hypnotherapist

The work

Hypnotherapists are able to access deeper parts of the mind to induce a focused and calm state. They use this technique, hypnosis, to help people overcome a wide range of psychological conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety or addictions.

They put clients into a trance-like state with the aim of altering negative or dysfunctional patterns of behaviour or beliefs. They work with clients to bring about a change in this behaviour or way of thinking.

Hypnotherapists work with clients to overcome conditions such as drug or alcohol addiction, phobias, eating disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, suppressed emotions and lack of confidence.

Generally, the hypnotherapist will have an initial consultation with the client to discuss the problem or issue, take a full medical and social history, and then recommend a course of treatment. Successful treatment may require several sessions.

Hours and Environment

The vast majority of hypnotherapists work part-time; however, there are a number of full-time opportunities. There are no set working hours. Unsocial hours may be required to meet the needs of their patients.

They work indoors in consulting rooms in hospitals, clinics and in private practice. They may work in a number of venues so the ability to drive would be an advantage.

Skills and Interests

To be a hypnotherapist you need:

• good written and spoken communication skills
• maturity and emotional stability to deal with clients who may be suffering from mental or physical illness or emotional problems
• the desire to understand and help people with their problems
• the ability to build up a rapport with clients
• professional detachment so as not to become emotionally involved with a client's problems.

Entry

At present, hypnotherapy is an unregulated profession and potentially anyone can set up as a practitioner.

Courses are available that will provide a good preparation for this work. Several membership organisations within this field hold details of course providers meeting their standards; check Training section for more information. You should contact individual course providers for entry requirements; many do not require specific academic qualifications.

There are a number of postgraduate courses available in hypnotherapy; it is likely that you will need a degree or equivalent professional qualification in order to get onto a course at this level.

Trainees are usually self-funded, so need to have finance available for course fees.

Experience or qualifications in healthcare or counselling is a useful background to this work.

Mature entrants are welcomed, as this is a career where life experience is highly valued.

Training

Hypnotherapy is currently unregulated; however, there are several organisations working to create professional standards of practice for the industry, and membership for approved practitioners.

Courses are available which are recognised by organisations such as:

• the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
• the Hypnotherapy Society
• the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).

These organisations run membership schemes, and validate courses which meet their own training standards, code of ethics and practices. Please check with the individual bodies for details of course providers (see Further Information).

Courses often require one or two years of part-time study. They are likely to include academic and practical elements, as well as examinations.

To uphold your membership with an organisation it is likely that you will be required to maintain your skills and knowledge with ongoing training, perhaps by attending lectures and seminars.

Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for Health, have developed National Occupational Standards for hypnotherapy. These standards will ultimately influence the structure and content of training and qualifications in this area. For more information, check the Skills for Health website; see Further Information.

Opportunities

There is a growing demand for hypnotherapists, with increasing referrals from GPs and private health insurers. There are opportunities for work in a variety of settings including private hospitals and clinics, and private practice.

There are a small number of opportunities within the NHS but mainly for medically qualified practitioners.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Most hypnotherapists are self-employed and charge by the session. As a guide, therapists may charge around £40 a session. For certain treatments, such as stopping smoking, a therapist may charger around £80 a session.

A newly qualified hypnotherapist can earn between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.
An experienced hypnotherapist may earn £35,000 or more a year.

Further information

Goldsmiths House
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
PO Box 204
Lymington
SO41 6WP
Tel: 01590 683770
PO Box 43
Burton on the Water
Cheltenham
GL54 2D
Tel: 0800 952 0545
Tel: 0845 602 4585

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