A growing number of therapists are second career therapists. This is because as we age, our priorities change. In fact, studies show that more than 30% of people consider different careers and people alter career direction as they approach 40. Most therapists today work virtually. This decision is the result of COVID-19 restrictions, but it does have advantages. Virtual therapy reduces the cost of smart consulting rooms. It allows more flexibility in working hours and is convenient as long as you and your client have good Internet connections and privacy. But the other benefit is that virtual therapists are not limited by location and you can grow your practice both locally and to reach a much wider catchment of clients. There are many reasons why people chose clinical hypnotherapy as a second career. Most people over 40 have a strong desire to connect more positively with the community. Others are looking for a better work life balance. COVID-19 uncertainties have shown that becoming a therapist provides a degree of control over the working environment and job security. It is clear that a growing number of people do need support with their mental and emotional health both long term and now.
BECOMING A CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST
Clinical hypnotherapy has always been a choice for second careers. Regardless of one’s previous occupation, a person with life experiences can bring so much to the profession. This is particularly true for those who have worked in business or management, raised a family or served the public, since many of these skills translate well in private practice.
Of course, finding the right training institution is important too.
LEARNING VIRTUALLY
Investing in a second career requires a little thought. Adults learn in different ways. This makes it important to select a course that offers flexibility, the ability to apply what you learn and the opportunity to hear how experts are working in the field. Perhaps most importantly classes also need to be fun. The LCCH virtual learning platform is designed to keep all the benefits of classroom learning and to deliver them in a flexible and safe adult learning environment. This means that observing live demonstrations, practice time, working with clients and mentoring all remain fundamental parts of your training. To keep things simple the Practitioner Diploma is divided into three parts. Students start with Part 1: the Foundation in Clinical Hypnosis. The course is extremely practical with a fair degree of personal development included.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Classes are scheduled once a month and students also have the opportunity to attend tutorials, experience clinical hypnosis and practice with each other. One advantage of virtual learning is that all lecturers are recorded so that students can review them again in their own leisure. By the end of the three months, you will be able to take someone safely into the state of clinical hypnosis and help with simple stress management, relaxation, building confidence and teaching self-hypnosis. Exploring the power of one’s unconscious is exciting and some people describe the course as life-changing. Part 2 and Part 3 form the therapeutic journey. You will learn how to listen to people, take a case history, explore important psychotherapy and create a treatment plan. Clinical hypnotherapy can treat a wide range of symptoms from simple weight management, common problems like insomnia, irritable bowel disorder and phobias and even mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, low mood and post-traumatic stress disorders. It is also effective with some of the consequences of the pandemic, frontliner exhaustion and long covid. Becoming a therapist means that you will work with vulnerable people, so you will also learn how to work safely and ethically. You will begin to work with clients on Part 2 and a growing number of students will already have fee paying clients during the course.
CAREER PATHWAY
Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a therapy of higher value in most countries. This means that it is often the highest paid therapy. Therapy fees range in Malaysia from RM150 for new graduates to RM350 per session. Of course everyone needs a little bit of help getting started. LCCH Asia introduced a clinical placement scheme to create a safe environment for students to practice and receive clinical mentoring. Most graduates start out in part-time practice and as they build their confidence and reputation progress into full-time work. In June 2021 the LSCCH launched a new therapy centre to help new graduates just starting out on their career pathway as well as established graduates. Therapists are people with a strong commitment towards helping others. But many lack the skills for running their own practice. The LSCCH Therapy Centre solves this problem by providing referrals (both virtual and in the future face to face) so that new and established clinical hypnotherapists can focus on their profession.