Hypnotherapist vs practitioner

[Volker Helmut Collard]

There is a difference in many countries.

In mine (Germany): As a hypnotherapist you are actually an official “medical” academic degree like a doctor or psychiatrist. It is recognized by the ‘mainstream’ or state and an offical exam.

You generally need a medical / academic degree or alternatively an offical education curriculum (such as e.g. physiotherapist) normally to call yourself a ‘therapist’ in my country.

A ‘hypnocoach’ on the other hand (as it is also called in my country) or any alther ‘alternative’ practicioner does not need this because you are ‘only’ a coach or consultant who does not need a medical academic degree.

Btw, there is actually in my country an in-between — which is what I also am (but not working as such) — as a recognised and (state) ackknowledged registered naturopath, (Heilpraktiker). As HP you are to take exams on academic medicine done by the state health authorities to be ‘allowed’ to practice as HP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heilpraktiker
I think however this is unique to my country.

[Irina Nola]

You need to be certified as a hypnotherapist to call yourself a hypnotherapist – you need to attend a school accredited by NGH or IAH or any other reputable association of hypnotherapists and earn your certification. It took me 2 months to get CHt in Hypnotherapy Academy of America, takes longer to get CCHt (clinical hypnotherapist) certification. There is also certification by the school – this you only need to get once, plus to be certified by an association – you have to pay every year to renew the membership.
As a hypnotist, you are mostly an entertainer doing hypnosis shows. I think ‘hypnosis practitioner” also does not require any certifications, but it is also not very reputable. Some states require licensing – in these states, you must have a state license, or be a member of the clergy practicing ‘spiritual hypnosis” – otherwise, you need to call it ‘guided meditation”. Some countries only allow the term hypnotherapist for medical doctors (at least Russia and Israel are strict about it) – but you can call yourself a ‘psychic hypnotist” and anything goes under this term, though most of them are charlatans, and they have a bad reputation.

[Roos (Malka) Ahern]

B”H

If there were no boundaries I wouldn’t call myself a hypnotherapist. This name can bring expectations with regards to how therapy generally works in the hypnosis field, “professional” standards, etc.

When talking about hypnosis I explain conventional hypnosis, which works through implanting suggestions into the subconscious. Then I explain that what I do is non-conventional hypnosis, where we get answers from the subconscious. I feel that this helps me differentiate what I do from the professional world and assists the client to opening to more possibilities.

Blessings