How to choose a hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy In Australia

Hypnotherapy in Australia is a self-regulated industry and hypnotherapists are not, by law, required to meet any specific standard of training.  Because of this many people find it difficult to know how to choose a hypnotherapist from the many advertising in their area.

It is the responsibility of professional associations such as the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association to set industry standards. If you are going to consult a hypnotherapist, it is in your best interest to make sure that the therapist you choose meets such standards. Therapists who are members of professional associations such as the Australian Hypnotherapists Association and the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists have agreed to abide by industry standards and the code of conduct of the association to which they belong.  Choosing a therapist who is a member of a recognised professional association protects you as a consumer of health services.

Professional associations such as the AHA provide accountability for therapists and serve as an avenue of recourse and arbitration for clients. They also ensure that therapists are professionally qualified and the associations provide ongoing training and professional supervision for members.

Hypnotherapists who are not members of professional associations may not have recognised training, such training may also be inadequate and provided more for personal development than for professional practice. Many non-qualified hypnotherapists are individuals with an interest in hypnosis, or who may have experienced a trauma and use this as their qualification for helping others. Whilst personal life experiences are relevant, they alone do not qualify an individual for professional practice in hypnotherapy or counselling.

Questions you should ask when seeking treatment from a hypnotherapist

The answers to questions such as the following will help you decide whether your hypnotherapist meets the minimum reasonable industry standards:

• Does he/she abide by a Code of Conduct?
• Is he/she a financial member of a Nationally Recognised Professional Body of Hypnotherapists?
• Does he/she receive regular professional supervision?
• What organisation (s) is he/she a member of? Is it a national organisation? (A current dated and signed certificate of registration should be displayed).
• What are the practice hours and do you need an appointment?
• How much are sessions and are there any other costs involved?
• How long are normal sessions? (Sessions average between 50 and 90 minutes).
• What happens if the session goes over time?
• Are notes taken? If so, what happens to them?
• What are their qualifications and are they recognised?
• If a hypnotherapist answers no to some of these, they may not meet the minimum industry standards.

Professional, qualified hypnotherapists should not be offended by these or other reasonable questions. Hypnotherapists who do not meet industry standards may try to convince you that there are no standards. It should be noted that some organisations do not meet with industry minimum standards.

If in doubt or for more advice, call the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association on 1800 067 557