
If you have a problem and are considering seeking out the services of hypnotherapists, you probably have lots of questions that need answers before proceeding.

Hi, I’m Linda from Awaken the Change. I’m a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach. I have been in business for about 18 years and have heard many questions and concerns about hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists.
I offer prospective clients a free initial consultation so that I can answer questions and we can get to know each other.
Sometimes, the questions are about me or other hypnotherapists rather than questions about the therapy. That’s OK with me as I like to offer a transparent service.
Today, I would like to present the commonly asked questions and answers.
1. Are hypnotherapists regulated? If so, who regulates hypnotherapists?

Hypnotherapists in the UK are regulated through voluntary regulation.
This means practitioners are registered voluntarily with professional bodies, which the Professional Standards Authority regulates.
There are many professional bodies in the UK and in other countries. For example, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, The National Hypnotherapy Society, and the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council.
2. Is there a standard training for hypnotherapists?
In the UK, hypnotherapy training is aligned with National Occupational Hypnotherapy Standards.
Different hypnotherapy schools tend to focus on specific underpinning philosophies—for example, an Ericksonian or solution-focused hypnosis school.
3. Are hypnotherapists doctors?
There are two types of hypnotherapists. Some are lay hypnotherapists, so they have no medical training.
Others do have other professions, such as medical doctors, nurses or psychologists.
4. Are hypnotherapists licensed?
There are no legal restrictions to practice as a hypnotherapist in the UK.
However, stage hypnotists do need to follow the Hypnotism Act of 1952. They need permission from the local authority to perform hypnosis on stage.
5. How many hypnotherapists are there in the UK?
We do not know how many hypnotherapists are registered in the UK because there is no requirement to go onto a register.
The professional bodies have their registers.
There are thousands of hypnotherapists, and as hypnosis becomes more researched and evidenced, more people are training in this complementary therapy.
6. Are hypnotherapists psychologists?
Some are, and some are not.
Some are also counsellors, coaches, and alternative therapists.
7. What qualifications do hypnotherapists need?
No formal qualifications are required, but many training schools expect a good standard of English and a desire to help others.
Some people might not be suitable if they have severe mental health problems, criminal convictions, or are unable to work with vulnerable people.
Previous jobs can bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to help clients and develop the hypnotherapist’s knowledge and skills.
8. What do UK hypnotherapists charge?
Fees vary across the UK. Some hypnotherapists have additional qualifications and may specialise in certain areas.
Some hypnotherapists charge by the session, while others have packages or programmes.
This makes it challenging to compare hypnotherapies and their prices.
Anything from sixty-five pounds to a hundred and fifty pounds per session would not be unreasonable.
Hypnotherapists are usually private practitioners and must pay for insurance, continuing professional development, supervision, and office space.
9. How do hypnotherapists work?
Some hypnotherapists work full-time and some part-time.
Most hypnotherapists work in private practice.
Many hypnotherapists work online.
Some issues can be helped with one or two sessions, while more complex problems may need four or five sessions.
10. How can I find a hypnotherapist?
There are lots of ways to find a suitable hypnotherapist.
You should ask questions and go with the person you feel most comfortable with who meets your needs.
Here are a few places to start.
- Online directories, e.g. Hypnotherapy Directory
- Recommendations from friends and family
- Professional bodies
- Health professionals
Finally, for a free initial consultation and to learn more about hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists, please book an appointment with me at Awaken the Change.