How To Choose The Right Hypnotherapist and FAQ

How Do I Choose The Hypnotherapist That Is Right For Me?

You will find a number of local hypnotherapists listed on the internet or in the phone book.  When choosing a hypnotherapist in New Zealand it is important to be aware of the following fact:

Currently there are no national standards for Hypnotherapy in New Zealand.  This is unfortunate for the public when trying to decide what hypnotherapist to choose as it allows people to advertise themselves as hypnotherapists, with few or even no formal qualifications.

For your safety you may like to consider the following tips when choosing a Hypnotherapist that is right for you:

Tip 1  Make sure that the hypnotherapist is a member of a recognized and relevant association and that this can be verified.  Choosing someone who is a member of an association means that the hypnotherapist has satisfied the criteria for acceptance into that association and adheres to a code of ethics and practice.  It also means that you have someone to complain to if you are not satisfied.  It is also advisable that your hypnotherapist holds a Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma.  This shows that he/she has satisfied the criteria necessary for graduation and competence as a practicing hypnotherapist.

Tip 2  It is preferable that your hypnotherapist holds a tertiary qualification in either Psychology, or the Health or Social Sciences.  A background in these areas will demonstrate his/her theoretical and practical ability.

Tip 3  A good criteria is satisfied clients.  Ask your hypnotherapist for testimonials.  Any hypnotherapist who has been in business for any reasonable length of time will have letters from grateful clients.

Tip 4  Questions To Ask Yourself:

Do I feel comfortable with this person and am able talk openly and freely with him/her?

Does this person seem genuinely interested in me and in my problems?

Does this person ask a lot of questions about me and seem knowledgeable?

Do I feel safe, welcome, accepted and treated with respect?

Do I feel listened to and understood?

Does the clinic/office feel comfortable?

Tip 5  Listen to your inner voice.  How did you feel after talking to the hypnotherapist on the phone, or during your first session? If you felt that the hypnotherapist was asking you the right sort of questions and you felt comfortable opening up to him/her then this is a good sign.  If you don’t feel comfortable, go ahead and say so.  There are many good therapists out there and it is about finding the right one for you.

Your hypnotherapist will be happy if you bring a support person along with you.  If this is what you would like – ask.

If you are not given a recording of the session ask if  he/she will be happy for you to record the session to use at home for reinforcement.

If you’ve been to a hypnotherapist and it didn’t work for you, don’t write it off as ineffective.  Most people can be hypnotized, but that doesn’t mean they will be hypnotized by every hypnotist every time.  There could be several reasons for your experience.  Trust, technique and environment play an important part.  You may not have felt comfortable with that particular  hypnotherapist, you might not have felt understood, or the techniques used were not the most appropriate ones for you.  Further possibilities are that perhaps you were not ready for change at that time.  You may not have had enough sessions, or there may have been too much going on in your life at that time.

 

FAQ

Why Hypnotherapy – Can It Help Me?

The short answer is YES.

Hypnotherapy is recognized as an effective way of resolving a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. It is regarded as a powerful healing technique and is a safe and gentle way to treat a wide range of issues that may be impacting on your quality of life.

It uses no medication therefore you will not suffer from any side effects. Instead it harnesses the power of your own mind to promote healing and change.

Hypnotherapy is simple, fun to learn, doesn’t cost the ‘earth’ and can make an amazing difference to our lives.

If you are ready to move forward and achieve the results, contact me now, and you will find me to be a caring professional. I come equipped with the expertise to help you and a reassuring, friendly manner that will put you at ease.

What Is The Difference Between Hypnosis And Hypnotherapy And How Does It Work?
Hypnosis (hypnotic trance) is an altered state of mind induced by the focusing of attention and imagination on suggestions and ideas often used by stage hypnotists in the entertainment industry.
In contrast, hypnotherapy is hypnosis that is used in a 
therapeutic context. It may be regarded as a psychological tool where the conscious thought processes are calmed and distracted. This allows the subconscious mind to move into a heightened state of awareness.

By using hypnosis the hypnotherapist is able to work directly with the subconscious mind to reprogram at a deep level, to accept positive behaviors and replace the limiting beliefs that may underlie unhelpful behaviors.

How Is A Hypnotic Trance Induced?
Modern methods for inducing trance (hypnosis) are varied. These may include relaxation techniques with focus on breathing, or visualization methods that focus on an object. In my sessions I will use the spoken voice and your imagination to induce trance. This may include word repetition and changes in tone and tempo and is designed to slow down the brainwaves so that a hypnotic trance can be achieved.

What Does Hypnotherapy Feel Like?
You may be surprised to know that hypnosis is a very natural and common state that everybody drifts in and out of throughout the day. What takes place in a session is equally as normal, non-magical and has predictable results. It may feel similar to times when you have found yourself concentrating intently on something such as an enjoyable piece of music, an interesting movie, book or when daydreaming. During these times your attention is completely captured as your mind carries you off into a therapeutic and relaxed state; if someone starts talking to you, you are aware of their presence and what they are saying, but it may become too difficult to respond.

We have all experienced this, particularly when we are on the point of drifting off or awakening from sleep. Throughout, you will be awake and fully in control. In fact your senses and concentration may be heightened. Individual experiences often vary. One person may notice a feeling of heaviness whilst another may feel light and ‘floaty.’ There may be a slight tingling sensation in various parts of the body, or a feeling of numbness or disconnection from the body. Others may experience time distortion where one hour may feel like a couple of minutes and/or see a kaleidoscope of colors. Yet others may experience a deep feeling of calmness and relaxation similar to being in a daydream. All of these experiences are relaxing, healing and positive.

 

Note: It is important to understand that going into a trance is a learned process. The more often you are hypnotized the more likely you are to experience the full range of heightened states as described above. These range from light hypnotic trance states to much deeper ones. In fact the process is a gradual and gentle one. It is quite important that regardless of your expectations that you just accept and let yourself go and drift into whatever state it is that is right for you at that time.

The success of hypnotherapy lies alongside commitment to change. Almost everybody can be hypnotized (adults and children) if they are willing and allow themselves to relax, learn and enjoy the process.

Enquire Today

Contact Karen at Hypnotherapy Dunedin on 027 631 6090, or use the Contact Form.

Karen Hughes Hypnotherapy Dunedin