Accredited Hypnotherapy Training: What You Need to Know

If you’re trying to choose an accredited hypnotherapy training course, you’ll quickly discover that there is a huge variety of qualifications and accreditation on offer. This can make it difficult to know which courses are reputable and which ones meet recognised standards. In this article, I’ll guide you through what hypnotherapy training accreditation means in the UK, and what to look for when choosing a course.

Why Is UK Hypnotherapy Training Accreditation Confusing?

I think there are three main reasons…

1. hypnotherapy in the UK is under a voluntary regulation scheme. And voluntary means there is no way to compel hypnotherapy schools to follow it.  This means that with some you take around a year to qualify, others will try to persuade you that a weekend is enough.
2. there isn’t a single professional body for hypnotherapists but a number of them. Some are more professional, reputable, and independent than others, but most accredit training.
3. finally, the names of the Diplomas and Certificates given at the end of a course vary. The titles of private qualificaations are chosen by the school or professional body that issue them. So, the title of the qualification is not always a reliable indicator of its level.

What Should I Look for in an Accredited Hypnotherapy Course?

Ideally you will look for hypnotherapy training within the voluntary regulations, because this gives you and your future clients confidence in what you have learned. Your course should offer around 450 hours training. At least 120 of those should be face to face tuition. The rest is ‘independent study’; in other words, homework. The school sets some tasks, and time is allocated for you to pursue your own interests around the topic.
Assessment will cover theoretical knowledge, written work, and your practical use of the techniques you have learned. This usually means you will be working with other students in class, including role playing a client so they can practice on you. The voluntary regulations say you need to sit an exam and submit three case studies.
Any course accredited within the voluntary regulations will say so. Or they may say the course is ‘compliant with the National Occupational Standards/Hypnotherapy Training Standards’,. Or that it has learning targets are based on these. If in doubt about the terminology ask the school to explain.

Checking Hypnotherapy Course Accreditation

• Look at the hours and assessment methods – do they match the ones above?
  The face to face tuition hours are the easiest to check. Ask how many days of training you get and what hours you work each day. The exact number of hours spent on homework will vary since everyone reads, researches, and writes at different speeds. If you are worried about this, ask to speak to current students or recent graduates and pick their brains.
• Then check the accrediting body. Do they only accept graduates of one school, or are they independent of the training provider? Trainers can legally set up a professional body and accredit their own courses. However, this is hardly the kind of independent validation you are looking for.
• A practitioner level course should lead to registration with the accrediting body as a practitioner level member.
• Has the accrediting body genuinely accredited the course, and is the accreditation up to date? Take the time to go onto the accrediting body’s website and make sure the school is listed.
• It’s useful to ask if you have the option of registering with the CNHC at practitioner level once you are qualified. The CNHC is the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. They are the regulatory body for the industry, and only register graduates of courses which have been found to comply. Being able to register with the CNHC is a good indicator that a hypnotherapy training course meets accepted professional standards.

Do You Need Accredited Hypnotherapy Training?

Legally, no. In the UK, hypnotherapy training is not statutorily regulated. In theory, you could complete any old course – or even just read a book from the library – and begin practising.
However, choosing a properly accredited hypnotherapy training course provides reassurance to you and your clients. Plus it helps you build a professional, ethical practice.
Put yourself in your client’s shoes. Ask if you would see any professional – doctor, solicitor or therapist – who had rushed through their training? Or would you prefer someone who had invested time, and effort in training which adheres to a framework overseen by someone other than those who are taking the fees?

What next?

For more guidance on choosing a course see:

• How should I choose a hypnotherapy training course? on our FAQ page.
  
• Book a free, no-pressure Discovery call with us.
  
• Try our free Taster Course
  
• Click the “hypnotherapy training” or “therapy career” tag at the bottom of this page for more articles.

Disclaimer
The information and ideas shared on this blog are based on the author’s professional experience, research, and training. They are intended for educational purposes and to support reflection and professional development. Therapists should always apply their own professional judgment and consider the needs of individual clients when using any techniques or suggestions discussed here.
While every effort is made to ensure the information is accurate and helpful, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss, damage, or difficulties arising from the use or misuse of material contained in these articles.