An overview of common hypnotherapy / NLP qualifications

Distance Learning Warning There are people out there that think that by sending off for an unexamined distance learning course that they are qualified to practice. This is not in any possible sense the case. Clinical Hypnotherapy / NLP etc CANNOT be learnt in this way. If a training body is not listed assume distance learning.

Hypnotherapy qualifications

Certificate - CCHyp (AKA Foundation Course / ...)

Certificate level training generally provides a basic understanding of hypnosis and a very basic introduction to hypnotherapy. Those qualified only to certificate level are not qualified to practice professionally.

Diploma - DCHyp / DHyp (AKA Hypno Analysis Diploma / ...)

Diploma level training generally provides a basic understanding of hypnotherapy as well as treatment protocols for a limited range of presenting symptoms. This does not cover more complex issues such as trauma and those practicing at diploma level must remain within the boundaries of the issues that they have been trained to cover. They must also only practice under strict clinical supervision.

Practitioner Diploma - PDChyp (AKA Advanced Diploma / Master Practitioner Diploma / Professional Diploma / ..)

Practitioner Diploma level training generally provides a more complete understanding of hypnotherapy as applied to a more complete range of presenting conditions including most of the more complex issues. A range of more advanced treatment protocols are also provided that may include EMDR and EFT. Those qualified to Practitioner Diploma level generally practice under optional clinical supervision with supervision being used to assist in more complex cases.

Misc

GQHyp / DGH - General Qualification in Hypnotherapy. This is not a qualification as such - it is an indicator that someone is a member of the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register).

NLP Qualifications

There are two main levels - practitioner and master practitioner.

Below Practitioner - not qualified to use NLP as a therapeutic tool. Brief intro only.

Practitioner - Qualified to use NLP as a therapeutic tool but limited in terms of scope.

Master Practitioner - Fully qualified to use NLP as a therapeutic tool.

Professional body abbreviations

MBSCH - Member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis

• Associate Member (still in training)
• Member (qualified fully)

DMBSCH / DBSCH - Diplomate Member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis

• Diplomate Member (qualified fully plus substantial research contributions)

GHR (Reg) - Member of the General Hypnotherapy Register. Remember to check the validity of someone's training body and qualifications and avoid any therapist that has not been fully trained to your satisfaction.