Hypnosis as a career: Less mumbo-jumbo, more help!

From weight loss to smoking cessation and pain control, people are turning to hypnotherapy for solutions. Read on to know how you can pursue a career as a hypnotherapist

Throughout history, states of trance have been used by medicine men and shamans as a part of rituals and ceremonies.

Today too, there are a growing number of people who prefer to use alternative therapies to solve issues, be it of the physical or mental kind.

Not only this, a lot of people are beginning to understand the power of the human mind. Thus, the demand for qualified hypnotherapists and hypnotists has increased manifold.

If you, like many others, believe that the subconscious holds the key to healing life's issues, then it's time you explore the possibilities of a successful career in this alternative form of treatment known as hypnotherapy.

A hypnotherapist is a medical practitioner who utilises hypnosis as a tool to assist people in achieving their desired goals by focusing on the role of subconscious behaviours and influences in the person's life.

Simply put, in the induced hypnotic state, the subject is more than usually receptive to suggestions.

People seek the services of a hypnotherapist to cure them of just about any phobia like heights or public speaking, insomnia, anxiety, writer's block, as well as to help them in areas like weight loss, smoking cessation and pain control.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to hypnotherapy as a means of healing.

In fact, it's not only used for personal improvement, but also in business, education and to boost sports performance.

Further, there are no side effects involved. Dr J P Malik, Director and Founder, Indian Hypnosis Academy says, "Hypnotherapy is indeed a rapidly developing career. However, few people know how useful it is.

India has a large population out of which only a handful is trained. This field caters to the needs of people in areas like relationships, studies, sports, phobias, trauma, foreign energy management, spiritual development, anxiety, unwanted habits and defensive behaviours.

It's a very lucrative career for people interested in the power of the mind."

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Courtesy:YouthIncMag.com

The prerequisites

The only requirement to study at hypnotherapy institutes in India is senior secondary (class 10) and knowledge and an understanding of the English language.

That said, it helps if you are a graduate in psychology as one would have a better understanding and grasp of the concept of hypnotism.

Interestingly, the basic qualities of a good hypnotherapist have nothing to do with hypnosis.

Rather, one should have a passion for life, a commitment to ethics and the ability to establish a rapport with people and to sympathise without seeing the client as helpless.

A good therapist should also maintain confidentiality and a staunch dedication to the well-being of the client.

A career in the field of hypnotherapy is perfect for people who wish to help others and who have a strong mind.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Choosing the right school

Steer clear of schools run by lay hypnotists that award certifications over the Internet.

According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, hypnotherapy is a recommended mode of therapy in India that can only be practised by appropriately trained personnel.

Do check for accreditation of the institute (ISO 9001: 2008).

Affiliations to international institutes is an added plus. Resist the temptation to embark on the quickest or the cheapest course available.

Institutes like the Indian Hypnosis Academy in Delhi offer a one-year diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (Fee: Rs 33,500).

This course comprises five modules, workshops, individual coaching, written exams and case study assessments.

The Hypnotherapy School of India, with its pan-India centres as far as Dharamshala, is also another good option and has affiliations to the renowned American Hypnosis Association. This institute offers progressive courses starting at just Rs 8,000 and go up to Rs 28, 000 for the Level IV course.

Students must undergo mandatory training at the institute's clinics. Consider it an investment to upgrade your skills from time to time with related courses and workshops.

Blossom Furtado, Founder of the Hypnotherapy School of India says, "It is vital to upgrade your skills on a regular basis as our work is related to the ever-evolving mind."

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

A career in hypnotherapy is as profitable as you want to make it.

Since the demand for therapists is increasing by the day, hypnotherapy happens to be one of the blooming careers today. 

"A practising hypnotherapist can manage to meet three clients a day and give them two hours each. Since the fee is Rs 1, 500 per hour for the first session, and subsequently goes on to Rs 3, 000 per hour for therapy sessions, a career in this field is well-paying," says Furtado.

As the world becomes aware that we are more than just the physical and that there is a body, mind and spirit connection, the need for experts that include hypnotherapists is increasing by the day.

A career in this field will not only prove to be profitable but also highly satisfying as you help people deal with issues and challenges.

Hypnotism is officially recognised and approved by the British Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association.

It's beneficial to do a supplementary course in Past Life Regression (PLR), which is a technique that uses hypnosis to recover what practitioners believe are memories of past lives or incarnations.

This method of healing is used to arrive at a solution for problems and challenges which remain unresolved in spite of undergoing therapies.

It is the process of travelling back in time to relive unresolved issues in one or many previous life times.

You can pursue a course in PLR at any of the following two institutes

Indian Hypnosis Academy

Course fee: Rs 10,500

Indian School of Hypnosis

Course fee: Rs 14,000