What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy? In most practical senses, none.
Hypnosis is a term that encompasses many things, such as street hypnosis, self-hypnosis, stage hypnosis, and clinical hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy is a term that typically only encompasses hypnosis for change and growth. Although it does have therapy in the name, it should not be lumped in with traditional therapy.
Hypnosis for entertainment
Comedy stage hypnosis is an excellent introduction for most people into the world of hypnosis. Street hypnosis has that WOW punch; when a stranger is slumped over… it has an impact.
Both are great fun but seldom do any permanent change for the participant (either harmful or beneficial). They will have a great story to either tell or be told when they don’t remember what happened.
Hypnosis for change
Self-Hypnosis, clinical hypnosis, and most forms of hypnotherapy are done to drive change in a client. Seldom are these sessions funny (but there are times). Clinical hypnotists are typically trained in numerous techniques and can be flexible depending on what the client is looking for and how the client is stuck.
Legalities
There is a lot of flexibility in these terms, primarily because of legal measures. For instance, in Florida, having therapy in the title denotes a licensed psychotherapist through the state board. So from state to state, terminology may differ.
