By Jenifer DeBosier, Ph.D.
© 2008
Jenifer DeBosier, PhD
The American Medical Association in 1958 accepted hypnosis as an adjunct to traditional medicine. It was suggested that physicians choosing to incorporate hypnosis into their practice should take a minimum of 144 hours of training. The AMA established a committee to study the contraindications that may result from the use of hypnosis by physicians. After three years of research it was decided to dissolve the committee, since there were no reported adverse side effects to physicians using hypnosis with their patients.
There are numerous professional hypnosis and hypnotherapy organizations worldwide, each one having its own minimum educational requirements for membership. And there are as many different educational requirements for membership in them as there are organizations.
Recently conducted research conducted by Dr. John S. Jester, a retired medical doctor and experienced professional education evaluator confirmed that no standard of education existed in the United States for the practice of hypnosis/ hypnotherapy. He suggested that one be created to elevate the credibility of the profession of hypnosis or hypnotherapy.
It was Dr. Jester’s research that led Dr. Robert Otto, CEO of IMDHA and IACT, two international professional hypnosis and hypnotherapy associations, to appoint a committee to look into the possibility of creating an acceptable minimum standard of education for the practice. The committee was formed, Dr. Conrad Adams, Founder and Academic Dean of Alpha University, was appointed as Chairman and the process began. After several weeks of deliberation the committee concluded that a recommended minimum standard should be established.
The conclusion of the committee led to the establishment of the Collaborative for Hypnosis Educational Standards. Experienced hypnosis professionals, whose memberships encompass most of the professional hypnosis organizations both in the U.S. and abroad, were brought together to establish a minimum standard of education to be recommended for the practice of hypnosis.
The work began and has now resulted in a consensus among a cross section of hypnosis professionals globally. This united effort is believed to be a giant step towards unifying the hypnosis profession regarding quality education to serve the benefits of those who choose to avail themselves of the many benefits of hypnosis in bring about personal change for the better.
If you or someone you know is considering hypnosis or hypnotherapy to help bring about changes in behavior or lifestyle, consultation with a properly trained professional is advised. Choose a professional who has taken the time and effort to elevate his or her education far beyond the basics. The professional who continues to seek more and better knowledge has your best interests in mind.
Our world is constantly changing. We and our lifestyles are changing as well. The more your hypnosis or hypnotherapy professional learns regarding these changes and the effects they have on your behaviors, the better equipped he or she is to serve your needs.
About the author: Jenifer DeBosier, Ph.D., is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Doctor of Natural Medicine. She also is Adjunct Professor with Alpha University and Yamuni Institute of Healing Arts.
