Hypnotism is a field with a wide variety of career options.
Hypnotism is a field of study with a wide variety of different applications, and therefore a wide variety of career options. However, the possibilities can be split into three major categories: hypnotherapy, forensic hypnosis and stage hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapists provide clients with help in a wide variety of areas in their personal lives, involving physical health, mental health, spiritual development, athletics and sports motivation, creative arts and business interests. They help clients eliminate bad habits such as smoking, increase motivation, improve interpersonal relationships, manage pain or physical discomfort during medical procedures, or resolve emotional issues.
Hypnotherapists can be doctors, psychologists, or counselors with a specialization or nonmedically trained people who go through the required coursework and certification. Only the Medical Practices Act and the Psychology Licensing Acts of a hypnotherapist's home state can restrict a certified hypnotherpist's work. Hypnotherapy can be offered one-on-one, in small groups or with at-home book and audio courses.
The qualifications and requirements for hypnotherapists vary widely from state to state. However, all hypnotherapists must be certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (A.C.H.E.). Certification comes after the hypnotherapist has completed training at a school approved by the A.C.H.E. A hypnotherapist requires 200 hours of classroom training for certification, while a clinical hypnotherapist requires at least 350 hours.
Forensic Hypnosis Investigator
Beyond therapeutic applications, hypnosis is also used in forensic investigation. Forensic hypnosis investigators work with law enforcement officials to help witnesses recall details of what they saw or experienced. In order to be certified as a forensic hypnotist, you must already be certified as a hypnotherapist. Courses run about 32 hours, and involve the proper way to extract the needed information from witnesses, as well as the possible legal pitfalls involved in forensic hypnosis.
Stage Hypnotist
One of the more exciting and glamorous careers available in hypnotism is that of the Stage Hypnotist. While this is an entertainment position, Stage Hypnotists still must be certified by a qualified certification program. Beyond that, Stage Hypnotists must also learn run a stage hypnotism show. An internship with an established stage hypnotist is the best way to do this. Some marketing and publicity know-how is also very important due to a high level of competition in the field.
