I was contacted by a mum about her daughter who was suffering with extreme anxiety at university, how do I find a good hypnotherapist in (location)? I have been asked this question a few times over the years, so here is my answer.
Hypnotherapy is self-regulated and a very popular therapy to learn, which means you can do as little as a 5 hour online course and call yourself a hypnotherapist. This is frightening and ridiculous to me.
I remember in 2007 when I had just qualified as a hypnotherapist a Samaritan Listening Volunteer colleague asked me to teach her hypnotherapy. I explained that it was a complicated subject but that I could show her the basics and prepare her to do the introduction to hypnotherapy course I was recommending. She explained that she already had a Diploma in Hypnotherapy which she had got through the post. She called a guy up, paid him £150, got her diploma course in an A4 envelope and all she had to do was read it and answer some questions while looking at the information. She did not have to work with or hypnotise a human being. This really shocked me.
To Find A Good Hypnotherapist
There are two main websites to find qualified therapists, it’s a good idea to find someone who is on both of these websites these are the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) website and the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).
On the CNHC, use their Search box to find a Hypnotherapist near you. The CNHC was set up with Government input to protect the public. They do this by providing an independent UK register of complementary healthcare practitioners. Protection of the public is their sole purpose.
On the GHR is a list of qualified therapists, choose those that hold The Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice SQHP. They have had to have continual practice for a minimum of 5 years and have had to maintain a minimum average client workload of 25 hours per month throughout that period.
Questions to ask a Hypnotherapist
It’s a good idea to actually talk to your therapist either on the phone or in person if possible. In that conversation you get a chance to find out whether you like that person, whether they make sense in what they are saying, don’t be afraid to ask questions and follow your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. Some questions you can ask below.
1) Do you belong to the CNHC and GHR?
2) How long have you been a qualified, professional hypnotherapist?
3) What are your qualifications? Diploma in Hypnotherapy is the minimal qualification have they been awarded more?
4) Did you have to pass exams to qualify? Some courses you pass with attendance alone
5) How many clients do you see a week? See a therapist who is working with 5 or more clients a week.
6) Are your client reviews/testimonials independently verified? Some therapist write their own reviews on their website
7) Have you been on any Continued Professional Development courses in the last 12 months? CPD ensures that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver a professional service to your customers, clients and the community.
8) Do you regular have Supervision? The GHR requires all the hypnotherapist registered with them to undergo regular supervision to make sure they stay up-to-date and are following good practices.
