You’ve decided that a career in hypnotherapy is the right choice. You’re ready to become a certified hypnotherapist, but how do you pick a hypnotherapy training course that will be right for you? We all have different learning needs, so there are certain factors you’ll want to consider.
If hypnotherapy is genuinely something you feel passionate about, then taking a course won’t be something you will regret. Whether or not you plan on using it in your career or simply in your personal life, embarking on hypnotherapist training will be a life-changing event! Not every course is designed to teach hypnotherapy the same way, so you must consider factors as you shop for the training that will best suit your needs.
When I first became interested in studying hypnotherapy, I enrolled in a local course and quickly learned it wasn’t the right match for me. Later, I found a school that was a much better fit. So, from my decades of experience in this field, I’m happy to share several things to consider when researching hypnotherapist training.
Choosing a Hypnotherapy Course
The hypnosis training you choose strongly affects your experience while learning to become a qualified hypnotherapist, so you’ll want to pick a course that will resonate with you and give you confidence in your skills and knowledge.
Here are a few of the factors to consider when deciding which hypnotherapy training course to choose:
Is it a traditional or modern hypnotherapy course?
Traditional and modern approaches to hypnotherapy are entirely different, so it’s essential to consider which method you will learn in the course.
- The traditional approach to hypnotherapy trains the practitioner to put their client into a trance and then present a prefabricated metaphor and offer suggestions before bringing the client out to complete the session. The hypnotist does most, if not all, of the talking throughout the session, and the client rarely remembers what happened.
- The modern approach to hypnotherapy is client-centered. The therapist guides the client into the trance state and proceeds to ask questions to prompt awareness, realizations, and client-determined resolutions. Having done most of the talking, the client has greater self-awareness and engagement in reaching their goals.
Carefully consider each of these approaches to hypnotherapy. Would you prefer to practice a traditional style of hypnosis, preparing scripts and delivering them to your client’s subconscious mind? Or, would you like to engage in a more organic and client-centered method of hypnotherapy that supports the client in reaching their own goals, self-awareness, and resolutions?
Is it an in-person or online hypnotherapy training course?
Everyone learns somewhat differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all for the best way to attend a course—but you know yourself best. Ask yourself: Do you learn better with an in-person coach or teacher? Or are you better suited to the online learning experience, studying at your preferred location, pace, and schedule?
Here are a couple of things you could consider in making your decision:
Concentration levels
By now, you’ve figured out when your concentration levels are at their highest. Individuals have different times of the day when they are more mentally alert. While some people find studying easier earlier in the day, others focus better late in the evening.
Timing of concentration levels is a significant consideration when deciding between online hypnotherapy classes and in-person training. If your ideal concentration hours don’t coincide with an in-person class, the online training option might be best for you.
Traveling distances
Are you living close to a facility providing hypnotherapy training? If you are, learning in person may be your preferred option. But if no instruction is available locally, an online course becomes a much more practical alternative.
Consider the expenses you may incur if you have to travel a distance to learn in a classroom. Costs will add to your tuition as you pay for airline tickets or gas for your car, lodging and food, and other incidentals. Will you need to pay for childcare or pet sitting, too?
Even with the joy of gathering with others, we have to be aware of potential health risks. Will you be exposed to viruses?
Once you’ve taken all of this into account, you’ll have a stronger understanding of which course format will suit you best.
Do you have a niche that you want to focus on in your hypnotherapy practice?
While many hypnotherapists help clients with a broad spectrum of goals, there are distinct advantages to choosing a niche to target. Your advertising, research, and any posts or articles you write will have a focus, saving you time, effort, and money. When you specialize in a particular market segment, you are more likely to emerge as an expert in your field.
Among all the specialties, some of the more popular ones are:
- Weight loss
- Smoking
- Pain Management
- Stress Relief
My hypnotherapy practice focuses on the emerging field of spirituality. I help clients discover their purpose, explore and work with their past lives, and expand their self-awareness. This niche sings to my soul, and because it connects to my life-long passions, it constantly brings me joy.
Consider your passions and life experiences and the successes and challenges you’ve overcome. These are clues to a niche that will get you excited to foster your business and work with each of your clients. Sometimes, your most significant life challenges point the way to your mission, such as overcoming addictions, abuse, heartache, grief, etc. Having experienced these events and found a way through them gives you valuable wisdom to share.
Your talents and hobbies can point to a suitable niche, as well. Perhaps you are a golfer, artist, or musician or want to help people with public speaking. These are all highly popular and lucrative areas of focus.
My hypnotherapy and past life course exemplify my signature framework, The LaBay Method, delivering a wide range of client-centered techniques beyond the foundations of hypnotherapy. With these tools and concepts, be prepared to address any issues your clients present—addictions, pain, grief, abuse, fears, phobias, relationship issues, personality quirks, boundaries, sports performance, confidence, and more.
In addition to all that, I include a complete training in past life regression. The average hypnotherapy training won’t touch on this topic, and if they do, it will just graze the surface of this profound and fascinating subject.
While I initially offered past life regression as separate training, I believe it’s vital for my students to gain skills to address this critical aspect of life. A well-rounded and holistic practice has to include the ability to heal and coach on all levels of existence.
Is the creator of the course a reputable hypnotherapist?
We’ve all come across courses presented by someone who declares themselves a teacher after reading a book or taking a minimal amount of education on a topic. Hypnotherapy is a serious undertaking. Clients come to hypnotherapists with crucial, often persistent, life issues and pay good money to achieve well-being.
You want to be prepared with dependable and effective modalities to provide excellent value. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek out an instructor with credentials who has operated a successful hypnotherapy business, has made meaningful contributions, and is up to date with the evolution of the industry.
Before registering for a course, set up an interview with the instructor. Here are several things to look for:
- Do you resonate with their personality? Do they communicate clearly and readily answer your questions?
- Do they seem organized, and are their materials easy to navigate?
- Is the instructor also the creator of the course? Are they simply copying other creators’ works, or have they made meaningful contributions to the field?
- What methodology are they teaching? How many techniques does the course include?
- Does the instructor offer substantial support during and after the course?
- How long has the instructor been in the hypnotherapy business? It’s generally recommended that a practitioner complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of private sessions before qualifying as an instructor.
- Do they continue to see private clients, staying current with skills and engagement?
- Can the instructor answer your specific questions about the niche you are considering?
- Have they had a successful private practice themselves, having first-hand practical experiences with all the challenges and tricks of the trade?
Consider scheduling a private session with the potential instructor, so you have personal experience with their techniques and approach. If you benefit from the session and have a positive experience, you will likely enjoy learning from them.
Do professional organizations recognize the course?
You will want to learn from a masterful instructor and have your certification recognized by reputable professional organizations. While you are not required to join a national or international organization, doing so will give you more credibility and allow you to purchase professional liability insurance.
Most organizations, including the oldest and largest organization, the National Guild of Hypnotists, require a minimum of 100 hours of training to qualify for professional membership. My 120-hour hypnotherapy and past-life regression training more than meets their standard.
Book Your Hypnotherapy Training Interview
Now that you have a better idea of how to pick the best hypnotherapist training, let’s schedule an interview call. I’d love to meet you and learn about your career goals. We can discuss how to combine this education with your present skills or start up your new holistic healing or coaching practice. If we are the right fit, I’m happy to walk you through the steps to register for my course.
Once registered, you can start your studies immediately in the comfort of your own space and join the next series of included group support calls. I host the calls live and review the course material, answer any of your questions, and facilitate a live demonstration of the techniques. You’ll get to meet your fellow students, find practice partners, and be a part of this heart-centered community.
