Finding the right hypnotist:
A checklist
So you want to be hypnotized!
Once you decide it is time for a hypnosis session, the next question is, who will you work with? Whether you have been doing hypnosis for years or are just starting out, you will need to narrow the field.
If you are new to hypnosis, you may think hypnosis is a one-size-fits-all process. You go in, the hypnotists “puts you under,” tells you to do something (quit smoking, lose weight, speak in public with confidence), and you walk out “fixed.”
This scenario has some truth. You do go into the hypnotist’s office. The hypnotist does talk to you and lead you into a trance state. The hypnotist may supply some suggestions designed to eliminate the problem behavior and install new responses. It can happen in as little as one session. However, the process is more layered and personal than television, movies, and myth would lead you to believe.
The great news is, there are a lot of excellent hypnotists in the Portland/Vancouver area.
Here are some tips for finding the right person for you.
You can gather information with a lot more confidence when you start by asking the right questions. Some questions you ask your hypnotist; some questions you ask yourself.
Part 1: Questions to ask yourself
Let’s start with you.
Have some ideas about what you want… or don’t want.
There are no wrong answers to these questions. In fact, instead of drawing conclusions, use these as jumping-off points.
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What do you want to be different in your life? Some people want to change just one thing, like quitting smoking or drinking alcohol or gaining more self confidence. Others have a long laundry list of things they want to change. Some just want to feel better in general. Wherever you are starting out is fine.
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Would you be more comfortable with a male or female hypnotist? This might not matter to you, or it might matter a lot. I recommend following your gut instinct. I also recommend calling at least one hypnotist in each category and talking to them on the phone, because even someone you choose not to work with can give you information that will be valuable in making your decision.
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How important is location? Some people want the hypnotist’s office to be easy to get to. Again, this may not matter to you. After all, if you can be free of the problem in two or three trips, you may not care about the length of the trip or whether there’s plenty of parking nearby. On the other hand, if you want to eliminate a fear of driving, you may want to seek out a hypnotist close to your home, office, or public transit.
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What strong convictions do you hold about science, healing modalities, or spirituality? If you do, what are they?