Hypnotherapy Jobs: Salary and Career Facts
Research what it takes to become a hypnotherapist. Learn about education requirements, key skills, and average wages to find out if this is the career for you.
What is a Hypnotherapist?
Hypnosis is a state of ultra-relaxation that can be reached with the help of a hypnotherapist. Hypnotherapists help people use their minds to take control of their lives. These professionals use special suggestion techniques to help individuals access different areas of their mind, achieve heightened relaxation, and make positive changes. Those who hold appropriate credentials may work with patients to alleviate symptoms of disease. Hypnotherapists can work in private practice, physicians' offices or hospitals or in other settings. Consider the information in the following chart to determine if a career in hypnotherapy is right for you.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Medical, counseling</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Communication, business networking and marketing, business planning and operations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure Required</b></td><td>Not required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary (2019)</b></td><td>$60,000*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *Payscale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAHypnotherapist">How Can I Become a Hypnotherapist?</h3><p>Of the many programs offered to people wanting to become hypnotherapists, the choices that give you the best chance of having a successful career are state-accredited programs that offer at least 50 hours of study. There are seminars that offer as few as four hours of study for certification; however, the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (AAPH) warns against these programs because they do not offer a high level of quality study (<i>www.aaph.org</i>).
</p><p>The AAPH recommends at least 100 hours of study and clinical work. This usually takes 6-12 months. There is a minimum of 200 hours of study for any program approved by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (<i>www.hypnotistexaminers.com</i>).
</p><p>In your program, you can expect to study hypnosis, hypnotherapy techniques, business and marketing practices, handwriting analysis and clinical applications. Practicum experiences are necessary. You do not need to be a medical provider in order to become a hypnotherapist, but if you do have a medical degree and are licensed in your state, you can add hypnotherapy to your scope of practice. State-accredited hypnotherapy programs offer continuing education units for licensed medical professionals.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheLicensureAndCertificationRequirements">What Are the Licensure and Certification Requirements?</h3><p>Hypnotherapy is not government-regulated, and professionals do not always need to be state-licensed in order to conduct certain services. However, many states have their own laws regarding the practice of hypnotherapy in order to create a definite line between hypnotherapy and other types of therapeutic medical practices; check your state's requirements. If you are a medical professional practicing hypnotherapy, you are required to be licensed in your state.
</p><p>Medical professionals also have the choice of becoming certified as clinical hyponotherapists through the National Board of Hypnotherapists (NBH). You must have a graduate degree in an appropriate field, 60 hours of instruction in hypnotherapy and board eligible status to apply. In addition, you'll need to be licensed or certified in hypnotherapy or in your medical field; however, clinical or professional membership in an approved organization might also suffice. Higher levels of certification - the Diplomate and Fellow designations - require you to obtain further professional experience (<i>natboard.com</i>).
</p><p>If you are not a medical professional, you can become certified through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). To take the exam, you have to graduate from an ACHE-approved program and have no less than 300 hours of classroom education. Obtaining certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist gives you the highest level of certification currently available as of April 2015.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAilmentsCanITreat">What Ailments Can I Treat?</h3><p>The AAPH is very specific in its warning that any hypnotherapist who does not have a state-issued medical license is legally barred from treating any medical conditions and prescribing any kind of medical intervention. Hypnotherapists are usually trained to help clients with the achievement of life goals, mental and emotional well-being, physical health, psychic and spiritual health and development, life-purpose development, business motivation and interests, legal concerns and athletics. You can help them overcome addictions, battle life-affecting fears, lose weight and even uncover buried memories.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatMightIExpectToEarn">What Might I Expect To Earn?</h3><p>Payscale.com reports that certified clinical hypnotherapists earned $60,000 per year as of November 2019. The number of hours you put into your business, the amount of marketing and networking you do, the client-base you choose to serve and the location of your business all affect the amount of your earning potential as a hypnotherapist.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>There are a number of other careers you may be interested in if you are drawn to forms of alternative medicine and treatment. For example, a career in aromatherapy may be of interest. This involves providing treatment to people suffering from stress, illnesses and injuries, and various types of pain using natural oils and herbs. You can pursue specialized training in aromatherapy. Another option is a career as a massage therapist. Massage therapists provide bodywork and massage treatments to clients who are experiencing muscle soreness or pain or just want to relax. You can attend a massage therapy program to become certified.</p>