Believe it or not, a hypnosis job is a lucrative career option in the United States. While the job of a hypnotherapist may sound weird more than being lucrative, the reality is that full-time hypnotherapists can earn as much as $75,000 a year. Part-time therapists can earn an additional $400 a week by seeing just a few clients.  In fact, a hypnotherapy session is even pricier than a psychotherapy session.

What is hypnotherapist?

A hypnotherapist is a trained professional who induces a client to go into a hypnotic state in order to alter behavior or increase motivation. The American Psychological Association defines hypnosis as a cooperative interaction wherein the patient responds positively to the suggestions of the hypnotherapist. While media has portrayed hypnosis as a method in which people are prompted to perform ridiculous acts, the technique has likewise been scientifically proven to reduce pain and anxiety. Hypnotherapy can likewise help in alleviating certain symptoms of ADHD and dementia. It can also be tapped for reducing vomiting and nausea in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

A hypnotherapist also explains to a client how hypnosis works and how the experience will be like. He or she also performs tests to determine the extent of the physical and emotional suggestibility of the patient. A hypnotherapist may also train a client to do self-hypnosis.

How to become one

Numerous schools in the United Sates offer a certification program for aspiring hypnotherapists. Most of these schools have initial certification programs that run for only 2-3 times a year and advanced certification programs sandwiched in between.  Training can run for up to nine weekends, with the time off enabling students to complete the practical side of the certification course as well as the required case studies.

Usually, the curriculum of a typical hypnotherapy program contains detailed information on hypnotic techniques like visualization, age regression, repetition, revivification, post-hypnotic suggestion and guided imagery. Students will learn how hypnotherapy can be utilized to relieve stress, manage pain and treat phobias. There are also some programs for discussing employment opportunities for hypnotherapists.

Aspiring hypnotherapists can learn more on hypnosis and hypnotherapy by reading books on the subject and listening to hypnosis audio sessions.  Books and publications by authors with Ph.Ds likewise provide a good foundation for aspiring hypnotherapists

When enrolling in a hypnotherapy certification program, aspiring hypnotherapists should consider the length of the course, fees, and the professional expertise of the instructor. It would likewise help if students enroll in a program that offers opportunities for the practical application of hypnotherapy. Aspiring hypnotherapists should also check the number of program graduates that are now presently employed in hypnotherapy.

While hypnotherapy is still considered a branch of alternative medicine, it is now slowly becoming regulated. Professional hypnotherapists can get certification from the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. The said organization of professional hypnotherapists gives recognition to those who have gained achievement in the field. Another professional hypnotherapy organization is the National Society of Professional Hypnotherapists.

Hypnotherapy Training Academy
Address: 4407 Manchester Ave.,
Suite 103
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-994-9296
Fees: $2,000
Credentials: B.A., M.A. and Ph.D.
Hypnotherapy Training Academy is a leading hypnotherapy training institution that offers a level of knowledge beyond the ordinary. Hypnotherapy Training Academy is accredited school, offering courses in basic and advanced hypnosis techniques that help transform subconscious self defeating core beliefs into beliefs that support happy healthy adult experience. The curriculum is focused on cutting edge transformational hypnotherapy. This program was created
by a seasoned licensed psychotherapist (1975 to 2007) and practicing hypnotherapist who received her training from the very best in the field, Milton Erickson, M.D. The course certifies 100 hours of class training. Telephone training is also available to those unable to attend class.
http://wendyhill.com/workshops-classes/hypnotherapy-training-academy/

Palo Alto School of Hypnotherapy
Address: 4149-A El Camino Way
Palo Alto, Ca. 94306
Phone: (650) 321-6419
Fees:
Advanced hypnotherapy: $1075
Clinical hypnotherapy:$1075
EFT Practitioners Certification:$795
Hypnosis for Childbirth:$1075
Hypnotherapy Certification 101
Spanish:$1825
Hypnotherapy Certification 101 Chinese:$1825
Hypnotherapy Certification Course 101:$1825
Masters Program:$550
Medical Hypnosis:$1075
Credentials: Graduation /certification
The Palo Alto School of Hypnotherapy offers rich opportunities to meet others who share your quest to expand spiritual horizons and help make a better world. You unique gifts can be used for personal growth as well as the benefit of others and this is where our courses and experienced staff offer support for those gifts and encouragement for making your dreams a reality. Hypnosis is the recognition of mind-body connection, a new integrated approach to healthcare which includes modalities for the prevention of illness, health maintenance, recovery, and self-improvement. This complementary medicine forms an integral part of treating
the mind, body and spirit as a whole.
http://www.pasoh.com/

California Hypnotherapy Academy
Address: 601 University Ave., #280
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-373-1932
Fees: Past life regression therapy
$395
Credentials: Certification
Learn to overcome fears of public speaking, reduce the symptoms of IBS, experience pain relief and pass professional exams. Offered are materials that hypnotherapists can use to improve their success. Being taught are continuing education courses and mentoring for hypnotherapists. Also included here is information about the Emotional Freedom TechniquesTM (EFT) and a list of books on hypnosis and hypnotherapy. You may also Sign up for a monthly newsletter or visit the site monthly to read it online.
http://www.trancetime.com/

Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy
Address: 4051 NW 43rd Street,
Suite #37
Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: 800-551-9247 
352-378-5746

http://www.tfioh.com/Programs.html
Credentials: Certification
Learn and become a certified hypnotherapist at Florida’s first and only school to be licensed by the Florida Department of Education, The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners and the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges.  The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy trains you to become a professional in the field of hypnotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy with distance learning hypnosis programs and also in-house hypnotherapy training.  We offer 300, 400 and even 500 hours of State-Licensed training with legitimate diplomas for Certified Hypnotherapist, Clinical Certified Hypnotherapist and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist.
http://www.tfioh.com/

The Denver School of Hypnotherapy
Address: 1450 S Havana St. Suite
# 308
Aurora, Colorado 80012
Phone: (303) 343-0361
Fees: Advanced payment: Total tuition is
$4,100.00 subject to available discounts.

First day full payment: Total tuition is $4,100.00 unless other arrangements were made.
Credentials: MASTER HYPNOTIST HYPNOTHERAPIST CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST
The Denver School of Hypnotherapy offers the most comprehensive and versatile training in the area with 500 classroom hours of training. Expect premium hypnotherapy training at an affordable rate; insuring clients receive the highest quality support available.
http://www.denverhypnoschool.com/

According to Dr. John Kappas, who founded the Hypnosis Motivation Institute and wrote a definition for the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles, it: “Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior patterns: Consults with client to determine nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degree of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client, using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client’s problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning.”

Hypnotherapy does not require any type of licensing or degree or certification on the federal level. Some states do require you to register with the state, though, and you should also check with other local jurisdictions. For example, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana and Washington require you to register. Furthermore, if you touch your clients in the act, that can be considered massage and may require other types of licensing.

The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists does make sure to remind that you can not practice any type of medicine nor prescribe any substances unless you have a state license in medicine or pharmacy.

There are schools all over the nation that offer hypnotherapy courses, and you can find them with a simple Internet search. The Hypnosis Motivation Institute is located in Tarzana (Los Angeles area) but also offers distance learning. California has myriad options, but states like Georgia and Colorado also have schools. These establishments are not public universities or colleges, so the system of paying and/or student aid are very likely different.

Once you begin working, you may have to open your own business, or you can join a group and work under that umbrella. It is rare to get hired as an employee who does the work, so you will essentially be a business owner, and that means you can make as much or as little as you decide.

The AAPH estimated in 2008 that the national average rate charged is $85 an hour and that means that hypnotherapists in some higher-income areas could make somewhere around $125-150 an hour. Those estimates do not translate well to a yearly income, though, as it takes time to establish a client list and to get established in a community. Your yearly income will depend upon how many clients you can enroll and how often you meet with them.

It’s difficult to expect to hit the ground running, so to speak, when it comes to income. For that reason, some people do hypnotherapy as a part-time job.

In all, you will need hypnosis skills and you will need to know some basics about running a small business.

Hypnosis, the intriguing art of controlling the mind and body has always been a matter of curiosity for the mankind. Hypnosis has merged as a powerful therapeutic tool used to treat various health problems like obesity and insomnia. But often people wonder whether hypnotherapy really works or not.

To simply put, hypnotherapy enables you to be under perfect control of your mind and a hypnotist will enable you to control your mind and to feel the ultimate empowerment. Though most people share the false notion that hypnosis is a state of deep sleep, the fact is that the patient will be in a highly alert situation during hypnosis though it involves a trance-like condition. During hypnosis, the sub conscious mind reign over the conscious mind  and the therapist will be able to suggest ideas and facts to the patient , which will be firmly embossed in his mind.

Thus Hypnotherapy is aimed to reschedule the patterns of behavior of mind, which will help the patient to get rid of various problems like fears, phobias and personality disorder issues. During hypnosis, the patient hits a trance like mental state where the breathing becomes slower and the pulse rate and metabolic rates drop. Similar changes also occur in the hormonal levels and nervous pathways, which would reduce the pain and other problems like nausea and indigestion.

How does Hypnosis work?

It is believed that Hypnosis work by changing the state of consciousness of the patient in such a way that the left hand side brain, which is concerned with the analytical functions of the body is turned off while making the right side of the brain more alert. The deep seated subconscious mind has a stronger force than the conscious mind and is hence capable of changing the behavior or the physical state of the patient easily. For instance, a patient who is afraid of traveling in an airplane will continue to avoid it as long as their subconscious mind carries the doubt factor, which prevents the patient from breaking free from this thought. Only hypnosis can reprogram the subconscious mind so that these instincts are removed forever.

The unconscious mind processes over two million bits of sensory information every second whereas the conscious mind deals with only seven. However as the conscious mind is more logical and analytical, a person goes by what the conscious mind thinks.

However, the unconscious part of the mind is much more flexible.  Hypnosis works by bypassing the conscious mind  by reaching out to directly to the unconscious  mind to get things done faster.

Problems that can be treated by hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is sound to be useful in treating various psychological, emotional and physical disorders.  From relieving pain to countering smoking, phobias or alcoholism and chronic asthma, psoriasis, eczema, tinnitus or stammering problems, hypnotherapy offers permanent cure for various conditions.

Myths

Hypnosis is not inducing sleep to the patient or making him do things that he would not normally do. The patient will remain fully conscious and are not helpless to obey every command of the therapist.