Finding a Hypnotherapist who is Right for you

If you have made the brave decision to take the plunge and seek help with an aspect of your life that needs improving, it can be a bit dizzying to see the huge range of different hypnotherapists out there. To find out which therapist is the best fit for you, there are a few things that you can do to find who stands head and shoulders above the rest. When looking for a hypnotherapist, the questions below can aid you in finding your perfect fit.

Is the hypnotherapist registered?

The term “hypnotherapist” is not a protected title, such as a medical doctor is. What that essentially means is that currently, there are no specific criteria and qualifications required for a person to call themselves a hypnotherapist. But don’t worry! In the UK, there are registers that a hypnotherapist to join to assure their skills and quality. The National Hypnotherapy Society is the only accredited register for hypnotherapists, and the requirements to be on our register are both strict and regularly reviewed. If you see anyone sporting our logo on their website or in our directory, then you’ll know straight away that the hypnotherapist is experienced, qualified, and upholds a strict code of ethics.

What are the therapist’s qualifications and experience?

Your potential hypnotherapist should have their qualifications clearly displayed on their website. There are lots of different qualifications out there, some better than others. One thing to be aware of is the improper use of a doctorate. Someone with a PhD can legally use Dr in their title, but this does not mean that they are also a medical professional. Any professional qualifications alongside hypnotherapy can also show you their skillset. Someone who also able blend in different counselling approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy will be able to apply a wide range of techniques to their sessions with you.

A hypnotherapist who has been practising for many years may have less qualifications than an inexperienced hypnotherapist with a list of qualifications. It is important to review a hypnotherapist looking at the whole picture rather than dismissing someone unnecessarily. 20 years of experience could have more value than a number of qualifications, but what is perhaps most important is what they are doing to stay up to date with the latest techniques and approaches. Continuous professional development should be a vital part of a good hypnotherapist’s career and can show you that they are serious about keeping up to date with the therapeutic world.

What is the therapist’s approach to hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy has many different approaches and specialisations, and while all have their merit, some may suit your needs better than others. Beware anyone that claims instant or permanent results, or that hypnotherapy is a magical cure-all. It isn’t. While hypnotherapy can be a life-changing therapy, you will need to do work to make positive changes happen. Depending on what your difficulties are, different approaches are more suitable than others. If you are stuck in a bad habit that is affecting your life, if you are unable to escape from a traumatic event, or if your anxiety keeps getting in the way of passing your driving test, how your problem is dealt with will vary completely once you are under hypnosis. There are also hypnotherapists who may specialise in particular struggles and have lots of experience in that subject, such as dealing with phobias.

What is the therapist’s online presence like?

A hypnotherapist’s website can paint a detailed picture of who they are and the quality of their practise. A website filled with bold claims about hypnotherapy as a cure-all and walls of rambling text will speak volumes about their personality, and should be avoided. Look for reviews of their services, and if they have links on their website to social media, take a look. While people should be able to express themselves freely online, if they have strong views that are directly linked to their professional site, then you may be able to clearly see any opinions they have that don’t align with you and your needs as a client. You can also see how they interact with members of the public, and whether or not they are kind or condescending to others. This can tell you straight away if you’ll be likely to get along during your treatment.

Can you talk to the therapist before committing to treatment?

It is vitally important to be able to talk with a hypnotherapist before committing to a treatment with them. Do they offer a consultation in person or on the phone so you can get a feel for each other? Is your problem something that they feel confident in helping you with? How many sessions do they typically offer? If your potential therapist is unwilling or unable to answer your questions to your satisfaction, it may be worth looking for someone who has the time for you. Make sure to also check their pricing so that you won’t get any nasty surprises.

It may seem daunting, but there is a lot to consider before choosing the right hypnotherapist for you. However, this checklist should also be applied to any private therapist that you consider approaching for treatment. It is paramount that you choose to work with someone that aligns with your personality, aims, and values, so that you can get the absolute best treatment to help you regain control over your life. Understanding that you need some help to face your problems is the first step to healing, but it is a big one. You may as well take the utmost care in choosing the person who will guide you towards a better life, so that you can get the best possible support that you can.