There are numerous reasons to pursue hypnotherapy certification.

Some already own thriving practices but want to expand on their training. Others are looking into a career change; to try something more fulfilling.

Me? Believe it or not, I was a skeptic (and a heavy smoker).

And I was led to hypnosis to quit smoking. Something clicked. After one session, I had quit smoking. It seemed like a miracle, and the experience awakened a sense of fascination in me.

I wanted to learn more about hypnosis. Why it had helped me. How it had helped me. And how I could use it for self-improvement.

I started to think about taking a hypnotherapy course. It was just a whisper in the back of my mind. But I took the leap, and it changed my life forever.   

For one, I was fascinated by hypnosis; I’d read countless books and articles, and even tried out self-hypnosis. And I wanted to learn EVERYTHING there was to know about it.

And two, I was in a career that just didn’t match up with my desire to help people live their best lives. I wanted to do something more.

That initial course led me to where I am today. I’ve helped hundreds of people with hypnotherapy, I own a thriving practice, and I’ve written a book on the subject.

All that momentum started when I enrolled in that first course — when I chose to start thinking about hypnosis seriously.

And I think my experience shows that you can become an expert in hypnotherapy. Whatever drives your interest in hypnosis — whether you’re a holistic practitioner looking to expand your business, or you’re just curious about using self-hypnosis in your own life like I was — a hypnotherapy certification can help you achieve your goals.

What Is Hypnotherapy Certification?

In short, several trade groups and professional associations self-monitor and evaluate the hypnotherapy industry. The International Hypnosis Federation is one example.

These governing agencies set baselines for what it takes for someone to practice hypnotherapy. To earn a certification, you must meet these basic guidelines (which is about 250 hours or more of coursework and in-person training).  

Certification isn’t just a credential though. When you pursue a certification course, you gain a whole host of relevant skills. A certified hypnotherapist will be able to:

• Demonstrate expertise in the subconscious mind
• Personalize hypnosis to help clients reach goals
• And utilize in-depth hypnotherapy techniques for stress relief, addiction, weight loss and much more

These are just a few of the skills certification offers. And fortunately, anyone can pursue certification. There are no prerequisites. All you need is dedication and desire to learn.  

Are you ready to start the journey?

Is Pursuing a Hypnotherapy Certification Right for Me?

What draws people to study hypnotherapy? The truth is: There are numerous reasons. Some are just curious and want to use hypnosis in their own lives, while others are established holistic practitioners that want to expand their skillset.

Since launching the Grace Space hypnotherapy school, we’ve noticed four common reasons people choose to study hypnosis. Do you fit into one (or more) of these groups?

1. Existing Hypnotherapists Who Want Additional Training

The field of hypnosis continues to expand and grow. New techniques and updated philosophies are always coming up. In other words, there’s always room to learn something new and expand your skills in hypnotherapy.

This is a group that we see a lot. Hypnotherapists who want to learn more or who feel that their previous training was inadequate.  

By taking on additional training, the existing hypnotherapist can expand their skills and service offerings. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a boost in credibility. Clients recognize and value credentials; the more you have, the more trustworthy you are to clients.

2. Holistic Practitioners Who Want to Expand Their Services

Do you already own a healing or holistic medicine practice? Maybe now, you’re ready to expand your skills so you can offer additional services to your clients. A hypnotherapy certification can help already established practices grow and earn new clients.

3. People Who Feel A Calling to Help Others

Many of our students say they feel an overwhelming urge to empower and help people. But they might be stuck in careers that just don’t align with that goal. In fact, we’ve had numerous students enroll after leaving corporate jobs, because they wanted to give back and help others.

And that’s why certification can be such a valuable tool. The best hypnotherapy schools build your knowledge of the subject from the ground up; the philosophies of why/how it works, techniques you need to practice, and the skills and expertise to grow a sustainable business.

4. People Who Want to Learn Everything There is to Know

Maybe you’ve read all the hypnotherapy books you can get your hands on. Or you might have had a positive experience with a hypnotherapist or by listening to a self-hypnosis recording. Now, you want to learn everything about the subject. How it works? Why it works? The techniques for making hypnotherapy effective.

You might not even have plans to start a business. Instead, you want to learn hypnosis for your own personal benefit. This is another common reason people pursue certification.  

Hypnosis Is About to Become the “Next Big Thing” in Wellness

Here’s one reason to pursue certification: Hypnotherapy is about to have its “moment,” and established professionals with have the most to gain from this coming boom.

Just think: About 15 to 20 years ago, yoga and meditation were considered “weird” or even “quackery” by a majority of Americans. Today, they’re commonplace. Yoga studios have opened in every city and town, and meditation apps and mindfulness coaches have gone mainstream.

The same is about to happen with hypnosis. For one, respected research hospitals have begun to take hypnotherapy seriously. As mentioned, Yale, Stanford and the Mayo Clinic are actively researching the science behind hypnosis, and promising evidence is being published in some of the most respected journals in the world.  

Not to mention, hypnotherapy is now being covered today in the pages of Marie Claire, Vogue; on TV shows like The Doctors; and on just about every health-and-wellness publication on the web. People are taking notice. This once-whack subject is earning back its credibility.

And slowly but surely, hypnosis is earning acceptance by the general public. That’s why it’s such a great time to pursue a certification; certification shows you take the subject seriously and have shown the drive to build your expertise.
Why Certification Matters More Than Ever

With all this attention on hypnotherapy the rules and governing bodies that monitor the industry are starting to take things more seriously, too.

This evolution is a lot like what we saw with chiropractic medicine in the past. Not too long ago, chiropractors weren’t taken seriously, and really, to call yourself a chiropractor, you didn’t need much education at all.

Now, you have to pursue a four-year degree to practice. And it’s only a matter of time before the same will happen in our industry.

All those weeklong “certification” courses and day-long seminars just won’t continue to hold weight. In fact, many of the “certified” hypnotherapists practicing today will soon be in danger of losing their credentials.

Evolving Standards

Today, many of the most respected hypnotherapy associations and trade groups — like the Association of Counselors & Therapists and the International Hypnosis Federation — say a minimum of 250 hours of coursework and training is the gold standard.

That’s why as you consider options, it’s so important to recognize the signs and factors that make for a quality hypnotherapy education. The best schools align their coursework to the IHF and ACT standards.

Tips for Choosing the Best Hypnotherapy School

Finding a quality hypnotherapy course can be a challenge, because there are so many options available to you. You’ll find weekend courses promising certification, or online courses taught by less-than-reputable “instructors.”   

Which courses are reputable, accepted by the industry, and designed to help you launch a successful business?

A little research goes a long way. There are some key indicators that set quality hypnotherapy training programs apart. Be on the lookout for schools offering:

1. Quality Coursework

Start by examining the coursework. The best programs start from the ground up; you’ll learn about the subconscious mind and basic hypnosis techniques. Then, once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you move on to advanced techniques and areas of study. There’s a natural progression, designed to build a strong foundation of knowledge.

In particular, look at the number of hours that are offered. Becoming a master hypnotherapist takes time, and true certification programs require a minimum of 250 hours of coursework.

2. Depth of Training

Does the school offer in-depth coursework in hypnosis techniques? Will you learn about hypnosis for various conditions? Does the program include in-person training?

These are all questions you should ask. Many weekend “certification” courses do not offer the depth you’ll find in a true certification program. So be sure to examine the curriculum. The best schools provide advanced training on a range of hypnosis topics. They guarantee to provide mastery of hypnotherapy.

3. Faculty and Instructors

The best hypnosis schools employ well-trained teachers (who are very often successful hypnotherapy practitioners, themselves). As you begin to research options, look into the faculty. Are the teachers trained? Have they earned hypnosis teaching certifications? What are their credentials?

You want to learn from the best! If the school’s teachers have completed many advanced training courses, if they’ve earned teaching certificates, and if they’ve run successful hypnotherapy practices – that’s a good sign that you’ll be receiving a quality education.

4. Industry Approved

The most reputable training programs have been reviewed and approved by industry trade groups like the IHF. This means they meet or exceed industry-accepted standards, which is often 250+ hours of coursework, as well as in-depth training on a number of hypnosis techniques.

To earn approval, the school’s faculty must also prove their credentials, and in many cases, they must complete special master training courses. Bottom line: Choosing an approved school can help you narrow your list down to the best.  

5. Ongoing Support

Training doesn’t end after you’ve completed the course. Hypnotherapists are continually learning, and as you launch your business, it’s helpful to have mentors in your corner that are willing to offer advice.

Ask about the school’s networking and support opportunities. Does the school like to stay in touch with graduates? An established network is a solid indicator of a quality program.

6. Business Training

So many schools fall short in business training. You have the skills and expertise to practice hypnotherapy, but you’re given too little training to launch your business.

Choose a school that includes business training in its curriculum. You should learn how to launch, sustain and grow a successful hypnotherapy practice.

Hypnotherapy Certification: Common Questions

Looking for a little more information? To help you better understand what certification means, here are answers to some of the most common queries.

Q. What Does Certified Hypnotherapist Title Mean?

A. There are a few industry regulating organizations that offer hypnotherapy certification. The International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) and the International Hypnosis Federation are two of the most recognized.

Each of these organizations has different requirements for earning certification. To gain certification through the IACT, for example, practitioners must have completed 220+ hours of coursework (including 110 hours of classroom work). Similarly, the IHF requires a “mastery of hypnotism,” as well as skills in specific hypnotism techniques to be certified and about 250 hours of training.

Q. What Are the Benefits of Earning Certification?

A. From a boost in credibility to expanding your skills, taking a hypnotherapy certification course offers immeasurable benefits:

• Credibility for Your Practice: Adding the title “Certified Hypnotherapist” to your business card adds instant credibility. Your clients and colleagues will recognize that you’ve undergone rigorous study to master hypnosis technique.
• In-Depth Knowledge: Certification courses provide in-depth training and go into detail about the latest research, philosophy, and training in the field. You’ll become an expert on how and why to use hypnotherapy, and the subconscious mind’s role in habit-forming.
• Networking and Support: Earning certification is a requirement for joining many industry trade groups, which can help to grow your practice and keep you connected to colleagues in the industry.
  
• Growing Acceptance of Hypnosis: Certification also increases the legitimacy of the industry. A certification shows that this isn’t just something you’ve learned during a weekend seminar – you’ve spent a substantial amount studying the subject.

Q. How Much Do Hypnotherapists Earn? What’s the Demand for Their Services?

A. Hypnotherapists can have a wide range of earnings, which are dependent on a number of factors. But a thriving, full-time hypnotherapy business can be very profitable. Some, for example, choose to supplement their income part-time and take on just a few clients per week. Other hypnotherapists, though, choose to pursue the professional full-time. A master hypnotherapist typically earns $50 to $150 per hour. Therefore, a full-time hypnotherapist can potentially earn an average of $55,000 to $75,000 per year.

Demand for high-quality hypnotherapy is also continuing to grow. In recent years, hypnotherapy has gained acceptance from the medical establishment, and a number of healthcare professionals — from dentists to psychiatrists – now prescribe hypnosis. In other words, there’s never been a better time to be a hypnotherapist.

Q. What Are the Requirements for Certification?

A. Certification requirements vary by organization. In general, certification requires applicants to show “mastery” of hypnosis and hypnotherapy skills. The International Association of Counselors and Therapists, for example, requires first-time applicants to complete 220 hours of coursework. In general, most certifications in hypnotherapy require about 250 hours of coursework.

Some organizations also require that both classroom training – which can be completed online – as well as in-person sessions are completed. Ultimately, you should plan on completing at least 250 hours of coursework.

Q. How Do I Become Certified?

A. Certification first requires you to complete a training program. This includes both coursework and in-person training through a hypnotherapy school. Most standard programs can be completed in as little as six months.

The GraceSpace certification program, for instance, requires 24 weeks of online coursework (although you can complete the coursework more quickly). This establishes a foundation of skills and knowledge in hypnotherapy. Additionally, the GraceSpace program requires two in-person training sessions, during which you gain hands-on training in live hypnosis sessions.

Once you’ve completed coursework, you can apply for certification with a governing body like the IHF or ACT. Most organizations require you to apply and pay an application fee. Some certification boards also require you to take a test to earn the credential. Typically, if you’ve taken a high-quality course and completed the necessary amount of coursework, you’ll be prepared to earn certification.

Q. Do I Need a License to Practice? Are There Laws Regarding the Profession

A. In almost every country in the world, hypnotherapy is a self-regulating industry. That means you don’t need a license to practice. Since 2010, for example, hypnosis has been deregulated in every Australian state, meaning that no licenses or filing with state health organizations are required.

In the U.S., hypnotherapy is also self-regulated, although the laws vary by state. In Washington State, for instance, hypnotherapists must file with the State Board of Health but do not need certification or a license to practice. Colorado, Connecticut and Indiana also require hypnotherapists to register with the state. Additionally, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey and Utah have specific local and state laws that apply to hypnotherapists.

Ultimately, though, in the majority of locations around the world, you don’t need a license to practice. Instead, you just need the proper training.

Q. How Much Does Hypnotherapy Certification Cost?

A. The best hypnotherapy schools offer certification preparation programs that range between $3,500-$10,000, which includes access to online learning materials and in-person study. That sounds like a lot. But when you break it down by hours, it works out to about $15 per hour of coursework!

Costs for certification, on the other hand, vary by organization, but they remain affordable. Most organizations require an application fee of $100-$150 for certification.  

Start Your Journey to Becoming Certified Hypnotherapist Today!

Today, it’s easier than ever to learn hypnotherapy. You can learn the basics online, attend virtual seminars, and you have numerous resources and networking opportunities at your fingertips.

In other words, there’s nothing standing in your way.

Remember, though, earning certification requires dedication, curiosity and grit. But if you stick with it – and find a school that’s focused on helping you succeed – you’ll be on your way to helping people live happier, healthier lives.