Finding and Choosing a Hypnotherapist

Having decided you want some hypnotherapy, finding and choosing the right hypnotherapist for you becomes your next important task.

Finding a Hypnotherapist

There are many ways to find a hypnotherapist. First of all, there are a number of professional hypnotherapy organisations who have lists of qualified and insured practitioners. The advent of the internet has made finding these so much easier. In many cases when you go to the website of one of these, you will be able to do a search for a practitioner in your area. There are also a number of websites which are directories of hypnotherapists. You will also find hypnotherapists by using one of the search engines and specific search terms. This can be useful if you are looking for a practitioner in your area with a particular field of expertise.

There are of course listings in the Yellow Pages and many of the hypnotherapy organisations have a box advert with some of their members local to your area listed there. Free newspapers, free magazines and local publications will also provide you with many names. Of course one of the best ways to find a hypnotherapist is through personal recommendation.

Choosing a Hypnotherapist

Once you have a few names, it is a good idea to speak to them on the phone. This will give you an opportunity to find out if the person you are thinking of going to has experience with your particular issue. As you are speaking to them, you will get a feeling for whether you think you will feel rapport with them. You will probably also want to ask them where they trained and what qualifications they have.

Your First Visit

During your first visit, your hypnotherapist will be talking to you about your concerns in order to work out a treatment plan for you. This is also your opportunity to ask as many questions as you want, particularly if you have never had hypnotherapy before. You should feel that the practitioner is interested in you and your issues and that any questions you have are dealt with fully.

The issue of comfort with your therapist is an important one where hypnotherapy is concerned. You may be disclosing very personal information about yourself and you must feel that you can say whatever you want. Since you will also be going into a trance, feeling that you are not being treated empathetically can prevent you from letting go adequately into that state.

If after your first session you do not feel as comfortable as you want to be, you are of course under no obligation to continue treatment; just move on to someone else. If you have spoken to the therapist before making an appointment, the chances are of course lessened that you will find yourself in this position. Finding the right hypnotherapist for you is largely a matter of trusting your gut feelings.

More and more people are turning to a range of complementary therapies for treatment. The chances are that you know someone who can recommend a hypnotherapist to you. Failing that, the information you need is readily accessible. All you have to do then is trust your own judgment.