Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work for everybody? 

No. Firstly, some people are more suggestible than others. While hypnosis can be effectively used with less suggestible people, it takes more work and dedication on the part of the client. Not everyone is willing to practice at home or undertake additional sessions. Secondly, hypnosis is only really effective with those problems that you truly want to change. If somebody else is encouraging you to change a behaviour with which you are still comfortable, then hypnosis probably will not help you.

How many sessions will I require? 

While this can also depend upon your level of suggestibility, it is usually more often related to the type of problem being treated. Some people report success after one session while others take longer. More in depth problems may have several areas which require attention. An example is weight loss treatment, in which often confidence and motivation must first be addressed before we focus our attention on specific actions and habits. Everybody is different, so for more information please contact us.

In fact, because some issues can be more complicated we may not be able to understand the true nature of the problem until we have met more than once. Often, a hypnotherapist will ask a lot of questions and encourage their client to think about relevant issues, therefore further sessions maybe required. After all, there is no point in using hypnosis if we use it for the wrong problem.

It is thus also important to remember that we sometimes must build a level of trust and openness, which can also take several sessions. A comfortable client will more likely be more open about the true nature of their issue and will also be more comfortable using hypnosis, which for many is a new experience.

How does it work? 

While no one has ever actually proven that we have a subconscious and conscious mind, this model works very well in a practical setting. The subconscious part of the mind is in charge of habits and deeply held beliefs, that is, it controls those beliefs for which we are not usually consciously aware. It can be these beliefs that really hold us back. For example, how many people do you know that have consciously decided to lose weight and then who come unstuck only days later, tempted by some "tasty" food? Hypnosis allows us to talk directly to this subconscious mind, so that our conscious wishes (e.g., "I want to lose weight") are matched by our subconscious beliefs (e.g., "I actually love the taste of healthy food"). When these two parts of the mind are working together, rather than against each other, then we have success.

I am interested. What do I need to do next? 

Some questions that may help you:

  1. Is the hypnotherapist affiliated with the New Zealand Society of Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy? This society has the highest standards of membership entrance in New Zealand. It is also related to the only school which offers NZQA registered courses.
  2. Does the hypnotherapist work in my area or do they travel around the country? If you are considering several sessions, which is prudent for most problems, then a local practitioner will be available at the best times for reinforcement.
  3. Does the hypnotherapist offer a one on one approach or a group setting? Which do I prefer?
  4. What is the cost? Like any industry, cost can vary from one provider to another. Further a higher price does not necessarily indicate a substantially better service.

    5. Also consider the following:

  5. Do I really want to change? Am I doing it for myself or to keep someone else happy?
  6. If my problem could have a physical explanation have I first sought the help of a doctor or other such health practitioner?

Do hypnotists have a power over people? 

No. Unfortunately, stage hypnosis has left a lot of people thinking that a hypnotist will leave people clucking like a chicken. This is not the case. Hypnotherapy helps people stick to the decisions that have already made for themselves.

Is Hypnosis the same as relaxation or affirmations? 

No. While relaxation is used with hypnosis, hypnosis is something more and involves accessing the subconscious mind. It is also for that reason that affirmations are not as successful as hypnosis. Affirmation works only with the conscious mind.


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