In the UK, and in many other countries, the title “hypnotherapist” is not protected by law. A person with a doctorate in clinical psychology and a person who took a weekend course can use exactly the same word on their website.
That puts the job of checking on you. These questions make it straightforward. A good practitioner will be glad you asked.
About their training
1. What is your hypnosis qualification, and how long was the training?
Look for: a substantial course. The benchmark used by UK professional bodies is at least 450 hours of study with at least 120 hours of face-to-face teaching.
Be wary of: vague answers, or impressive-sounding titles from very short courses.
2. Do you have a background in healthcare or psychology?
Look for: a registered profession such as medicine, nursing, psychology, counselling or psychotherapy. It is not essential for everyday issues such as relaxation, but it matters a great deal for medical or mental health problems.
3. Are you on a register with a complaints process?
Look for: membership of a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, or a recognised professional association. Check it yourself online.
Be wary of: bodies that seem to exist only to issue certificates.
4. Are you insured, and do you have supervision?
Look for: professional indemnity insurance, and regular supervision with an experienced colleague. Both are marks of someone who takes the work seriously.
About your problem
5. Have you worked with this problem before?
Look for: specific, relevant experience, and honesty about its limits.
6. What does the evidence say about hypnosis for it?
Look for: a balanced answer. “There is good evidence for IBS and pain. For smoking it is less certain.”
Be wary of: “Hypnosis works for everything.”
7. Should I see my doctor first?
Look for: yes, for any physical symptom or mental health condition that has not been assessed. A responsible practitioner will ask about this before you do.
8. Is there anything about my health that makes hypnosis unsuitable?
Look for: questions about your medical and mental health history and medication, and an honest answer. A history of psychosis, dissociation, trauma, severe depression or epilepsy calls for specialist care.
About the treatment
9. What will a session involve?
Look for: a clear description: conversation, induction, suggestions, return. No mystery.
10. How many sessions will I need, and what does it cost?
Look for: a realistic range, often three to six for a specific problem, with a review point.
Be wary of: large packages paid in advance, or open-ended treatment.
11. What will you actually suggest?
Look for: willingness to tell you, and to adapt the wording and imagery to you.
12. Do you use regression or try to recover memories?
Look for: “No,” or a clear statement that anything emerging is treated as imagery and not as fact.
Be wary of: anyone who says your problem must come from a forgotten event, or who offers past-life regression as therapy. This is where real harm can occur.
13. Will you teach me self-hypnosis or give me a recording?
Look for: yes. Practice between sessions is where much of the benefit comes from, and a good therapist wants you to become independent.
About the relationship
14. What happens if it is not working?
Look for: a plan to review progress, and willingness to stop or refer you elsewhere.
Be wary of: any suggestion that failure would be your fault for “resisting.”
15. Will you work alongside my doctor or other treatment?
Look for: yes, and no suggestion that you stop medication or other care.
Red flags
Walk away if a practitioner:
- Guarantees results or quotes very high success rates
- Promises a cure in one session
- Claims to treat serious disease
- Asks for large payments up front
- Discourages you from seeing a doctor
- Wants to search for hidden memories
- Is vague about qualifications
- Makes you feel pressured, or uncomfortable
- Suggests you cannot stop a session
Green flags
- Takes a proper history
- Explains hypnosis clearly and corrects myths
- Is honest about the evidence and its limits
- Welcomes questions
- Agrees goals with you
- Adapts to you
- Teaches you to do it yourself
- Is clear about fees and number of sessions
- Refers on when something is beyond them
Trust your own reaction
Rapport matters. If you feel at ease, listened to and respected, hypnosis is more likely to work. If something feels off, you do not need a reason to look elsewhere.
Many practitioners offer a free initial phone call. Use it to ask these questions before you commit.
Where to look
- Your GP, who may know of NHS or local services
- Accredited registers, which have searchable lists
- Professional hypnosis societies for health practitioners, whose members are doctors, dentists, psychologists and nurses
- Specialist clinics for particular conditions, such as IBS
- Condition-specific charities, which sometimes list recommended services
Be cautious with directories that simply sell listings.
A short version
If you only ask three:
- What is your training, and are you on an accredited register?
- What does the evidence say about hypnosis for my problem?
- Do you use regression or memory recovery?
The answers will tell you most of what you need.
The bottom line
Because the title is unregulated, the checking is up to you. Ask about training, evidence, safety and cost, and notice how the questions are received. A practitioner who answers plainly, admits limits and wants you to become independent is the one to choose.
Next in the series: When Hypnosis Doesn’t Work for You: What to Do Next
This article is for general information and reflects the position in the UK. It is not medical advice.