My Journey in Teaching Hypnosis: Three Decades of Transforming Lives

courses
next level App
coaching
follow

I'm Nicola, the founder of The Next Level, and I'm thrilled to have you here. This blog is a space where I share valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you achieve sustainable success in both your personal and professional life.

mindset
hypnotherapy
success stories
events
leadership
more categories

Welcome to The Next Level Blog

For nearly three decades, I have dedicated myself to the transformative power of hypnosis, working with a diverse range of professionals and playing a pivotal role in elevating the industry to new heights of professionalism. My journey began with a passion for helping others achieve their full potential and has evolved into a comprehensive approach to high performance and well-being. This article outlines my personal experience in teaching hypnosis, highlighting the impact it has had on mental health professionals, medical professionals, first responders, and many others.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

My journey in hypnosis started in the serene surroundings of Lake Taupo, New Zealand. In these early years, I focused on clinical practice, addressing complex issues such as insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, and supporting first responders and athletes. It was during this time that I became the go-to expert for medical and health professionals seeking support for personal challenges. My work with these individuals laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of how hypnosis could be harnessed to enhance mental resilience and overall well-being.

Elevating Professional Standards

As a former tutor and assessor for the New Zealand School of Clinical Hypnotherapy, I have had the privilege of educating and mentoring the next generation of hypnotherapists. My role involved not only teaching the technical aspects of hypnosis but also instilling a high standard of professionalism and ethical practice. I have seen many organizations over the years that fall well short of this. I was proud to be associated with a school that taught to a level rarely seen in the industry and an associated society that provided the support and structure designed to hold practitioners accountable. My philosophy is that hypnosis, like any other therapeutic tool, is best practiced by well-trained professionals.

This commitment to excellence and ethical practice continues to inform my work today, ensuring that leaders and high performers experience hypnosis in a way that is both effective and empowering.

One of the highlights of my career was the opportunity to speak at national conferences, where I shared insights on the latest advancements in hypnosis and its applications in various professional fields. These platforms allowed me to advocate for the integration of hypnosis into mainstream therapeutic practices, emphasizing its science-backed benefits and the importance of maintaining rigorous standards.

Working with High-Performance Professionals

Through my work with business owners and leaders, I’ve seen how mindset and personal well-being are often overlooked. One conversation that stands out is with a business owner who meticulously maintained the machinery in his business — regular servicing, immediate repairs, and proactive care to ensure everything ran smoothly. When I asked him a simple yet powerful question:

“And what would your wife replace you with when you break?”

That moment shifted his perspective. It was a realization that while machines can be replaced, he could not. Like many high performers, he had poured everything into his business without recognizing the toll it was taking on his well-being. This experience highlighted how performance optimization isn’t just about external success — it’s about creating a sustainable approach that supports both personal and professional well-being.

Through hypnosis, I’ve helped professionals step out of the constant cycle of pressure and into a state where they can perform at their best, while also enjoying the process. When people learn how to regulate their nervous system, shift limiting beliefs, and build greater mental resilience, the results ripple through every area of their lives. They lead with more clarity and confidence, enhance their creativity, and experience a deeper sense of fulfilment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hypnosis

As I continue my journey in teaching and practicing hypnosis, my mission remains to advocate for its integration into mainstream therapeutic and professional practices. With a strong clinical foundation, my approach has naturally evolved into the field of peak performance coaching. I carry forward the exceptional standards and insights from my clinical work into this new era of supporting professionals and high achievers in unlocking a whole new level of personal performance.

Looking back, my path in hypnosis has been one of continuous learning and growth. From supporting clients through life’s most challenging moments to now helping high achievers unlock their full potential, I’ve seen firsthand how hypnosis can be a catalyst for lasting change. The same tools that once helped individuals overcome trauma are now empowering leaders to navigate pressure, enhance creativity, and lead with confidence.

Hypnosis is a scientifically validated tool that offers numerous benefits for high achievers. By leveraging its power, individuals can enhance their focus, reduce stress, boost creativity, and overcome mental barriers, leading to sustained peak performance.

For leaders, high performers, and logic-minded professionals, embracing hypnosis means adopting a science-backed approach to personal and professional development. By integrating hypnosis into your routine, you can unlock new levels of potential and achieve a state of optimal performance, ensuring that you not only meet but exceed your goals — and enjoy the process.

If you’re curious about how hypnosis can enhance your performance and well-being, I’d love to explore how it can support your goals. And if you’re interested in the science behind hypnosis and peak performance, check out our blog article: Enhancing Peak Performance with Hypnosis: A Science-Backed Approach.

Tactical Relaxation Training Program

3 pathways to begin your journey

Unlock Peak Performance with Tactical Relaxation

Discover the foundation of sustainable high performance with our Tactical Relaxation training program. Designed to help you master the art of relaxation, this program equips you with powerful techniques to manage stress, enhance focus, and boost overall well-being. Available on The Next Level app, this training is your first step towards achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

download the app →

Live Online Training Programmes

enhance Your Leadership with The Advanced Mindset

Step into high-level leadership with the Advanced Mindset Training Programme. This live, application-based programme offers cutting-edge tools and techniques designed to transform the way you think, perform, and lead. Join like-minded professionals in learning how to cultivate the mindset needed for sustainable success and meaningful impact.


find out more →

One-on-One Coaching

Elevate Your Impact with Personalized Coaching


Unlock your full potential through personalized one-on-one coaching, designed for high performers and those committed to personal mastery. These confidential, tailored sessions provide the focused support you need to overcome challenges, amplify your performance, and make a better life for yourself and others.


Find out more →