If you are interested in self hypnosis to make changes in your life, you might be confused. Should you go visit a hypnotherapist or should you try an audio program? I don’t believe there really is a “right” or “wrong” way. After reading through this article, you should have a better understanding of which way is best for you.
One of the biggest reasons that I see for people “needing” to visit a hypnotherapist, is for issues that require the hypnotherapist to dig a little deeper and ask a few more questions. What do I mean by that? Well…suppose you’d like to lose some weight. You listened to a hypnosis CD and it didn’t really work for you. Maybe it wasn’t a problem with the CD? Maybe you have unresolved issues that contribute to that “insatiable” appetite you have? Perhaps there was something that happened in your past that needs to be addressed before you can lose that weight? If this is the case, a hypnotherapist is in a much better position to get answers, then tailor a hypnosis session or sessions, specifically for you.
When people ask me what to do, I usually tell them to try an audio program first. If they don’t have any luck, then they will normally have 90 days or longer to get their money back and try something else. You’re probably not going to get that guarantee from a hypnotherapist. Most hypnotherapists won’t give refunds. They may offer you extra sessions if you don’t have success initially…but they’re typically not going to give your money back.
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself:
* Are you the type of person that is comfortable and enjoys direct conversation with someone? If you answered yes…you might appreciate a visit to a hypnotist. If that type of interaction makes you really nervous, then you might want to consider CD’s or MP3′s.
* Is there a hypnotist or hypnotherapist that is local or would you have to travel a long way to find one? Where I live right now, in a city of about 60 thousand people, I’m not sure if there is a single hypnotherapist here? (If you’re asking why I don’t jump in the game, it’s simply because I would rather work via the internet. I enjoy creating recordings and I can reach a lot more people this way. Much better use of my time). So just being able to find someone local to help might sway your decision.
* If there is a hypnotist local…do they have good references? If you have one or more hypontherapists in your area, it’s important to see how their doing. Can you get them to give you references? Do you have friends or relatives that have been to them? Can you find anything about them on the internet? If they are doing a good job, they shouldn’t mind giving you references to talk to.
* Can you afford to pay out of pocket for a personal visit? Hypnosis sessions usually start about $250 and are not “typically” covered by insurance in the US. (If performed by a licensed physician, this may be covered under insurance. Check in advance)
There have been a lot of advances in audio programs in the last few years. Once upon a time, all you could get was a cassette tape, but you probably can’t even find anyone selling those today. Now your choices are CD’s or better yet, MP3′s. Many of these programs are very comprehensive, (especially weight loss and smoking cessation).
Below is a little list of pros and cons that might help you make the decision to visit a hypnotherapist in person or whether you would be better off going with a good audio program.
Hypnotherapist Pros
* Can ask questions to get to the real issue at hand
* Some prefer face to face discussions
* Hypnosis experience will be more personal
Hypnotherapist Cons
* May not have a hypnotherapist in your area
* Some do not like talking about personal issues with a stranger
* Some people are concerned that hypnotist will “take control” of their mind, (ABSOLUTELY FALSE!)
* Visit to hypnotist is typically more expensive
* In US, not typically covered by insurance
Audio Program Pros
* Relatively inexpensive
* Can be listened to whenever it’s convenient
* Audio delivered directly to computer or home
* Able to avoid personal interaction if that bothers you
* Usually comes with 90 day or longer refund
Audio Program Cons
* Audio is typically very general and not tailored to your specific needs