If you have a problem and are considering hypnotherapy, choosing the right hypnotherapist for you is crucial to achieving the best results.
Hi, I’m Linda. I’ve been in business as a hypnotherapist since 2007.
In Bournemouth, my home town, there are many hypnotherapists. Some of them I have trained as hypnotherapists and/or counsellors, and many others are good and want to provide a good service.
So how do you choose the right person for you?
Why the right hypnotherapist matters
So if you are feeling stuck, or maybe you have had a niggling problem for a long time and now think that you need help to resolve it, hypnotherapy could be the answer.
Choosing the right hypnotherapist is crucial because it can significantly impact the outcome, and it will also cost you money if you choose the wrong person.
Let’s face it, there are no guarantees with any therapy, not even prescription medication. However, by choosing a person who understands your problem, is experienced, and has received good training, you can increase your chances of success.
Furthermore, you want someone who works ethically. That means someone who wants to help and not harm you.
The right hypnotherapist is a trusted hypnotherapist.
Finding a qualified hypnotherapist might be easier than you realise.
This blog discusses UK hypnotherapists, but there are similar aspects to consider when searching for a hypnotherapist in another country.
Understanding what hypnotherapy is (and isn’t)
Hypnosis is a therapeutic tool. It then becomes hypnotherapy.
There have been many attempts to define hypnotherapy, but we do know that hypnosis is real and it has an impact on brain imaging and, of course, people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), hypnosis is a
state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion” (Rosendahl et al., 2024);
I always tell clients that it’s focused attention that enables them to go inward and make the changes they want to make, using positive suggestions. It involves imagination and motivation to change.
There are lots of common myths associated with hypnotherapy.
For example, people don’t lose control; they are not asleep or unconscious. In fact, people take control of their problems and listen to most of what I say.
Everyone also wants to know if hypnosis is safe. The answer is that hypnotherapy is safe when practised by a qualified and ethical practitioner.
Most people feel relaxed and mentally calmed after hypnotherapy. The right hypnotherapist will help you to reorient yourself back to the room at a steady pace.
One thing that makes it difficult for people to choose the right hypnotist is the confusion between clinical hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis.
The way I always explain this is that stage hypnosis is a form of hypnosis that combines entertainment with the tool of hypnosis. The purpose is to entertain, make people laugh, and keep them engaged.
In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a tool in therapy. The purpose is to help individuals with emotional, physical, and sports-related issues enhance their health and well-being.
Check qualifications and professional accreditation.
There are several ways people can train to become hypnotherapists.
Most hypnotherapists in the UK have a vocational qualification. This could be a level 4, 5, or a higher professional diploma (HPD)
Some people take an online course, others attend a training school, while some opt for a blended learning approach.
Learning how to hypnotise people isn’t difficult, so that a course can be completed in a weekend. However, most hypnotherapists will have completed longer courses and will have a deeper understanding of various conditions, incorporating counselling skills. A nine-month course is not unusual.
Some hypnotherapists also have academic qualifications. For example, they may hold a master’s degree in hypnosis or a PhD in a related field that incorporates hypnosis, such as psychology or education. This means that they have done a course at a university, so their knowledge levels should be high.
You can verify a hypnotherapist’s credentials by checking if they are registered with a reputable professional body for hypnotherapy. In the UK, the most common professional bodies with a register of qualified hypnotherapists are the General Hypnotherapy Register (administered by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council), the National Council for Hypnotherapy, and the Hypnotherapy Society.
There are professional bodies in most countries. They are all voluntary bodies, as hypnotherapy is not a mandatory qualification like training as a doctor or a registered nurse.
Some people join international professional bodies.
Although qualifications and membership of a professional body don’t necessarily mean that the hypnotherapist is the right person for you, it will help you to choose an ethical therapist who meets your needs.
Experience and specialisms matter.
If you have a problem, someone who specialises and has experience in your area of concern will help build your trust in the therapist and increase your confidence that you have chosen the right person.
For example, if you want to stop smoking, choose an experienced hypnotherapist who enjoys helping people to stop smoking. They may have additional experiences. (I have worked as a nurse for the National Health Service (NHS) as a smoke stop adviser.)
It’s essential to match your hypnotherapist with your goals.
So if you want to reduce anxiety, choose a hypnotherapist who specialises in anxiety matters.
If you are experiencing stress at work, consider consulting a hypnotherapist who specialises in addressing workplace stress.
If you want a hypnotherapist who specialises in children’s issues, then look for one with qualifications and experience in that field.
I believe experience and specialisms do matter.
Check their approach and style.
Just as different counsellors and doctors specialise in other parts of the body, some hypnotherapists are trained in various approaches.
Solution-focused hypnotherapists primarily look to find solutions in the future.
Ericksonian hypnotherapists have an indirect way of hypnotising people. They use stories and words to deliver suggestions.
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapists incorporate CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.) CBT and hypnosis have been shown to offer better results in some cases.
Other approaches and techniques may involve regression analysis and attempting to identify the root cause of the problem.
Read reviews and testimonials.
Although reviews and testimonials are great social proof, in the therapy business, many clients may be hesitant to provide reviews, as their personal problems are private. This means that you might not see as many reviews as other businesses.
However, hypnotherapists often receive testimonials to help you choose the right therapist.
Google reviews are verified to ensure they are more helpful.
In the UK, towns have a ‘Best Rated three Hypnotherapists’. These reviews check many aspects of the hypnotherapist’s business. This can help you find a trusted hypnotherapist in your area.
Practical considerations.
When choosing the right hypnotherapist for you, consider practical aspects.
Do you prefer online hypnotherapy or in-person sessions with a therapist who works from an office? If you choose an online hypnotherapist, you can access a specialist from anywhere in the world, and it’s easy to do so.
Consider location, travel, and parking when deciding whether to visit an office.
Check out pricing. Cheaper doesn’t always mean the best, but you must work within your budget.
Many hypnotherapists offer a free consultation, allowing you to ask questions and verify that they are the right person for you.
Not all hypnotherapists work full-time, and some have restricted hours. If you work, you may want a hypnotherapist who does evening sessions and Saturdays.
Finally, is there a cancellation policy, and can you reschedule your appointment if something unexpected comes up?
Trust your instincts.
Sometimes hypnotherapists are recommended, and that is great, but remember the therapist might not be the ideal fit for you.
Building rapport and trust with your therapist will improve results.
Trust your gut.
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
You want the best fit hypnotherapist, so take your time to find the right person for you.
Red flags to watch for
You should be cautious of therapists who are too pushy with sales and try to oversell.
Note a lack of qualifications and experience.
Ethical boundaries matter. Good practice includes providing information to enable informed consent to treatment. The process should be explained, along with the number of sessions likely required.
Check confidentiality. Ask what happens with your information.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the nature of the problem and the approach used by the hypnotherapist. Three to six sessions are common. Stopping smoking is one or two sessions.
Is online hypnotherapy as effective as in-person hypnotherapy?
Yes, as long as the client is happy to work online and feels comfortable with technology.
What issues can hypnotherapy help with?
It helps with many issues, including emotional problems, habits, fears, relationships, work stress and anxiety, insomnia and some medical conditions. It’s also helpful for sports performance.
Call to action: take the first step.
You deserve quality care.
Please visit www.awakenthechange.com to learn more about hypnotherapy and how it might help you.
Regards
Linda
