Guiding you through your journey
- FEEL FREE & BECOME THE TRUE YOU -
I help with...
Does your mind rarely switch off? Do you find yourself worrying about the future, overthinking situations or feeling tense even when everything seems fine?
Do you often doubt yourself, worry about what others think or feel that you are not good enough? Perhaps you find it difficult to speak up, make decisions or recognise your own strengths.
When you are feeling low, even everyday tasks can seem difficult. You may lose interest in things you once enjoyed, struggle with motivation or feel disconnected from the people and activities that usually matter to you.
Difficult experiences can sometimes continue to affect how we feel, think and respond long after they have happened. You may find yourself feeling on edge, reacting strongly to certain situations or struggling with memories and emotions that are difficult to leave behind.
Do you feel exhausted but struggle to fall asleep? Perhaps your mind starts racing as soon as you get into bed, or you wake during the night and find it difficult to settle again.
Do you sometimes react more strongly than you intended? Perhaps you become frustrated quickly, say things you later regret or find it difficult to calm down once your emotions take over.
Habits and addictive behaviours can become deeply connected to our emotions, routines, stress and ways of coping. What may begin as a way to relax, escape or feel better can gradually become a cycle that is difficult to break.
Do you find yourself eating when you are stressed or upset, struggling with guilt around food, or feeling caught in patterns that you would like to change?
Meet the Team
Anja Derks
Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and RTT Therapist in Christchurch, NZ
Hi, I am Anja
I am passionate about helping people who are struggling with today’s life.
If you are struggling with issues like stress or self-esteem, weight/eating issues, depression or any unidentified health issues, that’s where I can help!
Specialising in PTSD and Trauma, I have a non-confrontational method that helps you to let go of memories and emotions around your traumatic event.
Each therapy program is tailored to your specific needs, using a combination of Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
These two therapies compliment each other really well, meaning you can see quick and fast results.
Now Offering RTT, Coaching & Hypnotherapy for Adults , Children, Teens & Couples with Karen Moorhouse
We’re excited to welcome Karen Moorhouse, a qualified hypnotherapist, RTT therapist, and life coach. Karen specialises in helping adults, children, teenagers, and couples overcome anxiety, build confidence, and create lasting change.
Whether you are struggling with emotional well-being or your relationship needs renewed connection, Karen’s warm, results-focused approach can help. Available every week Wednesday and Thursday.
Future Freedom Coaching and Therapy
We are pleased to welcome Penny to FF Therapy, where she offers our new Future Freedom Coaching and Therapy service.
Penny works with people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, caught in unhelpful patterns, or who simply know they want something in their life to change.
Her approach is supportive, practical and focused on helping you understand what is happening for you now, what may be keeping you stuck, and how you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Available Monday to Friday every week —limited sessions, so book early.
Welcome to Feel Free Therapy
Founded by Anja Derks. We help people move through Trauma, PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, anger, fear, and phobias using a personalised blend of Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and specialised coaching techniques.
If you have been struggling with your issues and feel like you’ve run out of options, especially when medication or specialist support hasn’t given you the answers you needed, there may be another way forward. With years of experience, Anja and her team work with you 1-on-1 to understand what’s really driving these patterns and support you toward lasting, meaningful change, whether you’re in Christchurch or joining us online from anywhere in New Zealand.
Explore what we offer
Why Choose Feel Free Therapy?
At Feel Free Therapy, I offer more than talk therapy—I provide personalised counselling in Christchurch designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. My services support people navigating stress, depression, self-esteem challenges, PTSD, addictions, or other issues that can limit daily life.
Hypnotherapy at the Core
Hypnotherapy is at the heart of my work. Every session is customised to what you bring with you, and it is always set up in a way that feels most comfortable to you. The focus is often on finding the root cause of a problem. However, for clients living with trauma or (C)PTSD who may not want to talk about their experiences, I use specialised techniques that allow progress without reliving or discussing painful memories.
A Safe, Supportive Approach
Whatever you present with, I adapt each session to your needs. My goal is to create a safe and respectful environment, whether in person in Christchurch or online, where you can explore healing at your own pace. I am here to support your healing journey every step of the way!
Combining Hypnotherapy with CBT
Alongside hypnotherapy, I also use CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) as a complementary tool. While hypnotherapy works with the subconscious, CBT addresses conscious thoughts and behaviours. Together, they align both parts of the mind for faster, more effective results.
Proven Results
Research from the International Hypnosis Association shows that 71% of clients using Cognitive Hypnotherapy (a combination of CBT and hypnosis) reported recovery after just four sessions, compared to 42% with CBT alone. This combined approach has been shown to deliver results up to 70% quicker than traditional methods.
Transformative Results
With this unique combination, you can expect therapy that is not only effective but also deeply respectful of your individual journey. My mission is to help you unlock lasting change in a way that feels safe, compassionate, and truly transformative. Feel free to contact me for more information, and let’s start your healing journey together.
TESTIMONIALS
From the moment I sat in the chair and was guided to close my eyes and listen to Anja’s words, I fell into a deep trance. I felt so safe, warm, held and relaxed, that when it was time to open my eyes, I actually didn’t want to come out of that nurturing space.
I highly recommend Anja’s work.
RTT with Anja has positively supported me in both areas. The recordings I consistently listened to each night are an ongoing resource I can go back to when I feel the need.
Posted on Google![]()
Macky ThompsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Anja, helped me....where i didn't think I could be fixed...she has these high review ratings for a reason. Thanks Anja!Posted on Google![]()
lily RobinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can't say enough about how transformational my experience with Anja has been. After only two sessions, I already feel like a new person. Anja's warmth and kindness made me feel completely comfortable from the very start. She creates such a safe and nurturing environment. Her approach has been nothing short of life-changing. I came to Anja struggling with PTSD and crippling anxiety about the future, as well as deeply rooted self-esteem issues. After our sessions, I've noticed a remarkable shift in my mindset. My anxiety has significantly decreased, and for the first time in years, I feel hopeful and excited about what lies ahead. My self-esteem has improved, and I feel more empowered and confident. Anja's intuitive and empathetic nature, combined with her skillful guidance, has truly helped me break free from the burdens that were holding me back. I can't recommend her enough to anyone seeking deep and lasting transformation. Thank you, Anja, for helping me find peace and a renewed sense of self.Posted on Google![]()
Marja BlomTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can’t recommend Anja enough. She possesses a rare combination of compassion and great skill. Her caring nature immediately put me at ease, creating a safe and supportive environment where I felt heard and valued. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about your journey while delivering results, Anja is the one to see.Posted on Google![]()
Matthew RowlandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very grateful for Anja’s kindness, commitment, compassion, high level of competence/intelligence and professionalism. Highly, highly recommend.Posted on Google![]()
Sandra SuttonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Anja is the best very caring, empathetic you feel safe. I loved my time with her working through my lifetime of issues. I can’t Thank her enough 😊 Thank you once again Anja 😊 You will understand the Telly Tubby 😂Posted on Google![]()
W TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I hadn't been to hypnotherapy before. I procrastinated about it for years until opportunity put me with Anja for three sessions of discussion and hypnotherapy tools that really has shut down the endless negative self talk I had. The first two sessions dealt with the bulk of the issue, the third the icing on the cake. I can't recommend Anja highly enough. Go for it.Posted on Google![]()
Gary JacksonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I visited Anja at feel free therapy because I was feeling constantly stressed out and I didn't know why. She immediately got to the root cause through talking and hypnotherapy. I did 4 sessions and after each one I felt a lot more calm. She is very understanding and a really nice lady, I can't recommend her enough. Thanks againPosted on Google![]()
Chloe PageTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What a powerful and rewarding journey for me. Anja has helped me on my own healing journey with Dermatillomania in such a profound way and I have had huge transformation. I felt I was in the right place the first consultation with her and after trying many different types of therapy and modalities I have definitely come so far and feel my power and confidence back again!! Much gratitude to you Anja!Posted on Google![]()
Alex WinterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve met Anja and felt straight away very comfortable to share with her myself, my live, my happiness, my small, big and very big problems.. Anja has listened them very actively and passionately helping already on the way while I was telling my story. She has gave me some tools and reassurance to see many of them at the different angles and gave me confidence to surpass them.Posted on Google![]()
Imi GujaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Anja is passionate and really wants to help people, early days for me but there are noticable improvements already. Definitely reccomend giving it a go!