Hypnotic Trainer, Hypnotist, Hypnotherapist. What's the difference?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by tc_Burt on August 17, 2010 at 5:10am

Hi Walt,

I'd relflect on what these terms conjure in your own mind. When you make mention of a hypnotic trainer, I personally have my guard up, when I consider the term hypnotist, I'm thinking "stage", when I think hypnotherapist, I am thinking "change" with hypnosis being nothing more than the method.

I am sure how you label yourself, will reflect on the type of client you might invite.

Hypnotherapy where I am, is open to very wide variations from those that are more therapists, to the esoteric and those who are into crystals, reiki and downright spookyness, so I think your advertising presence should reflect the type of client you are looking to engage.

Whilst I haven't given you direct answers, maybe some food for thought.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - NLPBoard.com on August 17, 2010 at 5:19am

1.) There is no practical difference; but in Texas only a licensed person can use the word therapist or the psych and counseling boards will go after that unlicensed person using the word therapy as part of a title.

2.) I think hypnotist (or as I call myself, a "Certified Professional Hypnotist")- The reason is simple, people seek out a hypnotist precisely becasue they do not want 'therapy"

3.) Hypnotherapist lable draws clients that see themself as mentally ill, defective, and helpless. Hypnotists have clients who enjoy being empowered and taking action.

4.) Legally yes. In practical application, no.


It wasn't aksed, but as a side note I have always hated the term "Consulting hypnotist" - consulting conjours up part of a team, and with the "required doctors note" puts the hypotist somewhere on par with the X-ray technologist ..... Just my thought...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Walt Potter on August 17, 2010 at 5:41am

Richard,

I like what you capture here. This is a real difference.

Hypnotherapist label draws clients that see themselves as mentally ill, defective, and helpless. Hypnotists have clients who enjoy being empowered and taking action.

Thanks, Walt

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Chase on August 17, 2010 at 5:55am

In my experience being a Hypnotist I attract people who want their thing to be changed quickly with hypnosis.

HypnoTherapists attract the same person.

In practical terms I see it this way. Hypnotists focus on the creation of the hypnotic state and using suggestion. Hypnotherapists focus on the therapy, which very often has nothing at all to do with actual hypnosis.

Hypnosis is the same thing as you see on stage and what the majority of people expect to experience when going to a hypno-somebody.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion