Hypnosis is a very practical skill and cannot be well taught through correspondence courses, of which there are several. Usually the hardest. Before any hypnotherapy sessions there is an initial consultation, where the patient meets the Hypnotherapist to discuss the presenting problem in detail, the therapist will explain exactly what to expect in any hypnotherapy session the patient may have. The patient is then free to decide whether to proceed or to spend some time considering what has been discussed. At no stage will there ever be any demand for you to make a decision immediately.
Some Therapists charge an initial consultation fee, or other charge.
Usually treatments are privately funded, however PCG's can consider full or partial funding of any therapy. Whether the patient is privately funding or whether the PCG is funding, it is important to know the level of financial commitment they are about to enter into. If the patient does not know a therapist, they should ask friends or family for their experiences. Also for the initial consultation at least it is advisable that the patient takes a friend or relative for the initial meeting, since a lot of information will be given to the patient at that session. It is a safe, natural part of human experience.