Since there is no specific education or training requirements, almost anyone can call him or herself a hypnotherapist. It’s best to contact practitioners that have been certified by The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists. For example I became a certified clinical hypnotherapist by talking a 72 hour course. I no longer practice

“also, i’ve always seen hypnosis being induced by psychologists to a cooperative patient. is it possible to induce this state to a person without that person knowing?”

ANSWER: NO: Under hypnosis the hypnotherapist can only guide you but you are still in control. For example if he asked you to jump off a cliff you would not do it.

What you have to look at is if the person has a “suggestible” type of personality. You will notice that in stage hypnosis the hypnotist will select people based on tests he or she does. What they are looking for is how open to suggestions they are. if they are open to suggestion and are a certain personality type they are a good candidate for hypnosis.