A certified hypnotherapist (Official Title: C.Ht.) has successfully completed training in a certified school of hypnotherapy and is licensed and registered to practice hypnotherapy on clients.

Hypnotherapists receive training in standard procedures for facilitating the hypnotic state, making their own induction scripts, making appropriate and effective posthypnotic suggestions to change a client's behavior, determining eligibility of client to be affected by hypnosis and handling negative reactions to hypnosis. Hypnotherapists sometimes have additional training in other fields such as social work, administration, general health, psychology, and naturopathy.

Anyone can see a hypnotherapist for help with habit control, performance goals, or development issues. When hypnotherapy is used to address medical or psychological conditions (particularly psychological), the hypnotherapist often provides a referral letter to the client's primary physician. A referral letter typically accomplishes two goals:

• It states that the hypnotherapist conducted hypnotherapy with the client for the particular condition.
• It solicits the physician's acknowledgement of the use of hypnotherapy for the particular condition.

These are important as hypnotherapy can sometimes work against modern medicine and it is both beneficial to the client as well as gives the hypnotherapist certain protections if they work closely with the clients medical staff.  It is also good for liability and legal reasons to contact other medical professionals that deal with the client to make sure that hypnotherapy is safe for them.

When considering hypnotherapy, it is important to evaluate the experience and credentials of the hypnotherapist. Inexperienced, ill-trained, or incompetent hypnotherapists can induce unwanted reactions.  Check online for reviews and references as inexperienced or poorly trained hypnotherapist are often quickly rooted out. It is recommended that people choose a hypnotherapist who is trained and certified, is knowledgeable in various techniques for handling difficult situations, and has an awareness of the complexity of physical and psychological conditions and their symptoms.  An initial consultation should be easy going and relaxing where the client is at easy, relaxed, and receptive for help from the hypnotherapist.  If there are any doubts, or a hypnotherapist causes discomfort, therapy with that hypnotherapist should be discontinued.

If hypnotherapy and hypnotism interest you:  Check this review out about training and certification in hypnotism.