Stand among trusted providers
Gain recognition from one of the UK’s most respects membership bodies.
Boost your course credibility
Display the National Hypnotherapy Society logo to show potential learners that your course meets our professional Training Standards.
Be part of a professional community
Connect with likeminded providers and professionals who share a passion for high-quality education.
Shape the future of training
Have a voice in the development and the future of our profession.
Help students progress professionally
Enable graduates to apply for HS Accredited registration - a valuable step in their career.
Align with ethical excellence
Show your commitment to rigorous, ethical practice with a Society that puts client safety and practitioner development first.
Find the right course recognition for you
We believe that achieving recognition of your courses is essential. If you are not sure which type of course recognition is right for your training, please get in touch with us at standards@nationalhypnotherapysociety.org.
"Please note: Assessment fees are non-refundable"
Create an account in our Member Portal to start you application
"Please note: Assessment fees are non-refundable"
Create an account in our Member Portal to start you application
Course Recognition Criteria
We accredit courses that meet our Training Standards and provide core practitioner training in Hypnotherapy, equipping graduates to be safe, competent and ethical practitioners to work with adult clients who present with a range of commonly encountered issues.
The course must demonstrate a commitment to the Society’s Code of Ethics.
Accredited status is granted for a period of 5 years and is subject to annual renewal.
Successful completion of a National Hypnotherapy Society Accredited course is one of the routes to becoming a Registrant on the Society’s Accredited Register of Hypnotherapists.
If you wish to submit your course for assessment then we welcome you to contact us via standards@nationalhypnothearpysociety.com to arrange an initial, informal discussion. This initial conversation will enable us to determine if the course would meet the Society’s training standards and therefore an application could be submitted.
The Society understands the importance of widely recognised standards such as the various relevant National Occupational Standards and Ofqual Levels. (An officer of the Society helped to write the revised National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy working in tandem with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills).
Each application will be examined closely for a balance of items and an overall understanding that your course is safe, competent and ethical to train hypnotherapists to see clients. Applicants should be aware that course Accreditation is a robust process which can take some months to complete.
We encourage you to provide the National Hypnotherapy Society with as much information as you can about your organisation and the course(s) you want us to assess.
Additional Criteria
- At least one cohort of students should have graduated from the course to support an application for course recognition.
- Training providers should be professionally insured to provide qualifying hypnotherapy training.
- It is expected that accredited training courses are delivered in a physical classroom and supported by at least two core members of the teaching staff who are Registrants of the Society (We encourage training providers to support all their tutors to join the Society).
- Structured experiences and regular opportunities for observation, practice, feedback (from staff and fellow students), discussion and review should be in place.
- Opportunities to practice skills being identified and developed from the models being taught are required to support progressive monitoring and assessment of skills development.
- A relevant and current reading list, appropriate to the course, is required.
- Continual assessment of course work, feedback, personal and written assessment must be in place and can be supported by an examination.
- An external assessor is required to provide an independent report at least once a year that assesses course delivery along with accuracy and standardisation of marked work for students across all cohorts.
- Students on National Hypnotherapy Society Accredited courses are required to join the Society as student members and maintain this membership throughout their training.
- Training Providers are required to confirm that graduates are ready to practice through the issuance of a relevantly worded qualification certificate.
- As part of course recognition, the training provider must agree to abide by the Society's Code of Ethics as well as the Society’s Concerns and Complaints Policy.
Fees
- £250 annually per course. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £250 will be applied.
Please note, the assessment fee is non-refundable.
Advanced Specialist training courses are aimed at qualified hypnotherapists who wish to advance their learning and experience in particular fields of work.
The general criteria for this category recognition are listed below:
The course will offer extensive support to hypnotherapists in developing a specialist area of work by providing a solid grounding in clinical skills and theoretical knowledge for the specialism.
It will normally contain at least 50 hours of live training in the room or a blend of such with synchronous online learning. Distance learning courses are not accepted.
It will include formal (summative) assessments, which are acceptable to the National Hypnotherapy Society. Examples of such can include, but are not limited to, essays, case studies, examinations, presentations, supervised client hours etc
It will normally need to have been completed by at least one cohort of students
The course will be delivered by qualified practitioners who have significant experience in the specialist field being taught
Providers must make it clear, in the publicity and on qualifications, that courses with Advanced Specialist recognition do not provide a route to the National Hypnotherapy Society Accredited Register
Training Providers must demonstrate a commitment to the National Hypnotherapy Society's Code of Ethics to support course recognition.
Fees
- £150 annually per course. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £150 will be applied
- Please note: assessment fees are non-refundable.
For courses which do not fully meet the requirements to become an accredited course, the Society offers the opportunity to apply for Quality Checked Training recognition.
This can be considered for anything from individual workshops, shorter foundation courses, CPD or distance learning courses.
You must demonstrate a commitment to the Society's Code of Ethics.
For new applications, we require that courses submitted for Quality Checked recognition have been successfully completed by at least one cohort of students. Participant feedback may be requested as part of the application process.
- Up to 1 Day: £50 annually. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £50 will be applied.
- Between 1 Day and 50 Hours: £100 annually. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £100 will be applied.
- More than 50 Hours: £150 annually. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £150 will be applied.
- Distance learning: £150 annually per course. In addition, a one-off assessment fee of £150 will be applied
Please note, assessment fees are non-refundable.
Qualifications
Tutors and course assessment staff are expected to have qualification levels of at least equal to, or higher than, the level of course being taught and assessed and should be able to demonstrate competency to deliver and/or assess all elements of the course. The same expectation applies to any specialisms taught.
It is desirable that tutors have obtained some form of teaching, coaching and/or mentoring qualification.
Practical Experience
Tutors on any course are normally expected to have some practical experience in the field of hypnotherapy. Tutors on introduction courses or courses at, or equal to, Ofqual Level 2 and Level 3, who do not have experience in the field of hypnotherapy will need to evidence how they have familiarity of the practical application of the subject matter being taught.
Tutors teaching on courses of Ofqual Level 3 and above (or courses that are equivalent to Ofqual level 3 and above), are expected to have professional hypnotherapy experience post qualification. It is also desirable that tutors on such courses have previously obtained some form of teaching, coaching and/or mentoring experience before becoming tutors on such courses.
Tutors on courses that focus on specialisms are expected to have significant experience in the specialist field being taught.
The training provider needs to be able to demonstrate the suitability of every staff member employed to provide training and/or assessment services should the Society request this.
Evidence
Evidence of appropriate qualifications and practical experience would need to be included on staff CVs.
National Occupational Standards
The following Learning Outcomes are based on the National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy (NOS) and give the minimum standards required in a practitioner:
This standard covers hypnotherapy for individuals. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Performance Outcomes
Practitioners must be able to do the following:
- Select the methodologies that are appropriate for the client which are consistent with the overall therapeutic plan. Discuss with the client the reasons for your choices of methodology at each stage of the therapy. Explain the possible responses to therapy — in an appropriate manner, level and pace to suit client's understanding.
- Explaining the principles of different approaches and their application taking into consideration their method of application and assessment of each individual client including online therapy
- Relating the links between case evaluation and selected approaches recognising the connection between different presenting symptoms and appropriate application of a variety of approaches
- Demonstrating appropriate therapy planning and understand the importance of initial consultation and structure
- Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
- Explaining different methodologies employed in the therapy (these may include but are not limited to):
- the use of formal and informal trance
- the use of different levels of consciousness
- the use of direct and indirect approaches
- the use of direct and indirect suggestions
- matching different approaches to different clients e.g. permissive or authoritarian
- the use of mechanistic approaches
- relationships between different methodologies
- Assessing possible contra-indications for particular presenting issues and understanding issues of safety and appropriateness for each individual client. If in doubt, contact client’s GP or other relevant healthcare professional (such as psychiatrist if patient has been referred or is working ‘in conjunction with’) - always with the client’s permission.
- Demonstrating the principles of selecting techniques – i.e. matching the therapy to client needs
- Recognising the importance of taking a critical approach in relation to methodologies selection
- Ensure the client is aware of their role in cooperating and participating in the therapy. Discuss the role the client (and companion if relevant) must take for hypnotherapy to be successful. Encourage them and explain how to:
- monitor their response to therapy and any self care exercises
- note any changes in their health and wellbeing
- contact the practitioner at an appropriate time if they have any concerns or queries in relation to their therapy
- Identifying the importance of being aware of actions, transference, abreactions and reactions and interactions of the client by observation and discussion
- Identifying the possible barriers to successful therapy
- Explaining how to safely re-orientate the client at the end of the session
- Give clear and accurate advice with regard to any relevant aftercare within the scope of the therapist’s expertise. Support the client to make informed choices.
- Restating the factors to consider when selecting methodology tailored to individual needs
- Restating the factors to consider when selecting methodology tailored to individual needs
- Apply the appropriate interventions that are suited to the client's needs
- Relating the links between case evaluation and selected approaches recognising the connection between different presenting symptoms and appropriate application of a variety of approaches
- Demonstrating appropriate therapy planning and understand the importance of initial consultation and structure
- Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
- Demonstrating the variety of content, structure and approach of different methodologies and the benefits and limitations of each
- Demonstrating the principles of selecting techniques – i.e. matching the therapy to client needs
- Restating the factors to consider when selecting methodology tailored to individual needs
- Describing the processes for evaluating information as the therapy proceeds and using this to inform future practice
- Evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of Hypnotherapy to inform future plans and actions
- Recognising the importance of building review, reflection and evaluation into therapeutic planning
- Recognising the importance of taking a critical approach in relation to methodologies selection
- Accurately record information and reflect upon the rationale for programme of Hypnotherapy.
- Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
- Explaining the importance of observation of clients throughout the therapeutic process
- Be aware of the importance of working within levels of competence. Understand their own limitations and refer on to another hypnotherapist or healthcare professional if appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of safeguarding with children and vulnerable adults.
- Know the importance of confidentiality and where a breach may be required (e.g. for imminent risk).
- Understand the risks and limitations of online therapy
Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural healthcare.
Overview
Practitioners must show their understanding that all forms of complementary and natural healthcare rely on exploring and establishing the client’s needs and expectations.
They recognise that this may take place at the outset, but also during the delivery of complementary and natural healthcare.
Identifying this allows the practitioner to consider whether it is appropriate to offer the service to the client, the type of service that should be offered and any required modifications to that service.
Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Performance Outcomes
Practitioners must be able to do the following:
- Evaluate requests for complementary and natural healthcare and take the appropriate action. Explain the nature of the service and fee structures to the client
- Defining the nature of the service provided and fee structures
- Describing the potential risks (relevant to their discipline) of various courses of action for the client
- Provide an appropriate and safe environment for the service. Understand how to make clients feel welcome and ensure they are as comfortable as possible
- Explaining the concept of health and wellbeing that is consistent with the practice, principles and theory underlying their discipline
- Explaining the importance of a suitable environment and making clients feel welcome
- Having knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
- Discuss the client’s needs and expectations, and ask relevant questions. Encourage the client to ask questions, seek advice and express any concerns
- Recognising how the client’s previous and present care may affect their health and wellbeing in relation to their discipline
- Illustrating how the psychological and emotional balance, as well as diet and lifestyle of the individual, can affect their health and wellbeing
- Identifying how the context in which people live affects their health and wellbeing
- Evaluating the conditions for which the discipline is appropriate and those where it must be used with caution
- Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
- Establish the client’s needs in a manner which encourages the effective participation of the client and meets their particular requirements. Determine any contra-indications or restrictions that may be present and take the appropriate action.
- Discussing how to establish valid and reliable information about the client, and determine the priority of need, in order to plan the service
- Explaining how to work with clients to determine the appropriate actions
- Defining the appropriate actions to take to match identified needs
- Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
- Evaluate the information obtained and determine the appropriate action with the client. Complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements.
- Demonstrating how to select and use different methods for exploring clients’ needs
- Explaining how to recognise conditions for which your discipline is unsuitable and for which the client should seek advice from other sources
- Recognising how to judge whether self-care procedure(s) relevant to your discipline are appropriate for the client
- Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
- Demonstrating the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
Overview
Practitioners must recognise how important it is that the planning of complementary and natural healthcare takes place through discussion and agreement with the client and relevant others (e.g. carers).
This competence is about developing and agreeing plans that meet the client’s needs. Such plans may be subject to change as the service proceeds.
Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Performance Outcomes
Practitioners must be able to do the following:
- Explain the available option(s) which meet the client’s identified needs and circumstances. Explain any restrictions, possible responses and advise on realistic expectations. Advise the client when your discipline is inappropriate and help them to consider other options.
- Describing the range, purpose and limitations of different methods or approaches which may be used for clients’ individual needs
- Explaining how to determine the most appropriate method(s) for different clients and their particular needs
- Discussing how to recognise those occasions when your discipline may complement other healthcare which the client is receiving
- Identifying the alternative options available to clients for whom your discipline is inappropriate
- Discuss the approach to be taken, the level of commitment required and the potential outcomes and evaluation with the client. Check the client understands and support them to make informed choices. Obtain the client’s consent and complete records in accordance with professional and legal requirements.
- Demonstrating how to support and advise the client to make informed choices
- Exploring how to work with the client and relevant others to plan the approach
- Explaining why evaluation methods should be determined at the planning stage and what the client’s role will be in the evaluation
- Describing the importance of encouraging and empowering the client to be as actively involved as possible
- Illustrating the relationship of the client’s involvement to the promotion of their health and wellbeing
- Applying the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
