< What to look for when choosing a hypnotherapist

Finding the right therapist can seem so confusing

(These guidelines may help you make the correct choice)

 

There is a good chance you are currently in the process of surfing through the Internet, trying to find a hypnotherapist. And maybe you have been wondering: "So how do I make the correct choice?" confused by choices

That's understandable. There are so many to choose from ... so many claims ... so many different qualifications ... so many professional organisations.

It can all seem rather bewildering, even daunting. However if you are seriously thinking about therapy it is sensible to take time and care to make the right choice.

The good news is that there are many well-trained, skilful hypnotherapists who can help you. However there are also some who maybe are not so good.

So a sensible start might be to check each therapist's training, whether they have continued to up-date their professional development or continued, unchanged, the same techniques for years.

It may also be best to avoid therapists who make exaggerated claims or those employing slick marketing techniques.

Consider too whether the fees are fair, checking they are neither excessively high, nor suspiciously low. In addition find out whether you can have a free consultation to discuss and consider those issues which you wish to address.

Discover also to which professional organisations he or she belongs, how long they have been in practice and find out whether they adhere to a Code of Conduct which governs their work. (Bill Doult is a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis and governed by its Code of Conduct.

Hypnotherapy is widely recognised as a safe therapy. Nevertheless it is sensible to check hat the therapist you are considering is fully insured. If he or she does not have professional indemnity –  go elsewhere.

There are some specific "no nos" which it would be wise to avoid. In particular avoid any therapist who advises coming off prescribed medication or medical procedures without first consulting your physician.

In the case of hypnotherapy it may be best to steer clear of any therapist who, you discover, uses hypnosis for entertainment. Fortunately the vast majority of hypnotherapists – and their professional organisations – regard the use of hypnosis for entertainment as highly inappropriate – but there a few who do not.

There have also been known to be cases – hopefully rare – where hypnotherapists have put clients into a state of hypnosis, switched on a pre-recording then left the room to see another client. Again, unacceptable behaviour.

From the start make sure any therapy you undertake is a partnership between yourself and your therapist. So take time to talk with the therapist, either on the phone or face-to-face. Make sure you feel comfortable with him or her and you feel they are being open, honest and above board.

Naturally you expect to be treated with respect and courtesy but also consider whether you find it easy to converse with the therapist.

The Therapy Partnership believes therapy is a partnership between you and your therapist.