Top 10 tips for choosing the right hypnotherapist for you

Not sure how to pick the right hypnotherapist for you? Try these tips.

Tips to find a hypnotherapist you can trust

Tip 1: Research

Do your research into the different types of hypnotherapy, then decide which type you feel best matches your requirements. The main types are suggestion, clinical (this tends to be the most integrative type of hypnotherapy which draws on a range of psychological approaches), psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioural.

Some therapists specialise in regression work addressing past issues as far back as your childhood and other therapists stick to how you are currently thinking and feeling in the here and now (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy). Some hypnotherapists also have other skills and qualifications which they can draw on such as life coaching and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). 

Tip 2: Compare hypnotherapists' websites

Compare hypnotherapists' websites for a detailed explanation of what they cover or specialise in as well as the age group of clients they work with. Some specialise in working with young people and others may have enhanced training with a certain category such as emotional trauma, pain or the virtual gastric band etc.

Tip 3: Ask about qualifications

Ask them about their qualifications and find out which professional body they belong to. The largest professional bodies are the NCH (National Council For Hypnotherapy) and the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register). Look out for the CNHC Logo on their details. This means they are a member of the Complementary Natural Healthcare Council. The key function of the CNHC is to enhance public protection by setting nationally agreed standards for registration.

You can rest assured that if a person is a member of the CNHC they have been trained to a high nationally recognised standard and adhere to a high code of ethics and practice. Look out for certain letters after a hypnotherapist's name such as the HPD, and Acc, this indicates a higher and more senior level of qualification and professional practice.

Tip 4: Listed to their voice

Listen to your potential therapist's voice on the phone when you first get in touch. Does their voice sound soothing to you? Could you listen to it for 45 minutes? For many hypnotherapists, their voice is their greatest tool.

Tip 5: Ask about fees

These will vary greatly, usually with the more experienced therapists charging more. You can also expect to pay more the further in towards Central London you go. This is usually due to a higher outlay of costs for the therapist. Remember your session is just a part of what the fee covers; it also covers administration and research/preparation time of your session as well as note keeping once the session has finished.

Tip 6: Ask about the number of sessions needed

Ask how many sessions you are likely to need. This can vary greatly too, so do your sums as it can prove to be more costly in the long run if you see a cheap therapist for double the amount of sessions. The average number you may be told is between five and six or up to 12 for longer-term intensive work.

Tip 7: Read reviews

Look out for reviews or articles written about or by the therapist that interest you and recommendations such as those that appear on yell.com. These are written by past patients and can give an accurate representation of value for money, depth of experience, final outcome of treatment etc.

Tip 8: Ask around for recommendations

Word of mouth or recommendation is always a good way to find a local therapist, perhaps you know of someone who has experienced it or you can visit a local medical or complementary clinic to find out if there is someone suitable practising there who may be able to help you.

Tip 9: Speak to your GP

Your GP will have a list of highly qualified hypnotherapists provided by the CNCH for you to get in touch with. 

Tip 10: Listen to your inner voice

If you feel during your first session that your therapist is asking you the right sort of questions and you feel comfortable opening up to them then this is a good sign. If you don't feel comfortable, go ahead and say so, there are plenty of excellent therapists out there who all work slightly differently within their own sphere of competence, it's about finding the right one for you.