This article is from the Alternative Medicine Therapies guide.
Because very few states regulate the practice of hypnosis, almost anyone can call himself a hypnotist. Choosing the right practitioner is extremely important because, although hypnosis doesn't put you under anyone's "control," your success or failure with the therapy will depend significantly on the competence of the practitioner and the relationship you are able to establish.
Your best bet may be to get a referral from a friend or to find a medical professional who specializes in your problem and also works with hypnosis. Clinical hypnotists--practitioners who are licensed in a field of specialty such as medicine, nursing, psychology, or social work and use hypnosis--must also meet the stricter standards of their professional fields.
 
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