Clinical Hypnosis Auckland

Evidence-based clinical hypnosis provided by a registered clinical psychologist in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Clinical hypnosis may help with anxiety, stress, smoking cessation, sleep difficulties, chronic pain, phobias, and other psychological concerns as part of an individualised treatment plan.

Clinical hypnosis therapy in Auckland for anxiety stress and behaviour change

What is Clinical Hypnosis?

Clinical hypnosis is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that helps people enter a state of focused attention and deep relaxation. In this state, many people find it easier to develop new perspectives, strengthen helpful behaviours, and work towards meaningful psychological change.

At Serenity Psychology in Grey Lynn, Auckland, Hayden Knibbs uses clinical hypnosis as part of an integrative approach to treatment, combining it with evidence-based psychological therapies to support meaningful and lasting change.

How Does Clinical Hypnosis Work?

Clinical hypnosis involves guiding you into a relaxed, focused state where attention becomes less distracted by everyday thoughts. This allows therapeutic techniques to be explored in a calm, focused way, helping many people make meaningful changes that align with their goals.

During hypnosis, your attention becomes more focused while external distractions often become less noticeable. This can make it easier to engage with therapeutic strategies, explore helpful perspectives, and reinforce positive changes. Although people often describe the experience as deeply relaxing, you remain aware of your surroundings and are able to stop the process at any time.

Clinical hypnosis helps you access a natural state of focused attention and deep relaxation. In this state, many people find it easier to develop new perspectives, strengthen helpful behaviours, and work towards meaningful change. Your clinician is there to guide the process, but you remain aware, in control, and actively involved throughout the session.

Clinical hypnosis support for smoking anxiety sleep and stress in Auckland

What Can Clinical Hypnosis Help With?

Clinical hypnosis may be beneficial for a range of concerns, including:

  • Quitting smoking and vaping

  • Managing anxiety and stress

  • Building confidence and self-esteem

  • Improving sleep and insomnia

  • Reducing fears and phobias

  • Managing chronic pain

  • Supporting weight management and healthy habits

  • Preparing for medical or dental procedures

  • Pregnancy and hypnobirthing

  • Improving performance in sport, work, or study

  • Breaking unwanted habits and behaviours

Clinical hypnosis is not a standalone treatment for every concern. Where appropriate, it is integrated with evidence-based psychological therapies as part of a personalised treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs.

Clinical psychologist offering hypnosis in Grey Lynn Auckland

Why Choose a Clinical Psychologist for Hypnosis?

Many hypnotherapists in Auckland hold diploma-level qualifications. Hayden Knibbs is a registered clinical psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience, meaning your hypnosis sessions are grounded in a deep understanding of psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.

This clinical foundation ensures hypnosis is applied strategically, targeting the specific psychological mechanisms underlying your difficulty.

This means your treatment is informed not only by hypnosis techniques, but also by comprehensive psychological assessment, formulation, and evidence-based intervention, ensuring hypnosis is used safely and appropriately within your overall treatment plan.

Calm clinical hypnosis session setting in Auckland

What to Expect During Your First Session

Your first session begins with a thorough clinical understanding of your situation. Hayden will work with you to identify the most effective approach for your specific challenge.

Hayden Knibbs is registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and uses clinical hypnosis within an evidence-based psychological framework.

During hypnosis, you will be guided into a state of deep relaxation while remaining fully aware and in control.

Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes and includes both psychological assessment and clinical hypnosis where appropriate.

$250 per session (incl. GST)

 Common Questions About Clinical Hypnosis

  • Everyone experiences clinical hypnosis a little differently, but most people describe it as feeling deeply relaxed, calm, and focused. It is similar to becoming completely absorbed in a good book or a film, where your attention is focused while you remain aware of your surroundings.

    During hypnosis, you remain awake and in control. You can hear your psychologist, speak if you wish, and remember the session afterwards. There is no "right" way to experience hypnosis. Some people feel very relaxed, while others simply notice an increased sense of focus. The effectiveness of clinical hypnosis does not depend on feeling a particular way—it is about working together in a state that supports therapeutic change.

  • No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis. During clinical hypnosis, you remain aware of your surroundings and are always in control. You can speak, ask questions, or choose to end the session at any time. Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention and relaxation that allows therapeutic suggestions to be more meaningful and easier to apply.

  • No. Although many people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxed, you are not asleep. Most people remain aware of what is happening throughout the session and remember it afterwards.

  • Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree if they are willing to participate and are able to follow simple guidance. Hypnosis is not something that is "done" to you—it works best when you are motivated and actively engaged in the process.

  • Yes. Clinical hypnosis has a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its use for a range of conditions, particularly when integrated with evidence-based psychological treatment by appropriately trained clinicians.

  • Absolutely. Hayden often integrates clinical hypnosis with other evidence-based approaches such as CBT, EMDR, and person-centred therapy, depending on what will be most effective for your situation.

  • No. Clinical hypnosis cannot make you do anything that goes against your values, beliefs, or wishes. You remain in control throughout the session and can choose to speak, ask questions, or end the session at any time.

    Hypnosis is a collaborative process rather than something that is "done" to you. It works best when you are willing to participate and motivated to achieve your goals. Your psychologist acts as a guide, helping you access a focused and relaxed state where it may be easier to develop new perspectives, strengthen helpful behaviours, and make meaningful changes that align with your own goals.

  • Yes. When provided by a trained healthcare professional, clinical hypnosis is considered a safe and well-established therapeutic approach. It is used alongside psychological therapies to support positive change and help people achieve their personal goals.

  • Although they share the word "hypnosis," clinical hypnosis and stage hypnosis have very different purposes.

    Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment designed to amuse an audience. It typically involves volunteers who are willing to participate in playful performances under carefully controlled conditions.

    Clinical hypnosis, on the other hand, is a therapeutic technique used by appropriately trained healthcare professionals to support psychological wellbeing. Rather than entertaining an audience, the focus is on helping you work towards meaningful personal goals, such as reducing anxiety, managing pain, overcoming unwanted habits, or improving confidence.

    Throughout a clinical hypnosis session, you remain awake, aware, and in control. Your psychologist works collaboratively with you, using evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you access a relaxed and focused state where positive change may feel easier to achieve. The experience is safe, respectful, and tailored to your individual needs.

  • Clinical hypnosis may be suitable for adults experiencing:

    • Anxiety and excessive worry

    • Stress and burnout

    • Smoking and vaping cessation

    • Chronic pain

    • Fears and phobias

    • Insomnia and sleep difficulties

    • Building confidence and self-esteem

    • Preparing for childbirth through hypnobirthing

    Every person is different, so your psychologist will discuss whether clinical hypnosis is likely to be beneficial for your individual goals during your initial consultation.

  • The number of sessions depends on your goals and the nature of the concern being addressed. Some people benefit from only a few sessions, while others find that hypnosis works best as part of a broader course of psychological therapy. Hayden will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs during your initial assessment.

Taking the first step can sometimes feel like the hardest part. If you're interested in learning whether clinical hypnosis could support your goals, we'd be happy to answer your questions and discuss whether it's the right approach for you. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that supports meaningful and lasting change.

Ready to explore clinical hypnosis?

Serenity Psychology provides clinical hypnosis in Auckland from our Grey Lynn clinic, conveniently located for people in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Westmere, Herne Bay, Mt Eden, Kingsland, and throughout Central Auckland.

Book now

027 348 0207 info@serenitypsych.co.nz Level 1/24-26 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland