Best Graduate Degree for a Hypnotist?

Of course, a hypnosis certification is all that's needed to be a hypnotist, but what degree do you think gives the greatest combination of skills, professional licensing (in the US) and credibility? Obviously some degrees are best suited to different specializations--a skilled fitness trainer could do well as a hypnotist specializing in weight loss, of course.

But in GENERAL, what degree do you think adds the most overall value to a hypnotist? Social work? Psychology? Or what?

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Permalink Reply by James Malone on February 11, 2011 at 11:14am

Chad, if you want to work with psychological disorders independently (without a referral/supervision from a licensed professional), either a masters in social work or a doctorate in psychology would fulfill the licensing requirements in most states to practice psychotherapy.Note: I have known a number of psychologists and social workers over the years and most had little or no training in using hypnosis. Hypnosis is not part of the standard university curriculum for those professions, although it is sometimes it is offered as an elective. Jim

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Permalink Reply by Dennis Atkinson on February 11, 2011 at 12:22pm

I agree with James on this one. If you want to work independently, and you are seeking a bonafide degree, then a masters/Ph.D level in (psychology) Marriage Family Therapy, Social Worker, or Psychologist is your best bet.

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Permalink Reply by Joe K Fobes on February 11, 2011 at 12:46pm

"Of course, a hypnosis certification is all that's needed to be a hypnotist"

I'm afraid that quite untrue.

As per your question, I concur with James and Dennis. Social work or psychology.

Joe

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Permalink Reply by Brochu on February 11, 2011 at 2:13pm

It's my opinion that the perfect degree for a Hypnotist would be an MBA!

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Permalink Reply by Chad Schultz on February 11, 2011 at 2:20pm

Thank you, James and Dennis, for your helpful answers!

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - NLPBoard.com on February 11, 2011 at 4:41pm

I would go with an MBA.... There are many days I wish I had an MBA rather than a counseling and ministry background. I tell new students get a Social Work degree. Why? They will NEVER be unemployed. An MFT will not get very far without a doctorate, and of course, one is required for a psychologist. None of these degrees will teach you anything about hypnosis. So if hypnosis is your goal, an MBA might not be bad- after all you can always get a job as a mid-level manager if needed....

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Permalink Reply by James Hazlerig - HypnosisAustin on February 11, 2011 at 7:15pm

I'm biased, but I think a Master's Degree in English did a great job of preparing me to be a hypnotist. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Vince C on February 11, 2011 at 10:06pm

MBAs are a dime a dozen unless you get one from a top school where you train to think for yourself to adapt in an ever changing environment. I went to the top MBA program in the world (ranked #1 by the economist) I hardly use any of the coursework in any of the jobs I had. (better to learn marketing of hypnosis from books) If I went to b-school just to be a mid-minager to make an adequet salary,, I would also be passionless

Any training where you are passionate will help you in clinical hypnosis. e.g., I am passionate in keeping track of every contact, lcick, phone inquiry demographic etc and know the cost of acquiringevery segment of clients on any particular day of the week to within $0.01 for any version of my ads. (but i didnt learn this in b-school)

Also, my background (and way of communication) attracts many wealthy business people (entrepreeurs as well as corporates) to be subjects. It is a turn-off for people who say they "love helping ppl" or "love working with people"

If you think you need a LSW or LCSP then hire one just out of school to rubber stamp your referrals. Not worth the 2-3 years to study something that you have no pasison in.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on February 12, 2011 at 3:12am

I agree with Vince - I believe the most practical way to earn creditability as a hypnosis practitioner is as a hypnosis practitioner

Don't look now, but even licensed health care professionals who practice hypnosis are second class citizens in the sense that they are not getting the support and referrals necessary to mainstream hypnosis. Remember hypnosis is evidence based the only reason it is considered an alternative is because not enough doctors use or refer patients for hypnotic assistance to be considered part of conventional medical practice.

FYI - I maintained my private practice in a group practice of Alternative Health Care Professionals. The person who organized our group of private practices hired an MD to direct her/our Medical and Wellness Center - It worked beautifully for about 2 years before the NYC and NYS Departments of Health told us that it was against the law for a non-doctor to hire a doctor the way she did and she was told to close or sell the practice. A licensed doctor purchased the Center and hired the same MD to run it for him. I loved working in the Metropolitan Medical and Wellness Center and I probably would still be the Center's Medical Hypnotist and Wellness Coach, if the damn lease didn't expire and the owner of the building didn't chose to convert his commercial office space into condos.

Vince C said:

If you think you need a LSW or LCSP then hire one just out of school to rubber stamp your referrals. Not worth the 2-3 years to study something that you have no pasison in.

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Permalink Reply by Vince C on February 12, 2011 at 5:56am

Michael E.

Someone inside the organization or the MD's outside colleague(s) snitched on her.

I have an pulmonologist who is a supporter of my work. She naively uses a code word "suggestion therapy" to refer clients. (not my idea)

I will see you in Seattle.

Michael Ellner said:

It worked beautifully for about 2 years before the NYC and NYS Departments of Health told us that it was against the law for a non-doctor to hire a doctor the way she did and she was told to close or sell the practice. A licensed doctor purchased the Center and hired the same MD to run it for him.