"A hypnotherapist is a skilled and trained helping professional who helps you use your own powerful mind to increase motivation or change behavior patterns by inducing a trance state. When hypnotized, your mind is operating in its subconscious mode (referred to by some as the "first gear" of the mind).
Prior to hypnotizing the client, the therapist discusses in the goal the client wants to achieve or the problem s/he wants to resolve in detail. The more the hypnotherapist can share in the experience of the client as s/he experiences it, the more individualized the therapy can be and the greater its impact. The hypnotist also prepares the client to enter hypnosis by explaining just what hypnosis is, how it works and what s/he will experience; if you're starting on a trip it helps to know how and where you're going.
Everyone is susceptible (to one degree or other) to suggestion. Your hypnotherapist will guide you through some exercises that will help determine your degree of suggestibility.
Finally, your hypnotherapist will induce a hypnotic state using individualized methods and techniques based on the results of your suggestibility and the nature of your goal or problem."
I'm a hypnotherapist, and its great. And I always record (with clients permission, if not I can refuse to treat them) or have a 3rd person present during the session, it just makes me feel more comfortable.