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You could say that hypnotherapy started off on the wrong foot. When Franz Mesmer started espousing his beliefs about the power of the mind, people listened. Unfortunately, he came to the conclusion that hypnosis worked by an occult sort of “animal magnetism” and that the hypnotist had complete control over his subject. Later schools of thought emerged when a medical scientist, James Braid, refuted the magnetism connection and delineated himself from Mesmer, claiming that “mesmerism” was, in fact, much different than hypnotism. Hypnotism, he argued, was based on creating an environment of agreeability where a hypnotic suggestion could change a person’s way of thinking, yet only if he or she conceded to it. Perhaps this is why there isn’t any sort of standard certification procedure for all hypnotherapists. Despite its proven success, it is still considered a pseudo-science.

Hypnotherapists are, first and foremost, self-motivated entrepreneurs. They are also naturally positive people who have a strong desire to help others. Since the job itself is so flexible, many therapists start off part-time, seeing people on the weekends or evenings while building a client base. They may team up with healing centers, physical therapy offices, counselors, reiki yoga centers or acupuncture clinics to gain business. Marketing and networking are central to the success of a hypnotherapist. Some professionals run home offices to keep overhead costs down, while others gain employment at a hypnosis center. Later, experienced specialists usually branch off to hold weekend workshops and retreats, teach classes or offer group sessions. Some even take their talents to the stage.

Prior to entering The American Society for Clinical Hypnosis Certification and Approved Consult Program, aspiring hypnotherapists must have a medical or doctoral degree or a master’s degree in psychology, nursing, social work or marriage family therapy. Additionally, they must be members of a professional society in a related field, be certified in their own states, as well as take 40 hours of workshop training, 20 hours of individualized training and have at least two years of independent practice in clinical hypnosis. While hypnotherapy certification isn’t mandated by law, it is a smart business practice to network with as many professionals in the field as possible to become marketable and make the best money.

In recent years, hypnosis techniques have been turning a lot of heads, as the medical value and the psychological value is being recognized. This is a great opening for people who are interested in the inner workings of the mind but may not have the money to attend medical school. There are many different approaches to the subject of hypnosis. Some focus on the medical effects like pain management, while others approach it from a life coach type perspective. Hypnotherapists should generally be caring, empathetic, engaged, confident and hardworking entrepreneurs to succeed.