What's the difference between hypnotist & hypnotherapist?

The short answer is of course, Therapist. Last year the profession of hypnotherapy became registered (voluntary at first) and regulated by the Complimentary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). One of the reasons for this was to allow the public to differentiate between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist. To become a hypnotherapist now and get on to the register, you must be qualified, insured to practice and evidence that your knowledge is up to date.

Does this mean hypnotists are bad? Certainly not! Hypnotists provide us with great entertainment. Some of us love watching the stage shows and the expertise these guys have. Some of us even enjoy getting up to the stage and joining in the fun. And others are more inclined to stay rooted in the audience and watch from a distance (guilty!)

The process of taking someone into hypnosis is a fairly simple and relaxing one. If the hypnotist has not managed to get you on to the stage, it's because you really didn't want to go there. That's the basic rule in hypnotherapy too. Anyone can be hypnotised if they really want to. There are of course some medical exceptions such as paranoia, but the basic rule is you can if you want to. When someone visits a therapist such as a hypnotherapist, they are seeking help with a particular issue. People seldom attend for therapy and resist hypnosis. You remain in control the whole time and a therapist certainly cannot take over your mind! But it is essential that there is trust between you and your therapist. You need to know that in order to uphold their professional status, your therapist is not allowed to do the stage entertainment stuff and must at all times keep your personal details confidential at all times. So the therapy clinic should feel safe, friendly and helpful. But the key in success is certainly to choose the right therapist for you. If you can develop trust in your therapist you are already on your way to where you want to get to. And never feel e embarrassed to ask to ask if a therapist is qualified, registered and insured. And the evidence should be there to see on your first visit. Maggie.

Senior therapist with;

www.beeyourself-hypnotherapy.co.uk