Choosing the Best Hypnotherapist
If you’ve been doing your research and decided that you want to try hypnotherapy, you’re probably currently grappling with the next big question: how do I find the right hypnotherapist? Just like choosing the right doctor or the right training program for your new career, choosing the right hypnotherapist can feel overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to consider when you’re deciding who to trust with such big life changes, but we’ve got several tips to help you narrow down all that information so you can focus on what matters most.
Credentials
First and foremost you need to make sure your hypnotherapist is registered and a member of recognized association, like the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). Associations like NGH set standards and provide accountability for their members to protect clients from scam situations and dangerous practices. You can easily verify a hypnotherapist’s credentials by going to the association website and searching for your therapist.
Experience
This might seem like an obvious thing to consider, but it’s a good idea to look for a hypnotherapist who has experience in the field. They don’t have to have decades of work under their belt, but after a few years all of us feel more confident and knowledgeable about our jobs and the same is true for hypnotherapists. It’s also important to make sure the experience matches what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re searching for a hypnotherapist to help with your PTSD symptoms, make sure they’ve worked with PTSD clients before.
Empathy
This one can be a lot harder to feel out from a Google search, but a good hypnotherapist is empathetic and compassionate. Green flags to watch for here are if they actively listen to you when you speak and answer questions, and if they offer clear and thorough explanations free of judgment when you ask questions. You should feel comfortable and informed about the hypnosis process and what to expect, and not feel silly or like a burden for asking for clarification. Empathy comes to hypnotists in a variety of ways, but it’s a vital part of being able to help clients.
Logistics
Of course, it’s also important to make sure your hypnotherapist is logistically a good fit for you. This can include things like confirming that their availability fits with your schedule, confirming their cancellation policy, making sure their type of practice suits the kind of help you’re looking for, and discussing costs. You can find the best hypnotherapist on the planet, but they can’t help you if they don’t fit into your budget or your schedule.
Personality
Similarly to empathy, it can be hard to figure out if someone’s personality is going to mesh with yours by doing a Google search, but this is also very important when it comes to choosing a hypnotherapist. In order for hypnosis to be effective, both parties need to feel comfortable and welcome. It takes all kinds of personalities to make the world go ‘round, but some of us work better together than others and you & your hypnotist need to be able to ‘mesh’ so you can have a successful partnership.
The best way to assess all of these things is to schedule a consultation with the hypnotherapist you’re interested in so you can speak to them in person or over the phone. You can also learn a lot about them and their practice by reading reviews online and talking to people you know who may have also had experiences with them. If you’ve read this far, we’d love to talk to you and see if our practice (and personalities!) will fit what you need from your own hypnosis journey! Visit our website to schedule a consultation and take the next big step toward feeling your best.