Guidelines for selecting a reptuable Hypnotherapist
I am often asked by clients what education, if any, is required to become a Hypnotherapist. I often receive email inquiries on the Internet asking for the criteria on how one would choose a reputable Hypnotherapist.
Be careful. Anyone can hang up a shingle, so to speak, and practice hypnosis. It is my understanding that this is true in most of the United States. There are no laws or legislation governing hypnotherapists to date, although there is legislation recently being written in California and a few other states. A checklist below will give you some guidelines to follow. There are also a myriad of associations that are able to certify you and give you some accreditation, but some of these associations can be questionable. It is necessary to check the credibility, professionalism and reputation of the Hypnotherapy Certification Center before entering their program.
Guidelines in Choosing a Reputable Hypnotherapist
How long have they been in practice? At their current location?
Where were they trained? How many hours? Level of training? Other Education?
Are they members of any association? A phone number or web site?
What is their success rate?
What do they specialize in?
Do they have any clients that you may call?
Cost?
What is a typical session like? Will I be hypnotized in that first session?
Ask about their confidentiality? Ethics?
Do I need to be a certain age to see you?
Does the therapist seem friendly, patient, professional and willing to answer all of your questions?
Look for initials such as:
CHT: Certified Hypnotherapist
CCHT: Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist