By Wendy Lapidus-Saltz, CH, NLPMP

First let me say that “hypnotist” and “hypnotherapist” are used interchangeably here as they are in conversation today.  In the past, people said “hypnotist” when they were speaking of someone who gave stage shows, and “hypnotherapist” when they meant someone who could help you stop smoking, lose weight, or love public speaking.

These days, many of us do not make these distinctions.  So when you meet someone who hypnotizes people, simply ask if he or she does what you need done.

That, of course, is job one in getting a competent practitioner.

But what shouldn’t you do?

1. Don’t choose someone from the phone book without a conversation.

At minimum find out how long she has been doing it, how often, and for which issues.  Are there any issues she doesn’t work with?  If yours is one of these, end of conversation.  Otherwise, ask about certification, expected number of sessions, fees,
approach.  Where is the office located?  What are the hours?  Note if these work for you. 

Then there’s the secret purpose of the conversation:  discovering your feeling about this person, sight unseen.  Do you feel comfortable with her?  Safe with him?  Would you be able to discuss your problem with this person?  Would you be able to correct him if he misunderstood what you said?

Does she listen to you, seem interested in you, or is she just plugging her business? The answers to these can separate a disappointing session from a really helpful one.

2. Don’t go to him just because Uncle Ralph did.

Referrals are great.  But if Uncle Ralph felt good with this guy, and you don’t, don’t hire him.  There are lots of professionals in most urban areas, and you can find your very own. 

If, however, he’s the only game in town, figure out exactly what makes you uncomfortable about him.  Discuss it with the person who referred you, and see if you feel better. 

One of my clients, now a regular, told me that she found me a little overwhelming at first because I had so many thoughts about how we could work on her issue.  But after a bit, she didn’t mind it so much, and now she sees it as a real positive. “You were a little too energetic!” she said, “But I got used to you, and now I think you’re amazing.”

On the other hand, if the “vibe” feels unsafe or creepy, take a pass.  Whether you tell Uncle Ralph the truth or say nothing is your decision.

3. Don’t think because you saw him on TV or read about him, he must be great.

While the media can be another referral source, it’s not the same as a friend’s or doctor’s referral.  It’s more a source of publicity.  If the practitioner you see on TV or read about interests you, call and check her out and decide for yourself.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification when you don’t understand.

This goes for your phone conversation and the appointment itself.  If he uses unfamiliar terminology, ask what he means.  If you need an example, say so.  It’s smart to ask questions, not dumb. 

It’s intelligent to get the information you need to make a good decision.  Anyone who takes issue with that, well, just cross him right off your list.

5. Don’t hold back.

Once you’ve chosen your practitioner, be fully honest.  This doesn’t mean wasting your session with empty talk so there’s no time for hypnosis.  It means discussing the issue thoroughly yet concisely so the person who’s there to help you has the information to do so. 

Let her guide you as to how much is enough, but if there’s something you feel she needs to hear, do spill the beans.

6. Oh, and don’t work so hard qualifying hypnotists that you never choose one.

This is common among intelligent, left-brained people.  They struggle so hard to get it right, not be disappointed, and not get ripped off, that they miss the boat entirely.  They never get the assistance they need, and end up losing out.

If your search is taking w-a-a-ay too long, choose your best bet at the moment.  Chances are that’ll be just fine.  Maybe even better than you thought. 

Now that you’ve done the work, enjoy the fruits.  If you like hypnosis, but think you might prefer another practitioner, make a switch.  Or consider learning self-hypnosis,
so you can do it yourself, especially for reinforcement or simple issues.

Whatever you do, whomever you choose, enjoy the advantages and pleasures of hypnosis and make it part of your life!