What is the difference between hypnotist and clinical hypnotherapist?

Answer 1

This is a very personal view. Please explore other views for your own conclusions.

A hypnotist can cover stage hypnosis also and is not necessarily there to provide therapy. Therapy assists the client with difficulties he or she may have. A hypnotist may well be able to do this, but the title 'hypnotherapist' makes that clear. Therefore one should look for that title when seeking help.

Also, a hypnotist may be able to provide therapy, but a hypnotherapist is involved in therapy only and is therefore likely to have the most experience.

Clinical hypnotherapy, in my view, means very little. 'Clinical' infers 'of a clinic,' which will be the case with many practitioners operating from a clinic, or it infers a scientific credibility which has not yet been sufficiently achieved in the view of the main scientific community, although many are now looking favourably upon it.

. As a hypnotherapist, I believe in the efficacy of this therapy. However, there are many terms that could be placed before the title of hypnotherapist. For example, 'transpersonal' is a good description if one feels that the therapy goes beyond, say, behaviourism or has some deeper effect than the mere changing of habits. Transpersonal infers mind, body and spirit therapy, which is the basis of most complementary therapies.

I would therefore prefer the term 'transpersonal hypnotherapist. It is a matter of choice and perspective.

Answer 2

A hypnotist typically focuses on entertainment and performing stage shows, using hypnosis to entertain audiences. A clinical hypnotherapist, on the other hand, uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to help individuals make positive changes in their lives, such as overcoming phobias, managing stress, or breaking habits. Clinical hypnotherapists work in a therapeutic setting to promote personal growth and healing.