WHAT IS A HYPNOTHERAPIST?
By Judy Callihan Warfield

What is a hypnotherapist? This is a common question encountering the profession for the first time. Allow me to give you the distinctions between Hypnotherapists and other health professionals. Many people assume that a Hypnotherapist must be a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist who specializes in hypnosis. The term “Hypnotherapist” is a profession unique unto itself and recognized by the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

Many people have had the experience of going to their family doctor to request assistance in a behavior or habit such as weight management or stop smoking. The doctor will usually say “eat less and exercise” and/or “just stop smoking”. Good advice, however, the person is left with the question of “How do I get myself to eat less, exercise and/or stop smoking?” Your physician has been trained to diagnose and prescribe but has not been trained on how to motivate the individual to follow through and change habits and behavior.

The same holds true when a Psychologist encounters a client who wishes to quit smoking, excel in sports, reduce stress,
become more motivated or assertive on the job. The Hypnotherapist is specifically trained to help people accomplish these goals and has received more specific training.

There are also the times when a Hypnotherapist may be involved with helping a person with a medical or psychological problem. This is only done under the written referral of the appropriate professional. It is under these circumstances that the Hypnotherapist is working like a para-professional along with your physician to bring about the best outcome.
Your Hypnotherapist never prescribes, cures, or diagnoses an illness. But along with your physician’s diagnosis and prescribed medical protocol the two modalities can generate a powerful combination of mind/body change.

The Hypnotherapist is the expert in the area of hypnosis and it’s application to modification of human behavior and perception.

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Articles are designed to provide a broad overview of this topic and provide general information. Each person has individual and unique considerations. Hypnotherapy is never meant to be in lieu of your prescribed medical protocol. It is intended to compliment and enhance your current physician’s recommendations. I do not cure, diagnose, or prescribe. Any issue that may have a medical origin will require a referral from your physician.

Each person's issues are unique to them. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your specific questions and concerns.