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What is Hypnotherapy?

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As a clinical hypnotherapist, I am trained in the art of using suggestion and focused attention to support emotional and behavioural change. Hypnotherapy is a gentle, evidence-informed therapeutic approach that works by guiding you into a relaxed yet alert state, where your mind becomes more receptive to helpful ideas and insight. Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis is not sleep. It’s more like a calm, focused daydream — where you remain in control and aware the whole time.

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What Will You Experience?

When people visit my Wellington hypnotherapy clinic, one of the first things we talk about is what hypnosis feels like. Many people experience a sensation of physical heaviness, lightness, or pleasant stillness. You may feel more connected to your inner world, while still aware of sounds or sensations around you. Every person’s experience is unique, but most describe it as deeply relaxing and insightful.

As your hypnotherapist, I guide you through a learning process that allows you to:

  • Explore what’s beneath the surface

  • Let go of unhelpful thought patterns

  • Strengthen new, supportive ways of thinking

  • Connect to your imagination and inner wisdom

Your subconscious mind is creative, resourceful, and ready to help you shift what’s no longer serving you. I also teach self-hypnosis so you can continue reinforcing positive change between sessions.

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How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy may support you in addressing many emotional or behavioural challenges by working with the subconscious beliefs that drive habits and patterns. Through guided relaxation and focused suggestions, we can begin to shift how you feel, how you think, and how you respond to life’s challenges.

Over the last 30+ years in practice, I’ve supported clients with issues such as:

  • Anxiety and stress

  • Insomnia and sleep disorders

  • Emotional exhaustion and burnout

  • Phobias and fears

  • Nail biting, hair pulling, and other habits

  • Smoking and vaping

  • Alcohol addiction or overuse

  • Gambling recovery

  • Emotional and binge eating

  • Weight management

  • Self-esteem and confidence building

  • Public speaking and performance anxiety

  • Chronic pain management

  • Relationship stress and communication

  • Support for children and teens

  • Digital overuse and screen time issues

  • Life transitions and identity changes

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What Is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a future-focused, empowering process that helps you gain clarity, stay motivated, and move toward your goals. Many of my clients choose to combine coaching with hypnotherapy, especially when navigating big decisions or life changes. Coaching sessions may involve reflection, goal setting, problem-solving, and mindset work — all tailored to your needs.

Sometimes coaching is all you need; sometimes hypnosis provides the breakthrough. I offer both, so we can work together in the way that feels right for you. Many coaching clients see me monthly or fortnightly, and sessions are available online or in person.

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What Is Hypno-Coaching?

Hypno-coaching is a powerful blend of hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and coaching psychology. This integrated approach helps you:

  • Get clear on what you really want

  • Unpack limiting beliefs and subconscious blocks

  • Build motivation, confidence, and momentum

  • Take consistent action toward your goals

Whether you're shifting an old habit or creating a new future, hypno-coaching can accelerate your transformation.

 

A Real Client Story

One day, a woman came to my clinic thinking she was here for counselling. When I asked her what she wanted, she quietly said, "I just want to feel happy." She wasn’t sure what happiness looked or felt like, but she knew something needed to change.

We gently explored her values and inner landscape. As we talked, I offered the idea of using hypnosis. She was curious — and agreed. At the end of our session, she looked up and said, “That’s really weird… I can’t stop smiling.”

In that moment, something had shifted.

That’s the beauty of this work — it’s not just about change, it’s about reconnection. To your calm, your clarity, your potential.

 

My Approach

With over 30 years of experience as a clinical hypnotherapist, I combine practical tools with a warm, supportive approach. I’ve also trained in Reiki, NLP, and yoga, allowing me to offer holistic, mind–body sessions tailored to your needs. My background includes:

  • Clinical Hypnotherapy Diploma (Osmosis Academy, Auckland)

  • Reiki Master/Teacher

  • NLP Training and Certification

  • 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

  • Motivational Interviewing for Smoking Cessation

  • Founder of NZACH (New Zealand Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy)

  • President of NZAPH (New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists)

If you're curious about what hypnotherapy can do for you, I welcome your questions. Sessions are available in Wellington or online. You can book your first 90-minute session via my website, or reach out by email or phone.

Let’s explore what’s possible together.

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Email

24 Johnston street, Level 4, Suite 10, Wellington,

New Zealand

11 Hector Street, Petone

In person and zoom sessions available

 info@meredithmccarthy.com 

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 +64 27 699 3950

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Gift card Meredith McCarthy life coaching NZ

*Disclaimer: Meredith McCarthy is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist registered with the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH). Hypnotherapy is a recognised complementary therapeutic approach that can assist with a wide range of issues, including emotional, behavioural, and psychosomatic challenges.

Hypnotherapy is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Clients with diagnosed mental health conditions are encouraged to seek support from a registered mental health professional and may benefit from using hypnotherapy as part of an integrated care approach.

While many clients experience positive outcomes, individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed. No claims are made to cure or treat medical conditions in a conventional medical sense.

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