WHAT SHOULD I KNOW WHEN CHOOSING HYPNOSIS?

Hypnotherapist or hypnotist--what's the difference?

By Connecticut law, a hypnotherapist is a licensed mental health or medical professional with training in psychotherapy or medicine and hypnosis. A hypnotist is a person who produces hypnosis in others, such as a show hypnotist. Only licensed professionals can legally practice therapy in the State of Connecticut.

However, because you may find these terms being used interchangeably, you, the consumer, should do your "homework" when choosing your practitioner. Click on CONSUMER INFORMATION

How do I find a competent professional hypnotherapist?

Look for a licensed mental health or medical professional such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist

With additional hypnotherapy training and certification from a professional board such as:

• National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, Inc. **
  8750 Georgia Ave., 142 E, Silver Springs, MD 20919
  (301) 608-0123, www.natboard.com

• American Society for Clinical Hypnosis **
  2200 E. Devon Ave., Suite 291, Des Plaines, IL 60019
  (847) 297-3317, (312) 645-9810

• American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnotists Association**
  1511 McKittrick Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
  (509) 662-5119 http://APMHA.com

**These organizations meet the highest professional standards including a minimum Master's degree (MA or MS) and professional licensure.** (Standards of accreditation can, and do, vary widely with accrediting agencies.) Click on CONSUMER INFORMATION

Why a licensed mental health or medical professional?

• They must meet high academic and professional standards set by regulating government agencies, including degree from an accredited college or university, clinical supervision or internship/residency, successful completion of a standardized examination.
• They are bound by a strict code of ethics.
• They are able to competently evaluate your situation and know if there is a need for treatment beyond the hypnosis.
• Simply put, they are trained and qualified to do more.

What is a registered hypnotist?

As of October 1, 2006, an unlicensed individual wishing to practice as a Hypnotist in the State of Connecticut is required, by law, to register with the State Department of Consumer Protection. He/she pays an initial and annual fee, attests that he/she is not a convicted sex offender, and has no criminal record involving assault or misappropriation of property. Note: There is no specific training or educational requirement to register as a hypnotist in Connecticut. Click on LICENSE, REGISTRATION or CERTIFICATION

Is hypnosis an alternative therapy?

NO! Hypnosis is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Dental Association, the National Institutes for Health, and many others.

Be an informed consumer....What qualifications should I ask about when making an appointment?

• License: mental health or medical
• Training and Certification
• Experience

Many people are unsure of what will happen during their first session. Be sure to ask your hypnotherapist in advance what you can expect during your FIRST SESSION. You and your hypnotherapist want the most effective and efficient use of your time possible.

Should I inform my physician?

Absolutely. Treatment of the whole person requires coordination of physical and mental care.

Are my records kept private?

Yes. Clients working with a licensed professional enjoy client/therapist privilege. This means that your conversation and records are confidential and protected under the law. You do not have this protection with unlicensed hypnotists.

Will my insurance cover hypnosis?

While I do not accept direct payment from insurance companies, because I am a licensed professional, your carrier may recognize my services. I will work with you to facilitate out of network reimbursement.

About large hypnosis centers and franchises.......

Hypnosis can be mass marketed and franchised. You will see franchises heavily advertised in your local newspapers with high priced ads loaded with "testimonials". Clients must sign a contract and pay large sums of money "up front". The assumption of these high volume businesses is that listening to their "one size fits all" tapes will work for everyone. A client who is not successful may be told that he/she has not done his/her "part" or that he/she is simply not a good candidate for hypnosis. Individual attention is limited.

What about guarantees?

It is unethical for a medical or mental health professional to guarantee treatment outcomes. No one can guarantee your behavior.