How to Find a Good Hypnotherapist

In most countries, there arent any official rules about hypnosis. Since it is a science which is still surrounded with a halo of mysticism because of the movies and of the shows, many are unsure about which therapist to choose. Best is, of course, if someone you trust, a friend or a family member, has tried this therapist and recommends him to you. But if not, there are some things, you can do.

In most European countries, there is no special law about hypnosis. In the USA, there are different laws depending on the state, but there is little or no direct regulation over the practice of hypnosis, although, of course, other laws generally affecting the operation of any business will usually apply (truth in advertising, unfair business practices, etc.). Few states require mandatory licensure or registration, for example, Colorado, Connecticut or Washington. Some other do not have mandatory registration, but have specific regulations for the practice of hypnotism and certain rules and guidelines for licensure exemption. That would be states like California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas, Utah…

So in short, you will have to check out what registration the therapist you are going to use has and see if he has a valid license. Second, and this is very important, find out if the therapist is a member of one or more professional organizations and in this case, which one and what are the conditions to be a member of this organization. Who taught him hypnosis? Where did he study?

Dont be afraid to ask these questions in your first session. Best is, if you have prepared your questions in advance. Write them down to be sure you dont forget any. Every understanding therapist (that should be a pleonasm, but it is, unfortunately not) will know that you are unsure, especially if you never have tried it before and will disclose anything you want. There are no secrets to hypnosis. No question is too stupid to be ask. As we say in France: There are no stupid questions, there are only stupid answers.

If you are insecure about going to the therapist alone the first time, dont hesitate to bring a friend with you. It is perfectly understandable that you are hesitant and a friend can see or ask some questions you may not think of. As a therapist, the only thing I have to say to that is I like to know it beforehand. But that is merely politeness. If I am waiting for one patient and see two persons arrive, it is no big deal, but I prefer to be warned.

Apart from that, there is no reason why a therapist would deny you to come with someone. If he does, be on your guards. There is no reason to refuse a third person in session for the first contact where you certainly may have many things to ask. In the following sessions, of course, the therapist may ask your friend to leave the room under treatment.

Dont be scared to ask the therapist how the session will be and what will happen. One of my patients told me, one of the hypnotherapist she went to before me, asked her to lay down and then started a CD with a hypnosis session on while he was playing cards on his computer. This kind of treatment may not be suitable for you. So ask the therapist how the session will be, what he will do and not do.

Hypnosis is not magic. It is a therapy and the contact and the trust you have in your therapist is the most important. If you, at first contact, feel that something is wrong that you dont like the person or that the contact between you two isnt good, find another therapist. This doesnt mean that this therapist is bad, just that you may not be one for another. He can be very good for someone else. You have to rely on him, to be able to relax in his company, and you wont be able to do that, if there is any form of antipathy (whether it is justified or not).

Trust is a must!

Cyril Malka has worked as psychotherapist since the early 90s (cognitive therapy and behavior – REBT) and added hypnosis to his treatments since 2001.