
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NZAPH has chosen to remain outside the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act, in line with many other allied and complementary health professions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Our training, ethics, supervision, and ongoing professional development requirements are designed to align with recognised professional standards in the wider health sector.
What “NZAPH Registered” Means
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The title “NZAPH Registered Professional” refers only to a membership level within the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH).
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It indicates that the practitioner has met the standards of training, ethics, supervision, and continuing professional development required by NZAPH under our Constitution and self-regulatory framework.
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It does not mean the practitioner is a statutory health professional registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act.
Why This Matters
Where NZAPH Sits Today as an acknowledged Self Regulated Professional Association:
In Aotearoa, health professions fall into three groups:
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Statutorily regulated – professions covered by the HPCA Act (e.g. doctors, nurses, psychologists)
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Self-regulated – Professional associations like NZAPH set clear standards for training, ethics, supervision, and complaints processes
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Unregulated – anyone can practise with no standards or accountability. Note: Some membership groups accept practitioners with little or no formal training and have limited governance structures.
Visit: Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora for general information on the difference between unregulated practice and what self-regulation means.
If you're seeking:
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A qualified hypnotherapist who belongs to a structured, ethical professional body
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Or you're a practitioner or student wanting connection, accountability, and credibility within your field
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NZAPH provides a professional home grounded in safety, ongoing development, and a shared commitment to client wellbeing.
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NZAPH is a member of Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ) and participates in Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora) advisory and sector engagement meetings as part of the allied health landscape in Aotearoa.
Why Join the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH)?
Becoming a member of NZAPH means joining a trusted and professional network that has been supporting the hypnotherapy community for over 25 years.
As a member, you gain access to a range of benefits designed to support your professional development, confidence as a practitioner, and credibility within the hypnotherapy field.
Free Monthly Professional Development
Free Monthly Professional Development Webinars
Join live monthly Zoom webinars with world-renowned hypnotherapy educators and practitioners, all included in your membership. You’ll also have access to recordings of past sessions with Karl Smith, Freddy Jacquin, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, Tim Box, Lance Baker, and more.
Advocacy and Professional Recognition
NZAPH is a proud member of Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ). We are acknowledged by Manatū Hauora, Ministry of Health as part of the allied health landscape and participate in regular sector engagement. Our self-regulatory framework supports high professional standards in clinical hypnotherapy within our membership.
Holistic Practice and Cultural Respect: Embracing Te Whare Tapa Whā
At NZAPH, we recognise that wellbeing is multidimensional. Our holistic approach aligns with the Māori model of health, Te Whare Tapa Whā, which encompasses:
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Taha Tinana (physical wellbeing)
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Taha Hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing)
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Taha Whānau (social and family wellbeing)
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Taha Wairua (spiritual wellbeing)
These pillars of health reflect the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and relationships. As a profession working with mind–body approaches, we strive to honour these principles through culturally safe and inclusive practice.
Dear Friends,
We at the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH) send our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by recent natural disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. We know that many people have faced the loss of homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones. We want to express our support and send much aroha to those experiencing distress at this time.
We recognise that events of this nature can be deeply challenging for individuals and communities. As part of our commitment to supporting wellbeing, we have created a free resource, Hypnotherapy first aid toolbox. This collection includes calming audio recordings and general information intended to promote relaxation and support emotional resilience.
These resources are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or crisis support, but they may offer a sense of comfort during difficult times.
Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by natural disasters. We stand with you and offer our support in any way we can.
Sincerely,
The New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH)
Explore conversations with NZAPH practitioners as they discuss their approaches to hypnotherapy, professional experiences, and insights into ethical, client-centred practice.
Recordings of our 2024 Wellington Conference
Access presentations and discussions from the NZAPH 2024 Wellington Conference. These recordings share current professional perspectives, practice development topics, and learning relevant to hypnotherapists and students.
FAQ
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Finding an NZAPH Registered Professional Hypnotherapist
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Learn how to find a practitioner who meets NZAPH’s training, ethics, and supervision standards.
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What is Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy?
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A brief overview of how hypnosis is used within a therapeutic context.
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How many sessions is normal?
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Information on what to expect and how session plans may vary.
If you are feeling suicidal, in crisis, or unsafe, please reach out for immediate support.
You can call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor (free, 24/7).
For information about suicide prevention training, visit LifeKeepers at www.lifekeepers.nz.