​What’s the difference between a Hypnotist and a Hypnotherapist?

​This is a common question, and in the context of Australia I would say the main difference is purpose. 

The word Hypnotist in Australia is generally used to describe someone using the skill of Hypnotism for the purpose of providing entertainment, where as a Hypnotherapist is using very similar skills, (although usually executed in a less dramatic and more collaborative manner) with the purpose of delivering  therapy while utilising the state of focus and absorption created  when their client  is in a state of trance (even very light trance).  This state enables the client to absorb and process concepts, suggestions and possibilities on several levels of their consciousness simultaneously.

In other countries such as the US the distinction is (as I understand it) not quite so clear.  Due to some state laws the term Hypnotherapist is not permitted, so a lot of therapists would therefore describe  themselves as e.g. Clinical Hypnotists or Medical Hypnotists.

Hypnotherapy is done with the clients full consent and cooperation, there are no directions from the therapist for the client to behave in a way that is not natural to them.  Hypnotherapy provides a wonderful setting for internal clarity, reflection and often for finalising emotional experiences from the past, which may have been left unresolved at the time.

I have enormous respect for Hypnotists and their ability to work with several people at speed with deft skill to anticipate the appropriate candidates and their potential responses to instructions both overt and covert.  However while some of the techniques cross over, the similarity is really in name alone.  That said there are some Hypnotists that also practice very successfully and effectively as Therapists, so the two modes are not mutually exclusive.  However in Australia the Australian Hypnotherapists Association does not offer membership to members that perform as Hypnotists in the entertainment industry.

In becoming a Hypnotherapist  I undertook training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, in addition to  my training in Hypnotherapy to ensure that I could work professionally and proficiently to provide the best outcome possible for my clients.

If you'd like to find out how Hypnotherapy can help you, give me a call on 0435 923 817 or 
Visit the pages linked to here for further information 

If you are interested in Hypnotherapy generally I recommend that you check the therapists credentials and ensure that they are the member of a recognised Australian Association and therefore required to adhere to a code of ethics and guidelines as well as to prove they have undertaken appropriate training and are continuing to train and update their skills in line with the professional development requirements of their association.

I am a member of both the Australian Hypnotherapy Association and the Australian Counselling Association.


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