A UK and International Professional Association for Hypnotherapists, Psychotherapists and their clients.
The APHP sets the benchmark for quality in hypnosis and psychotherapy across the UK
Professional Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists join the APHP
Here at The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, we understand the significant impact a well-trained and dedicated therapist can have on a client’s journey towards healing and personal growth. By joining our association, you not only align yourself with a community of professionals who adhere to the highest standards and ethics, but also gain access to invaluable support and resources. Elevate your therapy practice and make a real difference in the lives of clients seeking your expertise – join our professional association today.
Looking for a Hypnotherapist or Psychotherapist?
Our hypnotherapy directory features a selection of therapists who have provided their training, qualifications, and insurance credentials.
Hypnosis and psychotherapy can help with building confidence, reducing stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy helps you to navigate grief or loss. It can improve your success with weight loss, quit smoking or vaping and other habits. It can help you to improve relationships, both personal and work life, and enables you to work through emotional traumas and any of lifes other challenges.
Embrace the transformative power of hypnosis and psychotherapy, and embark on a path towards personal growth and emotional fulfilment. Find a hypnotherapist near you today.
What kind of therapist should I choose?
You may have heard the terms hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling and possibly psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioural and cognitive. You might even have had other therapies in the past such as BWRT, havening or NLP. Choosing the right therapist for you depends on the kind of help you need. Click below to discover more
The differences between hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and counselling
An Overview
Hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and counselling are all forms of talking therapies. They cover similar topics and help with similar problems. Talking therapy is a form of mental health treatment that involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a certified mental health therapist.
During therapy sessions:
- You’ll have a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to express yourself.
- The therapist will help you understand your emotions, identify negative thought patterns, and develop healthier behaviours and mindsets.
Therapy comes in various forms, each with unique approaches and techniques. Finding the right therapist involves ensuring they are properly qualified, insured, and accredited.
Hypnotherapy
- Focuses on accessing the subconscious mind through hypnosis to address specific issues or habits.
- Uses guided relaxation and suggestions to promote positive change.
- Often used for issues like anxiety, phobias, and habit changes. Coupled with psychotherapy, it can help overcome many of life’s challenges.
Psychotherapy
- Explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to uncover underlying causes of emotional or mental health issues.
- Often delves into the past to understand current-day challenges.
- Can be long-term or short-term, depending on the individual’s needs.
Counselling
- Provides support and guidance to individuals dealing with life challenges.
- Often incorporates practical strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Commonly used for issues such as relationship problems, grief, and stress management.
Key Differences Between Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, and Counselling:
| Feature | Hypnotherapy | Psychotherapy | Counselling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Accesses the subconscious | Conscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours | Support and guidance for current-day issues |
| Techniques | Hypnosis, suggestion | Talking therapy, various techniques | Listening, problem-solving |
| Duration | Often shorter-term | Can be long-term or short-term | Varies depending on the issue |
How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often accompanied by deep relaxation. In this state, the conscious mind becomes less dominant, allowing the subconscious mind to be more accessible.
Hypnosis can occur naturally (such as being engrossed in a book or daydreaming) or be induced intentionally through therapeutic or recreational techniques.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, hypnosis is considered a useful and safe tool when performed by a trained and qualified professional. It is a natural and non-invasive process that does not involve the use of drugs or physical manipulation. However, like any therapeutic approach, it may not be suitable for everyone or every condition.
Non-invasive: It relies solely on verbal guidance and mental techniques.
No Loss of Control: During hypnosis, individuals remain aware of their surroundings and retain control over their actions. They cannot be made to do anything against their will or values.
Widely Researched: Studies and clinical evidence support its effectiveness for many conditions, such as anxiety, panic, pain, habit-breaking, goal setting, grief, PTSD and much more.
The most important part of choosing a therapist is to make sure the have been properly vetted by a professional association. Hypnosis performed by someone unqualified or without a proper understanding of mental health issues could lead to ineffective or even counterproductive results.
For individuals with severe mental health disorders (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia), hypnosis may not be advisable as it could exacerbate symptoms.
Choose a Professional: Always work with a certified and experienced hypnotherapist.
Be Open About Your Health: Share any medical or psychological history with your therapist to ensure the approach is suitable.
Understand the Process: Discuss what to expect during and after the session to feel more comfortable.
When used responsibly and appropriately, hypnosis can be a powerful tool for positive change.
How will I know if my therapist is right for me?
Choosing the right therapist is like finding a good book—you need one that captures your attention, resonates with your experiences, and helps you see things in a new way.
Finding your ideal therapist starts with understanding your own needs and preferences. Ask yourself what you’re looking to address—whether it’s anxiety, stress, relationships, or something more specific and then look for a therapist who specialises in that area. Decide if you’d feel more comfortable with a particular gender, age, or style of therapy, like a more creative way of working such as hypnotherapy, or a more open-ended one like psychotherapy.
Research is key, so check on our directory, read reviews, and look at their specialist areas. Many therapists offer an initial consultation, take advantage of this to ask questions, get a feel for their approach, and see if you feel a connection. Ultimately, your ideal therapist is someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and respected while providing the tools you need to grow and heal.
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