Choosing a Hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy is not a protected title in the UK. That means, in theory, anyone could call themselves a hypnotherapist tomorrow, regardless of training. This makes choosing a practitioner something that deserves a bit of care. The good news is that there are clear markers of quality, and a few minutes of checking can save you from wasting money on someone unqualified.

This guide is written to help you make an informed choice — whether you end up choosing to work with me or with another practitioner entirely.

Qualifications to Look For

The HPD (Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma)

The HPD is widely regarded as the gold-standard qualification for clinical hypnotherapy in the UK. It's a National Occupational Standards-based qualification that requires substantial training, supervised practice and assessment. A practitioner with the HPD has demonstrated competence to an independently verified standard.

The DipCHyp (Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy)

Another well-regarded qualification, typically from accredited training schools such as the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. Like the HPD, it requires a significant period of training and supervised clinical practice.

Other Recognised Qualifications

There are numerous other legitimate qualifications in hypnotherapy. The key thing is that they should come from a training school accredited by a recognised professional body. Weekend courses or online-only certification, while they exist, generally don't provide adequate preparation for clinical practice.

Registration and Professional Bodies

CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)

The CNHC is the UK's voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (the same body that oversees regulators for doctors and nurses). CNHC registration means the practitioner has met specific training requirements, adheres to a code of conduct, and is subject to a complaints process. It's probably the single most important thing to check.

NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy)

The NCH is the largest not-for-profit professional association for hypnotherapists in the UK. Members must hold recognised qualifications and maintain continuing professional development. The NCH provides a searchable register on their website.

Other Professional Bodies

Other reputable professional associations include the AfSFH (Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy), the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register), and the BSCH (British Society of Clinical Hypnosis). Membership of any of these is a positive sign.

Questions to Ask

When you contact a potential hypnotherapist, don't be afraid to ask:

• What qualifications do you hold? Look for the HPD or equivalent, from an accredited training school.
• Are you registered with the CNHC? If not, ask why. They should be able to give a reasonable answer.
• Do you have experience with my particular issue? Not all hypnotherapists work with all conditions. Specialisation can be an advantage.
• How many sessions do you think I'll need? An ethical practitioner will give you a realistic estimate, not an open-ended commitment.
• What's your approach? They should be able to explain their therapeutic approach clearly. If they can't, that's a concern.
• Do you have insurance? Professional indemnity insurance is standard and should be in place.
• Do you have a DBS check? Particularly important if you're considering treatment for a child or vulnerable adult.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all practitioners are equal, and there are some warning signs that should give you pause:

• Guarantees of cure. No ethical therapist can guarantee outcomes. If someone promises 100% success, be wary.
• Pressure to book multiple sessions upfront. While packages can offer value, you shouldn't be pressured into committing to a long course before you've even had a first session.
• No initial consultation or assessment. Jumping straight into hypnosis without understanding your situation isn't good practice.
• Unrealistically broad claims. Be cautious of practitioners who claim hypnotherapy can cure everything from cancer to baldness.
• No recognisable qualifications or registration. If they can't or won't tell you their qualifications, look elsewhere.
• A glamorous, mystical persona. Clinical hypnotherapy is professional healthcare, not a mystical experience. Crystals, incense and fortune-telling are not part of evidence-based practice.

Online vs Face-to-Face

Both can be equally effective. Online sessions (via Zoom or similar) offer convenience and wider choice of practitioner. Face-to-face sessions suit some people better, particularly for a first session when establishing rapport. Many practitioners, myself included, offer both options.

Cost Considerations

In the UK, expect to pay between £60 and £120 per session, depending on location and practitioner experience. London practitioners tend to charge more. Very low prices may indicate limited training or experience. Very high prices aren't necessarily an indicator of quality.

Most hypnotherapy is not available on the NHS, though some GP practices may offer it. Some private health insurance plans cover hypnotherapy — check with your provider.

For my own fee structure, see the fees page.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, trust your gut feeling. The therapeutic relationship — feeling comfortable, safe and respected by your therapist — is one of the strongest predictors of a good outcome, regardless of the specific technique used. If something doesn't feel right during an initial consultation, it's perfectly acceptable to look elsewhere.

If you'd like to have an initial conversation about whether I might be the right fit for you, book a free telephone consultation. There's absolutely no obligation, and if I think you'd be better served by a different type of therapy or a different practitioner, I'll tell you.