Confidence in Hypnotherapy Practice: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

by Richard Nongard

In this qualitative study, the lived experiences, including perceptions and beliefs, of licensed mental health professionals who are also trained in hypnotherapy were examined as they related to the practice of hypnotherapy therapy. This study utilized interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyze themes that emerged related to the lived experiences of confidence. Although the literature supports the efficacy of hypnotherapy for many psychological conditions, it remains underutilized by trained professionals. Literature shows that therapist confidence impacts technique selection as well as client outcomes. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory provided a foundational framework for understanding the concept of confidence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 licensed mental health professionals trained in hypnotherapy. They were recruited using the snowball method. Major themes revealed the importance and role of rapport, adaptability, creativity, mastery experiences, continued learning, and the value of modeling. The findings suggest that confidence enables flexibility, rapport, innovation, creativity, and perseverance. In the practice of hypnotherapy, practitioner confidence is influenced by challenges and successes as well as their ongoing training, innate traits, and life experiences, which have helped them cultivate a sense of confidence. Through this doctoral study, I have potentially revealed that the lived experiences of hypnotherapists' confidence can bridge the gap between training and utilization, making hypnotherapy more accessible to clients who can benefit from it.

243 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2024