When you think about hypnosis as it’s portrayed in movies, it’s easy to mistakenly think of it as something that’s just for fun. The people performing the hypnosis may even be seen as magicians, and the trick they’re doing as something for entertainment or perhaps even malicious motives. However, this is an inaccurate picture of hypnosis.
A hypnotherapist is just like any other therapist who helps patients suffering from mental health problems. Hypnotherapy is a psychological treatment that can bring about changes in behavior, thoughts, perceptions, and value systems. This isn’t just done by anyone who performs “magic,” as hypnotherapists go through a whole lot of training and certification before they can practice their trade.
That said, you may have been looking into having a career in hypnotherapy. But, is it lucrative? Will you have clients? Will you be able to have a steady living out of it? This article will help answer these questions.
The Effort It Takes To Be A Hypnotherapist
Because hypnotherapy has now started to become a lucrative business, you need to maintain certain standards, alongside other hypnotherapists. It’s not something that you can learn by imitating scenes in movies, watching videos, or by training yourself.
Depending on your professional background, hypnotherapy training programs are typically a one-year thing. But you can also finish it in as soon as three months, so long as you’re able to meet the number of hours required. On average, a hypnotherapist course will span between 120 to 150 classroom hours.
These classroom hours don’t just involve learning from the books per se. Rather, you’ll also be exposed to reading and mastering practical skills. For instance, learning how to do muscle tension release or a mindfulness exercise.
The Relationship With Doctors And General Practitioners
Another factor that contributes to the lucrativeness of hypnotherapy is the fact that licensed and practicing hypnotherapists usually have good relationships with doctors and general practitioners. These medical workers can recommend their patients to see a hypnotherapist when they feel like the patient can benefit from their services. That way, the patient’s recovery is holistic.
The Reasons Why Hypnotherapists Are In Demand
Hypnotherapists are in demand because they may help with a number of common health issues faced by people today. Some of the benefits that you, as a hypnotherapist, can give your patients include:
- It May Help With Insomnia And Sleeping Problems. For patients that suffer from insomnia, sleeping disorders, and even sleepwalking, hypnosis may be one of the therapy forms to consider. For instance, if you’re a sleepwalker, hypnosis can train you to wake up once you feel your feet hitting the floor.
- It May Manage Anxiety. Being one of the major mental health concerns of people globally, those who suffer from anxiety also now have another relief in the form of hypnosis. It can also be of good help to those who have anxiety as a result of phobias, or the feeling of being constantly fearful about something.
- It May Reduce Chronic Pain. The pain referred to here can also include migraines and headaches that come after surgery. Not only does it teach you to cope with pain, but it can also give you more self-control over the pain you experience.
The Career Overview Of Hypnotherapists
With the reasons enumerated above as to why hypnotherapy is a lucrative career, it’s also important now to touch on an overview. In doing so, you’ll truly understand that working as a hypnotherapist is a valid career choice. You won’t be considered as a quack doctor, for instance.
With hypnotherapy, it’s usually nurses, therapists, social workers, and doctors who train more to have this additional certification under their name. Through the training program, they’ll learn what a hypnotherapist does. It usually begins with an evaluation of the patient’s medical records, so they can have a better understanding of the patient’s medical history and background. Then, the particular issue that the patient would like to have addressed will also be identified. If the patient is new to the procedure, the practitioner will take the time to educate them about hypnosis and how it works.
Typically, each session with a patient will last for around an hour. This begins with relaxation techniques that they’ve mastered during their training. Then, suggestions and guided imagery may be introduced to start providing relief for whatever symptoms the patient experiences.
The Future Of Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapists may have a strong and bright outlook ahead, given how so many more patients are leaning towards natural and non-invasive treatments for managing their symptoms. However, despite the many benefits of hypnotherapy, it’s important to remember that hypnotherapy isn’t meant to be a substitute for any medication prescribed by a medical doctor.
Rather, hypnotherapists work hand-in-hand with doctors to make the overall recovery of the patient gentler and better, through a holistic treatment management plan.
The Different Types Of Hypnosis Practiced
Because of its demand, there are also now two types of hypnosis practiced by hypnotherapists. The choice of which one to apply to a patient will depend on their specific needs. To wit:
- Traditional hypnosis. This is the most basic form of hypnosis, as it depends on simple instructions and demands. These commands are used to influence or alter a person’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings once they reach the hypnotic stage. For instance, if the patient’s purpose for hypnotherapy is to help them stop smoking, the hypnotherapist will bring the patient to a trance state. Then, they’ll ask the patient to imagine how awful cigarette smoking feels until, eventually, the subject will be repulsed by cigarette smoking.
- Modern hypnosis. This type focuses on the patient’s specific needs and situation. Here, the clients will be guided into building better cognitive skills so they can change their perception of certain situations surrounding them.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got insights into what’s at stake with hypnotherapy as a career, it’s important to re-emphasize the need to move away from any harmful stereotypes that you may have about hypnotherapy. It’s not magic, nor is it something that can be done by anyone. If you’ve always wanted to try out a career in hypnotherapy, it’s going to be a promising career choice. You’ll have patients who will later thank you for the positive changes in their mental health that you’ve helped them develop.
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