Membership Levels & Criteria
A Unique and Flexible Approach to Membership and Accreditation
The National Hypnotherapy Society is a not for profit organisation whose primary process is the advancement of hypnotherapy, and of course the support and encouragement of all our members.
We believe that membership of a professional association is essential as it gives confirmation of your professional standing to both your peers and clients – and gives you a voice in the future of our profession.
In recognition of the different training and experience levels of a hypnotherapist we offer the following levels of membership. You do not have to understand these criteria in full to make your application.
Student Membership
This membership level is offered to all hypnotherapists while they are still in training. As well as those students who join the Society via our approved/accredited training schools we also welcome applications from others who can provide evidence of relevant training.
Student membership costs £40.00 for 1st year and is £80 for the subsequent years. It is payable by standing order only.
Associate Membership
This membership level is for those who have an interest in hypnotherapy. This includes individuals who have completed some hypnotherapy training but this is deemed by the Society to be below the standards required for professional practice. This membership level will apply to those studying on distance learning courses. The Society will support and encourage Associate members who want to work towards professional membership.
Associate Membership costs £80.00 per year payable by standing order only.
Professional Membership (MHS)
An MHS must maintain their membership, be covered by professional indemnity insurance and be in practice at the time of application. They must demonstrate a commitment to supervised practice, and a commitment to the National Hypnotherapy Society Code of Ethics.
From 2012, the Society membership level LHS has been changed to MHS. The status of both membership levels will be considered the same.
Professional Membership costs £80.00 per year payable by standing order only.
Routes to Professional Membership
- You will have completed an Accredited National Hypnotherapy Society course.
- You will have completed a course deemed equivalent to route 1 by the HS and completed the full application process.
- You hold an equivalent Professional membership as deemed by the Society.
- You complete the full application process which indicates a suitable mix of training and experience.
Accredited Membership (MHS Acc)
An MHS (Acc) must be a member of the Society and maintain their membership to gain and retain accreditation. You must be covered by professional indemnity insurance and be in practice at the time of application.
You must demonstrate a commitment to supervised practice, and a commitment to the HS Code of Ethics.
Accredited Membership costs £80.00 per year payable by standing order only.
Routes to Accredited Membership
- You will have completed an Advanced Accredited National Hypnotherapy Society Course or the equivalent (as deemed by the Society).
- In addition to meeting the criteria for professional membership you also hold some counselling qualifications (e.g. MNCS or equivalent).
- You have completed an Advanced Course in hypnotherapy.
- You complete the full application process which indicates a suitable mix of training and experience.
Fellow (FHS)
The Society defines a Fellow as an experienced practitioner who can demonstrate outstanding professional practice. The route to Fellowship with the Society is:
- You meet the criteria for Accredited membership of the National Hypnotherapy Society and you hold an Accredited Counselling qualification (MNCS Acc or equivalent).
Honorary Fellow (FHS Hon)
The Society will consider the award of an Honorary Fellowship on a case by case basis and will include the following criteria in their decision:
- A new member who in the unanimous opinion of the HS Council especially deserves this honour.
- A member who can demonstrate a significant contribution to the vocation of Hypnotherapy and holds senior membership in another organisation.
- A member who performs an outstanding service to the Society (in instances where the member’s professional development does not meet standard Fellowship requirements, this will be clearly indicated on the membership certificate).