Hypnotherapist Job Description, Career as a Hypnotherapist, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Certification and graduate level degree

Median Salary: $64,000 annually

Job Prospects: Very good

Job Description

A hypnotherapist works with patients to heal and treat their medical conditions, problems, or dependencies. These are trained medical professionals who work with their patients to help them cope with and get rid of any pain they may be suffering from, either mentally or physically. These individuals use hypnosis to heal their patients, but this is not the stereotypical type that has become a popular form of entertainment. Hypnosis at this level is a very real treatment method whereby patients are put under to cope with and get rid of their problems.

A hypnotherapist usually has a background in psychology or therapy, and is therefore adept at working with patients on a one-on-one basis. Their responsibilities range from attracting new clients, handling general paperwork and office duties, and taking them through every step of the patient consultation and treatment. Usually hypnotherapists work with a patient through therapy to understand what the problem is and then use hypnosis to help them stop the behavior or find a way of coping with the problem.

Using a hypnotherapist has become popular in helping with certain issues such as quitting smoking, weight loss, substance abuse, marriage or family counseling, pain management, or getting rid of fears, phobias, or anxieties. A hypnotherapist understands the power of the human brain and is carefully trained to administer hypnosis to bring healing to the patient. This helps them cope with their problems or stop the behaviors that limit or hurt them.

Oftentimes a hypnotherapist runs their own practice and is responsible for all duties associated with their practice. In addition to patient consultations and care, they also handle the marketing, finance, staff management, and daily operation of running a practice.

Training/Educational Requirements

To become a certified professional hypnotherapist involves a great deal of education. This is a career path that involves a strong educational background in psychology or a related focus. Individuals striving to become hypnotherapists have a master’s or doctorate degree in their given field. Hypnotherapists focus on a variety of specializations including substance abuse, weight loss, sleeping disorders, marriage counseling, and mental health.

These individuals have the educational background and experience to work as a psychologist or therapist, and usually go on to gain their certification as a hypnotherapist. In addition to the education and background, they must also take a program consisting of about 30 hours of study and pass an exam to become certified. This is not usually a long process after the educational requirements are fulfilled, but another feature to offer their clients.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired as a hypnotherapist is to start in a clinic working with others. This can be a medical clinic that offers hypnosis services, or a holistic medical clinic. This is a great way to gain experience and clientele while starting a career. This allows for the backing of an already established medical clinic and the work practice as a hypnotherapist.

Most hypnotherapists end up with their own practice, but must first gain the necessary experience. Since there are many problems a patient may seek hypnosis to heal, it’s important to be prepared to handle any of these in the appropriate manner. This comes with experience and working with a wide range of clients. That’s why the best way to get hired is to carry not only the education, but experience. Since this is an up and coming profession in which people are learning more about the virtues of hypnosis, appropriate experience is the best way to get hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

The outlook for this career is very good. As more patients seek alternative methods of handling their ailments or health conditions, they seek treatments such as hypnosis. Also contributing to the growth in hypnotherapists is the fact that more insurance companies are covering this service for their patients. If a patient receives a referral from a primary care physician for hypnosis, there are some insurance companies that cover this service. This ultimately results in more opportunities for hypnotherapists.

As holistic medicine clinics continue to pop up, the need for hypnotherapists will also continue to grow. Oftentimes these clinics want to be able to help their patients by offering more services including hypnosis, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. This coupled with a preference towards holistic or alternative medicine allows for an increase in hypnotherapists. Having a private practice can be competitive so it’s important to stand out from the crowd and offer experience that patients can rely on.

Working Environment

The typical working environment for a hypnotherapist is that of a traditional physician office. There is usually a waiting room, a front desk where patients check in, as well as treatment and consultation rooms. The room where hypnosis is performed is generally comfortable so patients can feel relaxed and at ease, and may include couches just like a typical therapy environment.

If a hypnotherapist is working as part of a holistic medical clinic, the working environment is busier. Since more services are offered, there are more patients and more activity. However, the environment is usually geared towards being serene so the patient feels relaxed and comfortable in talking through their problem and receiving the necessary hypnosis and related treatment. Usually hypnotherapists have their own office where they focus on any necessary paperwork or consultations.

Salary and Benefits

Since this is a newer, up and coming career path, there is no typical salary range. Currently the average salary range is about $64,000 per year, but this varies by patient load and facility. If working as part of a health clinic, they may receive a base salary and traditional benefits such as medical coverage and paid vacation. If a hypnotherapist owns their own practice, they command a higher salary but are responsible for their own benefits. The salary range varies based on years of experience, specialization, and geographical location.