The biggest difference between hypnotherapist and hypnotist is that one takes longer to write and is five syllables long. Seriously though, there are arguments that to be considered a hypnotherapist, one must have a therapeutic degree. However, there are no university degrees signifying any form of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. And the initial founder coining the phrase was not licensed as a therapist but a physician using the methods as a pain relief to which he educated various dentists and doctors. So, what it truly comes down to is what the individual wishes to be known as themselves. If you ask a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor, they’ll most likely state something about a necessary involvement in therapy—but such words are not recorded anywhere of significance.

 

Me? I prefer “hypnotist” for its ease of pronunciation, and it’s also a lot easier to write down. But you'll see both words used interchangeably through discussions, online, and via advertising through other businesses.