Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to treat medical and psychological conditions through the power of subconscious suggestion. While not everyone responds equally well to hypnosis, most patients start to notice an improvement in their condition after four to ten sessions with a hypnotherapist. A career as a hypnotherapist can be a satisfying choice for anyone interested in the power of the mind.
The popular image of hypnosis is as a type of brainwashing or mind control, in which the hypnotist can literally command the subject to do anything he wants. The reality of hypnosis is much less dramatic. Hypnosis is a mental state in which the subject is much more relaxed than usual but also much more focused than usual. Because of this unusual mental state or "trance" as it is sometimes called, the subject can often internalize suggestions at a much deeper level than would be possible in regular daily life. This can help the subject change dysfunctional behavior patterns, control chronic pain or feel more confident and calm after the session is over. Hypnosis can be used for entertainment purposes, but hypnotherapists are trained to use it therapeutically.
Becoming a Hypnotherapist
Although the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association have both recognized the clinical value of hypnotherapy since 1958, the profession is mostly unregulated and standards can vary tremendously. For instance, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis grants membership only to doctors, dentists, psychologists or podiatrists with doctorates or nurses, counselors or social workers with master's degrees. All members are also required to have at least 20 hours of hypnotherapy training. The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists requires 100 hours of training of which 50 must be in a classroom setting, but does not require a degree.
Hypnotherapists who are also doctors or nurses can use hypnosis in combination with the practice of medicine, but hypnotherapists who have no medical training are not legally allowed to perform any services that could be construed as medical in nature. This means the hypnotherapist must avoid any practices that could be seen as a diagnosis of a medical condition or a prescription for anything. In California, hypnotherapists are also not allowed to perform any services that could be construed as massage. Some states require hypnotherapists to register with the state government or follow other restrictions.
The professional outlook for a hypnotherapist depends on location, effort and business sense. The national average hourly rate for a hypnotherapist is about $85, but the rate can be as low as $45 in a rural area or as high as $150 in a major metropolitan area. It usually takes a few years of networking, advertising and word of mouth to build up a client base sufficient to provide three appointments per day, and overhead costs such as rent and taxes generally absorb about half of the income from appointments. Hypnotherapists often work part-time or from a home office at first, but can make as much as $100,000 per year after establishing a thriving practice including appointments, workshops and additional services. Some hypnotherapists offer services that may be controversial but profitable, such as "past life regression" sessions. These practices are less likely to be offered by hypnotherapists who are also nurses, doctors or psychologists.
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