What is your opinion about studying Hypnotherapy and Psychology simultaneously?

Question

I am starting to practice as a Hypnotherapist, but do not have a Psychology degree yet, I am currently an undergraduate student of Psychology. I am hoping to find answers as to whether or not this is a good idea to pursue Hypnotherapy as a profession before I have a degree in Psychology. If no, what is your recommendation as to when I should start practicing? If yes, what is your opinion as to the best way to balance school and work (my private practice)? Plus, how would I deal with issues such as relocation because of transfering schools? Any other advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Yiu

I have completed over a year's training in the applications of Hypnotherapy and am starting to practice as a Hypnotherapist, the only thing I do not have yet is a Psychology degree, I am currently an undergraduate student of Psychology. I am hoping to find answers as to whether or not this is a good idea to pursue Hypnotherapy as a profession before I have a degree in Psychology. If no, what is your recommendation as to when I should start practicing? If yes, what is your opinion as to the best way to balance school and work (my private practice)? Plus, how would I deal with issues such as relocating because of transfering from one school to another? Any other advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Yiu

Answer 1

Yiu,
My opinion is that you must have a psychology degree and clinical experience. Hypnosis can uncover long buried trauma much more quickly than talk therapy. It is a good tool. But, you should be competent to help a client with any painful memories that are uncovered.
School should be your priority. If you must relocate, then, again concentrate on your education and look for opportunities to practice your skills in the school setting. Good fortune to you.

Answer 2

perhaps through part time study and part time working at your practice should be ok, as long as you continue to take care of yourself, having time out, have some kind of self care plan as, working as well as studying can get quite time consuming, you could lose yourself and be less effective to your clients at work. If it gets to much consider doing your degree over a longer period of time, look at all the options, consider having some practical assessment if possible done at your workplace to cut back the time it is going to take to get your degree. If possible where location is concerned, if this is something that really concerns you alot then you could try doing correspondance and if you do have to attend some classes it is not usually all the time. I also am assuming you have a certificate in hypnotherapy already, cause if somebody decides to sue you for any reason you wont have a leg to stand on.

Answer 3

I think what you are doing is irresponsible because hypnotherapy done by somebody with limited or no knowledge about psychology is dangerous. If you have to, prioritize your studies first, have the basic understanding of the human mind and then move on to getting a post-graduate degree. In most countries, hypnotherapy is reserved only for clinicians who have completed at least their Masters.

Hope you make the right decision.