Hypnotherapists

High School

If you're planning to make hypnotherapy your career, take a college preparatory course of study in high school. Courses in health, biology, anatomy, and chemistry will give you a better understanding of the mind-body connection that is key to hypnotherapy. You may wish to study speech, communications, psychology, and sociology as well to help you learn to deal with clients and approach their treatments in the most effective manner. 

You may prefer to use hypnosis as part of another career. If this is the case, you should do course work pertaining to your future field, for example, if you plan to use hypnotherapy in a dental practice. Advanced science and math classes in high school will prepare you for college, dental school, and beyond.

Postsecondary Training

If you wish to work only as a hypnotherapist (not combining hypnotherapy with the practices of another profession), you do not need a four-year college degree. You will, however, need some postsecondary training. Many schools across the country offer training in hypnosis, but it will be a key factor in your future success to attend a respected and accredited program. Look for a school or program that has been accredited by a professional organization, such as the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) or the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), as well as approved by the state's department of education. If you attend a program without these credentials, you will have difficulty getting certification or licensing later on.

Course work tends to vary from school to school. NGH-certified instructors, however, teach a standard curriculum. If you want to use hypnosis with a medical, dental, psychological, social work, religious, or other profession, you will first need to earn your college degree and, in some cases, an advanced degree in the particular field that interests you and then pursue training in hypnosis. The major professional associations also provide certification in clinical hypnosis.

Other Education or Training

The ACHE, NGH, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, hypnotherapy schools, and other organizations provide continuing education classes and webinars. The American Psychological Association (APA) has a division called the Society of Psychological Hypnosis. It offers a workshop in clinical hypnosis at the annual APA convention. Contact these organizations to learn more.