Karen Hughes — Experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist
MSc (Psychology), PGDipSCWk, DipGrad, BA, AssDipEd, DipCAH, HPD, PNLP
Meaningful change often requires the right support, the right space, and the right person to guide the process.
Choosing the right person to work with matters. This is not just about techniques — it’s about feeling safe, understood and supported in the process of change.
You want to feel understood.
You want to feel safe.
You want to know the work is grounded in professional training, experience and confidentiality.
My work integrates postgraduate training in Psychology, a degree in Social Work, and over 16 years of clinical hypnotherapy experience — providing a structured, evidence-informed and professionally grounded approach.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
Carl Jung
My Approach to Hypnotherapy
My work is grounded in professional training and many years of therapeutic experience.
Unlike brief or technique-only approaches, I integrate hypnotherapy within a structured, psychologically informed framework that considers emotional history, behavioral patterns and nervous system regulation.
Sessions are conducted in a calm, respectful and non-judgmental environment. Clients are supported with sensitivity, professionalism and strict confidentiality, particularly when discussing personal or difficult experiences.
This allows me to work safely and effectively with anxiety, stress-related conditions, behavioural patterns and mind-body health concerns – including more complex or long-standing presentations.
If you are considering hypnotherapy you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether this approach feels right for you.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Background & Perspective
Alongside my academic training, much of my life and work has involved engaging with people from diverse cultural and social contexts. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how beliefs, family systems and life experiences shape emotional wellbeing.
Across cultures, one theme remains consistent: when people feel respected, heard and understood without judgement, meaningful change becomes possible. When individuals learn to understand and positively influence their thoughts, emotional responses and behavioral patterns, resilience and wellbeing increase.
This perspective continues to guide my work today.
A Personal Turning Point
My interest in hypnotherapy deepened following my own experience of chronic pain after an injury. Through hypnosis, I experienced first-hand how the mind and nervous system can shift from survival into safety.
What began as personal recovery evolved into a professional commitment to helping others regain balance, clarity and confidence in their own capacity for change.
That experience continues to shape the way I practice today — calm, grounded, respectful and deeply client-focused.
Qualifications and Professional Background
My work is supported by postgraduate training in Psychology, a degree in Social Work, and over 16 years of clinical hypnotherapy experience.
This integrated background allows me to work across both psychological and behavioral areas, supporting clients with a depth of understanding that extends beyond symptom-focused approaches.
My qualifications and professional memberships reflect a strong commitment to clinical excellence, ongoing professional development, and safe, evidence-informed practice.
Key Qualifications
- MSc (Psychology), University of Otago
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social and Community Work
- Bachelor of Arts
- Diploma in Clinical & Advanced Hypnotherapy (UK)
- Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner (USA)
- Certified Anxiety Specialist
- Certified Practitioner — Virtual Gastric Band
Professional Memberships
- ANZASW (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers)
- National Council for Hypnotherapy (International)
- Senior Professional & Registered Member — Hypnosis New Zealand
- NZ Hypnotherapists Registration Board
Confidentiality
Many people seek support for deeply personal concerns. Confidentiality, discretion and professional ethics are central to my practice.
All sessions are conducted within clear professional boundaries, with respect for your privacy at all times. You can feel confident that what you share is treated with care, respect and confidentiality.
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Abraham Maslow
My Aim
My aim is to provide a calm, structured and supportive environment where meaningful and lasting change can occur.
I believe individuals already hold the capacity for resilience and growth. My role is to help you access and strengthen those internal resources so you can move forward with greater clarity, confidence and stability.
When the nervous system feels safe, clarity returns. When clarity returns, change becomes possible.
If you are considering working together, you are very welcome to get in touch and explore whether this approach feels right for you.