Questions to ask your Hypnotherapist?

1. Are they a member of the NZAPH?

2. Do they deal with the issue that I am wanting help with?

3. What is the cost of the sessions?

4. How long is each session?

5. How many sessions should I plan for?

6. Can I bring someone with me if I feel I need someone there for support?

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How will you know that your hypnotherapist is qualified?

You are perfectly entitled to ask any health professional about their qualifications and experience. It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist.

Our members must have attended a recognised school of hypnotherapy, meeting international standards.

They have to pass a comprehensive exam and show professional competency to an Examination Board. They also must commit to ongoing professional development.

The NZAPH is independent of any school and is not associated with any commercial enterprise.

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What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a completely natural state. Everyone experiences it several times a day. Any time you daydream - when you are doing something and your mind wanders off to another time or place. Or, when you are totally focused - such as watching TV, studying, or driving a car.

These are examples of everyday natural hypnosis. In this natural state the inward focus of the mind increases so that the subconscious mind becomes more receptive and responsive to positive suggestion and ideas. This is the way you can make positive changes. Hypnosis is not like being asleep or unconscious (a popular misconception) because you are very aware while you are in hypnosis.

You are in full control at all times. You can hear the therapist's voice and other sounds, and you can open your eyes and come out of hypnosis at any time. But, when you are so relaxed, you'll probably just want to keep on enjoying the feeling. Hypnosis is like the relaxed mental state we experience between wakefulness and sleep, indicated by the same brain wave patterns as hypnosis.

As well as occurring naturally many times each day, hypnosis can be brought about intentionally, usually through focusing exercises and relaxation.

You can take yourself into hypnosis (self hypnosis) or seek out a professionally qualified hypnotherapist to assist and guide you. When you are in hypnosis you are very aware, and your mind is highly alert and focused on what is being said to you. Because your mind has the ability to "tune out" other sounds, they will not disturb you.

You are able to move and talk easily (e.g. scratch your nose, or answer questions) and you can also come out of hypnosis any time you choose. However, as it is such an enjoyable state you can relax and enjoy the experience, focusing on what is being said for your benefit. Many clients learn self-hypnosis so that they can take themselves into deep relaxation whenever they choose. It's very easy.

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What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is very simply … therapy or suggestions, given to a client who is experiencing the state of hypnosis. Suggestions, in themselves, can have a very therapeutic effect on the mind and body.

Hypnotherapy has been likened to meditation, and while both allow you to achieve similar levels of relaxation, there is a very major difference:

• With meditation you are usually attempting to "empty" or clear your mind, letting go of everyday thoughts and worries.

• With hypnotherapy, the therapist gives you appropriate, positive suggestions, while using techniques that will assist you to achieve your goals. So instead of emptying your mind, you are powerfully focusing it on positive ideas and goal orientated suggestions.  

Many people live normal, healthy lives, and yet there may be some aspect(s) they want to change. For example, getting rid of a phobia, reducing anxiety and stress, or removing a habit. Or, they may want to improve their memory, concentration or self-confidence. Clients often say they have tried using will- power, but some changes need to take place at a subconscious level, because this is where our automatic patterns, habits and responses are established.

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How can hypnotherapy help me?

Hypnotherapy has a broad application base. It has been used for many years with medical treatment, and can be used to make many different kinds of changes. Some examples are listed below.

• Behavioural changes: motivation, relaxation, confidence, stop smoking, weight loss, stress management, anger management, road rage, and more.

• Sport: skills and concentration improvement, getting over blocks or performance fears, etc.

• Fears & phobias: flying, public speaking, spiders, heights, elevators, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, and more.

• Habits: stop smoking, nail biting, bed wetting, hair pulling, and more.

• Health and medical: relaxation, childbirth, healing, dentistry, chronic pain management, hemophilia, burns, emergencies, stress, asthma, psoriasis, phantom limb pain, and more.

Can Hypnotherapy be helpful for children?

• Yes, very helpful. Children have wonderful imaginations, which can be extremely helpful when making changes with hypnotherapy.

• Hypnotherapy can assist children with many problems, including bed wetting, confidence and self-esteem, motivation, sport, nail biting, eating, reading, study, memory, exams, 

• relaxation, anger, and coping with bullying, and more.

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• Did you know that hypnosis dates back to the sleep temples in Greece and Egypt?

• Hypnotherapy can be used not only to promote health and well being in the mind it is also a fantastic tool to help manage pain and healing the body.

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What can I expect when I visit a hypnotherapist?

As with any health professional, a hypnotherapist will begin by getting some background information. Then they will discuss with you what it is you want to achieve, and whether your goal is achievable and realistic.

The therapist will discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and explain hypnosis to you and what you can expect to experience during the session.

The hypnotherapist will then guide you into the pleasant, relaxed state of hypnosis, and use any one of a range of hypnotherapeutic and psycho-therapeutic techniques to help you let go of old and ineffective behaviour and responses, become more resourceful, and to become the person you want to be.  

Most hypnotherapists are freelance and set their own fees. We suggest that you contact a hypnotherapist in your area to discuss your requirements. The price depends on the area, the therapist's qualifications and experience, and the length of the session.

As we are all individuals and respond differently to hypnosis it is not possible to give a specific answer. A lot can depend on the changes you want to make. Some changes may take as little as 1-3 sessions; others may take a little longer. The hypnotherapist may be able to give you a better idea after discussing your responses at your first session.​

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If you are feeling anxious and stressed due to the Covid-19 health crisis and worried about how you are going to get through this emotionally, then you have come to the right place to get assistance. Many of our hypnotherapists have been trained to help people to relax and find strength, they are available online to help you today. You are not alone, often it is in times like this it is a great opprtunity to do some emotional healing. Looking at this as an opportunity to address old fears and phobias and self limiting beliefs.

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