So the first excitement is over. You’ve applied to a hypnotherapy training course, been accepted, attended your first class, and now the reality hits. You’re looking at your first piece of homework in years and wondering what you’ve let yourself in for.
Developing good study skills can make a real difference to how confidently and successfully you complete your hypnotherapy training, so here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your course.
Study Skills for Hypnotherapy Students
One: Using Your Computer for Coursework
“Ten fingers or two?”
Most schools will ask you to submit written work in either printed or electronic format. This means getting to grips with your computer. Creating an essay template can be a good idea, so it automatically sets future work out in the required format, font and layout. If you’re not sure how to do this there are guides online, or ask a teenager if you have access to one!
Two: Writing Hypnotherapy Assignments
“To me or not to me?’ (with apologies to Hamlet)
Even if you have studied recently, your study skills may need to be tweaked. Academic essays generally have to be written with no mention of yourself (‘the rat was placed into the maze’ instead of ‘I put the rat in the maze’). Most hypnotherapy schools prefer you to include your own experiences, feelings and thoughts about your topic. Check the school’s guidelines on this – and other aspects of what they’re expecting – before you start and not after.
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Three: Managing Your Time and Deadlines
“Time and homework deadlines wait for no-one.” (with apologies to Chaucer)
Last time you studied you may have had fewer other calls on your time and most schools give extensions only for genuine emergencies. To avoid the ‘homework marathon’ (where you try to do the whole month’s tasks on the last day) break up your homework into manageable portions soon after each module. Dip into the relevant bits of textbooks using the index, rather than trying to read them whole. Set aside specific, regular times to concentrate on your coursework, in a quiet place without interruptions or distractions.
Four: How to Stay Organised During Your Training
Organisation is the key.
Create folders in Word, your email programme, and your internet browser favourites to keep all your hypno stuff together, and easily found. Have a file or folder to store class notes and other handouts. And remember this only helps if you keep your filing up to date!
Five: Finding Your Best Way to Study
To thine own self be true!
This is advice is given in Hamlet so it’s not exactly new. But knowing how you prefer to learn can be a big help. Does it help most to take notes in class or just listen? Be creative in finding tasks for the independent study element so they suit your personal preferences: read a book, browse online, watch videos on YouTube or listen to TED talks. YHT has a special student website with links to lots of useful resources for each module and a revision quiz. If your hypnotherapy training school doesn’t, ask your tutor for recommendations.
Six: Practising Your Therapy Skills
Of friends and clients. (with apologies to Steinbeck)
Practising your therapeutic skills between classes is a must but if you’re working with a friend, it’s easy to get distracted and spend the whole visit socialising. Set a specific time to get together, as you would with a client. Meet them at the door in ‘therapist/client mode’ and do the practice session first. Catch up and have the social part afterwards, when you can both relax and enjoy it.
Seven: Getting Support During Your Training
Make use of the support you’re offered.
Network with other students between classes: it’s a great source of support. If you can’t meet up, then get together online, for example via a Facebook or WhatsApp group. Find out when and how to contact your tutor for support between classes if you need it, and don’t be afraid to ask them for help. It’s what they’re there for.
If you haven’t yet signed up for your course, why not send for our free ebook explaining all you need to know about training as a hypnotherapist in the UK?
About Debbie Waller
Blog Author Debbie Waller is a hypnotherapist, supervisor, and trainer with more than twenty years of experience. As well as having a busy client practice, she runs Yorkshire Hypnotherapy Training and writes books and articles for therapists who want to deepen their knowledge and develop effective practice.
Disclaimer
The information and ideas shared on this blog are based on the author’s professional experience, research, and training. They are intended for educational purposes and to support reflection and professional development. Therapists should always apply their own professional judgment and consider the needs of individual clients when using any techniques or suggestions discussed here.
While every effort is made to ensure the information is accurate and helpful, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss, damage, or difficulties arising from the use or misuse of material contained in these articles.
