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Everything You Want to Know Before You Book
Hypnotherapy can feel mysterious — it doesn't have to.
Here are honest answers to the questions Suzy gets asked most often.
Still have a question?
Book a free Discovery Call and ask directly.
Understanding Hypnotherapy
Not at all. Hypnotherapy is nothing like stage hypnosis. You remain fully aware, in control, and able to talk throughout your entire session. It's more like a deeply relaxed, focused state — similar to being so absorbed in a book or film that you don't notice time passing. You cannot be made to do or say anything against your will. Most clients say it feels wonderfully peaceful, and many are surprised by how alert they feel throughout.
Almost everyone can experience hypnosis — it's a completely natural state we all move in and out of every day, like daydreaming or that floaty feeling just before you fall asleep. The only people who can't benefit are those who actively don't want to be hypnotised. If you're open to it and willing to follow simple guidance, you will respond.
Meditation trains your mind to be present, calm and aware. Hypnotherapy uses that same relaxed state purposefully — to access your subconscious mind and make specific, targeted changes to thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical responses. It's solution-focused and goal-directed, which is why results often happen much faster than other approaches.
Counselling and psychology typically work with the conscious, thinking mind — exploring and understanding problems through conversation. Hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious mind, where our habits, automatic responses, fears and beliefs actually live. This is why hypnotherapy can create change much faster — we're working at the root cause, not just the surface symptoms. Many clients use hypnotherapy alongside counselling or psychology for even better results.
Yes — completely. Hypnotherapy is a natural, gentle process with no side effects. It is recognised by the New Zealand medical community as a legitimate therapeutic approach and is used alongside conventional medicine for a wide range of conditions including IBS, anxiety, chronic pain and more. Suzy is a fully qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Board Certified Hypnotherapist of Hypnosis New Zealand.
What you see on stage or TV is entertainment — it has almost nothing in common with clinical hypnotherapy. Stage hypnotists select highly suggestible volunteers who want to perform. In a clinical setting, you are always in a safe, private, supportive environment with a qualified professional. You stay in full control at all times. Most clients say their first session completely changed their understanding of what hypnotherapy actually is.
About Suzy & Her Approach
Suzy brings a rare combination of qualifications — Clinical Hypnotherapy, Social Work, Psychology, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Coaching and Telephone Counselling. She has also personally experienced the transformative power of hypnotherapy, resolving her own chronic IBS after years of failed conventional treatments, and overcoming severe public speaking anxiety. Every programme is completely tailored to you — nothing is generic or off the shelf.
Yes. Suzy works with children and teens (under 18) for issues including anxiety, confidence, phobias, sleep problems and school-related stress. Sessions are shorter (45–75 minutes) and adapted to suit younger clients. A parent or guardian is involved in the initial consultation and remains available throughout the process.
Both. Suzy sees clients in person at her Hobsonville, West Auckland practice, and online via Zoom for clients anywhere in New Zealand, Australia or worldwide. Online sessions are equally effective — many clients actually prefer the comfort and privacy of being in their own home. If you're unsure which is right for you, mention it during your free Discovery Call.
Yes. Suzy is a qualified Trauma Informed Coach and approaches all sessions with sensitivity, care and professionalism. She never pushes a client into territory they're not ready to explore. If you have a history of trauma, please mention this during your Discovery Call so Suzy can tailor her approach to your needs from the very start.
No referral is needed. You can book a free Discovery Call directly at any time. If you're working with a GP or specialist on a related condition — such as IBS, chronic pain or anxiety — it can be helpful to let them know you're exploring hypnotherapy, but it is not a requirement.
Practical Questions
Yes. Suzy offers a free Discovery Call — a relaxed, no-obligation conversation where you can share what you're dealing with, ask any questions, and find out whether hypnotherapy is the right fit for you. There's no pressure and no commitment required. Most people leave the call feeling reassured and ready to take the next step. Book yours at the top of this page.
Adult sessions start from $280 + GST for the first session (90 minutes) and $200 + GST for subsequent sessions. Suzy also offers 6 and 8 session programmes — the most effective way to achieve lasting change. Children and teens have separate, lower pricing. Full pricing details are on the Services page, or ask during your free Discovery Call.
This depends on the issue and the individual. Most clients begin to notice meaningful change within their first few sessions, and lasting transformation typically builds across a programme of 4–8 sessions. Suzy will give you an honest, realistic assessment during your free Discovery Call — no guesswork, no vague promises, just a clear picture of what to expect for your specific situation.
Think of it like physiotherapy — one session can absolutely start the process of change, and many clients notice a shift straight away. But lasting, deep transformation builds progressively as we work together. A programme gives you structure, momentum, and the best possible chance of permanent results. Suzy will always recommend what she genuinely believes is right for you.
Some health insurance providers in NZ do cover hypnotherapy — it is worth checking directly with your provider. Suzy can provide receipts and clinical documentation to support any insurance claim.
Yes — research consistently shows online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions. Many clients actually find it easier to relax at home, in their own space, without the travel. All you need is a quiet room, a reliable internet connection, and a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
Specific Conditions
Absolutely — anxiety is one of the most common and successful applications of hypnotherapy. Rather than just managing anxiety symptoms, hypnotherapy works with your subconscious to change the underlying patterns that drive anxious thoughts, feelings and physical responses. Many clients who have tried therapy, medication and self-help without lasting relief find hypnotherapy is the missing piece.
Yes — and the clinical evidence is very strong. Gut-directed hypnotherapy is now a first-line recommended treatment for IBS, with success rates of 60–80% for significant symptom reduction. Suzy herself resolved her own chronic IBS through hypnotherapy after years of failed conventional treatments — it is a subject she is deeply passionate about and highly experienced in.
Yes — this is one of hypnotherapy's most effective and well-known applications. Rather than relying on willpower alone, hypnotherapy works with your subconscious to change your relationship with smoking or vaping at the source. Many clients achieve lasting results within 2–3 sessions.
Yes. Insomnia and poor sleep are often driven by an overactive, anxious mind that won't switch off. Hypnotherapy helps calm the nervous system, retrain sleep patterns, and address the underlying stress or anxiety keeping you awake. Many clients notice significant improvement within the first few sessions.
Yes — with care and the right approach. Suzy is a qualified Trauma Informed Coach and uses gentle, evidence-based techniques to help clients process and release the impact of past trauma without re-traumatisation. If you have experienced trauma, your safety and comfort are always the priority.
Yes — children and teenagers often respond very well to hypnotherapy because their minds are naturally more open and imaginative. Suzy has significant experience working with young people on anxiety, phobias, confidence, sleep issues and school-related stress. Sessions are adjusted in length and approach to suit the individual child.
Getting Started
Completely normal — and very common. Most people feel a little uncertain before their first session, especially if their only reference point is what they've seen on TV. Suzy creates a warm, safe and non-judgmental environment where you are always in full control. There is no rush and no pressure. Many clients say their nerves completely disappeared within the first few minutes of their first session.
Very little preparation is needed. Wear comfortable clothing, make sure you've eaten something beforehand, and try to arrive (or log on) with a few minutes to settle. Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage — that's genuinely all that's needed. Suzy will guide you through everything else.
Hypnotherapy works for the vast majority of people who engage with it genuinely and openly. During your free Discovery Call, Suzy will assess honestly whether hypnotherapy is a good fit for your particular situation — she will not take on clients she doesn't believe she can help. If for any reason you don't feel it's working, Suzy will discuss this openly with you and explore what adjustments might help.
The easiest first step is to book a free Discovery Call. It's a relaxed, no-obligation conversation — Suzy will listen to what's going on, answer any questions you have, and let you know honestly whether hypnotherapy can help. Most people leave the call feeling heard, reassured and ready to move forward.
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