It is quite common to rethink your career direction at least once during your working life. You will be interested to know that an increasing number of people are seriously considering clinical hypnotherapy as their future profession.
The desire to help others is a great motivator. But other reasons include being able to choose your working hours and finding a better work life balance. The ability to work from home, to engage with others in a meaningful way are important. And there is growing opportunity to work globally through virtual therapy.
Many clinical hypnotherapists start out working part-time. You do not need prior experience to start training. The LCCH Asia includes clinical placement which helps students build their confidence and gain hands on experience. Some people start quickly and build their clients list even before graduating. For others it can be a future investment for retirement or second income.
The desire to help others is a normal response. But could you do it for a living? And how do you become a successful full-time therapist? How long does it take and what could you earn?
Do I have what it takes?
Successful therapists have a few personality traits. The first is that they are genuinely interested in people. This makes them good listeners. Learning to be a therapist builds on this skill so that your client feels safe to express themselves freely and without the fear of being judged. So if you find that people are comfortable sharing their problems with you and listen to what you have to say then this is a good start.
Therapists are also natural problem solvers. They are fascinated with the human mind and what makes people tick. But the real skill is to be able to hone in on the key issues and to ask the right questions, which guide the client to see things for themselves.
Most therapists get a buzz out of helping people. It matters when people hurt and it feels great when you help someone to reconnect or resolve an inner conflict. Interestingly many therapists have struggled with their own anxiety and emotional dilemmas. One’s own personal journey can awaken the desire to become a therapist.
What makes clinical hypnotherapy so effective?
Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a brief strategic therapy. This means that people experience a change in the first session. This helps to keep clients motivated and encourages them that hope is possible.
It is also a gentle therapy. You will have the opportunity to guide your clients into a state of relaxation and watch their tension melt away. The words you choose are also important and designed to help empower and heal the people you work with. Clients usually enjoy the sessions and leave feeling rejuvenated. Clinical hypnotherapy has the added advantage of engaging both the unconscious and the conscious mind.
It is one of the oldest mind-body therapies dating back over 2,000. Today the research supports its efficacy to treat a wide range of challenges such as insomnia, obesity, chronic pain, phobias, anxiety, depression and relationship break up.
What do clinical hypnotherapists earn?
Most therapists including clinical hypnotherapists are self-employed. The primary advantage is that you can choose your hours and even start your career part-time whilst you wait for your practice to grow.
Most therapists charge between RM150 to RM350 per session. The LCCH Asia has developed a clinical mentoring and patient referral system designed to help students and graduates get started. Many trainee therapists need help setting up their practice and finding patients. The LSCCH Therapy Centre refers to both virtual and in-person patients creating exclusive opportunities for LCCH Asia graduates to build their careers.