Hypnotherapy Is Helping LA Residents Improve Both Their Professional And Personal Lives
As adults continue to turn to psychologists to help solve or manage their personal and social problems, demand for psychological services will increase, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most clinical psychologists in Los Angeles currently earn an annual salary nearing $90,000, slightly higher than the national norm. An adjunct to psychotherapy that is gaining momentum is hypnosis, an ancient process utilized to heighten a patient's cognitive responses.
"People in Southern California are very hungry for self-discovery and alternative health," said George Kappas, director of Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), a nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy. "Overcoming fears and limitations, increasing motivation for success and discovering the mind/body connection for better health are some issues hypnotherapy addresses."
HMI offers certification training for those interested in exploring a potentially lucrative career as a practicing hypnotherapist. The school estimates it has provided more than 250,000 hours of private hypnotherapy services throughout its 46-year reign, as the need for this specialty grows.
"Many of the answers we seek to understanding our behavior and health lie within our own subconscious minds," said Kappas, who earned his Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu. "Hypnosis is a wonderful tool for tapping into this natural resource."
In what way have the dynamics of hypnotherapy improved?
"Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been present in society under a variety of names for 5,000 years. The biggest change is that we are continuing to see growing public awareness, acceptance and openness to experience."
In what way do you expect an effective hypnotherapist's role to change by 2024?
"I anticipate that more health institutions, like hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and senior centers, will utilize the services of hypnotherapists."
What is the best way to plan for a promising career in hypnotherapy?
"The best way to prepare for a career in hypnotherapy is to attend an accredited hypnotherapy school that provides rigorous and thorough training."
What is your advice to those interested in embarking on this career path?
"I advise students to first experience the process by participating in sessions with a hypnotherapist who has graduated from an accredited school of hypnotherapy."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
