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What are your thoughts concerning regulating hypnotherapy? On the one hand, regulation paves the way for standardization of services (the consumer will know what they should expect to receive during, say, a weight loss hypnotherapy session). On the other hand, it creates an ominous "big brother" atmosphere that can make things a bit more cookie-cutter. Overall, I lean toward regulation because it seems good for the consumer and it will probably help to legitimize our profession.

Tags: Hypnotherapy, Regulation

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Hi Jen,

    I can see how this would be a concern but in looking at the other fields that are regulated I don't see this sort of thing happening. 

   Midwives are regulated but I can give birth at home legally with unlicensed friends and would be proud to do so. Massage therapists are regulated but I can give a friend or mate a massage and no one is concerned about it and it is not illegal for me to do so. Nurses are regulated but I can care for a friend who is in need or is dying legally. Cosmetologists are regulated but I can have my coworker and friend trim my hair and I do every month. I can color my hair or have someone else do it without fear of legal repercussions of any kind.  I haven't seen any taboos culturally develop around these things. Those who choose to do this have the choice. It is possible others feel differently about it but I experience no taboo or fear against doing any of these things. Additionally if I do choose to seek the services of a professional in a regulated field I have the extra confidence that what I am paying them for will happen and that they have greater skill and knowledge than just me or my friends. It is an extra assurance that if they do screw it up I have some recourse legally. Some standards that being certified or licensed really means something beyond a piece of paper. That paper means something real.

  I wouldn't want to see the kind of regulation that has happened to Florida but I think that can be avoided if hypnotherapists are part of the process of developing and hashing out the regulations affecting them. That can only happen if we pull together as a group and pool our resources. If we have the credibility we need-the public can and will support us. If those that have expertise and talent at marketing themselves-market the field in responsible and credible ways so the public knows and supports our value. 

  I don't think that only licensed folk should be allowed to use hypnosis to the exclusion of currently unlicensed folk. I don't think regulation has to be draconian. 

  Hehehehehe yes, I can see where exceptions might be wise ;) I'd love to see the "hypnosis police" descend upon car salesman like a trance swat team...

gentle day,

Lisa 

Hi, Michelle,

A lot of people have put forward Jenn's argument in the past, so it was her content, not her tone, I was responding to.

As for whether I have a sense of humor, I pay most of my bills performing comedy--but I don't find attempts to outlaw unlicensed hypnosis funny. 

James

Michelle Braun said:

hmmmm.... am i the only one who read Jen's comment as facetious? to my eyes, her winking smiley is a dead giveaway if the words aren't understood as such... mebbe i am dead wrong...however i have noticed many here seem (to me) to lack a sense of humor- no disrespect intended!

Hi James,

I understand and respect your position. If those ideas were promoted in the past as a legitimate thought, I am unable to fathom that.

I belong to a hypnotherapists' union that constantly works on our behalf, which granted, is no absolute guarantee. As I see it, Steve promoting regulation is both scary and ludicrous. I also can see it being regulated in the future when the function of the brain, its components and the concrete power of hypnosis to manifest actual healing is more fully understood. But in the current state, where there is infighting as to which school, professional organization and certifying body is the best, rather than everyone uniting, we will be like sitting ducks when regulation does roll around. In the meantime, those $9 certified hypnotherapists will be our competition and further help foster public opinion that we as a general industry are dangerous and need regulation. Self-fulfilling prophecy on Steve's part?

Namaste

Michelle

James Hazlerig said:

Hi, Michelle,

A lot of people have put forward Jenn's argument in the past, so it was her content, not her tone, I was responding to.

As for whether I have a sense of humor, I pay most of my bills performing comedy--but I don't find attempts to outlaw unlicensed hypnosis funny. 

James

Yeah, I understand where you're coming from. We vocational hypnotists are sitting ducks for future regulation, and I likewise find it really odd that Jones would be pushing for it.

I never fails to amaze me how many people seem to think that regulation and sane regulation are the same thing . . . 

Michelle Braun said:

Hi James,

I understand and respect your position. If those ideas were promoted in the past as a legitimate thought, I am unable to fathom that.

I belong to a hypnotherapists' union that constantly works on our behalf, which granted, is no absolute guarantee. As I see it, Steve promoting regulation is both scary and ludicrous. I also can see it being regulated in the future when the function of the brain, its components and the concrete power of hypnosis to manifest actual healing is more fully understood. But in the current state, where there is infighting as to which school, professional organization and certifying body is the best, rather than everyone uniting, we will be like sitting ducks when regulation does roll around. In the meantime, those $9 certified hypnotherapists will be our competition and further help foster public opinion that we as a general industry are dangerous and need regulation. Self-fulfilling prophecy on Steve's part?

Namaste

Michelle

James Hazlerig said:

Hi, Michelle,

A lot of people have put forward Jenn's argument in the past, so it was her content, not her tone, I was responding to.

As for whether I have a sense of humor, I pay most of my bills performing comedy--but I don't find attempts to outlaw unlicensed hypnosis funny. 

James

Hi Michelle,

   Things may not be as they appear with Steve. That he is even inviting dialogue on regulation might be that he is open to different viewpoints. Ones actions do speak louder than one's words but it is possible he sees something on the horizon and possibly considering a change in course and focus to meet what is almost certainly an eventuality. Perhaps he isn't promoting it but exploring it and the various eddies in the stream that we all are. To see which way the wind is blowing and the tide is going to chart a course. 

    I don't know what can be done without regulation about competition from certified hypnotherapists who have 2 months of training as opposed to those who have a year or more. 

  I am checking out his training comparing it to my own to get an idea of how it can fit or if it can in the spectrum of possible trainings. I don't see how it could possibly produce competent hypnotherapists in the way it is being done and in such a short period of time but I am open to being surprised. It certainly can't harm me in any way. 

   I have an agreement with certain friends on HT that if I should suddenly and inexplicably reverse a rational stand I've taken on a topic that they have my consent to put together a swat team of HT members and drag me away kicking and screaming for an intervention ;) 

gentle day,

Lisa

The whole problem i think with regulation on this is its not a carved in stone industry. what hypnotherapy does is  really non conventional.  its not conventional therapy at all. Hypnosis is not regurgitated out of a book like other professions like lawyers and doctors.   The only thing that could ever be gained by  regulation is further restriction to what we are capable of.   As far as i am concerned we are already regulated by convention alone.  we are regulated by beliefs as in what is possible and what is not.  As far as what Steve is selling its probably only worth $9.00. 

Hi Lisa,

I haven't a clue about Steve's motivation. Yes, he started this, but has been absent for much of the discussion and mostly that can be understood. I believe he was well trained, being NGH certified, but why and when did he decide he knew more about training future hypnotherapists than the NGH? Many NGH members are also trainers and teach classes that certify through the NGH. See where i am going? To start your own school  is one thing, but your own certifying body? I could understand if someone created a new certifying body that was more restrictive - in a good way... but not to foster less education/training. As for his student video reviews, other schools/organizations do/did the same. One in particular I knew of is no longer doing that and recommends people to take regular training and certify though existing channels. Steve has to certify his students. Where else are they going to get certified? Have you looked at the major professional organizations and their requirements solely for membership?

I almost spent the $9 out of curiosity, but couldn't. I have too many other places I can use that little bit of money for much better rewards. I am one of 'those' people that strive to learn more about everything. It's a fault of mine. For example, I already knew regression,and could do it in several different ways (not including past life), however, I enrolled in HPTI's àla carte program to learn it from Roy Hunter. I am very happy I did. There is much to be said about learning from the source of excellence.

I can only be concerned with my own business and knowledge and do my best. I know I am very well-trained and well-rounded in my education. What counts is what I do with it. I still believe regulation to be in our future, like it or not. (I don't the way I imagine it to happen.)

And you, dear girl, i'll be watching you. You have wonderful promise. In case you disappear, I'll know why.  ; P

Namaste

Michelle

Lisa said:

Hi Michelle,

   Things may not be as they appear with Steve. That he is even inviting dialogue on regulation might be that he is open to different viewpoints. Ones actions do speak louder than one's words but it is possible he sees something on the horizon and possibly considering a change in course and focus to meet what is almost certainly an eventuality. Perhaps he isn't promoting it but exploring it and the various eddies in the stream that we all are. To see which way the wind is blowing and the tide is going to chart a course. 

    I don't know what can be done without regulation about competition from certified hypnotherapists who have 2 months of training as opposed to those who have a year or more. 

  I am checking out his training comparing it to my own to get an idea of how it can fit or if it can in the spectrum of possible trainings. I don't see how it could possibly produce competent hypnotherapists in the way it is being done and in such a short period of time but I am open to being surprised. It certainly can't harm me in any way. 

   I have an agreement with certain friends on HT that if I should suddenly and inexplicably reverse a rational stand I've taken on a topic that they have my consent to put together a swat team of HT members and drag me away kicking and screaming for an intervention ;) 

gentle day,

Lisa

Lisa,

If a licensed individual gives care to "a friend" and something goes wrong, legally they are held to a higher standard. So if a nurse cares for a friend and the friend, for instance, has a fever that has been delayed going to the E.R. and the person succumbs or has a longer recovery etc. the LICENSED nurse is held to a higher standard and can get sued legally. Same thing for a LICENSED massage therapist helping a friend and maybe pulling a muscle etc by mistake. Licensing and education makes one in the legal world have a different assumption of knowledge held by a "reasonable person".  Licensing is more than a piece of paper although sometimes it may seem that way.

Seth-Deborah

Lisa said:

Hi Jen,

    I can see how this would be a concern but in looking at the other fields that are regulated I don't see this sort of thing happening. 

   Midwives are regulated but I can give birth at home legally with unlicensed friends and would be proud to do so. Massage therapists are regulated but I can give a friend or mate a massage and no one is concerned about it and it is not illegal for me to do so. Nurses are regulated but I can care for a friend who is in need or is dying legally. Cosmetologists are regulated but I can have my coworker and friend trim my hair and I do every month. I can color my hair or have someone else do it without fear of legal repercussions of any kind.  I haven't seen any taboos culturally develop around these things. Those who choose to do this have the choice. It is possible others feel differently about it but I experience no taboo or fear against doing any of these things. Additionally if I do choose to seek the services of a professional in a regulated field I have the extra confidence that what I am paying them for will happen and that they have greater skill and knowledge than just me or my friends. It is an extra assurance that if they do screw it up I have some recourse legally. Some standards that being certified or licensed really means something beyond a piece of paper. That paper means something real.

  I wouldn't want to see the kind of regulation that has happened to Florida but I think that can be avoided if hypnotherapists are part of the process of developing and hashing out the regulations affecting them. That can only happen if we pull together as a group and pool our resources. If we have the credibility we need-the public can and will support us. If those that have expertise and talent at marketing themselves-market the field in responsible and credible ways so the public knows and supports our value. 

  I don't think that only licensed folk should be allowed to use hypnosis to the exclusion of currently unlicensed folk. I don't think regulation has to be draconian. 

  Hehehehehe yes, I can see where exceptions might be wise ;) I'd love to see the "hypnosis police" descend upon car salesman like a trance swat team...

gentle day,

Lisa 

Hi Seth-Deborah,

   Excellent point and a scenario I hadn't considered. I remember from years ago as a certified EMT-1A that if we made a mistake that we would be judged by the standard of care our peers would be reasonably be expected to give in a similar situation.

I wonder how this might play out in a field like hypnotherapy.  

  Thank you. I'll definitely have to ponder it

gentle day,

Lisa

When I teach me Medical Hypnosis Training, I make sure to tell the nurses who might be attending, that they will be held to a higher standard than a lay person taking the same training although we can all be accused of practicing medicine without a license.

You know some things are really simple in life. When it comes to power and regulation, the groups with the most power and interest in having it.. will ultimately take charge. Look at the spiritual movement and spirituality being defined in different ways to avoid licensing issues of church and state. Hypnosis could be looked at in a new light and then become a new technique for Medical Doctors or Psychologists requiring their license to be required. Today's world has taken the word "spin" to a whole new level. I saw it mentioned earlier if there is money in their some where a group with power will covet it

We know hypnosis is very effective.. often more so then other forms of treatment but powers (laws and people guarding there turf) prevent it being used to it's full extent for various reasons. Now ..is that really protecting society?.Carl Jung brought the spiritual factor to the fore in psychology. Yet it is fully accepted today. Why isn't their a church and state issue here.. should licensed psychologist be allowed to dabble in a persons spirituality? You see through the years the powerful manipulate the spin to their direction...Anyhow.. these things may seem a little outlandish but the regulation will happen and it will be spun to the needs of groups with power. The best we can do is resist, self regulate and improve our work..Fight the fight when it comes to us...otherwise Live, Love and be passionate about what we do..That's my opinion....

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