Choosing the right hypnotherapy school for you is crucial for your success and growth as a hypnotherapist. I suggest getting sessions from the person you plan to train with. This will tell you a lot about their style, character, personality, level of empathy, "fit", as well as  other things you would look for in both a therapist and instructor. 

 

Here are key factors to consider when making this important decision:

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1. Trainer Compatibility

• Comfort and Rapport: Hypnosis requires a deep level of trust and rapport. Ensure that the trainer is someone you feel comfortable with and can relate to. You should feel safe, understood, and enjoy being in their class. If you do not feel comfortable around them, you may not be able to go into hypnosis in their class or with them. The subconscious wants to protect you and if someone gives you the "ick", it is best not to train or work with them.

• Personality/Style: Different trainers have different personalities and teaching styles. It's important to find a trainer whose style resonates with you and makes learning an enjoyable experience.

 

2. Training Style

• Client-Centered Approach: I recommend that you look for a school that emphasizes a client-centered approach where you learn to create your own scripts and sessions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Avoid programs that provide only generic scripts. You will see them out there--those schools that promise you 1000's of scripts. But when you get them they are barely usable due to being generic, poorly written or lacking relevancy to your client's situation, let alone the underlying reasons for their symptoms.  You need to know what to do if there is no script that aligns with what your client has come to work on. Your client needs personalization, arguments and suggestions that use their language, are relevant to them and speak to the real reason they are struggling. You need to know how to write your own material that takes your client into consideration.

• Philosophy/Approach:Look into  their philosophy of hypnotherapy. Some people might take a scientific approach while another takes a more spiritual one. Some believe in looking for the cause of the symptoms while others do not. Ask questions about their approach to hypnotherapy and see what you resonate with. Choose someone with whom you feel a fit or it could backfire in not being able to be hypnotized by them due to lack of rapport. Not to mention it being a waste of time and money if you do not agree with or feel comfortable with their style or philosophy.

 

3. Trainer's Experience and Credibility

• Field Experience: Fnd out if your potential teacher is actually working in the field. If they have retired, find out how long they have been retired and if they keep up with any current advancements, studies or uses of hypnosis. You want an instructor that is current and active in the field of hypnotherapy. Hypnosis goes wayyyy back. Back to the days of Mesmer and Freud. And there are still people out there teaching what I playfully refer to as "old timey" hypnosis.  There are also instructors that were "once" in practice but did not have a successful practice (hence, turned to teaching) or who are stage hypnotists turned hypnotherapy teachers who do not have any training in hypnotherapy (or understanding of it) themselves. Ask about the background of your potential teacher. Google. Research.

• Continuing Education: A good trainer continues their own education, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and staying updated on new developments in the field. Ask what your potential teacher does to continue to grow, learn and evolve both as a hypnotherapist and a teacher.

• User of Hypnotherapy or Hypnosis: Find out if they use hypnosis themselves and, if so, if they would share some of their personal stories with you. Be wary of a trainer who does not use their own modality. Why would that be? If we have this amazing skill and we are able to effectively use it, wouldn't we use it every chance we got? I know I would. (By the way, once you see how well hypnosis works, you will use it for everything. ) I would be concerned if a trainer did not use hypnosis. To me, that would look like they weren't good at it, didn't belieive in it or don't do their own personal work.

• Testimonials and Results: Check testimonials from previous students and clients. A trainer who achieves real results is more likely to provide valuable training.Read testimonials and look for reviews from both their clients and students.

 

4. Teaching Background

• Educational Skills: Look for a program where the teacher has a solid foundation in education, as this can significantly enhance your learning experience. An educator's training equips them not only with the skills to effectively plan classes, create meaningful exercises, quizes and assignments, organize and present learning materials but also with the expertise in classroom management. Classroom management is crucial in a hypnotherapy setting. Instructors with this background understand how to create a structured and supportive environment, which is vital for fostering open communication and engagement among students, especially when learning a modality like hypnotherapy which requies safety so that students can allow themslevs to be vulnerable. Trained techers know how to set clear expectations, encourage participation, and address any challenges that may arise during training. Additionally, educators are skilled in adapting their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students. This flexibility ensures that each individual can grasp the material in a way that resonates with them, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience.When considering a hypnotherapy school, look for instructors who blend their educational experience with hypnotherapy training. This combination can enhance your learning process, helping you build a solid foundation for your future practice. Remember, a supportive and well-managed classroom can make all the difference in your journey to becoming a skilled hypnotherapist.

 

5. Professional Hypnotherapuetic Training vs. Stage Hypnosis

• When choosing a hypnotherapy teacher, it’s essential to be cautious about working with someone who has primarily experience as a stage hypnotist and lacks a therapeutic background. There are significant differences between stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy that can affect the quality of your training.

• Stage hypnotists typically need to be loud and commanding to capture the attention of a large audience, while hypnotherapy emphasizes a soft and nurturing approach. The techniques employed in stage hypnosis are designed to be impressive and entertaining, often involving rapid inductions that may not consider the client's comfort and safety. In contrast, hypnotherapy is focused on creating a safe space for clients, allowing them to enter a state of hypnosis at a pace that feels right for them.

• Moreover, stage hypnotists often prioritize entertaining the audience by encouraging participants to engage in embarrassing or silly behaviors, such as barking like a dog. We, on the other hand  are addressing the deeper needs of the individual, helping clients resolve symptoms stemming from past traumas or emotional struggles.

• Ultimately, hypnotherapy requires leaving personal egos and judgments out of the process; it’s about serving the client’s needs, not about the hypnotist's performance. This distinction is crucial for anyone serious about their training and future practice in hypnotherapy. Be sure to choose a teacher whose experience aligns with the therapeutic nature of this work, ensuring you receive the comprehensive education you deserve.

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6. Course Length and Certification

• Comprehensive Training: Ensure the course is at least 150 hours and delivered over time. Legitimate governing bodies will not certify students who have taken condensed training programs. Adequate time is needed to get comfortable and confident in learning techniques.

• Recognized Credentials: Check if the school is recognized by relevant professional organizations. Ensure the program meets industry standards and enhances your credibility as a practitioner. Resaerch. Look for credible schools with good standing with hypnotherapy organizations and associations. 

 

8. Provides Continuing Education and Support

• Ongoing Support: After graduation, it's beneficial to have access to continuing education and support. This includes advanced courses, regular updates, and a community of peers and mentors.

• Business Support: Setting up a practice requires more than just clinical skills. Look for programs that provide guidance on the business side of hypnotherapy, including marketing, client management, and practice setup.

 

9. Ethical Standards and Professionalism

•  Ensure the school and trainer adhere to high ethical standards. This includes respect for client confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

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Why Choose The Horizon Center’s Whole Brain Hypnotherapy Certification Training?

My Whole Brain Hypnotherapy Certification Training offers a unique and comprehensive approach:

• Proprietary Method: My method engages both the conscious and subconscious minds, ensuring a holistic approach to hypnotherapy.

• Experienced Trainer: I have over two decades of experience and have worked with thousands of clients. I hold a bachelor's degree in education, have spoken at numerous hypnotherapy conventions,  founded and was President of the Canadian Association of Counseling Hypnotherapists and Educators (CACHE) and have sat on the board of the Association of Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists (ARCH)

• Continued Support: I provide ongoing education, support, mentoring, and I'm always happy to let you pick my brain even after the class ends.

• Client-Centered Training: You will learn my methods for creating personalized sessions tailored to each client, moving beyond generic scripts.

• Fun and Engaging Classes: Students enjoy my classes, finding them engaging and enjoyable. I am often told it was the highlight of the month and that in class time flies by.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: My program includes over 160 hours of training delivered over time, ensuring you have ample opportunity to master the techniques and build confidence.

• Holistic Focus: I emphasize uncovering and addressing the root causes of symptoms for lasting change.

• Ethical Standards: I uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring professional and compassionate care.

 

Choosing the right hypnotherapy school is a pivotal step in your journey. I invite you to explore my Whole Brain Hypnotherapy Certification Training to see if it aligns with your goals and aspirations. For more information, check out the testimonials and schedule a session with me to experience our unique approach firsthand.