How To Make A Wise Hypnotherapy Choice

​Choice Magazine’s September 2016 issue has an interesting Article on Hypnosis and Weight Loss.  The article confirms what I have repeatedly emphasised in my Blogs i.e. the importance of checking the credentials of your chosen Hypnotherapist. It’s disappointing however that having outlined the importance of checking your Therapists qualifications, that Choice used as a  “case study”  in the article an example of a woman who went to a therapist in Queensland without checking if he was qualified; not surprisingly she didn’t have the best experience.  The Article does  acknowledge the effectiveness of Hypnotherapy when delivered by a skilled therapist and the role it can play in assisting people in achieving their weight loss goals. 

In Australia Hypnotherapy is not regulated by the Government, it is therefore the Australian Associations that are left to ensure that Therapists are properly trained and qualified. I’m personally a member of both the AHA (Australian Hypnotherapy Association) and the ACA (Australian Counselling Association).  Training to be a Hypnotherapist involves a lot more than simply learning to get people into a relaxed or trance state.   A broad knowledge of psychotherapy and a range of techniques is a requirement of achieving an Association accredited qualification. 

Realising the importance of having the appropriate and broad skill-set to help my clients effectively,  I undertook training as a Professional Counsellor in addition to and  to complement and enhance the Psychotherapy skills I learned in my Hypnotherapy Training.  I also ensured that the Hypnotherapy training I undertook was Government Accredited, and this is why I have a Provider Number for Private Health Insurers.  The Private Health Fund Industry demands that their standards be met by Providers before issuing these numbers.

Just as you wouldn’t take your new car to be serviced by an unqualified mechanic, it’s unwise to enter therapy with someone that cannot demonstrate that they have undertaken the appropriate training.  A cheap unqualified mechanic will cost you a lot more in the long run.  Similarly you don’t want someone “tinkering” with you only to discover that having taken your money they don’t have anything to guide them but a script they’ve bought from the internet. 

*Hypnotherapy sessions should be tailored to the individuals needs.  Rapport is critical between the therapist and the client.  This is why I offer a 30 minute free assessment session for clients considering doing a program with me, this provides them with the opportunity to meet with me and decide if I’m the right therapist for them, as well as giving me the opportunity to assess if my skills will help the client achieve their desired outcome.

The Virtual Gastric Band is a weight loss program that was originally devised by Sheila Granger in the UK and is now renowned worldwide. This program provides a framework for the therapist to work within.  In my practice I tailor this program to the individual needs of my clients to ensure that they have the best experience and outcome possible.  There is no magic wand or quick fix; for some people the reasons for holding onto weight and poor eating habits are far more complex than for others, so for this reason sometimes more than 4 sessions may be required.  On average 4 sessions get my clients well on the way to achieving the weight loss targets that they desire at a steady and sustainable rate.   None of my weight loss programs offer crash diet results, they are healthy and designed not to impact negatively on my clients metabolism, but rather to set people up with new long term lifestyle habits and attitudes.
 
If you’re interested in losing weight come and see me for a 30 minute free assessment.  Call to book now on 0435 923 817 or use the contact form here.  I look forward to hearing from you.


Here’s a link to the Choice Magazine Article “Hypnosis for Weight Loss” September 2016 issue.