If you’re new to hypnotherapy, it can be a little intimidating when you first try it. There are a lot of myths and stories about hypnotherapists controlling people or implanting false memories.
While these stories are widely exaggerated, it hasn’t helped diminish people’s fear of something similar happening to them.
Naturally, the first thing you want to do to ease your mind is always be sure you’re using a reputable therapist. I mean, you wouldn’t want someone who didn’t study physical therapy trying to teach you to walk again, would you? Psychiatric health is no different. But how do you know if the person you’re seeing is qualified?
Finding a good hypnotherapist is a lot like buying a car. You have to do some research and ask questions to make sure you aren’t saddled with a lemon. In fact, you should ask your potential hypnotherapist several questions prior to signing up for the treatment.
The answers to these questions will help you determine if he or she is qualified to practice hypnotherapy and will influence your decision about whether to try hypnosis if other treatment options are less appealing.
Here’s what you need to know before selecting a hypnotherapist.
1. Where Did You Study Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is taught in college classrooms the same way other psychiatric disciplines are. There are specialized schools for it, but very few of them are accredited. You should verify that the place your therapist learned the practice is indeed an accredited institution. You definitely don’t want someone who learned the craft by clipping an ad from an old comic book.
2. What Degrees Do You Hold?
An accredited hypnotherapist is usually trained in other fields of psychiatric health. This is especially important to know if you were sent to the therapist as a referral. He or she should hold a degree or doctorate from an accredited institution in a related field. Be skeptical of anyone who claims to be a hypnotherapist, but lacks the credentials to support that claim.
3. How Long Have You Been Practicing Hypnotherapy?
I’m not saying a younger therapist isn’t capable of helping you, but it might ease your mind to know how long your therapist has been practicing. As long as your therapist has the proper credentials, he or she should be more than qualified. Still, it might ease your mind a little to know that you’re definitely not your therapist’s first patient.
Experience is always beneficial in any job someone is doing. You’ll take comfort in knowing that your care provider has experience performing these treatments with other patients.
4. Do You Specialize In Treating Certain Conditions?
Hypnotherapists often have experience treating specific types of patients. Some are trained to treat phobias, while others might be more skilled at treating addiction. It’s important to know if the therapist you’ve chosen is well suited to your particular issue.
5. What Can I Expect?
A good therapist will give you an outline of your treatment, goals he or she would like to reach with you, and what you can expect from the experience.
A good hypnotherapist will set realistic expectations for you; goals that the two of you can reach over a reasonable time. You shouldn’t expect an overnight cure from this type of therapy and your therapist shouldn’t promise one.
In addition to talking with your therapist, you should also consult your primary care physician about any additional therapy options you are considering. Both of them are always willing to answer any questions you may have and can help make sure you are getting the best treatment possible.
Hypnotherapy is a wonderful treatment option for patients. If you work with a credited hypnotherapist, you can expect to see some excellent results as you go forward. Make sure you trust the therapist you’re working with and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
At the end of the day, he or she should want what’s best for you. So make sure you find the therapist that fits that bill.
