10 Tips on choosing a hypnotherapist in the UK
If you have decided to see a hypnotherapist to get help with a problem, how do you choose the right person for you? Well, there is no direct answer as we are individuals with different needs, however here are some practical aspects to consider that will help you to choose:
1. Check that the hypnotherapist is registered
There are no mandatory requirements for hypnotherapists to register with a professional body in the UK, however, most qualified and practising hypnotherapists do register. While professional bodies vary in their requirement for registration there are minimum requests to register including evidence of training, professional liability insurance, the number of continuing professional development hours and supervision.
Members of professional bodies must also adhere to a code of conduct. Examples of the larger professional bodies are the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNCH), the National Hypnotherapy Society, the National Council of Hypnotherapists (NCH), the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), but there are many more.
2. Check the hypnotherapist’s background, their training and how long they have been practising
Hypnotherapists can either be licenced with another profession such as medicine, dentistry, or nursing, or the hypnotherapist can be a lay hypnotherapist with other backgrounds.
The different hypnotherapy qualifications can be confusing for most people. Some hypnotherapists have university accredited qualifications, while some qualifications are accredited by other bodies. If the hypnotherapist has been practising for many years they might not have an accredited qualification. The hypnotherapist might have additional qualifications that could help. For example, some hypnotherapists combine cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of counselling, with hypnotherapy.
Consider your needs. Is a long list of qualifications important to you or would you rather see a full-time, qualified, practising hypnotherapist who has been working for many years in a speciality related to your problem?
For some people, a medical or nursing qualification might be important.
3. Gather more information
Check the hypnotherapist’s website, leaflets, and any social media business information to find out more about how they work and if they have any specialist areas that they cover. They might have written a book or they might also be a trainer or supervisor for hypnotherapists.
Sometimes hypnotherapists also provide testimonials, although there are no guarantees that they are real testimonials.
4. Find people to recommend a hypnotherapist to you
Ask friends who have had hypnotherapy, your doctor or relatives if they could recommend a hypnotherapist. Recommendations are important but still consider other things as this therapy is for your specific issue.
5. Be wary of guarantees
Hypnotherapist should not give you guarantees so be wary of any hypnotherapist who makes promises. However, there may be research and evidence that supports the proposed treatments that are being offered so ask for evidence if you want it.
6. Check fees
A low price doesn’t always mean value for money as that person may see you for more sessions. In contrast, a high price doesn’t always mean the best service either. You need to choose a price that is right for you but also one that reflects the usual price range in your area unless the hypnotherapist has a specialism that is in demand.
It's also worth checking the length of time that you get for each session as some hypnotherapists may only offer a 50-minute consultation for the same price as others who offer an hour or more. Find out if there are any additional fees for out of hours services or audio recordings that you might be given to listen to between sessions.
Some hypnotherapists may offer concessions and a few private health insurances will pay out for hypnotherapy consultations. Also, ask about payment methods as not all hypnotherapists take credit cards.
7. Check if the hypnotherapist offers a free consultation on the telephone or face to face
A free consultation is a great way to find out if you feel you could work together. It’s important that you both develop a good rapport together to get the best results. If there is no free consultation, there may be other offers such as a reduced initial consultation fee or a reduction on future booked sessions. Ideally, you should be offered written information either sent in the post or given to you at the first consultation so that you can fully understand what is being offered.
8. Ask as many questions as you need about treatment to in order to make an informed decision
You might want to know about confidentiality and if the hypnotherapist will contact your doctor. You might want to know about the number of sessions and what will happen at each session. If you forget to ask certain questions, then contact the hypnotherapist again and ask.
9. Consider the venue
If you are to meet the hypnotherapist in their practice rooms, does the environment reflect the type of service you are expecting? For example, is the room private and free from interruptions? Is the place clean and professional looking? Is there easy access especially if you have difficulty climbing stairs. Is there parking and a variety of appointment times available?
10. Take note of your gut feelings
If a hypnotherapist says things or does things that you don’t feel comfortable with you could discuss this with them or find another therapist. You might prefer a male or you might prefer a female hypnotherapist. It is important that you do feel comfortable with your therapist as you need a good working relationship for the best results.
Hypnotherapy has helped many people. If you want help and are seeking hypnotherapy these practical tips will help you to find the best person suited to you.