About NZAPH Membership
1. What is the NZAPH?
The New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH) is an independent professional association representing qualified hypnotherapists in New Zealand. We provide governance, support, and a formal complaints process to ensure high professional standards and client safety.
2. What are the benefits of joining the NZAPH?
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Access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities
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Inclusion in our public member directory to increase visibility for your practice
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A formal complaints process to protect both you and your clients
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Affiliation with Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ), enhancing your professional standing
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Support through peer supervision and resources to grow your practice.
3. How is the NZAPH different from a school-based membership?
The NZAPH is an independent association with a constitution, governance structure, and a complaints process. A school-based membership often only provides a code of conduct and may lack these formal structures. The NZAPH is also affiliated with AHANZ, providing broader industry recognition.
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy FAQs
4. What are the differences between sleep and hypnosis?
Hypnosis is not the same as being asleep or unconscious, which is a common misconception. When in hypnosis, you are highly aware and remain in control at all times. You can hear the therapist’s voice and other sounds around you, and you can open your eyes and come out of hypnosis whenever you wish. However, most people find the state so pleasant that they want to continue enjoying the relaxation.
Hypnosis mirrors the mental state we experience naturally between wakefulness and sleep and is associated with the same brain wave patterns. You might recognise this state when you are just waking in the morning, before your conscious mind fully engages.
While hypnosis occurs naturally throughout the day, it can also be intentionally induced through relaxation or focusing exercises. You can learn self-hypnosis to guide yourself into this state, or you can seek a qualified hypnotherapist to assist you. Many clients learn self-hypnosis as a tool to access deep relaxation whenever they choose.
5. How aware am I while in hypnosis?
During hypnosis, your mind is alert, focused, and fully aware of the therapist’s guidance. While external sounds will not distract you, you can still move, talk, and respond to questions or instructions if needed. You remain in control and can come out of hypnosis whenever you want. Most people find hypnosis such an enjoyable state that they prefer to relax and absorb the therapeutic suggestions.
6. Why use Hypnotherapy?
Many people seek hypnotherapy to address habits, phobias, stress, or anxiety that they have been unable to change through willpower alone. Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind, where many automatic behaviours, habits, and emotional responses are stored. By working with the subconscious, clients can reprogram these patterns for healthier, more appropriate responses.
7. How can I access my subconscious mind to achieve my goals?
The subconscious mind always acts with a positive intention but may not always choose the most effective way to achieve it. Hypnotherapy helps to communicate directly with the subconscious in a deeply relaxed state, allowing it to adopt more beneficial patterns and behaviours.
What to Expect from a Hypnotherapy Session
8. What can I expect when I visit a hypnotherapist?
The session will begin with the therapist gathering background information and understanding your goals. They will answer any questions you may have and explain the hypnosis process. During the session, the therapist will guide you into a relaxed hypnotic state and use various techniques to help you release old patterns and adopt new, healthier responses.
9. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required varies based on individual needs and goals. Some changes may occur within 1-3 sessions, while others may take longer. Your therapist will be able to offer a more specific estimate after your first session.
10. What will I pay for a visit to a hypnotherapist?
Hypnotherapists are independent practitioners who set their own fees. Prices may vary based on the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and location. Contact a hypnotherapist in your area to discuss their rates and services.
Working with Children and Hypnotherapy
11. Can hypnotherapy be helpful for children?
Yes, children can benefit greatly from hypnotherapy. Their vivid imaginations make them particularly responsive to therapeutic suggestions. Hypnotherapy can help with issues such as:
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Bed-wetting
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Confidence and self-esteem
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Study, memory, and exam preparation
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Managing anger or bullying
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Eating habits and nail-biting
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Relaxation and stress management
Practical Applications of Hypnotherapy
12. What are the benefits of hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has a wide range of applications, including:
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Behavioural changes: Motivation, confidence, relaxation, stress and anger management, weight loss, and smoking cessation
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Sports performance: Overcoming performance blocks and enhancing concentration
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Fears and phobias: Public speaking, flying, heights, spiders, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia
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Habit cessation: Nail-biting, hair-pulling, and bed-wetting
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Health and medical support: Chronic pain management, childbirth, stress relief, asthma, psoriasis, and phantom limb pain
Qualifications and Memberships
13. What qualifications will a hypnotherapist have?
A hypnotherapist may hold a variety of qualifications, such as:
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Dip. Hyp: Diploma of Hypnotherapy
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Dip. Clin. Hyp: Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy
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Dip. Adv. Hyp: Diploma of Advanced Hypnotherapy
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Dip. Psy. & Hyp: Diploma of Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy
NZAPH members can also hold the following titles:
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Assoc. MNZAPH: Associate Member of NZAPH
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MNZAPH: Professional Member of NZAPH
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Hon. Life MNZAPH: Honorary Life Member of NZAPH
You are encouraged to ask about your therapist’s qualifications and experience to ensure you feel comfortable with their expertise.