How to become a hypnotherapist

If you are looking to train as a professional hypnotherapist, the first thing you should do is to research what training you will need in order to qualify. If you are planning to take on clients and charge for your services, it is important that you are sufficiently qualified and insured. This is to protect both yourself and your clients.

When it comes to picking a hypnotherapy course, understanding the industry standard and knowing which qualifications are recognised within the UK is key. Keep reading for some tips on what to look for in a training organisation/course.

Learning requirements

There aren’t any strict learning requirements for becoming a hypnotherapist, however, having a background or interest in counselling or health care can be advantageous.

While not all training qualifications are accredited by a professional body, it can be something potential clients look for before contacting a hypnotherapist.

Training qualifications can be accredited by professional bodies for example:

• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)

What the profession entails

You will aim to help people with both physical and psychological conditions including:

• anger management
• anxiety
• depression
• pain management
• public speaking

You will use your expertise to bring your client into a deeply relaxed state, then help them change negative thinking and behavioural patterns by making suggestions to their subconscious.

On a day-to-day basis, you could be:

• managing client bookings
• taking initial phone consultations
• discussing your client’s social and medical history
• suggesting what type of treatment would be best for their situation
• entering your client into a hypnotic trance-like state
• making positive statements and suggestions
• reporting on progress and offering action points

Hypnotherapy can complement other therapies like counselling or psychotherapy.

What types of hypnotherapy are there?

There are a number of hypnotherapy approaches you can look to train in, including cognitive hypnotherapy, solution-focused hypnotherapy and hypno-psychotherapy.

For an in-depth look into the various approaches, visit our Types of hypnotherapy page.

Hypnotherapy training courses and schools - what to look for

It can be overwhelming when faced with the many hypnotherapy training organisations that are out there. Asking these questions when researching can help: 

• What qualification will I receive after completing the course?
• Can I practise hypnotherapy with this qualification?
• Is this qualification recognised in the UK?
• Does this school offer any further qualifications?
• Can I get insurance with this qualification?
• Is the course/organisation accredited by a professional body? (Hypnotherapy courses do not have to be accredited, but they can add credence to the qualification.)
• What size are the classes? What is the learning environment like?
• What approaches are taught? Is this one that I want to learn?
• How experienced are the trainers?
• Does the organisation offer ongoing support?
• Is there any impartial course feedback?

Many training schools and organisations will have this information readily available on their website. If you cannot find this information or are unsure, do not hesitate to contact the school directly to ask for more information.

What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the enhancement and development of the skills you gained from your initial hypnotherapy training course. Attending CPD events will not only develop your skillset but will also help you keep abreast with any new rules and regulations of the industry.

To qualify for professional body membership, most organisations require a certain amount of CPD hours. Also for independent hypnotherapists, CPD can assure clients that they are continuing to top up their skill set and develop their expertise.

CPD opportunities can either be found through our events section or through other organisations (such as professional bodies and training organisations).

A final note

If you opt to train with one of our affiliate organisations, we strongly recommend that you independently check that their courses/outcomes meet your needs and expectations prior to starting your training, as we cannot be held responsible for any information provided by our affiliates. 

While we use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that our policy is adhered to, Hypnotherapy Directory is not intended as a website for verifying the qualifications, abilities, credentials or professionalism of any training organisation listed and is not responsible for any Training Affiliate listed in the directory.

Although we ensure professionals supply a relevant qualification that we can accept, a listing with us does not mean that Hypnotherapy Directory endorses or accredits that qualification or organisation.

Hypnotherapy Directory does not warrant or represent that the directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. Hypnotherapy Directory disclaims all warranties, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. Please read our terms and conditions for further information.