How to Become a Hypnosis Practitioner
Although often associated with stage performers and entertainment, hypnosis is a legitimate healing modality. At least 16 states regulate the practice of hypnosis as a therapy, with some recognizing it as a helpful supplement to Western allopathic medicine. Some individuals experience positive results with hypnosis as a treatment for everything from smoking cessation and weight loss to the treatment of cancers and other serious diseases. Although hypnosis is not federally regulated, there are several certifying boards and numerous licenses practitioners and instructors.
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Instructions
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Research the law in your state (see References). Not every state is hypnosis friendly whereas other states have no regulations in place. Thus, where you live may help to determine the degree of difficulty in establishing yourself as a hypnosis practitioner.
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Do some reading. Much has been written about the history of hypnosis as a tool for healing, and it's a good idea to read up on the subject if you want to be a practitioner. David Ellman, Milton Erickson, Richard Bandler, and Judith Pearson, in particular, are authors who provide enormous insight into the realm of hypnosis. These are the masters who've created trance induction techniques and healing processes to use once a client is in a hypnotic state. Because confidence is essential when practicing hypnosis, a solid base of factual knowledge can be an important part of getting to point of being ready to practice.
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Find the right teacher. While much can be learned from books or webpages, it is ultimately necessary to find experiential instruction in the practice of hypnosis techniques. Not only should your instructor teach the kinds of techniques you'd like to practice, they should also be able to offer you the sort of credentials that meet the requirements of your state. Both the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the National Guild of Hypnotists maintain lists of certified instructors (see Resources).
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Get certified. The National Guild of Hypnotists and the American Board of Hypnotherapy are two of the most prominent certifying boards in the field of hypnosis. Not only might certification be required in your state, it's also impressive to have framed credentials on your wall when clients enter. These national institutions also host annual conferences on the state of the profession for both networking and education.
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Hone skills. Ultimately it's the goal of every practitioner to have his own office and a full schedule of clients, most start small and see only a few clients at a time for a few years while they hone their skills. Some find it helpful to work only on friends or family at first, while others offer services to strangers. What's most important is that you continually practice inductions and healing processes until they're sufficiently internalized.
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Tips & Warnings
The word "therapy" has a medical connotation in most states; therefore, to avoid liabilities issues, avoid using "therapy" to describe yourself or describing your practice in your advertising. Also, the use of waivers and selective acceptance of clients can help avoid disastrous liabilities.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Richard Bergh
