Choosing the Right Hypnotist Print E-mail

Finding the right Hypnotist is a lot like finding a good Dentist, or Lawyer, Doctor or Accountant.  The real secret to landing a good Hypnotist is really very simple, if you know what to look for.

Of course, there are the most obvious sources of securing your own reputable Hypnotist such as friends and family referrals. Some folks even ask their Doctor, Dentist, Lawyer or Accountant if they can refer a reputable Hypnotist!  Better yet, Yellow Pages and Internet sites, as well as professional organizations are great lead sources.  For example, the National Guild of Hypnotists, the oldest and largest certifying body and organization of its kind, provides the public a referral service for their certified members.  Look for them online at www.ngh.net.

The real secret to landing a good Hypnotist is really very simple.
Once you do choose a hypnotist, ask yourself upon meeting for the first time, does s/he seem genuinely interested in me and do I feel welcome; do I feel accepted and not judged; do I feel understood; does s/he treat me respectfully and listen carefully; is s/he hopeful; does s/he seem knowledgeable as the expert; does the office feel safe and comfortable; what are her/his professional qualifications and credentials?

During that initial consultation, it might also be a good idea to ask if the hypnosis sessions are recorded, as they are experienced.  If not, you may be missing a very valuable part of the learning experience; that is, without a recording tape or CD of the process message, there can be no rehearsal value for thought and behavioral habituation.

Inquire as to the method of inducing hypnosis.  Nowadays, more and more contemporary hypnotists utilize Light and Sound equipment guaranteeing client hypnotic success on the very first visit.  Using Light and Sound to induce hypnotic state usually cuts down on the frequency of visits, which becomes a cost-effective and short-term, therapeutic intervention for client success.

 Most of the time, experience is the BEST barometer of hypnotist success, and the best measure of their competency is a history of satisfied clients.  Most ethical hypnotists have client written testimonials on hand, or some kind of proof of their client success.  Ask to see those client testimonials.  And, before you secure your first hypnosis session, make sure your hypnotist can show proof of state and/or national hypnotherapy certification, malpractice insurance and a business license to practice hypnotism professionally.   Ask if there any published articles they have written; does s/he teach classes in self-hypnosis?

… it might also be a good idea to ask if the hypnosis sessions are recorded.

As far as session cost is concerned, a trip to the hypnotherapist can range from $55 on up.  Most hypnotists with four or five years of experience usually charge $90 and up per session.  Some hypnotists charge up to $350 per session, but if you get what you pay for, it’s well worth the price for a successful short-term intervention.

Even with the perfect referral, there are still no guarantees of a perfect client-hypnotist fit.  Remember that one of the most important aspects of hypnosis is that you always feel a comfortable rapport with the hypnotist.  If you don’t, then continue to shop around, because your #1 criterion ultimately is your own intuition. That first visit will help you determine if there is enough safety and rapport to continue.

Call 505-292-2237 for catalog or more information.

Published in Natural Awakenings Magazine - February 2006

Lois Prinz is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Designated Trainer and Examiner for the National Guild of Hypnotists.  Lois also practices the Thought Field Therapies of Neurolinguistic Psychology and Emotional Self Management with EFT.  She can be reached at 505-292-2237.