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Hypnotherapy - A New Beginning

Last year I took the decision to embark on a course of study which will enable me to forge a new career as a counsellor and hypnotherapist. I began the three year course last November with the first year concentrating on hypnotherapy and years two and three focussing on counselling.

As is the nature of these things it’s hard work but you don’t get anywhere in life without working hard. And, thus far, the course has proved hugely enjoyable. It’s a career I am determined to pursue and I left my job as a Human Resources Officer in April to enable me to achieve this.

The reaction of many people when I tell them I am studying to become a fully qualified hypnotherapist is somewhat inevitable. They wear a look of surprise, there’s an audible gasp and a predictable ‘oh, look into my eyes’ whilst waving their fingers in my direction. Given the recent television show Back in the Room on ITV, this is no real surprise. Hypnotherapists can be perceived as the magical wizards who sit in a therapy chair dangling a swinging watch, putting people into a trance like state where they lost all control.

Hypnotherapy is a skilled verbal communication, used during hypnosis, which helps direct a client’s imagination in such a way as to bring about intended alterations in sensations, perceptions, feelings, thoughts and behaviour. In a typical hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist will ask the client questions about previous medical history, general health and lifestyle. The hypnotherapist and client will decide together on the changes or goals that are desired.

Hypnotherapy can be applied to a wide range of medical, dental and psychological problems. Areas of application include anxiety and stress conditions, weight control, addictive behaviours (including smoking, alcohol and substance misuse) and confidence issues. It is also used to enhance performance in several areas such as sport and public speaking.

With the benefits of clinical hypnosis becoming clearer, it's no wonder there has been a massive growth in hypnotherapy training during the last ten years.

There's no doubt it is fast becoming a popular career choice for those who want to work in a role where they help others to stop smoking, lose weight, overcome fears and phobias and more. 

My plan is to complete my hypnotherapy qualification by the end of this year and to set up my private practice in Edinburgh in early 2016. In the last couple of days I have attended a very enjoyable course provided by Business Gateway on how to start up your own business - having a strong business acumen will be needed to build a successful practice.

What I’ve already learned is what makes a successful hypnotherapy business is very different to what creates a top hypnotherapy practitioner and building business knowledge as well as clinical skills is essential. I am learning that a busy hypnotherapy practice needs to drive consistent and creative marketing strategies that builds a strong client base and continually builds their brand profile. 

However, hypnotherapy has instilled in me something I have bene perhaps lacking over the years - self-belief. I love its concept and find the study hugely enjoyable (even the 2,000 word essays which involve burning substantial amounts of midnight oil)

I already have a working title for my own hypnotherapy and counselling business – MGS. This stands for Mind Generating Success – and MGS is also my initials! My aim to be one of the leading hypnotherapists and counsellors in east central Scotland with a reputation for being professional, trustworthy, reliable and accessible.

This will take hard work, determination and perhaps a little bit of luck. But you make your own luck in life. And I am determined to make my new business a success.

So, dear reader, if you are someone who sets New Year resolutions every year to either lose some weight, stop smoking, cut back on alcohol – but find your willpower evaporates a few weeks into the New Year as dark, cold January hits back – contact me to arrange an appointment. After an initial consultation, we can decide together the best way to enable you to achieve your goals. Bookings being taken now for January 2016 – book early to avoid disappointment!

My new website will be live later this year. In the meantime, pleas email me for further details at  may1998@talk21.com