Which Hypnotherapist Is Right For You?
Considerations when choosing a great hypnotherapist
1. Credentials/Membership:
In Australia a reputable hypnotherapist will be a member of an institution such as the AHA (Australian Hypnotherapists’Â Association). The AHA has certain standards that must be met before a hypnotherapist can join. Benefits to the client include rebates on certain private health funds.
You may also want to check out if the hypnotherapist has completed a reputable training course. At the moment anyone can label themselves a hypnotherapist and practice. I would suggest that you enquire into where their training was completed and to what level. You are then able to look up the course offered by that institution.
2. Rapport:
In my opinion, this is one of the most important points to consider when choosing the right hypnotherapist for you. What was your first impression after the initial contact? As hypnotherapists, we are trained to build rapport quickly and it is a vital part of the hypnotherapeutic relationship. If you didn’t feel respected, safe and at ease whilst speaking with a prospective therapist (either by telephone or in the initial consultation) – then that is not the right therapist for you.
3. Experience:
How much experience has the hypnotherapist had in treating the particular problem you need help with? What is their success rate? How long have they been in practice? If the hypnotherapist does not feel comfortable treating your problem, or you don’t feel comfortable with them helping you, can they recommend someone experienced who can help you? Obviously the hypnotherapist should be able to confidently answer any questions you may have about the hypnotherapeutic process, subconscious mind etc.
4. Recommendation:
Where possible this can be a great place to start looking. If you know someone who has had successful therapy before, why not start there? Just because they are recommended though, doesn’t mean that they are right therapist for you. Your feelings about the therapist should be respected above and beyond anyone else’s ideas or experience.
5. Gender:
For some people gender is an important point to consider when choosing a hypnotherapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a male therapist while others may feel more comfortable with a female therapist. Either way, your comfort is what is important. If it helps you to feel comfortable with a particular gender then do that. Gender can be particularly pertinent for sensitive issues such as sexual difficulties.
6. Location:
You will be able to look up registered hypnotherapists in your area using this website www.australianhypnotherapistsassociation.org.au.
7. Availability:
Hypnotherapists usually offer flexible appointment times such as after hours and weekends because they recognize that people are busy and often these are the only times they can fit in appointments.
8. Price:
Price can vary quite a bit. Obviously this depends on a lot of different aspects. For example price will be according to experience, location etc.
9. Therapy Structure:
Therapy structure will depend on each individual therapist. Some therapists offer ‘courses of therapy’. For example: 4 sessions for weight loss therapy. This is fine, however I would advise you to always remember: We are all individuals who require an individual therapeutic approach. This will hopefully be recognized by your therapist and communicated to you. In saying that the therapist should also be able to quote you an approximate number of sessions to give you an idea of possible length of therapy.
