Not too long ago, if you told someone you were interested in becoming a hypnotherapist, they would have given you the side-eye and quickly walked away.
Now, though, there is more research emerging that shows the validity and benefits of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. As a result, the goal of becoming a hypnotherapist doesn’t seem to be quite as far-fetched.
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about hypnotherapy and the process of becoming a hypnotherapist, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to have all your most pressing questions answered.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that is performed by a trained hypnotist. With the help of this treatment, clients are able to look inward and deeply explore their own psyches.
Hypnotherapists help clients confront a variety of issues by enabling their subconscious mind to take over. By doing this, clients can then change their behaviors, views, and beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
Hypnotherapy can be performed alone or in conjunction with other types of therapy.
It can be used to treat all kinds of conditions, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety disorders
- Addiction
- Fears and phobias
- Chronic pain
- Chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome
Couples often utilize this kind of therapy to get closer or get help with problems in their relationships. Pregnant women can also take advantage of it to help them stay calm through the difficulties of childbirth.
Clearly, just about anyone can benefit from working with a hypnotherapist.
The Conscious Mind Vs. the Subconscious Mind
Many people don’t realize that the mind is split into two parts.
The conscious mind is in charge of your logical thinking. The subconscious mind, though, is responsible for everything else, including:
- Emotions
- Automatic bodily functions (such as breathing, heartbeat, etc.)
- Behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.)
Hypnotherapists work with the subconscious mind to help people create lasting changes in their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
How Does it Work?
At this point, you may be wondering how hypnotherapy actually works. What does a hypnotist do to help clients tap into their subconscious awareness and make significant life changes?
First, it’s important to understand that hypnotherapy is a clinical procedure, just like any other medical or healing treatment.
Qualified hypnotherapists have a specific, clearly defined process that they utilize when treating their clients — they’re not just making things up on the spot.
What Happens During a Typical Session?
Every session is a bit different, of course. But, they all involve the hypnotherapist guiding their client into a trance-like state. There are a variety of methods that hypnotherapists can use to get clients into this state, but common methods include:
- Guided relaxation
- Hyper-awareness
- High levels of focus
It should be noted, too, that clients are usually not asleep, unconscious, or out of control during this process. They are generally completely aware of what’s happening, they are just in an extremely relaxed state.
What happens from here varies depending on the client’s need and their reasoning for seeking out hypnotherapy.
Sometimes, the hypnotherapist will have a specific goal they’re trying to accomplish. Others simply want to explore the client’s mind and help them organically come to a new understanding.
What Kind of People Make Good Hypnotherapists?
As with any career, some people are better suited for becoming hypnotherapists than others. Good hypnotherapists often possess the following traits:
A Desire to Help Others
In order to be a good hypnotherapist and truly make a difference in people’s lives, it’s important that you have a sincere desire to help others. Wanting to make money, in and of itself, will not get you very far when it comes to being a good hypnotherapist.
Received Thorough Training
In addition to having a sincere desire to be of service, you also will need to receive good training. Many schools provide superficial training and don’t give you the tools you need to truly provide the type of help you want to offer.
Look for a program that offers comprehensive professional training. Avoid ones that offer simplistic scripts and a one-size-fits-all approach.
Non-Judgmental
It’s essential for a hypnotherapist to be able to listen to a client’s needs and experiences without judgment. Clients place a lot of trust in you and, if they’re willing to be vulnerable and share their struggles, you need to be able to listen without superimposing your own beliefs and values onto them.
An Entrepreneurial Mindset
The desire to make money, in and of itself, is not a great motivation for becoming a hypnotherapist. But, if you have no entrepreneurial skills, you’re going to have a hard time drawing in clients and keeping your practice afloat.
If these skills (marketing, selling services, managing funds, etc.) don’t come naturally to you, be sure you’re willing to take the time to learn them.
Remember, if you’re unwilling to learn to market your business, you’re not going to be able to help as many people with your knowledge and skills.
A Desire to Transform Yourself
It’s easy to get stuck in your ways and convince yourself that there is one correct way to be a hypnotherapist. This is especially true for people who have been practicing for a long time.
In reality, though, it’s important to always be looking for new opportunities to learn and grow.
There is always new research emerging and new practices being shared. If you’re not motivated to transform, your business won’t last very long. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from others whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Are You Ready to Become a Hypnotherapist?
Now that you know more about what hypnotherapy is, how it works, and what it takes to be a successful hypnotherapist, are you ready to take the plunge and embark on a new career path?
Do you want to develop your skills in a supportive environment and learn from the very best in the business?
If you’re interested in learning even more about hypnotherapy and becoming a hypnotherapist, check out my training program today.
With my help, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become a successful hypnotherapist.
