Choosing a Therapist

Clinical Hypnotherapy is officially classified as a “complementary” therapy alongside treatments such as Councelling, Nutritional Medicine and Yoga.

Therapies classified as "alternative" include Crystal Therapy, Dowsing, Iridology etc.

Unfortunately, no government regulation currently exists to mandate independent standards of training or conduct. A number of “independent” organisations do exist, each with their own recommended training institutions and codes of conduct. Although helpful, the individual standards required by these organisations do vary considerably, and many will individually state that they are the biggest, fastest growing, most independent etc.

The fact is that there is not a clear differentiation which is easily understandable by the general public, and this can often make the situation even more confusing.

Some of the certification and registration bodies are listed below. They have varying degrees of credibility (in no particular order).

We are members of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis because we believe it offers one of the highest standards for membership:

Please ensure you check the validity of both the organisation, certification and training standards before selecting a Hypnotherapists. Some organisations will “certify” their members after only a short correspondence course with very little practical or clinical training.

You should also be aware that some people who claim to be a “doctor” or “professor”, may do so based on “honorary” qualifications that can be purchased over the internet for as little as $35.

The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis strictly prohibits this practice among its members.

Our therapists trained at the London College of Clinical Hypnotherapy. The LCCH conducts on-going scientific research into hypnosis and allied fields. They are constantly seeking to advance knowledge of hypnosis in the therapeutic context, with the aim of improving the efficacy of treatments. They have produced highly original and effective methodologies for the treatment of certain conditions that are intractable to ordinary psychotherapy. A two-stage technique for dealing with obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD's) - usually in just two sessions - has evoked much interest amongst therapists of all persuasions. In addition, some of their studies obtaining normative data from the population on the extent of certain psychological problems, have attracted the attention of the media in this country and abroad.

Reports on an extensive survey of travel phobias, conducted by the LCCH, were published in The Times, The Independent on Sunday, and several tabloid newspapers.

All practicing Hypnotherapists should be covered by professional indemnity insurance.

You should also be aware that people who practice “stage hypnosis”, may not have had the clinical training or experience to practice hypnotherapy. The two uses of hypnosis are a world apart. In fact a number of the relevant professional bodies refuse to countenance the use of hypnosis for entertainment and indeed actively discourage it.