The UK currently has no legislation relating to the training or registration of hypnotherapists.
There are a number of professional associations that hypnotherapists can pay a fee to belong to. However, not all choose to do so. These bodies range from those with only the most basic eligibility requirements to some with the highest standards and codes of ethics.
So how should you decide who to trust?
– get a personal recommendation if possible
– find out whether they trained with a recognised school (preferably one that has pass/fail exams, not a diploma simply for attending)
– ask how long they have been practising, and if they adhere to a professional code of practice, eg through a recognised professional association (more info here)
It may be reassuring that to my knowledge no hypnotherapist has been prosecuted for damaging anyone through hypnosis (though there are, sadly, a few cases of sexual offenders using therapy to prey on vulnerable women). That said, any therapist should have Professional Indemnity Insurance as a matter of good practice.
Finally, go with your instinct. Have a chat on the phone with anyone you are considering visiting. If you don’t feel comfortable, find someone else. There are plenty of good ones around!
PS this is fascinating – the Director of the school that trained me having abdominal surgery using only his own hypno-anaesthesia!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sClE-xm-P8A
