Choosing a hypnotherapist in Australia – how to find a suitable practitioner
Choosing a hypnotherapist
Hypnotherapy in Australia is a self-regulated industry and hypnotherapists are not, by law, required to meet any specific standard of training. 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. There is also now a peak body which oversees hypnotherapists’ associations and training organisations in Australia. The Hypnotherapy Council of Australia was established to represent the profession and provide a point of contact for the public. Antoine Matarasso from Brisbane Hypnosis Clinic – New Farm Hypnotherapy is currently President of the HCA.
Choosing a hypnotherapists – the role of professional associations
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 organization (s) is he/she a member of? Is it a national organization? (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 meetindustry 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 1300 552 254, the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists on 1300 851 176 or check the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia’s National Register.
If you are in or around South East Queensland, we’d love to help you. You can call Brisbane Hypnosis Clinic – New Farm Hypnotherapy Clinic on 07 3254 1373, complete the form below, email appointments@brisbanehypnosisclinic.com.au.
Our practitioners are members of the following associations
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Did you know?
We use these hypnosis audio programs with all of our clinical clients. They reinforce the work achieved in a session and also minimise the number of sessions that many clients need. People who use the CDs regularly see more rapid results that those who don't make the time.