INTERNATIONAL ASSSOCIATION OF INTERPERSONAL HYPNOTHERAPISTS
2024 Edition

Dear Hypnotherapy Enthusiast,

Since its inception, the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists has believed in setting a standard of excellence in the field of professional Hypnotherapy. We, as experienced Hypnotherapists, see the challenges at hand and understand the need for a set of guidelines for all members to follow to help them grow, develop, and expand their businesses within the guidelines of ethical professionals. To this end, we have implemented this Code of Ethics, which is the primary document of adherence for all members of the Association and a benchmark for Interpersonal Hypnotherapy.

Professional Hypnotherapy organizations have long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed for the benefit of the client. As a member of this profession and an Interpersonal Hypnotherapist, we must recognize a responsibility not only to clients, but also to society, to other complimentary professions, to a greater global perspective, and to ourselves as both helpers and seekers of transformational modalities. This framework outlines that professional behavior and level of responsibility.

Having ascribed to the basic tenets of the body of ethical statements of the Hypnotherapy profession, Interpersonal Hypnotherapists further embrace a broader set of values. The IAIH broadens the values and tenets of Hypnotherapy to integrate the more esoteric constructs, which are often missed or even avoided in the Hypnotherapy profession.

This broader construct requires us to embrace a Code of Ethics, which is flexible enough to accept and encompass a variety of cultural structures, while adhering to the most basic values that our agreements and these other cultures and professions express.

It is our sincere hope you will recognize and support the attached Code of Ethics to raise the level of our work and industry standards.

Sincerely,

Matthew Brownstein
President, International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists

Preamble
Interpersonal Hypnotherapy is more than just a new technique—it is a way of looking at the world and a way of looking at our clients. To practice Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, we practice letting each moment be a sacred moment. We honor that our clients are our very own selves and that in Truth there is no separation between us and them. In every relationship we enter into we are both the transformed and the one being transformed. The International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists (IAIH) combines a powerful balance of spirituality and prosperity. Hypnotherapy is a business, and it is also a transformational modality. It is a beautiful place where we can combine love and compassion with an occupation that can provide a healthy financial foundation in one’s life. Members are encouraged to understand the Hypnosis Laws that regulate them on the federal, state, county, and city levels. It is each individual’s responsibility to understand the scope of their credentials and to engage their profession legally and ethically. The IAIH provides legal support, continuing education, and is a member driven organization. Members agree to engage in 30 hours of CEU every two years for continued inclusion in the Association.

Principles

• We understand and abide by the Hypnosis Laws that regulate us on international, federal, state, county, and
  city levels.
• We know that in every relationship we acknowledge the divinity in each other. This experience carries with it a natural reciprocity, and there is a cooperative relationship between both the practitioner and the client.
• We understand that prosperity achieved through this occupation reflects a higher purpose fulfilled.
• We honor all life and recognize the truth that the separation we perceive between us is an illusion.
• We accept and adhere to the tenants set forth herein.

Values

• Love is the core state
• Harmony and balance
• Community is the arena in which we contribute and grow
• Compassionate Service as the primary purpose of this work
• Our birthright is abundance and prosperity.

Mission Statement
The mission of the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists is to set the standard for the education and ethical practice of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists worldwide. Through the efforts of Board and Association Members, IAIH intends to continue to raise the standards of Hypnotherapy training in a way that nourishes the unique qualities of an Interpersonal Hypnotherapist.

Through public awareness, high ethical standards, compliance with federal and state standards of education, transparency, continuing education, and synergistic growth, IAIH works to lead the way in global transformation through honoring the importance of relationships in every aspect of the human experience. We, as an association combine love and hypnotic technique with an occupation that can provide a healthy financial foundation in our member’s lives while empowering our clients to embrace comfort, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and love.

IAIH Code of Ethics

1. Compassionate Service: As an Interpersonal Hypnotherapist you practice love and service in a balanced and harmonious approach with all of humanity.
2. Advancement of Hypnotherapy Profession: In all activities related to the profession and association with the IAIH, the primary goal must be to build trust and credibility for the Hypnotherapy profession.
3. Standards of Professionalism: In Interpersonal Hypnotherapy we acknowledge that no one symptom, energetic imbalance, or emotion exists as an isolated entity. In a universe of inter-connectivity, we must not separate a human being into discreet parts and assume that we can consider that part aside from the whole.
4. Scope of Practice:
   With medical and mental health conditions we honor that Interpersonal Hypnotherapy is powerful, and the methods that are discussed ideally require that the Hypnotherapist receives the prescription, referral, supervision, or direction from what the Florida Hypnosis Statutes calls a “licensed practitioner of the healing arts.” IAIH members will have full understanding of the hypnosis laws that regulate them on the federal, state, county, and city levels. It is each individual’s responsibility to understand the scope of their credentials and to engage their profession legally and ethically. IAIH works with its members to provide support and works to improve legislation that positively impacts our profession and the lives of our clients.
5. Health & Safety:
   All hypnotherapists and associates of the IAIH will keep health and safety at the forefront of all activities for themselves and their clients.
6. IAIH Client Agreement and Disclosure Form:
   IAIH members are required to use the IAIH Client Agreement and Disclosure Form with all clients and may only modify as needed for individual identifying purposes.
7. Maintaining Confidentiality:
   Members have a primary obligation to take all precautions to protect confidential information obtained. All confidential information shall be stored in a safe and protected manner. Clients receive a copy of the IAIH Client Agreement and Disclosure Form. A client’s confidential information is protected and only provided to others under court order. Disposal of confidential information shall be in a manner consistent with current HIPPA laws (or equivalent) of the state or province where the member practices.
8. Individual Respect:
   All members shall hold respect for the individual in high regard and hold precious the sacredness of each relationship.
9. Communication:
   Members shall professionally endeavor in all activities to create a culture of open and honest communication about Hypnotherapy and the IAIH.
10. Capitalism & Competition:
    Members understand that in a capitalist environment competition is an acceptable result and will act within ethical guidelines in all competitive environments.
11. Advertising and Marketing:
    Members agree not to imply in their advertising and marketing communications that they provide medical or psychotherapy services unless qualified to do so. Members agree not to advertise Hypnotherapy as a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. In advertisements or in promotion of their practice members agree not to
    use words outside of the scope of their training, such as “treatment,” “cure,” or “healing.” Members agree to not refer to themselves as a psychologist, psychotherapist, therapist, doctor of hypnotherapy, or licensed hypnotherapist, unless qualified to do so. When working with clients, members agree not to refer to sessions as “treatments.”
12. Referral and Scope of Practice:
    Members agree to immediately refer clients to appropriate practitioners should they exhibit behaviors or make statements that would indicate the client should be assessed by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Any client requesting Hypnotherapy for a diagnosed condition requires a prescription, referral, supervision, or direction from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Members agree that those under the age of eighteen, those considered minors, and/or those who need parental consent should provide written proof of parental consent before any Hypnotherapy services are provided.
13. Conflicts of Interest:
    Members will follow all policies of the IAIH in regard to conflicts of interest with any person or persons and act accordingly. The sacredness of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy constitutes that members should refrain from intimate or sexual contact with clients for a period of two years after the conclusion of the professional relationship.
14. Payment:
    When setting fees, members establish fees that are fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the services performed. Bartering arrangements are not encouraged. When entering into a bartering relationship involving services, the potential exists to create conflicts of interest and misunderstandings in relationships with clients.
15. Discrimination:
    Members agree to respect all persons seeking help through Hypnotherapy by not discriminating against clients based on sex, religion, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, handicap, or age. Clients under the age of 18 must have parental permission to utilize Hypnotherapy services and parental signature must be obtained before any service is to be provided.
16. Recording:
    Before recording voice or images, permission must be obtained from clients in writing. Recordings will be treated as confidential unless use is expressly permitted for demonstration, public use, or marketing.
17. Termination of Relationships and Service:
    Interpersonal Hypnotherapists take reasonable steps to avoid abandoning clients who are still in need of services. Should the member feel it is in the best interest of the client to withdraw services, then members should assist clients in finding or making appropriate arrangements for continued assistance with the appropriate professional.
18. Length of Service:
    Interpersonal Hypnotherapists shall strive to become obsolete in the lives of their clients in a timely manner and not prolong services unnecessarily.
19. Society and Politics:
    When possible and appropriate, members should promote social and political conditions that encourage respect for all persons in culture and society. Members should work to abolish the exploitation of, and discrimination against, any person, group, or race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical disability when appropriate and possible, and in harmony with this Code of Ethics.
20. Advance Hypnosis Knowledge and Public Awareness:
    Interpersonal Hypnotherapists maintain a commitment to education and will make any relevant information or findings available to clients, colleagues, and the public to continue to advance the science and global benefits of Hypnotherapy.
21. Media Presentations and Working with Organizations:
    When providing public advice, presenting in public, engaging on the internet, blogging, using radio, print advertising, television appearances or any medium demonstrating Hypnotherapy, IAIH members take precautions to ensure that any and all statements are: (1) based on their professional knowledge, advanced training, and supported by appropriate documentation (2) maintain a consistent approach in alignment with this Code of Ethics, and (3) are truthful, respectful, and supportive the profession of Hypnotherapy.
22. Personal Interests and Issues:
    IAIH Hypnotherapists should refrain from participating in activities knowing there is a substantial likelihood that their own personal issues may prevent them from performing their work in a competent manner. Should an IAIH Hypnotherapist become aware that any personal issues are causing them to not perform their work adequately, they agree to seek appropriate assistance in order to find balance and harmony and restore their competence.
23. Ethical Behaviors:
    In all situations, members are expected to act in a manner that is professional and ethical, and above all else, they should “Do the Right Thing” if no ethical rule, policy, or procedure applies to the situation.
24. No Retaliation and Discrimination:
    a. IAIH Certified Hypnotherapists do not discriminate against or retaliate against any persons having made a complaint or being interviewed by the IAIH Ethics Committee prior to, during, or after any rulings have been made.
    b. The IAIH upholds a “no retaliation” policy and will enforce immediate dismissal and rejection of certifications should any such activity be found accurate and truthful after an investigation.
25. Unethical Conduct of Colleagues:
    Shall unethical or illegal practice of Hypnotherapy become evident by a colleague or other practicing Hypnotherapist or hypnotist; it is a member’s responsibility to report abuse and unethical use of hypnosis or Hypnotherapy to the IAIH and/or any other governing body.
26. Cooperation with other Professionals:
    When appropriate and indicated, when it is not in violation of a client’s confidentiality, and with the client’s consent, members will cooperate with other professionals in order to serve the greater good of the client.
27. Trainings and Teachings:
    Any trainings, materials, or information acquired by members may fall under the umbrella of proprietary information and should be treated as such unless written permission is given to distribute said materials.
28. Continuing Education and Maintaining Competence:
    All IAIH certified practitioners are required to engage in 30 hours of Hypnotherapy related education every two years through IAIH approved organizations.
29. Infractions and Complaints:
    a. Any infractions of this Code of Ethics are subject to review. Such review is laid out in the policies and procedures section. All review determinations will be duly recorded and processed as outlined within the policies section.
    b. The Board of Advisors will form a committee of three members to serve as the Ethics Committee to review all written complaints, whether peer-to-peer or from the public, regarding services received from our members. The Ethics Committee will determine the validity of said complaint or inquiry and maintain the highest standards for those practicing as Interpersonal Hypnotherapists. Should there be reasonable cause, the Ethics Committee will form a Review Board to receive testimony from all parties. After the complaint and response to the complaint are reviewed and a decision is reached, a findings report will be issued to all parties. A 30-day appeals process will then commence for the accused to challenge the findings. Failure by the accused to respond to the complaint within the allotted time will default to the accuracy of the reports. Review and subsequent findings of all complaints will result in one of the following: 1) Dismissal of the complaint as invalid, 2) Member receives a written warning, 3) Member is given a reasonable timeframe to halt or change the behavior or practice that brought about the complaint, 4) Suspension from the Association for up to five years, 5) IAIH membership is revoked permanently, and should an illegal practice or behavior be discovered thereafter, a report will be made to the appropriate authorities.
    c. All written peer-to-peer complaints regarding the activities of our members shall be reviewed, and should there be reasonable cause, the Ethics Committee will form a Review Board to receive testimony from all parties. After the complaint and response to the complaint are reviewed and a decision is reached, a findings report will be issued to all parties. A 30-day appeals process will then commence for the accused to challenge the findings. Failure by the accused to respond to the complaint within the allotted time will default to the accuracy of the report’s findings. Review and subsequent findings of all complaints will result in one of the following: 1) Dismissal of the complaint as invalid, 2) Member receives a written warning, 3) Member is given a reasonable timeframe to halt or change behavior or practice that brought about complaint, 4) Suspension from the Association for up to five years, 5) IAIH membership is revoked permanently and should an illegal practice or behavior be discovered thereafter, a report will be made to the appropriate authorities.
30. Plagiarism:
    Plagiarism is defined by the Mirriam-Webster dictionary as “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use (another’s production) without crediting the source.” IAIH members shall not plagiarize materials or violate copyrights. Credit for sources shall be given.