The top 3 mistakes people make when choosing a hypnotherapist
Most people are pickier about choosing a good restaurant to eat in then they are about selecting a qualified hypnotherapist to work with. Here are the top three mistakes people make when choosing a hypnotherapist and what you need to know to avoid them.
Mistake #1: “It didn’t work”
All too often I will hear someone say, “I tried hypnosis once but “it” didn’t work.” I have news for you- there is no “it.” The hypnotherapist is working with your mind and body; not some metaphysical force. Just because you were hypnotized doesn’t guarantee you will get the results you were looking for. If fact, I tell my students that hypnotizing the person is the easiest part. The real work starts after the client is in hypnosis.
Bottom Line
The therapists experience, skill level and understanding of your particular problem makes a real difference. When considering someone to work with ask questions. Interview questions such as, “Please tell me about your hypnotherapy training? How many times have you worked with this issue in the past? What results have you seen?” will give you a good picture of who you are dealing with. Find a hypnotherapist who is competent working with your issue and one you are comfortable working with. See if the hypnotherapist will give you a free, short phone consultation to make sure that your problem matches the hypnotherapist’s skill level.
Mistake #2: “This guy’s the closest and the cheapest”
Hypnosis is more popular then ever. Today, most yellow pages and online guides are filled with hypnotherapists in your local area. While convenience is a good way to shop for a 7-11, it rarely works well when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist. This isn’t like getting your hair cut.
Your time with the hypnotherapist is, or at least can be, a powerful experience. Think about it, how often do you get a chance to be hypnotized? The time you spend in hypnosis is a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, to make dramatic change and to accelerate personal grow. Take the time to get the most out of the process. Even the time you travel to and from your hypnotherapy session can be extremely valuable because it gives you a chance to internalize your experience.
Bottom Line
While you may want to use hypnosis to just quit smoking or lose weight, the opportunity for some serious self-exploration and insight exists. Make a personal commitment to get the most from this unique and potential profound experience. While you certainly have to stay within your budget and likely have limited time available to work on yourself, don’t just pick the first name in the phone book. Be selective even if you have to travel or invest a few dollars more. You are worth it.
Mistake #3: “I want a Ph.D.”
“And I thought you wanted results,” is my standard reply when clients tell me they want me to be a licensed clinical psychologist. Not all licensed therapists are trained in hypnosis. In fact, in most states, licensed therapists are not required to take any training in hypnotherapy at all. Hypnotherapy is a separate and distinct form of people helping and you do not need to be a psychologist to practice. I will put my track record of safety and success up against anyone’s – licensed or unlicensed. From Tony Robbins to Harvard grads, bring it on.
However, and this is very important, hypnotherapy and non-licensed hypnotherapists have some very strict limitations. Unless they have additional training and proper licensing, Certified Hypnotherapists are not trained to diagnosis or treat mental disorders or medical problems. They are forbidden from prescribing (or even making recommendations about) medications.
The best hypnotherapists know their limitations and learn to work with the licensed community. I regularly get referrals from MD’s, licensed counselors and even psychiatrists because I practice “complementary care” not “alternative medicine.” For more information about the lawful practice of hypnotherapy please visit http://www.thehypnosisschool.com/.
Bottom Line
Whether a therapist is licensed or not make sure they have had special training in hypnosis. The practice of hypnotherapy is both a science and an art. Learning hypnosis out of a book is like learning to fly a plane from watching television.
On the other hand, beware the hypnotherapist who thinks hypnosis is a panacea-curing everything from cancer to schizophrenia. This person is either a conman or terribly ignorant. Hypnosis is a powerful tool but not for every problem. Pick a hypnotherapist who is grounded and professional and who has a proven track record for success.
Mistake #1: “It didn’t work”
All too often I will hear someone say, “I tried hypnosis once but “it” didn’t work.” I have news for you- there is no “it.” The hypnotherapist is working with your mind and body; not some metaphysical force. Just because you were hypnotized doesn’t guarantee you will get the results you were looking for. If fact, I tell my students that hypnotizing the person is the easiest part. The real work starts after the client is in hypnosis.
Bottom Line
The therapists experience, skill level and understanding of your particular problem makes a real difference. When considering someone to work with ask questions. Interview questions such as, “Please tell me about your hypnotherapy training? How many times have you worked with this issue in the past? What results have you seen?” will give you a good picture of who you are dealing with. Find a hypnotherapist who is competent working with your issue and one you are comfortable working with. See if the hypnotherapist will give you a free, short phone consultation to make sure that your problem matches the hypnotherapist’s skill level.
Mistake #2: “This guy’s the closest and the cheapest”
Hypnosis is more popular then ever. Today, most yellow pages and online guides are filled with hypnotherapists in your local area. While convenience is a good way to shop for a 7-11, it rarely works well when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist. This isn’t like getting your hair cut.
Your time with the hypnotherapist is, or at least can be, a powerful experience. Think about it, how often do you get a chance to be hypnotized? The time you spend in hypnosis is a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, to make dramatic change and to accelerate personal grow. Take the time to get the most out of the process. Even the time you travel to and from your hypnotherapy session can be extremely valuable because it gives you a chance to internalize your experience.
Bottom Line
While you may want to use hypnosis to just quit smoking or lose weight, the opportunity for some serious self-exploration and insight exists. Make a personal commitment to get the most from this unique and potential profound experience. While you certainly have to stay within your budget and likely have limited time available to work on yourself, don’t just pick the first name in the phone book. Be selective even if you have to travel or invest a few dollars more. You are worth it.
Mistake #3: “I want a Ph.D.”
“And I thought you wanted results,” is my standard reply when clients tell me they want me to be a licensed clinical psychologist. Not all licensed therapists are trained in hypnosis. In fact, in most states, licensed therapists are not required to take any training in hypnotherapy at all. Hypnotherapy is a separate and distinct form of people helping and you do not need to be a psychologist to practice. I will put my track record of safety and success up against anyone’s – licensed or unlicensed. From Tony Robbins to Harvard grads, bring it on.
However, and this is very important, hypnotherapy and non-licensed hypnotherapists have some very strict limitations. Unless they have additional training and proper licensing, Certified Hypnotherapists are not trained to diagnosis or treat mental disorders or medical problems. They are forbidden from prescribing (or even making recommendations about) medications.
The best hypnotherapists know their limitations and learn to work with the licensed community. I regularly get referrals from MD’s, licensed counselors and even psychiatrists because I practice “complementary care” not “alternative medicine.” For more information about the lawful practice of hypnotherapy please visit http://www.thehypnosisschool.com/.
Bottom Line
Whether a therapist is licensed or not make sure they have had special training in hypnosis. The practice of hypnotherapy is both a science and an art. Learning hypnosis out of a book is like learning to fly a plane from watching television.
On the other hand, beware the hypnotherapist who thinks hypnosis is a panacea-curing everything from cancer to schizophrenia. This person is either a conman or terribly ignorant. Hypnosis is a powerful tool but not for every problem. Pick a hypnotherapist who is grounded and professional and who has a proven track record for success.
posted by John Zulli at
1:18 PM
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