I am continuing to suspend in-person hypnotherapy sessions with me in my office. However, phone, and Zoom consultations ARE and WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE!
(This blog was originally posted on May 9, 2014)
Someone
recently contacted me to find out more information about hypnotherapy and
whether hypnosis could help him to achieve a particular goal. We chatted for a
while, and I gave him some information about hypnotherapy and how I use
hypnosis and therapeutic guided imagery to help my clients achieve various
vocational and avocational self-improvement goals. At the end of our
conversation, he wanted to know where he could read more
information about my experience as a certified hypnotherapist so he could make
a decision about whether to give hypnotherapy a try. I gave him my business
card and brochure and referred him to the website for my company, Calminsense Hypnotherapy®,
so he could read more about me and what I do.
After we said
goodbye, I thought about our conversation in the context of the best and most
effective ways to disseminate information not just about my practice but
hypnosis and hypnotherapy in general. Even though it is becoming a more
mainstream therapy, I am aware that people are still a little wary about
hypnosis. They want to know if they will become vulnerable to some kind of mind
control or manipulation while they are in hypnosis. Will they do or say
something stupid or embarrassing, or break a confidence or reveal a bank
password while they are in-state? (The answer is no, no, no and no.) But the
fact that these concerns remain prevalent suggests to me that my colleagues and
I need to continue to share the facts and dispel the myths about what we do.
One of the best
ways to do this is through conversations with people about what we do. Here are
some suggestions for the most effective ways that I have found to share this
information:
- Advertise and write blogs/articles: I limit my advertising budget to a few equestrian-themed publications. However, I write a hypnotherapy-themed blog just about every night to keep spreading the word about the many ways hypnosis and John Kappas, Ph.D.’s model, Theory of Mind, are generally relevant to daily life. I specifically tailor the topics of my essays to illustrate how the therapeutic techniques I learned or behaviors I studied during my training and continuing education at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute are relevant to my (and your!) daily life. I let people know when I have written a new blog by posting a short “announcement” about it on Twitter, LinkedIn and on my personal and business Facebook accounts. I also provide a link that will take you directly to the blog on my website.
- Business cards and brochures: These are still among the most effective (and immediate) ways to promote your practice. I always carry business cards with me to give out. I have “rented” space at my local tack store to display my cards for prospective equestrian clients. I also leave a business card on the condiment table every time I go to Starbucks®.
- Donate hypnotherapy session(s) or handwriting analysis: Hypnotherapy sessions and/or formal handwriting analyses are unusual (and intriguing) prizes in a silent-auction or raffle at a fundraiser or social event. The best way for people to learn about hypnosis is to experience it. I recently donated a free hypnotherapy session with me as a silent-auction prize for a horse rescue in Leona Valley, California; to raise awareness about the package and market my practice, I spent a wonderful afternoon doing handwriting analyses for guests at the event, as well.
- Volunteer your time and skills to support local organizations: In addition to introducing your work to people who may not know about hypnotherapy, volunteering is a wonderful way to provide this valuable service to those who might not otherwise be able to experience it for themselves. I have previously led a free monthly relaxation/guided-imagery workshop at Circle of Hope, Inc. and Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center, a 501(c) cancer-support group based in Santa Clarita, California.
- Dress code: Hypnotherapists, as therapists, follow professional codes of ethics and conduct. Wear clothes that best represent what you do as a therapist and your commitment to this work of helping your clients achieve their goals. Wearing your name badge while running errands, etc. is another great way to market your profession.
- Marketing materials: When I am out running errands on the weekend, I typically wear a baseball cap with my company name and website on it. I want people to ask me about the words they are reading so I can tell them about what I do and how hypnosis is an effective tool to help people change undesired behaviors.
- Network in the community: Introduce yourself to local chiropractors, masseuses, hairstylists, yoga instructors, your bank, dry cleaners, etc. Let people know what you do, where you are located and how much you charge for your sessions. Even other hypnotherapists can be a great source of referrals if you specialize in different areas than they do: e.g., hypnosis to improve sports performance versus smoking cessation. This morning on my way to a meeting at a local Starbucks® I approached two firefighters who were parked nearby to ask if I could buy them a coffee in thanks for all they are doing to combat the fires in the community. At the end of the conversation, I also gave them each a business card.
- Professional affiliations: Keep up your professional affiliations, such as the American Hypnosis Association, the Hypnotherapists Union, your local chamber of commerce, etc. In addition to providing professional support these organizations will often “link” your website with theirs. (Be sure to return the favor!)
- Professional and client referrals: At some point in our career as a hypnotherapist, we may need to refer a client to a licensed medical doctor or mental health worker for further evaluation or to provide assistance that is out of our scope of expertise. Similarly, once the physician has ruled out any medical causes of his patient’s headache, he may refer the patient to you as a hypnotherapy client so you can help him manage the stress that causes his pain. Previous and current clients are also excellent referrals!
- Promote your practice through social media: I am active on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and I write posts about various topics. Of course, I have provided information about my practice, Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, on these accounts. However, it is not necessary to “talk shop” all the time to get attention for your practice. Several of my Twitter followers have become specifically interested in what I do, but only after we had been communicating about our mutual interests for many months.
- Website: A good website goes a long, long way to “market” you to a wide population. Be sure to update the site periodically by posting new client referrals, updating your professional certifications and even changing the photographs or design to refresh the search programs.
- Honors and Special Recognition: I have been voted “Best Hypnotherapist” in Santa Clarita four years in a row: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each year, usually in the late Spring or early Summer, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal identifies local businesses as the “best of” across various categories based on nominations and votes cast by SCV citizens. I am so grateful to current and former clients, and other businesses in the community who have recognized me this way as I continue to provide hypnotherapy to help people achieve their vocational and avocational self-improvement goals.
- Finally, another great way to generate interest in your hypnotherapy practice is to provide special discounts for your services. For example, you can promote “special deals” to coincide with the anniversary of the creation of your practice, to kick off a holiday or a season, etc., or to promote a new therapeutic technique. This is the promotion I am currently offering:
Special
Offer: Free 30-Minute Phone or Zoom Consultation
This
is a great opportunity to find out why hypnosis is so effective and how
hypnotherapy can help you achieve your self-improvement goals. Call or text me
at (661) 433-9430 or send me an e-mail at calminsensehypnosis@yahoo.com to
set up your free, 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation* today!
*This is not a full hypnotherapy session. Hypnosis will not be
provided during this consultation. This offer is not redeemable for cash and
may not be combined with any other promotion.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in
Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. Sara has been voted the Best
Hypnotherapist in Santa Clarita, California, four years in a row (2019-2022).
For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/
© 2023
