Choosing Your Hypnotherapist

One of our new clients explained she found the process of choosing your hypnotherapist, quite a daunting task and I have to agree with her. There is such a selection of hypnotherapists to choose from and you need to choose a good one that is right for you. Hopefully this article will help you with your choice.

When choosing your hypnotherapist, take a little time to decide what you want and what is important to you. Once decided its time do a little research to find the right one for you. Look for qualifications, training, insurance, cutomer reviews, a free initial consultation, a website with good information, is the venue professional and do the fees match your budget? As you choose aim to find someone that ticks all of your boxes.

Useful tips to help you when choosing your hypnotherapist by Mark Morley, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Master NLP Practitioner.

1. Hypnotherapy Qualifications And Training.

Learning the ability to hypnotise people is not difficult and this will not make someone a hypnotherapist.
A good hypnotherapist is someone who has taken the time for essential training with a recognised organisation.
They will have completed a recognised qualification under professional supervision and practice.
Many then continue their professional development after qualification.

When choosing your hypnotherapist do ask about qualifications, training, previous background information and other areas they may work in. Make sure you ask if the qualification was achieved through hypnosis practice hours with a qualified hypnotherapy instructor and included practice on people, face to face. Do check their hypnosis qualifications were not obtained by simply taking an online hypnosis course.

Online courses are becoming popular and rarely give the therapist the experience and practice needed.
Many insurance companies will not provide insurance coverage for online qualifications as they do not give the needed experience.

2. Hypnotherapy Insurance Requirements.

Although hypnotherapy is recognised as a safe therapy, every professional should be adequately covered for public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. You can ask your hypnotherapist if they are insured as a professional therapist.

3. A Free Initial Consultation?

As a new hypnosis client, I am sure you have many questions and possibly some concerns.
Most of our clients love the initial free consultation as this allows you to ask your questions, explain your issue while getting to know your hypnotherapist better.
Your free consultation is a great way to have all of your questions answered and to learn how the process works.
Good hypnotherapists usually offer a free consultation by phone or video call to discuss your challenges, answer your questions and to give an idea of the outcome you can expect.

4. Ask About The Venue Your Hypnotherapist Works From.

This is a very important part of your research questions and usually overlooked by many new hypnotherapy clients.
If you have limited mobility is the venue suitable?
Are there stairs?
Is there a suitable car parking space?
Is it close to public transport links?
Some hypnotherapists work from home. Are you comfortable with this or do you prefer to use a practitioner that works from a wellbeing centre, health centre or professional premises?

Many of our clients state they prefer to visit us at the various wellbeing centres we use.
This gives them a sense of security as they know other therapists use these centres and there are other members of staff around.
Wellbeing and health centres are usually exactly just for this purpose, offering rooms ideal for hypnotherapy.
They also offer a friendly warm atmosphere, perfect for both the hypnotherapy client and the hypnotherapist.

4. Other Areas Of Expertise.

Many hypnotherapists may be experienced practitioners in other health areas such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming – NLP, Emotional Freedom Technique – EFT, Nutrition, Diet, Mindfulness & Meditation.
Many other fields such as NLP can really compliment hypnotherapy and boost your results. Remember to ask when you contact them.

5. Hypnotherapy Prices & Fees.

Everyone has different ideas of the fees charged for hypnotherapy. Around us we see prices seem to vary from a low £60 per session for newly qualified or training hypnotherapists to £250 per session. It is important to choose a hypnotherapist that suits your budget while also ensuring you are getting value for your money.

Choosing a hypnotherapist at a low price is a false economy as paying a realistic will result in fewer sessions being required.

It’s important to understand that some hypnotherapists are charging low fees for a reason and long-term this can be more expensive for you. Hypnotherapists charging higher prices usually do so as their diary is busy and they get results for clients in a shorter period of time.

Some hypnotherapists will also charge for a program of sessions to resolve your issue. This usually does not state a number of sessions but they work to resolve your issue.

Do ensure your hypnotherapist clearly states the cost per session or for the program in advance and of any extras that may be required, such as supplements or additional health tests.

6. Client Reviews & Testimonials.

A good hypnotherapist should have a website they can direct you to for further information. This will usually include information on the hypnotherapy services they provide and include client reviews and testimonials.
You can also search online for Google reviews along with other information about the hypnotherapist or hypnotherapy practice.

7. Avoid Guarantees and One Session Promises.

Although a good hypnotherapist will ask for lots of information during your free consultation and on the new client form, they will explore your issue in detail during your first session.

As you will understand, it is very difficult for a hypnotherapist to promise they can resolve your issue in just one session, until they know exactly what they are dealing with. Usually, your hypnotherapist will need to measure your improvements a little time after your first session and will then work with you, to strengthen your benefits and work on any other issues present.

If you have been suffering from an issue for a number of years, it is unrealistic to expect one hypnosis session to fix your problems overnight.
Your Doctor and other medical professionals will never give you a guarantee in fixing your health problems and professional therapists are exactly the same.

8. Hypnotherapy Specialists

It may be worth finding a hypnotherapist that specialises with the issue you are looking to resolve.
Some hypnotherapists will take on every issue where others stick to certain specialities and often obtain better results in shorter periods of time. The hypnotherapists website should list the areas they specialise in to help you.

9. Events & Workshops?

Many hypnotherapists run self-hypnosis groups, training and workshop events.
They may also give demonstrations and regular talks at health and wellness events.
Simply ask about these events or look for information on the hypnotherapists website.
These events are a great way to meet your hypnotherapist, ask questions and experience their work in advance.

10. Get To Know Your Hypnotherapist.

This may sound silly but you should feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist.
The free consultation should give you a good indication of how you feel about a possible hypnotherapist.

Do you feel they understand your issue and give you confidence they can help you with your issue?
Is your Hypnotherapist happy to give you details of insurance and qualifications?
Are they happy to give you examples of previous clients results and what you can expect?
Have they given you information about the centre they work from and how suitable it is for hypnotherapy sessions?
Have they answered your questions on how you will move forward?
Is there plenty of information on their website with reviews and testimonials from other clients?

11. Be Clear On What You Want To Achieve

It will really help your hypnotherapist and you to know exactly what you want to achieve with hypnotherapy?
As an example, many clients with anxiety issues come to us just wanting the anxiety problems to go away. A better outcome may be to feel, relaxed, confident, calm, strong, focused, clear and energetic. This may be a different way of thinking for you and having a clear outcome of your future will help us to help you.

Quick Tips For Choosing Your Hypnotherapist.

• Check qualifications & training
• Check insurance
• Is there a free consultation
• Check the venue
• Avoid those working from home if you are concerned about safety and security
• Ask about areas of expertise
• Are you clear on prices?
• Look for reviews and testimonials
• Avoid guarantees or one session promises
• Are they specialists or experienced in your issue?
• Look for events and workshops
• Get to know your hypnotherapist
• Enjoy your hypnotherapy – it is a wonderful experience

Common Questions Clients Ask About Hypnotherapy.

Is hypnotherapy similar to sleep?

No, hypnotherapy is very different to sleep. The word sleep is often used by stage hypnotists and incorrect.
Hypnosis is a relaxed but alert state where you are fully awake, fully aware and fully in control.
During this hypnotic state, we can give your subconscious mind suggestions and commands to resolve the issues you wish to resolve.

Is hypnotherapy dangerous?

Hypnosis is perfectly safe when conducted by a professional trained clinical hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy is regarded as a safe therapy by the NHS and insurance companies.
Hypnosis should never be used when operating machinery or driving a vehicle.

How many hypnotherapy sessions will it take to fix my problem?

This will vary on the issue and will be advised by the hypnotherapist you choose.
Asking for a free consultation will help you with this question.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state that we all experience every day, rather similar to daydreaming.
Imagine being totally focused on a tv program, that is a hypnotic state.
A good hypnotherapist will simply guide you into a hypnotic state while using language to change how you think and act.

What is the difference between Hypnosis & Self-Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is usually guided by a hypnotherapist to make the changes you desire.
Self-hypnosis is guided by you for relaxation or change, rather similar to meditation although faster, deeper and more effective.

What is the difference between Meditation and Hypnosis?

Meditation is usually used to clear the mind while hypnosis is used to change the mind.

How can I find a good hypnotherapist?

Look at the information above about finding a good hypnotherapist for you.

Is Hypnotherapy a permanent, long lasting solution?

Usually, hypnotherapy solutions will be a permanent resolution to your problem. If required you can certainly visit your hypnotherapist again to strengthen or modify your improvements.

Which health issues can hypnotherapy help with?

Many of our clients find hypnotherapy is very effective with health conditions that involve stress and anxiety. Both of these can make almost any health issue worse and once we remove stress and anxiety, our minds are free to resolve issues better.
Stress and anxiety are presently very common health issues and effect a very high number of people.
Hypnotherapy can also help with many other health conditions such as IBS, pain management, depression, insomnia, weight loss, stopping smoking, addictions, changing habits, behaviour problems, food allergies, food intolerances and so much more.

Is hypnosis available on the NHS?

Although the NHS state that hypnotherapy is effective with many health issues they do not currently offer hypnosis services.
We believe that hypnotherapy should be available to everyone on the NHS as it can be most effective and it avoids the side effects of many medications. Hopefully in the future hypnosis will be offered on the NHS.

Can everyone be hypnotised and helped?

Personally, I believe everyone can experience hypnosis and with the right methods, everyone can be helped with hypnotherapy. However, this question will draw different answers and arguments from many respected hypnotherapy professionals.
Some people are resistant to hypnosis as they may have a fear of losing control. This is where learning self-hypnosis is very useful, allowing people to help themselves.
A good hypnotherapist will usually be experienced with other modern change techniques that can be just as powerful. The more tools we have in our mental toolbox the better we can help clients with health issues.

Can people be hypnotised against their will?

Change with hypnotherapy can only happen if the client is willing to change. We can help with giving people reasons to change or improve things but ultimately change has to come from within.
A good therapist would not take on a client unless they are willing to make changes.

Is it true that hypnosis weakens the mind?

No. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis can help to control mental states such as happiness and self-confidence. In effect we do have “mental muscles” and the more we practice helpful techniques the easier and stronger they become.

Is hypnosis addictive?

I have never heard of anyone becoming addicted to hypnosis. Hypnosis is a wonderful state and a great way to feel relaxed, in control, happy, self-confident, strong, focused etc. Once you learn to enter into self-hypnosis you have a powerful mental technique that allows you to control your emotions, feelings and other mental states.

Is hypnotherapy useful for children?

Yes, children and adults can enjoy the benefits of hypnotherapy. Children are usually very good hypnotic subjects and naturally enjoy hypnotic states on a daily basis.

How can I learn to hypnotise other people?

I would strongly suggest finding a self-hypnosis course near to you with a respected hypnotherapy practitioner.
Courses encouraging you to practice on others are very useful and far better than online courses and books.
Self-hypnosis is perfectly safe and a great first step into the world of hypnotherapy. Always treat yourself as your first client.

A good instructor will teach you many hypnosis inductions and a little history of hypnotherapy.
Regular practice will see you improve and you will become aware of how people change and improve during hypnosis.

Are there different levels of Hypnosis?

Yes. For most hypnotherapy change requirements clients do not need to go too deep to enjoy the many benefits.
Just like meditation, the more someone experiences hypnosis, the more they can enjoy deep hypnosis.
A trained hypnotherapist can guide clients to deeper hypnosis levels when and if required.

What is a hypnotic induction?

Hypnotic inductions are the methods used to guide a person into a hypnotic trance. They include hypnotic phrases, hypnotic scripts, language and need to be used with the correct rhythm, breathing and tonality. Hypnosis training helps you to recognise where the client is in the hypnotic process and how to guide them along until they are ready for hypnotic suggestions and commands.
Good hypnosis training will explain this in more detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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