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If you’re thinking of trying out hypnotherapy for the first time, chances are, you might feel a little apprehensive. Your first step is to make appointments with several hypnotherapists and discuss what you want to achieve from hypnotherapy, so that you can figure out if hypnotherapy is a good fit for you.
In this blog post, we share 6 questions to ask your hypnotherapist before you commit to them. Read on to find out more!
#1: What are your qualifications?
Some hypnotherapists may simply be certified in hypnosis and/or counseling, while others may also have medical or psychology degrees. All things being equal, it’s probably safer to choose a hypnotherapist who does have a medical or related degree (that said, these hypnotherapists will also charge higher rates).
If you’re interested in a niche area of hypnotherapy (eg hypnobirthing), then make sure your hypnotherapist has the relevant training/certifications in that area as well. In Singapore, for instance, most hypnobirthing instructors are trained in the Marie Mongan Method from the HypnoBirthing Institute of America. Another well-respected institution is Melissa Spilsted’s Hypnobirthing Australia™.
#2: How long have you been practicing?
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re seeking to use hypnotherapy to treat less serious conditions or to help with minor stress relief, it’s fine to use a hypnotherapist who’s less experienced.
If you have some sort of trauma, or are looking to use hypnotherapy to help you manage a chronic condition, however, this is trickier to navigate. Bearing this in mind, it makes sense to work with a hypnotherapist who has been practicing for a longer time, and has the necessary expertise.
#3: Have you treated people with my condition?
If possible, look for a hypnotherapist who has experience treating the same condition that you’re seeking treatment for. You’ll also want to ask them how they went about treating their patients (with the same condition as you!), whether they encountered any roadblocks, and more.
At the end of the day, your hypnotherapist should be able to guide you on the right path using the insights that they’ve accumulated.
#4: What does your process look like?
Moving on, ask your hypnotherapist to give you a breakdown of what a session looks like, from start to finish. Different hypnotherapists employ different methods, and as such, each hypnotherapist’s answer will differ. That said, your hypnotherapist should be able to answer the question confidently and provide you with a clear idea of how they structure their sessions.
#5: Do you offer support between sessions?
Some hypnotherapists will tell you that you may text or call them whenever you’re facing any problems, and need to talk… but others might not provide any sort of support outside of the official hypnotherapy sessions.
If you think you’ll need support (and you’re prepared to pay for it!), make sure you look for a hypnotherapist who’s on the same page as you.
#6: How much do your sessions cost?
For most folks, cost is an important factor in deciding which hypnotherapist to go with (or whether they should try hypnotherapy in the first place).
The best way to make sure you’re paying a reasonable price is to talk to several hypnotherapists and share what you want to gain out of your therapy, then compare the quotes that they’ve given you.
If a hypnotherapist quotes you a fee that’s significantly lower than the average rate, take this as a red flag. This might mean that the hypnotherapist is extremely new and inexperienced, or that they aren’t confident in their abilities.