Hypnotherapy is an interesting career that can supplement a psychologist's practice or be used by alternative health doctors in their offices. The hypnotherapist treats medical issues or dependencies or oversees such physical concerns as pain management. Hypnosis is used as the main mode of therapy.

A Quick Overview of the Job

Many hypnotherapists already have a background in therapy or psychology and therefore are well-suited to working one-on-one with patients. Besides treating patients, hypnotherapists in private practice are responsible for attracting new patients, managing paperwork and overseeing office tasks. Typically, a hypnotherapist works with a patient to assess an issue, then uses hypnosis to help a patient control a problematic behaviour or address a medical concern.

Expanding Your Career Prospects

You can expand your career prospects in hypnotherapy by focusing on dependency issues, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, substance abuse, family counseling or pain management. Hypnosis also extends to such areas as the elimination of anxieties and phobias. A hypnotherapist’s training enables him or her to administer hypnosis and help a patient overcome a medical, mental or neurological concern. Hypnosis assists a patient stop certain behaviours that may be limiting or hurtful as well.

Many times, a hypnotherapist will run his or her own practice and therefore not only administers hypnotherapy services but handles the finance, marketing, management and daily operations. The certification training that leads to a hypnotherapy endorsement is typically backed by educational training in psychology or therapy.

Getting a Job in the Field

The best way to get employed in a hypnotherapy job is to look for work in a clinic that offers hypnotherapy services or a facility that features holistic medical services. This is an ideal way to gain the experience and clientele that are needed to establish a career. Most hypnotherapists will eventually run their own practice. However, when starting out, it is best to obtain the experience first.

Statistics show that the job outlook for hypnotherapists is excellent. As the population ages, they will experience a variety of health concerns. Rather than opting for an aggressive or invasive forms of therapy, people will look for alternative methods instead. Besides hypnosis, holistic clinics may offer services in acupuncture or aromatherapy as well.

The Working Environment

The usual working environment of a hypnotherapist is like that of a regular doctor. Typically, the office layout includes a waiting room, front desk and treatment and consultation rooms. The room where hypnosis is performed is usually a relaxing environment. Because this is a relatively newer career, the salary range has not yet been established. However, many hypnotherapists make over $60,000 AUD per year.

Specialty Therapies

Whether you work in the field to supplement your practice as a psychologist or wish to open up your own alternative medicine clinic, again, the prospects look good for any Australian who wishes to devote themselves to hypnotherapy training in Australia.

In order to increase your prospects, determine your specialty. For example, if you open up a hypnotherapy practice that centres on weight loss, then you can assist patients in losing weight and sticking to a diet. Or, you may prefer to narrow down your practice to helping people stop smoking. Some hypnotherapists combine the two services.