Hypnotherapy as a profession is still largely unregulated, and therefore the credentials of a certified hypnotherapist can vary greatly depending on the type of training that the student receives. In this simple article, we will look at what it means to become a certified hypnotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist and transpersonal hypnotherapist.
Hypnotherapy/Hypnotherapist is considered as an occupational title on the Federal level in the United States. The most current definition that is used by the US Government to classify this profession can be found at: http://www.bls.gov/jobs/forms/ip3datastandard.pdf. Here we can see that Hypnotherapy/Hypnotherapist is the only title that is currently acknowledged on the Federal level. It is therefore important to consider the state in which you are becoming certified to see if there is any acknowledgment through your respective state’s Department of Education. Most states do not license hypnotherapy schools simply because most trainings operate under the radar and do not ever apply to be a state licensed school. However, as hypnotherapy is a federally acknowledged occupation, then whenever a training offers its certifications with any sense of delivering them for a career, technically they should be licensed to do so.
The Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy (formerly the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy) was Florida’s first state licensed hypnotherapy school offering legitimate career diplomas/certifications in certified, clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy through the Florida Department of Education. These are titles that we founded with the state as they had never been established before in Florida. While our institute has grown to certify people in all 50 states and abroad, all diplomas are backed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education.
There are numerous certifying bodies in existence today for hypnotists and hypnotherapists, yet it is important to remember that these are not government agencies. While many use terms like “National,” “American,” or “International,” it is important to remember that these hypnotherapy certification bodies are founded by individuals or by respectable schools. There are many fine associations to be connected with, yet prospective students will want to understand the difference between true state licensed diplomas and the certifications that come from associations.
We founded the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists to maintain high standards in hypnotherapy education, and to ensure that schools certified by our association maintain state licensure. The IAIH has worked to standardize the titles of certified hypnotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist and transpersonal hypnotherapist to be consistent with clear educational objectives, specific clock hours, and policies and procedures that protect the student and the public at-large.
For more information, visit: www.InstituteofHypnotherapy.com or the IAIH website at www.InterpersonalHypnotherapy.com.
