Hypnotherapy, unlike psychology, is not regulated by the government. While people who are registered psychologists can quite rightfully call themselves psychologists, those not registered cannot promote themselves as psychologists.
Unfortunately people who may do a short weekend or online course on hypnosis can call themselves hypnotherapists. They usually don’t have the necessary skills, experience or meet the strict criteria of the various hypnotherapy associations. It is vital that you check out the hypnotherapist’s background including qualifications, experience and membership of one of the major hypnotherapy associations. These include the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association (AHA), the Professional Clinical Hypnotherapists of Australia (PCHA), Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ASCH). Even further reassurance is that they are a member of the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). You can check out the person by consulting the individual Association websites under the heading of members.
A qualified, experienced Association member is health fund qualified (where offered by the fund), has the necessary professional insurance and is trained to provide the best possible outcome for you. They must attend monthly supervision sessions and have ongoing professional education to satisfy their association’s criteria.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Advanced Hypnotherapy Sydney.
