Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to alter a patient’s behavior or motivations. Once patients are in a hypnotic state, the hypnotherapists will implant suggestions or instructions that remain in the subconscious after the person is awake. The hypnotherapist may consult with the patient to uncover the nature of the problem and train the patient in self-hypnosis.

In Practice

A person’s susceptibility to hypnosis will determine how useful hypnotherapy will be. One of the reasons that a hypnotherapist will talk with a person before attempting hypnosis is to both get an idea of the reasons underlying the problems that the person is seeking help for and also how susceptible the person will be to the procedure. Popular treatments sought with hypnosis are smoking cessation and weight loss.

Hourly Earnings

Earnings can vary widely, according to the American Association of Professional Hypnotists. The national average hourly rate charged for hypnotherapy in 2008 was $85 an hour, with a range from $45 to $150 an hour. The coastal states had rates on the higher end of the range, while more rural states saw lower rates.

Annualized Earnings

Using the hourly figures, the American Association of Professional Hypnotists annualized what typical earning for a hypnotherapist might be. At the $85-an-hour average rate for three billable hours a day and five days a weeks, weekly earnings are $1,275. Multiply this by 50 weeks and the average annual earnings are $63,750. This is gross earnings and does not include any expenses that a self-employed businessperson would incur. Also, by billing one more hour a day, the gross income would jump to $85,000 a year.

High-End Earnings

In a best-case scenario, well-known hypnotherapists might command up to $300 an hour, according to the American Association of Professional Hypnotists. With the three-billable-hour scenario above, annual earnings now jump to $225,000. Weekend seminars to lose weight or stop smoking can create an additional stream of revenue as well as books on the subject of hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis.