Hypnotherapy - Commonly Asked Questions

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis alongside evidence-informed techniques to help create positive changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and habits.

During hypnosis, you enter a naturally focused and relaxed state where your mind is more receptive to helpful suggestions and new ways of thinking. You remain aware of your surroundings throughout the session and work collaboratively with your therapist at all times.

Hypnotherapy can be used to support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, confidence, fears and phobias, smoking cessation, weight management, sleep difficulties, and other challenges where thoughts, emotions, and behaviours play a role.

What is the difference between hypnotherapy and hypnosis?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.

Hypnosis is the naturally occurring state of focused attention and heightened awareness that people experience during a hypnotherapy session.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic process that uses hypnosis alongside evidence-based techniques to help people create positive and lasting change.

Think of hypnosis as the tool, and hypnotherapy as the therapeutic process that uses that tool to help achieve your goals.

Is hypnosis real?

Yes. Hypnosis is a genuine and well-researched psychological state involving focused attention, relaxation, and increased responsiveness to helpful suggestions.

Brain imaging studies have shown measurable changes in brain activity during hypnosis, demonstrating that it is much more than simply "being relaxed." Researchers have found that hypnosis can influence how the brain processes attention, emotions, and perception.

Hypnosis has been studied for many years and is used in a variety of healthcare settings around the world.

Is hypnotherapy recognised in the medical world?

Yes. Hypnotherapy is recognised as a therapeutic approach and has been researched for a range of health concerns. Studies have found it may be helpful for conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), smoking cessation, and preparing for medical procedures.

Many doctors, psychologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals refer patients for hypnotherapy when they believe it may complement their overall treatment plan.

At Integrated Insights, hypnotherapy is not viewed as a replacement for appropriate medical or psychological care, but as a complementary approach that can work alongside other treatments when appropriate.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

For most people, hypnotherapy is considered a safe and gentle therapeutic approach when provided by a suitably trained professional.

You remain aware of your surroundings throughout the session and cannot be made to do anything against your values or wishes. Your wellbeing is always the priority, and sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Hypnotherapy should complement, not replace appropriate medical or mental health care where needed.

Are there any side effects of hypnosis?

For most people, hypnotherapy is considered a safe and gentle therapeutic approach when provided by a suitably trained professional.

Most clients simply feel relaxed, calm, and refreshed after a session. Occasionally, people may feel temporarily emotional or tired as they process thoughts or emotions that have arisen during therapy. These feelings are usually short-lived and often settle within a day.

Hypnotherapy is always tailored to your individual needs, and your wellbeing remains the priority throughout every session.

Will I still be in control during hypnosis?

Yes. You remain in control throughout the entire session.

One of the biggest myths about hypnosis is that you lose control or can be made to do something against your will. Clinical hypnotherapy doesn't work that way. You cannot be made to do anything that goes against your values, beliefs, or wishes.

You can choose to speak, move, open your eyes, or end the hypnosis at any time.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Most people can experience hypnosis if they are willing to participate and follow the process.

Hypnosis is a natural state that most people experience every day, such as when you become completely absorbed in a book, movie, or daydream. Some people enter hypnosis more easily than others, but the vast majority of people are able to benefit from hypnotherapy when they are open to the process.

Will I remember what happens during hypnosis?
Yes. Most people remember everything that happens during a hypnotherapy session.

Although you are in a deeply relaxed and focused state, you remain aware of your surroundings and can hear everything that is being said. Many people describe hypnosis as feeling similar to becoming completely absorbed in a good book, movie, or daydream.

Some people remember every detail, while others may find parts of the experience feel a little dreamlike, but it is very unusual to have complete memory loss during clinical hypnotherapy.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No. It is not possible to get stuck in hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention that your brain moves into and out of every day. Even if a session were interrupted, you would simply return to your normal level of awareness naturally, much like waking from a daydream.

Throughout your session, you remain in control and can choose to speak, move, open your eyes, or end the hypnosis whenever you wish.

Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

Yes. Hypnotherapy may help people manage anxiety by calming the nervous system, reducing excessive worry, and changing some of the underlying thought patterns, beliefs, and automatic responses that contribute to feeling anxious.

Sessions are tailored to the individual and may include relaxation, nervous system regulation, therapeutic suggestions, visualisation, and practical strategies to use outside the session.

Every person and situation is different, so results cannot be guaranteed. Hypnotherapy can complement appropriate medical or psychological care but should not replace advice or treatment from a registered health professional.

Can hypnotherapy help with stress?

Yes. Hypnotherapy may help reduce the effects of stress by supporting your nervous system to move from a heightened state of alertness into a calmer, more balanced state.

Chronic stress can influence our thoughts, emotions, sleep, concentration, and physical health. Hypnotherapy works by helping you develop healthier responses to stress, strengthen emotional resilience, and reduce the automatic patterns that keep the body feeling overwhelmed.

Many clients also learn practical relaxation and self-regulation techniques that they can continue using in everyday life.

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy may be beneficial for a wide range of concerns where thoughts, emotions, behaviours, or habits play a role. Common reasons people seek support include:

Every person is unique, so treatment is always tailored to your individual goals and circumstances. If you're unsure whether hypnotherapy may be suitable for your situation, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.

Does medication interfere with hypnotherapy?

In most cases, no. Many people successfully participate in hypnotherapy while taking prescribed medication.

Some medications may affect concentration, alertness, or relaxation, but they do not usually prevent someone from benefiting from hypnotherapy. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss any medications you're taking so your sessions can be tailored to your individual needs.

It's important to continue taking any prescribed medication unless your doctor advises otherwise. Hypnotherapy should never replace prescribed medical treatment.

Can children have hypnotherapy?

Yes. Children and teenagers can often respond very well to hypnotherapy because they naturally have active imaginations and are generally able to engage easily with visualisation and therapeutic storytelling.

Hypnotherapy for children is always adapted to suit their age, developmental stage, and individual needs. Sessions are designed to be supportive, engaging, and appropriate for the child.

At Integrated Insights, I primarily work with adults. I also work with children and young people when it is appropriate, often following a referral or after discussing their needs with a parent or caregiver.

What qualifications should I look for in a hypnotherapist?

It's important to choose a hypnotherapist who has completed recognised professional training and is a member of a reputable professional association.

When choosing a hypnotherapist, consider whether they:

As a Registered Professional Member of the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH) and a Registered Hypnotherapist with Hypnosis New Zealand (HNZ), I meet the professional standards required by these organisations, including ongoing training, supervision, ethical practice, and continuing professional development.

Is hypnotherapy covered by health insurance in New Zealand?

Some New Zealand health insurance policies may provide cover for hypnotherapy or related counselling services, but this varies between insurers and individual policies. Cover often depends on the qualifications of the practitioner, the reason for treatment, and the specific benefits included in your policy. It is best to contact your insurer directly to check what is covered before booking.

Is hypnotherapy right for me?

Hypnotherapy is suitable for many people who are ready to make positive changes and are willing to actively participate in the therapeutic process.

The best outcomes are often achieved when you feel motivated, have realistic expectations, and are open to learning new ways of thinking and responding. If you're unsure whether hypnotherapy is the right approach for your situation, a free 15-minute consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your goals and ask any questions before deciding whether to book an appointment.

How many sessions will I need?

Every person is different, so the number of sessions required varies depending on your goals and individual circumstances.

Some people notice positive changes after just one session, while others benefit from several sessions. For many concerns, I recommend beginning with three sessions. This allows time to address both the immediate concern and the underlying patterns that may be contributing to it.

Progress is regularly reviewed, and together we'll decide on the most appropriate plan moving forward.

What happens during my first appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to gain a thorough understanding of what has brought you to therapy and what you would like to achieve.

We'll spend time discussing your goals, relevant history, current challenges, and any factors that may be contributing to the issue you're experiencing. This allows me to develop an approach that is personalised to your individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.

Most first appointments also include a short hypnotherapy session, giving you the opportunity to experience hypnosis while beginning the therapeutic process.

You'll have plenty of time to ask questions, and everything is completed at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How do I know if hypnotherapy is right for me?

The best place to start is with a free 15-minute consultation. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what you'd like support with, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether hypnotherapy is likely to be the right approach for your individual situation.

If hypnotherapy is suitable, we can discuss the next steps and what you can expect from the process. If I don't believe hypnotherapy is the most appropriate option for your needs, I'll be honest and, where possible, help guide you towards the support that is most appropriate for you.

Schedule a free 15 minute chat and see if it's right for you!
There’s no commitment, pressure, or obligation.

Hypnotherapy - Commonly Asked Questions

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis alongside evidence-informed techniques to help create positive changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and habits.

During hypnosis, you enter a naturally focused and relaxed state where your mind is more receptive to helpful suggestions and new ways of thinking. You remain aware of your surroundings throughout the session and work collaboratively with your therapist at all times.

Hypnotherapy can be used to support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, confidence, fears and phobias, smoking cessation, weight management, sleep difficulties, and other challenges where thoughts, emotions, and behaviours play a role.

​

What is the difference between hypnotherapy and hypnosis?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.

Hypnosis is the naturally occurring state of focused attention and heightened awareness that people experience during a hypnotherapy session.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic process that uses hypnosis alongside evidence-based techniques to help people create positive and lasting change.

Think of hypnosis as the tool, and hypnotherapy as the therapeutic process that uses that tool to help achieve your goals.

​

Is hypnosis real?

Yes. Hypnosis is a genuine and well-researched psychological state involving focused attention, relaxation, and increased responsiveness to helpful suggestions.

Brain imaging studies have shown measurable changes in brain activity during hypnosis, demonstrating that it is much more than simply "being relaxed." Researchers have found that hypnosis can influence how the brain processes attention, emotions, and perception.

Hypnosis has been studied for many years and is used in a variety of healthcare settings around the world.

​

Is hypnotherapy recognised in the medical world?

Yes. Hypnotherapy is recognised as a therapeutic approach and has been researched for a range of health concerns. Studies have found it may be helpful for conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), smoking cessation, and preparing for medical procedures.

Many doctors, psychologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals refer patients for hypnotherapy when they believe it may complement their overall treatment plan.

At Integrated Insights, hypnotherapy is not viewed as a replacement for appropriate medical or psychological care, but as a complementary approach that can work alongside other treatments when appropriate.

​

Is hypnotherapy safe?

For most people, hypnotherapy is considered a safe and gentle therapeutic approach when provided by a suitably trained professional.

You remain aware of your surroundings throughout the session and cannot be made to do anything against your values or wishes. Your wellbeing is always the priority, and sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Hypnotherapy should complement, not replace appropriate medical or mental health care where needed.

​​

Are there any side effects of hypnosis?

For most people, hypnotherapy is considered a safe and gentle therapeutic approach when provided by a suitably trained professional.

Most clients simply feel relaxed, calm, and refreshed after a session. Occasionally, people may feel temporarily emotional or tired as they process thoughts or emotions that have arisen during therapy. These feelings are usually short-lived and often settle within a day.

Hypnotherapy is always tailored to your individual needs, and your wellbeing remains the priority throughout every session.

Will I still be in control during hypnosis?

Yes. You remain in control throughout the entire session.

One of the biggest myths about hypnosis is that you lose control or can be made to do something against your will. Clinical hypnotherapy doesn't work that way. You cannot be made to do anything that goes against your values, beliefs, or wishes.

You can choose to speak, move, open your eyes, or end the hypnosis at any time.

​

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Most people can experience hypnosis if they are willing to participate and follow the process.

Hypnosis is a natural state that most people experience every day, such as when you become completely absorbed in a book, movie, or daydream. Some people enter hypnosis more easily than others, but the vast majority of people are able to benefit from hypnotherapy when they are open to the process.

Will I remember what happens during hypnosis? Yes. Most people remember everything that happens during a hypnotherapy session.

Although you are in a deeply relaxed and focused state, you remain aware of your surroundings and can hear everything that is being said. Many people describe hypnosis as feeling similar to becoming completely absorbed in a good book, movie, or daydream.

Some people remember every detail, while others may find parts of the experience feel a little dreamlike, but it is very unusual to have complete memory loss during clinical hypnotherapy.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No. It is not possible to get stuck in hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention that your brain moves into and out of every day. Even if a session were interrupted, you would simply return to your normal level of awareness naturally, much like waking from a daydream.

Throughout your session, you remain in control and can choose to speak, move, open your eyes, or end the hypnosis whenever you wish.

Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

Yes. Hypnotherapy may help people manage anxiety by calming the nervous system, reducing excessive worry, and changing some of the underlying thought patterns, beliefs, and automatic responses that contribute to feeling anxious.

Sessions are tailored to the individual and may include relaxation, nervous system regulation, therapeutic suggestions, visualisation, and practical strategies to use outside the session.

Every person and situation is different, so results cannot be guaranteed. Hypnotherapy can complement appropriate medical or psychological care but should not replace advice or treatment from a registered health professional.

Can hypnotherapy help with stress?

Yes. Hypnotherapy may help reduce the effects of stress by supporting your nervous system to move from a heightened state of alertness into a calmer, more balanced state.

Chronic stress can influence our thoughts, emotions, sleep, concentration, and physical health. Hypnotherapy works by helping you develop healthier responses to stress, strengthen emotional resilience, and reduce the automatic patterns that keep the body feeling overwhelmed.

Many clients also learn practical relaxation and self-regulation techniques that they can continue using in everyday life.

​

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy may be beneficial for a wide range of concerns where thoughts, emotions, behaviours, or habits play a role. Common reasons people seek support include:

Anxiety and stress

Confidence and self-esteem

Fears and phobias

Smoking and vaping cessation

Weight management and emotional eating

Sleep difficulties

Public speaking and performance anxiety

Exam stress

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and stress-related symptoms

Motivation and habit change

Every person is unique, so treatment is always tailored to your individual goals and circumstances. If you're unsure whether hypnotherapy may be suitable for your situation, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.

​

Does medication interfere with hypnotherapy?

In most cases, no. Many people successfully participate in hypnotherapy while taking prescribed medication.

Some medications may affect concentration, alertness, or relaxation, but they do not usually prevent someone from benefiting from hypnotherapy. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss any medications you're taking so your sessions can be tailored to your individual needs.

It's important to continue taking any prescribed medication unless your doctor advises otherwise. Hypnotherapy should never replace prescribed medical treatment.

Can children have hypnotherapy?

Yes. Children and teenagers can often respond very well to hypnotherapy because they naturally have active imaginations and are generally able to engage easily with visualisation and therapeutic storytelling.

Hypnotherapy for children is always adapted to suit their age, developmental stage, and individual needs. Sessions are designed to be supportive, engaging, and appropriate for the child.

At Integrated Insights, I primarily work with adults. I also work with children and young people when it is appropriate, often following a referral or after discussing their needs with a parent or caregiver.

What qualifications should I look for in a hypnotherapist?

It's important to choose a hypnotherapist who has completed recognised professional training and is a member of a reputable professional association.

When choosing a hypnotherapist, consider whether they:

Will I remember what happens during hypnosis?
Yes. Most people remember everything that happens during a hypnotherapy session.