In New Zealand, hypnotherapy is unregulated, which means someone could do a quick three-day course and start calling themselves a hypnotherapist. Yikes!
For those of us who have spent years in deep training, learning how to safely support people through big emotional experiences, this can be a bit disheartening. We often find ourselves in the same category as someone with very little experience, which doesn’t reflect the depth or responsibility of the work we actually do.
Hypnotherapy here is classified as a “Supportive Therapy.” That means we’re not allowed to say we treat anxiety, depression, or any other medical condition. We cannot even say the words “Hypnotherapy FOR anxiety” or “Hypnotherapy FOR depression” and rightly so, according to the Advertising Standards Authority. Let me explain…
I’ll admit, that can be frustrating at times. I’ve witnessed the most profound shifts in clients’ emotional wellbeing through hypnotherapy. But I also believe these boundaries are important. They protect both the practitioner and the client. They remind us to work ethically, with care and humility.
Anxiety and depression sit on a wide spectrum. For one person, anxiety might feel like a low hum or a churning stomach that gets in the way of enjoying life. For another, it can be completely paralysing. And these experiences are fluid. What felt manageable yesterday might feel overwhelming today.
The reasons behind these feelings can also vary hugely. It could stem from something early in life that shaped a person’s response to certain situations. Or it might be linked to something medical, like a hormonal imbalance or even a brain tumour. That’s why sweeping claims like “I can fix your anxiety in one session!” just don’t sit right. They’re not only grossly misleading, they can be truly unsafe.
Personally, I see hypnotherapy as an experience that opens up new ways of thinking. It creates space for insight, for curiosity, and for healing, but the real change comes from the person themselves. They do the work. Hypnotherapy just gently guides them into a deeper relationship with their own subconscious mind. But ensuring you are getting the right treatment for your unique case is the most important thing.
If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy might support you, I offer both Zoom and in-person sessions. You’re welcome to email me with your details, and we can have a relaxed chat first to see if it feels like the right fit for you.
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