A hypnosis seminar might promise rapid weight loss while you sleep, a painless and immediate smoking cessation miracle, or a way to become a millionaire in 30 days or less. The best way to select a hypnosis seminar is to keep one simple rule in mind. If something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. This isn’t to say that every hypnosis seminar is a hoax. To put it another way, do your homework on the seminar and its presenter before signing up or writing a check.
Hypnosis is a legitimate tool for achieving a relaxed state and improving focus. It is true that a subject is receptive to suggestions while under hypnosis. Hypnosis, contrary to popular belief, does not entail any kind of magical trance or mystical state. When under hypnosis, a person is fully awake. Hypnosis is essentially a form of guided visualization.
If the leader of a hypnosis seminar is a member of a few professional organizations, he will have a lot more credibility. Hypnosis is a largely unregulated field, and for a small fee, anyone can obtain an online “hypnotist” diploma. Many hypnosis seminars exist solely to defraud you of your hard-earned money. Fortunately, a few minutes of research will help you distinguish between the charlatans and the legitimate practitioners.
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association are two legitimate organizations in the United States that regulate and accredit the hypnosis profession. The first requires a doctorate or master’s degree in a health-related field, as well as at least 20 hours of hypnotherapy training. The latter group is made up of licensed health professionals who have completed a two-month hypnosis course. Seminars led by members of either of these two groups are usually genuine and trustworthy.
In the United Kingdom, hypnotists are regulated by the UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organizations (UKCHO). This organization acts as a governing body and umbrella organization for nine hypnosis-related professional organizations. In the name of public safety, it establishes standards, develops practices, and provides ethical oversight. A list of certified hypnotherapists is also maintained by the UKCHO. The Australian Hypnotherapist’s Association, founded in 1949, requires hypnotists to be accredited by a peer group.
Hypnosis is recognized as a safe medical procedure by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute of Health. The Department for Education and Skills in the United Kingdom has recognized hypnosis as a legitimate form of therapy. Hypnosis can help with pain management, anxiety relief, and addiction recovery. Obtaining the skills and knowledge of an honest practitioner is the key to taking advantage of these potential benefits.