What training do hypnotists have?
Unfortunately, there are many lay practitioners and virtually no licensing in the field. Hypnosis continues to be portrayed in media in misleading ways, and just about anyone can hang out a shingle. There are many national organizations that give certification. Some give certification to lay persons who have completed as little as two weekends of training. On the other hand, there are licensed health professionals – doctors, psychiatrists, dentists, clinical social workers – who have completed AMA-approved training. To find a licensed health professional in your area who provides hypnosis, go to one of the following websites: ASCH, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, www.asch.net. ManSCH, Manhattan Society of Clinical Hypnosis, www.manhattanhypnosis.org NYSEPH, the New York Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. www.nyseph.org.
