How to Become a Hypnotherapist

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A hypnotherapist is mental health professional who uses hypnosis in a therapeutic setting. Hypnotherapists are often employed to help people quit smoking, or to help patients work through difficult emotions from traumatic events. There are many non-conventional uses of hypnotherapy as well. For example, in regression therapy, a hypnotherapist can help a patient recall past lives or alien abductions. All hypnotherapists use suggestion relaxation to guide patients to a new understanding.

The terms 'hypnotherapist' and 'hypnotist' are often confused. A hypnotist is anyone trained to perform hypnosis, while a hypnotherapist is trained in both therapy and hypnosis. In general, anyone can become a hypnotist, but there are more educational requirements to become a hypnotherapist.

The guide below will outline the steps to get therapist and hypnotist training, and eventually start a career in hypnotherapy.

Things You Will Need

hypnotherapist training

Step 1

Before researching schools and training programs, learn about the history and uses of hypnosis, and the many applications of hypnotherapy. Decide on your area of specialty.

Step 2

Find out your state's licensing requirements.In many states, hypnotherapists must be licensed therapists; in other states, hypnotherapists need only graduate from an accredited training program. Contact your state's board of licensing to learn more.

Step 3

If necessary, take graduate level courses to fulfill requirements for a therapist license. You may need to take classes in counseling, addiction and recovery, social work, and psychology. Take additional courses in hypnosis and behavior modification as you complete the requirements for a masters or PhD in therapy.

Step 4

If your state has less stringent requirements for hypnotherapists, you can attend a specialized hypnotherapy institute. Check with either the National Society of Professional Hypnotherapists or the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners for a list of recommended schools. If you find a hypnotherapy school that is not on the list of either organization, at least check if it is accredited by another professional council.

Step 5

Get hands-on practical training. This is a graduation requirement at any reputable hypnosis school, and they will arrange for you to intern in a hypnotherapy clinic.

Step 6

If you want to do past life regression or alien abduction regression, you should also contact the IBRT (International Board for Regression Therapy) to learn their certification requirements.

The job market for this type of counseling is quite small, but has grown steadily in recent years. You may consider offering this service on the side while practicing something more profitable, such as smoking cessation hypnotherapy.

When you have completed your academic and practical training, you can start sending out your resume to hypnotherapy clinics, or start your own business.

Tips & Warnings

Research hypnosis and hypnotherapy schools thoroughly. Beware of distance learning scams, or schools that have not recognition from a professional organization. Although hypnotherapy programs can be expensive, you should compare the costs of tuition, keeping in mind these factors: number of training hours, expertise of the faculty, class size, amount of hands-on training, whether courses are live or online, and how long the school has been in operation.