Before committing yourself to private treatment, you should first seek conventional medical advice.  For instance, if you have had constant nagging pain or some other debilitating ailment for a considerable time, have it checked out - it may be a condition that requires medical treatment.

Many GPs these days are becoming increasingly willing to refer patients to non - conventional practitioners, but there are still a few doctors who scorn the idea.  Don't be put off, trust in your judgement - you are the one stuck with the problem.

If you decide to seek this form of treatment yourself, when you have found the therapist of your choice, it would be a courtesy to notify your doctor of the therapists name and address.

Do remember also that there are many practitioners out there who operate independently, or who belong to an organisation.  Some are extremely competent and some are not.
There are also many organisations which are highly professional, and quite a few who are most definitely not.  Don't be afraid to phone around and ask questions, for instance, do they have a written code of practice, and a procedure for dealing with complaints, how long have they been in existence. Do they have a therapist in your area.

The following tips, while by no means fool proof, will at least assist you in your search to find a competent therapist you can rely on and trust.

Ask at your local library if they have a copy of the register of practitioners for any hypnotherapy organisation and check out the therapists in your area.
Talk to someone who has had this form of treatment, if you know of anybody. Can they recommend their therapist?
Is your Doctor prepared to recommend a suitable therapist in you area?
Contact the BIH.
There is also of course the Yellow Pages, but be careful, anyone can call themselves a Hypnotherapist and set up in private practice.
Don't   be afraid to ask some questions before you commit yourself.  Any genuine therapist, and there are plenty out there, is going to be helpful and supportive, and will not try to push you into making a commitment for treatment.  They will not mind answering questions.  If they do, move on.
You need to know what the treatment is going to cost before you decide.  If a therapist suggests a free session during which they will explain the costs, forget it.  They can easily do that over the phone.
Beware of the therapist who wants you to book ten or fifteen sessions before they have seen you.  Some problems can be resolved in two to six sessions.
Cost  will vary from town to town.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking if you pay more you'll get a better therapist.  This is not always true.


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