Maybe you've considered it before. You feel something needs to change, that you could use help, but where do you start? Hypnotherapy is growing as a treatment method and more and more people are discovering its possibilities. But how do you find someone who really suits you?
The interesting thing is that doctors are starting to see this more and more as well. They are referring patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or psychosomatic complaints such as SOLK and ALK to hypnotherapists. That doesn't just happen; it works. The only question is: Who should you see?
What I encounter in my practice is that people often don't know what to look for. They Google some, read some reviews, but in the end they still don't know if that therapist is right for their particular situation.
Do you get that feeling? You want help, you know it's there, but you don't know how to make the right choice.
That's why this article. Whether you struggle with anxiety, sleep poorly, or just feel like more is possible, the therapist you choose can make the difference between progress and walking around with those symptoms even longer. And I don't begrudge you that.
Why it's so important to make the right choice
You might think it doesn't matter so much who you end up with. Therapy is therapy, right? Nothing could be further from the truth. The person across from you largely determines whether you progress or not. Research shows that the match with your therapist largely determines the success of your treatment.(1)
Your mental health deserves attention
Look around you. About 2 million people in the Netherlands struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. So that's a lot of people, and yet we still don't talk about it easily. Openness about your mental health not only helps yourself, but also contributes to more understanding in society.
Your mental well-being is the foundation of everything you do. Your relationships, your work, how you feel - it all depends on it. That's why it's good to consciously invest time and energy in it. And the therapist who helps you do that? That choice is crucial.
What makes a therapist really good?
A good therapist does more than just listen to you. He or she truly works with you to improve. The quality of that collaboration, that therapeutic relationship, determines up to 50% of the outcome. That's quite a lot.
What to look out for. These things make all the difference:
- You feel comfortable: no judgments, just safety
- True engagement: you can tell he or she really cares
- Expertise: they know what they are talking about
- Warmth: you can just be yourself
The crazy thing is that some therapists are just much more effective than others. Two to three times as good, in fact. That's why that choice is so important.
What can go wrong
Imagine this: you finally take the step to seek help, but the click isn't there. About one in five people quit early because it just doesn't work. Even worse: sometimes people actually get worse instead of better.
A bad match can make your symptoms worse. And the worst part? You lose faith in therapy. Then you think, "It's not working for me anyway." Whereas it might just have been because of the wrong therapist.
We pay mindlessly for a good mechanic or barber. But when it comes to our mental health, we suddenly start moping about costs. Whereas a few sessions with the right therapist can turn your whole life around.
What should you look for in a hypnotherapist?
You know you want help, but how do you know if the person behind that website is actually suitable? There are a few clear criteria you can look at. Not to be difficult, but because it makes a difference to your bottom line.
Training: more than a weekend course
A licensed hypnotherapist has a substantial education. We're talking college level, not an online course of a few weeks. Many therapists then go on to further training, such as Integrative Hypnotherapy, which meets European standards.
Also check out Psychosocial Basic Knowledge (PSBK), often a required training if sessions are partially reimbursed by insurers. This CPION-accredited training ensures that the therapist meets requirements of health insurance companies and has essential knowledge about psychology and treatment techniques. During such training, you will learn to deal with anxiety, trauma and addictions. It involves both theory and practical skills.
Membership: are they verified?
The NBVH has been in existence since 1992 and is the largest professional association for hypnotherapists in the Netherlands. Other reputable associations include the NVvH or HVNL. Membership means adherence to rules:
- Adhering to an official professional code of ethics
- Annual audit and new license
- Continuing education and peer review at least four times a year
- Insurance and administration in order
- Care arranged if they become ill
This may seem bureaucratic, but it means there is oversight. That saves you a lot of hassle afterwards.
Experience with your complaint
General experience is nice, but has that therapist worked with your specific problem? Some focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome or trauma. Doctors don't just refer to those.
Full-time therapists have often gained more experience than someone doing it on the side. Many licensed hypnotherapists combine several methods, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, inner child work and regression therapy. This gives them more opportunities to help you.
So check: education, association membership and relevant experience. Those three combined will give you a reasonable idea of what you're dealing with.
Here's how to find the right therapist in five steps
Okay, now it gets practical. You've decided you're going to seek help, but how do you go about it? I regularly see people who walk around for months thinking "I need to do something," but never actually start. That's a waste of your time and energy.
Start with people you trust
Ask around in your community. Not to gossip, but to gather information. Has your sister had a good experience with her therapist? Does your co-worker know someone? People don't often share these things naturally, so you'll have to ask.
But beware! What works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. Your sister may like a direct approach, while you need peace of mind. Use that information as a starting point, not a final judgment.
Check out their background (really)
This may sound boring, but do it anyway. A good therapist has undergone thorough training. You can just ask. "What training have you received?" is a normal question, not an attack on their professionalism.
Psychologists are often a safe choice, but some of my best colleagues have very different backgrounds. What matters is their therapy training, not so much where they come from. A nurse with excellent hypnotherapy training can be fine.
Find online, but smart
The Internet is full of therapist listings, but where do you start? Go to the Web sites of recognized associations such as the NBVH. There you will find hypnotherapists who meet certain requirements. That will save you a lot of searching between serious professionals and people who took weekend courses.
Call first, book later
Before you immediately schedule an appointment online, pick up the phone. Yes, I know, no one calls anymore. But in those five minutes, you'll already get a lot of information. How do they sound? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they have experience with your type of complaints?
Ask about practical things: when can they see you, how often, what does it cost, where is the practice. All logical questions that will save you time later.
Trust your gut during the first call
This is the most important point and at the same time the most difficult. During the intake, you are going to notice if there is a click. Do you feel safe? Can you imagine telling this person your deepest concerns?
Sometimes it doesn't feel right while the therapist seems perfect on paper. It happens. Your gut is right, even if you can't explain it. You can always go to someone else. That's not failing, that's choosing well.
That first call: what really happens
Okay, you found someone. You've called, made an appointment, and now comes the moment when you actually know if it's going to work. That first call is crucial, and everyone feels it.
What really happens during the intake
Count on an hour and a half. The therapist wants to hear your story, understand what is going on, and together you look at the best approach. Some therapists do this in one meeting, others split it up: first get acquainted, then a second meeting with a concrete plan.
You can bring someone with you if you like. A partner, friend, or family member, as long as it's someone who supports you. Not everyone does, but it's allowed and it can help you feel calmer.
The goal is simple: you tell what is going on, the therapist listens and asks questions, and together you try to find out if you are a good fit for each other. And whether this person can help you with mental health issues you are struggling with.
Questions you just have to ask
Don't be polite. This is about you and your situation. Ask the questions you have:
- What do you think is going on with me?
- What would treatment look like and how long does something like this take?
- What do you expect from me?
- When can we get started?
- What if things go wrong or I start feeling rotten?
These are normal questions. Any good therapist expects them and can answer them.
Your feelings count
This is where it gets interesting. You can check all the degrees you want, but at the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: Do you feel safe with this person? Can you imagine talking about your most difficult moments?
Trust what you feel. If you have doubts, if something doesn't feel right, then something probably isn't right. Then just search further. There are more therapists and you don't have to take the first the berry because it's "nice.
That click is not an afterthought; it is often the most important part of whether a therapy will work or not.
What it's ultimately about
You've now come to the end of this article, and maybe now you feel a little brighter about how to find a therapist that's right for you. At least I hope so. Because what I want to give you most of all is that you are not the only one who finds this difficult.
About 2 million people in the Netherlands deal with psychological complaints. That's a lot of people and you just belong to that group. That's okay. It means that you are human, not that there is something wrong with you.
What I've learned in all these years is that the click with your therapist is often more important than all the degrees and certificates combined. Of course they have to be there, you want someone who knows what they are doing. But ultimately it comes down to that feeling in your gut. Do you feel safe with this person? Can you tell your story? That determines whether it's going to work.
Those steps we went through, from asking around you to that first call, are just tools. They help you not to choose blindly, but they don't replace your own feelings. Trust that.
Choosing a therapist is really just taking ownership of your own recovery. You decide who you are going to be vulnerable with. You choose who you are going to trust with your story. And if it doesn't click? Then you look further. That's not failure, that's smart.
Your mental health is worth spending time and attention here. It really is. And once you find that right match, the difference can be huge. I grant you that.
Key Takeaways
Finding the right therapist is crucial to successful recovery; the therapeutic relationship determines up to 50% of the treatment outcome.
- Always check training, certification and membership in recognized professional associations such as NBVH
- Start with questions in your area, but ultimately make your own choice based on personal match
- Schedule an introductory meeting to test the click, do you feel safe and comfortable?
- Look out for specialized experience with your specific symptoms such as PDS, trauma or anxiety disorders
- Trust your gut during intake, the right therapeutic relationship is essential for recovery
Choosing the wrong therapist can lead to premature discontinuation (20% of patients) or even harm. Therefore, consciously invest time in finding a therapist that suits your specific situation and personality.
Become a hypnotherapist?
Just want to help people with hypnotherapy? Then come to our free master class for an introduction.
Or register for one of our events or trainings.
Have a question about our training? Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation here.
Sources:
1. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7493&context=etd
