Finding the right hypnotist: Part 2

Finding the right hypnotist:

A checklist

Part 2: Questions to ask your hypnotist

(Read Part 1)

• How long have you been doing hypnosis? How long professionally?
• If they haven’t been practicing for long, I would follow up with another question: What percentage of your training was done in person? I like this question more than, “Where did you get your training?” because it indicates they have done more than online classes. (There are some exceptional online classes that actually deliver more than many in-person trainings, which is why I think a combination of in-person and online trainings are ideal.)
• Do you have a business license? Although municipalities have different requirements for who must have a business license, a hypnotist who has one demonstrates stability and professionalism.
• Do you have insurance? If they say no, walk away.
• What professional, business, or community organizations do you actively participate in? Hypnotists who are members of these types of organizations can offer several benefits.

1. First, the practitioner has met a certain standard of educational or other requirements, so they have demonstrated quality. The National Guild of Hypnotists, the Oregon Hypnotherapy Association, and other professional organizations have membership requirements.
2. Second, as active participants, they demonstrate a desire to improve their own abilities and make a contribution to their profession and their communities.
3. Third, active members of these types of organizations are more capable of making knowledgeable referrals. Just as we occasionally need to find a new auto mechanic, hairdresser, or dentist, it’s nice to know someone who is plugged into the professional community.

• Can you tell me about someone you’ve helped who had an issue like the one I’m facing?
• What is your process for working with a new client?