From time to time the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy and the IAIH have had to address misunderstandings concerning a city or county’s understanding of the Florida Hypnosis Statutes. We are dedicated to the free and open practice of hypnotherapy around the world and to ensuring that graduates practice within the confines of the law and of their occupational title. Click here to read more about current IIH/IAIH legal efforts:
We helped every city and county that we have worked with to come to a correct understanding of the Florida Hypnosis Statutes, which includes The City of Melbourne, The City of Ormond Beach, The City of Orlando, The City of Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota County and Collier County. Please visit http://www.interpersonalhypnotherapy.com/#!legal-efforts/n3eu8 for more information.
In the early 1970’s, the occupation of “Hypnotherapist” was acknowledged by the United States Department of Labor in a document which was formally known as The Dictionary of Occupational Titles. This occupational description read:
CODE: 079.157-010
TITLE(s): HYPNOTHERAPIST (profess. & kin.)
“Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior patterns: Consults with client to determine nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degree of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client, using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client’s problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning.”
As the Dictionary of Occupational Titles is no longer in print, it is our understanding that the Occupational Information Network (ONET) Index had then become the federally accepted standard as a directory for listed occupations. “Hypnotherapist” was listed under the category of “Therapist, Other”, yet ONET no longer lists the separate category of “Therapists, Other.”
Currently the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Instructional Program Data lists Hypnotherapist as “513603: Hypnotherapy/Hypnotherapist”, along with other such occupations as Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Massage Therapy, Yoga Teacher, and Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences. Please reference: http://www.bls.gov/jobs/forms/ip3datastandard.pdf
The Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy (formerly known as The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy) was Florida’s first school to be licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education (License #3448) to offer legitimate career diplomas for “Hypnotherapist”, “Clinical Hypnotherapist” and “Transpersonal Hypnotherapist.” Therefore, on the State level, our graduates have legitimate credentials as Hypnotherapists as graduates from a State-Licensed Postsecondary Vocational Institute. Our school is also licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VF#202535784001) to grant diplomas/certifications for “Hypnotherapists.” This organization would not fund us to train people undergoing rehabilitation to become Hypnotherapists in Florida if it were illegal to use that occupational title.
Florida Hypnosis Law does not make any reference, in any way, to the occupational title “Hypnotherapist.” It is clear that anyone practicing hypnosis must make the distinction as to whether or not they are practicing hypnosis for “therapeutic” purposes. The occupational title “Hypnotherapist” does not imply that someone is doing therapeutic hypnosis. The law simply states that such a person, if not a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, must have a prescription, referral, supervision or direction from the appropriate licensed practitioner if working on medical or mental health conditions. It does not limit the use of their occupational title, it limits what they can and cannot do without a prescription, referral, supervision or direction.
This basic letter is presented to Florida cities and counties when necessary from IAIH President, Matthew Brownstein to help all Institute graduates in Florida to legally practice their occupation with the legitimate diplomas they have from the Department of Education as Certified Hypnotherapists. It should encourage all hypnotherapists and potential hypnotherapists to continue on with their occupation and/or hypnotherapy training with a thorough understanding of their legal right to practice their occupation under the laws that govern them.
