Hello,

Just a bit of brain picking!

I have a friend who's going to have to go to hospital at some pioint for surgery but she's petrified of hospitals and is already worrying about it.  She has thought about seeing a hypnotist to overcome her fears.  Its not an area I know a lot about, my step-mother used a hypnotist to stop herself smoking & it worked but she wasn't succesful when trying to cut back on food.

Does anyone have any advice, any regulatory bodies, what to look or for etc.

Thanks a bunch!

My husband is a clinical hypnotherapist.  He says that anyone that practices in hypnotherapy should be able to show their qualifications and that you can check their website for details of which professional bodies they belong to.  Membership of a professional body will prove qualification and insurance. Their details will be listed on the website of that professional body.  There are a number of professional bodies to look for, including General Hypnotherapy Register and Hypnotherapy Society.
Any hynotherapist should be able to help with a general phobia of hospitals, but there are others who are specialise and are trained in treatments without anaesthetics etc.
Hypnotherapy does work for a range of things.  I have used it myself for confidence building before stressful situations such as job interviews.  I've also used it to help build my confidence before important shows, for example Crufts - I am a nervous handler.  I think it helps to have a hubby who understands basic ring procedure!  I haven't used it for weight control though, as anyone who's met me will testify. :-)

I have a friend who used it for the fear of flying. A bit of a curse here.
Anyhow she now gets excited when she hears a plane, the anticipation of a trip.

Karen.

Hi Christine, I work with a woman who trained as a hypnotherapist.  She practiced on me a lot and it was generally about relaxation and stuff like that but I loved it.  If you want her details let me know and I will get in touch with her for you.