Some people are nervous when making a first appointment with a hypnotist or hypnotherapist Understandably so because this is a new venture for you, and you’ve probably heard a lot of misinformation on the subject.

Here are some questions to ask your potential practitioner so you can get the info you need to feel comfortable before committing to an appointment. Ask those that are most important to you.

1. “How long have you been doing this work?”

Maybe the fee is very low, you’d really like to give a newbie a chance, or you have outstanding rapport with this particular practitioner. Otherwise, don’t choose a rank beginner to hypnotize you on an issue of great importance. Choose someone with at least 2-3 years of solid experience or much more. If you can save on the fee, a beginner might be a good choice for issues like mild stress or a desire to relax more.

2. “Where were you trained/certified, when, and how many CEU’s (continuing-education units) do you take per year to update your skills in the field?”

Even if you don’t recognize the name of the certifying institution, at the very least, make sure it was not a quickie online training but substantial and in person. Ask how many hours of training s/he had.

Continual training keeps us updated on the field, teaches us new techniques and gives us many opportunities to practice them before using them with clients. It also gives us the chance to meet other practitioners, hear their ideas and fine tune our own.

As a client, you deserve to work with someone who continually re-educates herself and refines her techniques. You may also want to know where she was trained.

3. “My issue is (related to) ________. Have you worked with that?”

Many of us work frequently with dieters and people who want to stop biting their nails or start exercising. But for rarer issues, you’ll want to choose someone who has worked with at least a few clients needing similar assistance.

For instance, if you tell me your goal concerns the metaphysical, I’ll refer you to my colleague who revolves much of his practice around that subject, but if you are concerned with attracting the right person for you-or reliably quitting smoking -I’m a top choice.

The more experienced the practitioner, the more likely she can work with rarer, more elusive problems or desires-if there is no local expert on the subject.

4. “Would you tell me about your process?”

What is meant here is: how does this practitioner work? If you asked me about my process, I would reply begin by asking several important questions about the issue you’ve come to change:

What is it that you want or desire? If you achieved it, what would it give you or make possible for you? And in what other ways might it impact your life? How will you know (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually) that you have it?

A lot to think about, I know.

And after you take a moment to answer and digest some of that…

I’ll ask you if you’re truly willing to resolve the issue or create the thing you say you desire.

Because there are downsides–what might you lose?

When you meet with me for your first appointment, I’ll usually test to uncover which hypnosis methods seem best for you, tell you what to expect when hypnotized, and then begin the process.

I’ll remind you that it can be a very pleasant experience, often relaxing, and after answering your questions, I’ll request that you simply follow my directions, and allow yourself to drift into the hypnotic state.

Pay attention both to what the practitioner is saying and to how you feel conversing with her on the phone and during your appointment. Both are important. On a personal note, as a client, I would also want to get a sense of both ability and willingness to individualize to respond to my needs.

5. “How many sessions will it usually take to work on this?”

Your practitioner may not be able to give you a definitive answer because she doesn’t yet know your entire situation, but a range is useful.

For instance, in my experience, nail biting has often required as few as one session, and occasionally as many as three, but rarely more. Anxiety issues may involve more sessions, as multiple issues unfold during the process.

Please don’t hold the therapist prisoner to the exact number of sessions they estimate. As your needs unfold during the sessions this may need to be reassesed.

6. “How has your success been with this issue?”

You don’t need a statistical success rate, but more a feel for the level of experience and comfort in dealing with the subject.

7. “What is the cost? And how can I get the most from our sessions?”

Clients often make the mistake of choosing the practitioner with the lowest stated rate. Most of us like to save money. But the one who quotes $85 a session may be a far weaker choice that one who charges $145, and could take three times as long to get the job done, though not always.

One may prepare you to do further work on your own for reinforcement, while another may not teach you how to help yourself-costing more in the long run and encouraging less autonomy.

Location (office rental costs) and ongoing professional education can also impact cost. Experience and ability should count in the final analysis in addition to rapport and specific knowledge about your area of interest or need.

To get more from a session, arrive with a clear idea of what you want. Give a direct explanation of your issue as you see it, when it emerges, and what discomfort or negative results it causes. Express what you would want instead (i.e., confidence in social situations vs. nervousness or fear.) If the practitioner has useful insights that expand upon the issue you described-and they feel true-encourage her to add to the interpretation of the issue.

Ask questions if you don’t understand instructions given anytime during the session.

Keep every appointment or reschedule if you need to, with adequate notice. (Your practitioner will appreciate your respect and treat you with the same.)

Hypnosis is a way to empower, develop, and even re-create yourself. The right hypnotist can be a great guide and ally. These seven questions can help you find him or her. Enjoy the journey!