Can the school or instructor substantiate claims made about the training offered?

Most people working in the field of hypnotherapy are good trustworthy individuals who have received adequate training and have the proper credentials to do therapy and conduct training. However, it makes sense to check them out. Its easy for individuals or schools to say they are "one of the largest" in the world. Call them and ask them to substantiate this. Call their certifying organization and ask if it is true.

How large are the classes?

Obviously, the larger the class is, the more difficult it is to maintain high standards of training. Ask how many students there are going to be in the class. You need to be able to ask questions and have them answered in an unhurried way during the course. Because of the nature of this work, and the intensity of the training, large classes may cause some students to be left behind. If classes have more than 10 students it may be necessary for the class to be broken down into smaller groups, or that there be more than one instructor.

Some schools offer certification though watching videos. Can I become a skilled and confident Hypnotherapist by going through this kind of program?

At Hypnoway International School of Hypnosis Training we regularly receive calls from individuals who were "trained" and certified in this manner. Universally these individuals complain that they do not feel confident in their skills after becoming certified in this manner. Many of them then choose to go through our training to make up for the lack of supervised practice in the video course. Nothing can replace being supervised by an expert in the field. Training in a live classroom environment, which provides ample opportunity to practice skills under the supervision of the instructor is the most desirable condition in which to learn. A skilled instructor can easily point out problems in your application of a technique before it becomes a bad habit (which could spoil your success and reputation as a Hypnotherapist). Only a live instructor can answer your questions as they come up. Only a live instructor can tell you that you are using a technique properly which leads to feeling confident in your training.

How much supervised practice time is given during the course for the student to practice and learn their new hypnosis skills?

Obviously a student is going to be able to refine his or her skills and build sufficient confidence to do the work, only if sufficient time is given in class to attempt and master the techniques covered in class. Ask, how much time is given during the courses for the development of these important skills, while being supervised by a certified and experienced Hypnotherapist? The number one cause of therapist failure to develop a successful practice is that he or she did not develop a sufficient level of confidence and competence during the training.

Does the instructor still see clients?

Unfortunately there are too many individuals who only teach how to do hypnosis, don't really do it themselves! They never really earned the right to teach you by spending time in the hypnotist's chair themselves. Some are entertaining and will be fun to watch but you won't really learn what you need to learn to be successful as a Hypnotherapist. Some are writers and can write book after book (mostly by doing research, meaning reading other people's books) but will not have practical experience that can make all the difference between success and failure when you see your clients. I also offer private sessions by appointment.

Does the instructor hold a degree from a real university?

Professionals in the business know that at this time, no real university (with a building where students go to study) offer Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D.s in Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy. Don't be fooled by these suspect credentials.

You would probably benefit from selecting an instructor who holds a degree in an associated medical, psychological, counseling or teaching field. And then be certified by a national certifying body such as The National Guild of Hypnotists.

Note that there are no state colleges or universities (or equivalent educational facility) that offers any kind of degree in hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Individuals who hold "degrees" in hypnosis or hypnotherapy (BS, MS, Ph.D, etc.) are in the possession of degrees that are not recognized by academic institutions. In other words, those credits would not be transferable to colleges and universities which offer a Ph.D. recognized by the American Psychological Association and such professional organizations.

Be careful of "schools" that ask you to buy materials before you even enter their courses.

Some instructors seem to teach for only one reason. They want to sell you their books, tapes and other materials, and they will require that you buy them before you even begin their program. Make sure that all the materials that you are required to buy are included in the cost of the tuition or are listed plainly so that you don't get any surprises.

The National Guild of Hypnotists Certification Course does NOT require you to buy or read any books other than the materials that you receive when you take the course. And, the cost of these materials is included in our NGH course.

What do you have when you have finished the course? Are you certified? By whom? Are they recognized nationally?

Anyone can start an organization and call it the "National" this or that. But hypnosis organizations have been coming and going for years. When you become part of an organization you want it to be the best. The organization that you belong to should have a strong membership and a long history. There should also be considerable ongoing benefits after you have joined.

Does the school offer FREE ongoing support for their students or must you buy more books, tapes, attend paid workshops, or pay for an expensive consultation with the instructor?

Any good school should offer you additional sources of information for ongoing professional development, such as books, video and audiotapes, advanced workshops, and even one-on-one consultation time with an experienced instructor.

At Hypnoway International School of Hypnosis Training, our Hypnotherapy Certification training results in you becoming a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).

I am a proud members of the NGH. It is the world's oldest and largest hypnosis organization. It has been influential in shaping the field of hypnosis and hypnotherapy for 50 years. The Guild is active with individual states and the national government, working to encourage the professional practice of hypnosis and hypnotherapy in all 50 states.

Members of the NGH receive many benefits including the best annual convention, professional journals, newsletters, ability to become insured, local chapters and much more. So, come to the best place to train, get certified...

I hope that you will call my office and talk to me about enrolling in one of my future courses. Give me a call and I can send you more information in the mail and answer your questions on the telephone.

If you would like to talk to one of my graduates, I will be happy to provide several names of Hypnotherapists that have graduated from my school. I am sure that anyone of my former students would be pleased to talk to you about this course.

Portions of the above are used with the kind permission of Cal Banyan www.hypnosiscenter.com