Newbie to hypnosis needs career options

Hi Elizabeth,

becoming a hypnotherapist is a great way to achieve a swift career change. It can also be as flexible as you like in terms of time and how and where you work. I also had some background in psychology and an interest in hypnosis for some time before becoming a full time hypnotherapist but it has been an easy and painless move.

You will find a huge number of training courses out there, most will result in some kind of certificate - normally a Diploma in Hypnotherapy. You can qualify in a week or you can qualify in a year it depends on what course you prefer, your learning style and what you hope to offer. I am involved with the UK Hypnotherapy Training College (UKHTC) and am of the opinion that with your background knowledge you could train as a hypnotherapist and offer a service to low level pathologies such as habits, phobias be able to deal with these swiftly. The vast majority of people who have trained at UKHTC sought career change and have achieved it.


Now, on to your questions:

1) How hard is it to learn hypnosis, i.e., to become a hypnotist?

To learn hypnosis is like learning to drive. Becoming a hypnotist is the next 10,000 miles. As I say you can qualify quickly but beyond that it is simply about practical experience. My advice is to start with a flexible approach that can be aimed at the most common difficulties people present you with. This will be dictated by the training you take but should mean you can confidently start work as soon as you qualify. Dealing with smokers, other habits, phobias, anxiety and helping others achieve their goals are all things you can do without too much experience. Some other difficulties perhaps require broader knoweldge and experience in which case refer until you have done 10,000 miles.

2) Where does certification come from? In other words, in order to be recognized by professionals in the field, what would be the most acceptable certification?

There is not that much point being recognised by professionals. It is your clients who need to trust you. You simply need to believe in the quality of your training and knowledge and adhere to a publicly available code of ethics. The point is is that hypnotherapy is self regulated. There is no government appointed body to monitor it so various organisations have been established to do that job.. I think at the last count there were 98!

The big two - meaning the org with most members are Hypnotherapy Association and General Hypnotherapy Register. With most organisations of this nature you have to complete a specific course or train with particular training orgs. UKHTC training for example clears you as an associate of UK Hypnotherapy Association - UKHA. There is normally a fee associated with membership. Membership may offer a simple website listing or benefit from national advertising right through to a free booking service and marketing materials. Best compare and contrast. In terms of being recognised by professional organisations outside of the hypnotherapy world, certain orgs make more effort than others to talk to public bodies regarding health etc but beyond that it is as much of a blur for the general public as it is for hypnotherapy itself. As long as you appear credible have a code of ethiocs and a satisfactory system for dealing with any complaint and are insured you will be fine. I do not display my training or associate certificates in my practice and no one has ever asked to see them. They are tucked away with my GCSE and cycling proficiency.




2b) How much does it cost?
Price vaires wildly but I would suggest a between 1500 and 2500 to qualify would be a reasonable amount.

3) How does one launch a career in hypnosis? I mean, do you just put an ad in the yellow pages, or what?

Yes, but do not expect the phone to ring too often. Try a large ad in the local paper instead. Be consistent with advertising and reasonably high profile and you will get people through the door. There are 15 hypnotherapists in my area and 13 are invisible. Be visible. Ultimately everyone wants to have a business sustained by referred clients. That takes time, so advertise locally and heavily is my advice. Treat people for free especially hairdressers, taxi drivers and journalists.

If you have any other questions please let us know.

Anthony