A hypnosis seminar might promise quick weight loss while you sleep, a painless and immediate smoking-cessation miracle, or a method for becoming a millionaire in 30 days or less. The best way to choose a hypnosis seminar is to remember one simple rule. If it sounds too good to be true, then it inevitably is. This is not to say that all hypnosis seminars are bogus. It is to say that you should research the seminar and its leader before signing up or signing a check.
Hypnosis is a legitimate tool that aids in creating a state of relaxation and improving focus. It is true that, while under hypnosis, a subject is receptive to suggestions. Contrary to popular belief, though, hypnosis does not involve any sort of magical trance or mystical state. A person is entirely awake when undergoing hypnosis. To a large degree, hypnosis is a form of guided visualization.
The leader of a hypnosis seminar will have much more credibility if he is a member of a few specific, professional organizations. Hypnosis is a largely unlicensed field, and anyone can procure an online “hypnotist” diploma for a small sum. Many hypnosis seminars seek little but to separate you from your hard-earned dollars. Luckily, a few minutes of investigation will allow you to differentiate between the charlatans and the credible practitioners,
Legitimate organizations in the United States that police the hypnosis profession and provide accreditation include the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association. The former requires either a doctorate or master’s degree in a health related field, and at least 20 hours of training in hypnotherapy. The latter organization is comprised of licensed health practitioners who have completed a two-month course in hypnosis. Seminars led by individuals from either of these two groups are typically authentic and reliable.
Hypnotists are regulated in the United Kingdom under the UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organizations (UKCHO). This group serves as an umbrella association and governing body for nine hypnosis-related professional groups. It sets standards, develops practices, and provides ethical oversight in the name of public safety. The UKCHO also maintains a list of certified hypnotherapists. The Australian Hypnotherapist's Association was founded in 1949, and requires peer-group accreditation of hypnotists.
The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute of Health all recognize hypnosis as an acceptable medical procedure. The Department for Education and Skills in the UK has validated hypnosis by granting it status as a valid form of therapy. Hypnosis can aid in controlling pain, dealing with anxiety, and overcoming addictions. The key to taking advantage of these potential benefits lies in procuring the skills and knowledge of an honest practitioner.