Why choose Hypnotherapy Directory?
Here at Hypnotherapy Directory, we understand the importance of knowing your hypnotherapist is trained and able to support you. This is why we have a thorough approvals policy in place that must be met by every hypnotherapist before we list their service.
When you see our Hypnotherapy Directory policy badge, this means we have verified the following:
Individual hypnotherapists
- A relevant qualification AND insurance cover; or
- Proof of membership with a professional body.
Hypnotherapy practices
- A relevant qualification AND insurance cover from at least one member of the practice; or
- Proof of registration with a professional body from at least one member of the practice, or for the practice itself.
While this is our policy for allowing individuals and practices onto the website, please bear in mind that it is your responsibility to confirm that these details are still accurate as we do not monitor any changes.
Are hypnotherapists regulated?
Currently, there are no laws in the UK that stipulate the level of training required for an individual to practice as a hypnotherapist. Our verification process, however, ensures that we only list hypnotherapists who have provided copies of a relevant qualification and insurance cover or proof of membership with a professional body. We do this to provide you with the assurance that any hypnotherapist you contact will be capable, work to high standards and offer the widest possible range of support.
Each profile clearly shows qualifications and/or memberships with professional bodies and will also display a Registered/Accredited badge if the hypnotherapist has achieved a substantial level of training with their professional body.
All information on profiles is provided exclusively by the individual hypnotherapist or hypnotherapy practice. This information provides you with everything you might need to make a well-informed decision about who is best suited to your needs.
Below is some further information about qualifications, professional bodies and other things you might want to know about so that you can decide what's important to you.
National Occupational Standards
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are criteria developed by Skills for Health, outlining the level of performance and knowledge required to practice hypnotherapy effectively. The National Occupational Standards for providing hypnotherapy to clients outline both performance criteria and a baseline for knowledge and understanding. This is what many hypnotherapy professional bodies centre their membership criteria and ethics around.
For more information, please see: National Occupational Standards - Provide Hypnotherapy to Clients
Qualifications and insurance
While statutory regulation has not yet been introduced to the hypnotherapy profession, general industry guidelines recommend that hypnotherapists should have completed a relevant qualification at diploma level or above - or have completed a course that was a minimum of 450 hours (of which 120 must have been face-to-face learning) - before they are eligible to practice.
As well as requesting proof of the above, for professionals wishing to be listed using details of their qualification(s) we also require evidence of appropriate indemnity insurance.
Professional bodies
There are a number of professional bodies (also referred to as member organisations) in operation that support the hypnotherapy industry by promoting good standards of practice and ethical conduct among their members.
If a hypnotherapist belongs to a professional body, this means that they have met the body's criteria in terms of training and experience. Many bodies will be made up of various membership categories e.g. Accredited Member, and Fellow Member, with different levels of training and experience required for each one. When you see our Registered/Accredited badge this means that the hypnotherapist has undergone extensive training that has been recognised by their professional body.
While it isn't the law for a hypnotherapist to be a member of a professional body, you may find an extra level of reassurance in knowing that they are bound by a code of ethics and covered by the organisation's complaints procedure.
It's simple to find a hypnotherapist who is a member of a professional body, just head over to our advanced search, pop in your location and tick the 'Member of a professional body' box before hitting 'Search'.
Accredited Registers
In 2013 the Department of Health (DoH) launched the Accredited Register scheme (formerly Accredited Voluntary Register, or AVR). This was put into place to provide a layer of protection for members of the public looking for health and care services not regulated by law. While there is currently no official regulation in position for hypnotherapy, many industry professional bodies have established their own registers which professionals can voluntarily opt to join.
Under the Accredited Register scheme, these independent registers can apply to be assessed by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) - the standard-setting body for health and social care voluntary registers. Upon meeting their criteria, a voluntary register will then become ‘accredited’.
If you choose to see a hypnotherapist who belongs to a professional body assessed and ‘accredited’ by the PSA, this demonstrates a commitment to high professional standards.
Please note - accreditation does not mean that the PSA has assessed the merits of individuals on the register - this remains the responsibility of the professional body holding the register.
Advertising Standards Authority guidelines
Print and web marketing are subject to legislation that governs what therapists can and can't say when advertising online. This legislation is known as the CAP Code and falls under the remit of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), with a key aim of making marketing communications as truthful as possible.
With regard to hypnotherapy, the CAP Code stipulates that marketers should make sure they do not imply they can treat the underlying cause of a specific issue. Also, if referring to conditions for which medical supervision should be sought, they would need to be a suitably qualified medical professional.
For example, while hypnotherapy could be used to calm minor skin conditions exacerbated by stress, it cannot be claimed that hypnosis could eliminate the root physiological cause.
Please be mindful of the guidelines when browsing the website, and always consult your local healthcare provider before beginning a course of hypnotherapy treatment.
For further information, please see: ASA - Therapies: Hypnotherapy
A final reminder
Whichever hypnotherapist you choose to see, please make sure that you ask to view a copy of their relevant qualifications, as well as up-to-date insurance and professional body membership(s) before your first session. We strongly recommend that you take the necessary steps to verify this information, as we will not be held responsible for any false information.
Whilst we use all reasonable endeavours to ensure our policy is adhered to, Hypnotherapy Directory is not intended as a website for verifying the qualifications, abilities, credentials or professionalism of any hypnotherapist listed and is not responsible for any member listed in the directory. Although we see a relevant qualification for those not with a professional body, an approved listing does not mean that Hypnotherapy Directory endorses or accredits that qualification.
Hypnotherapy Directory does not warrant or represent that the directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. Hypnotherapy Directory disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. Please read our terms and conditions for further information.
We list basic listings for some organisations for information purposes. We do not monitor basic listings and they will not have the Hypnotherapy Directory policy badge.