So, I decided that, if I was to consider Hypnotherapy as a career, I really ought to plan ahead. I have never had a business before, so I didn't know where to start!?
However I am, and always have been, a planner!
I was always one of those students who did all the article research in the first week of an assignment even if I didn't touch it again for sometime. And I ALWAYS had a revision plan/diary (whether I stuck to it is another thing).
So, I began to research Hypnotherapy businesses. I began with looking at the Hypnotherapists in the area - there are way more than I had imagined! Most either working from home or within an office. This is something I don't want to decide at such a formative time in my training, although I do now know the going rate for local office space.
What was clearly evident is that my business needs to be online. I'm aware that there are a number of therapists that have a Facebook (business) page only. This seems to work OK for some, but I don't like the idea of all my business being enclosed within someone else's. I'm definitely an independent woman! I decided that I would need my own website at some point, this will not only give me control but, I feel, will also look more professional to potential clients.
I definitely needed some advice:
I have a friend who set up her sole-trader Yoga business with it's own website, so I consulted her and she she was happy to give me advice. What a Godsend - sometime you just need a sounding board. Thank you Tiffany!
Bare in mind that, at this point, I was just researching for the "future".
Anyway one thing led to another and I went down the rabbit-hole of website design and ended up creating my own website, there and then, using Wix. This was fairly quick and easy, to be honest, whether or not I needed to do it at this stage is another matter. I have justified this (to myself) as being able to "practice" and improve my web-design skills before I actually go live with a business - I've got plenty of time! It also gave me the idea of writing a blog which I could do to document my journey as a Clinical Hypnotherapy student.
As usual for me: In for a penny, in for a pound; and I also created second Instagram and Facebook accounts, specifically for my future business. Although these currently concentrate on being a student Hypnotherapist.
This will definitely be a working progress as I go forward.
In regards to my actual studying: I have been doing lots of suggested reading and watching suggested/relevant YouTube videos.
I've also been practising Hypnosis Induction using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). This still feels a little "forced" as read from the script provided for us, and I just can't seem to make myself talk slower, as is required. I'm hoping to become better at it as I practice. The one piece of advice we were given was to record our voice whilst practising, in order to listen back and self-critique. Like most people, I hate the sound of my own voice (despite being a "talker") so I haven't done this as yet.
I have made a promise to myself that I will keep up with this blog if only in order to self-reflect.
Wish me luck.
