Requirements

This page sets out the clear requirements for course accreditation with the Society

As holders of a Register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, we have a duty to ensure that those training courses which offer a route to registration are fit for purpose. We therefore keep our Training Standards for Accredited courses under review. The Society has decided that standards of entry to the Register will in future be benchmarked against Ofqual levels or their equivalents. Training Providers will be expected to adhere to these new requirements, where relevant, for any course commencing after September 1st 2017.

Many of our training providers offer a range of courses which vary in length, depth and context. It is important to be aware that when assessing a course for Accreditation, Advanced/Specialist status or Quality Checking, it is the course itself rather than its provider on which we focus. A training provider may be offering either an Accredited course, an Advanced/Specialist training or a Quality checked course, or a range of these. Providers whose current offering does not match our requirements for either Accreditation or Quality Checking may still join us as an Organisational Member. Awarding bodies or professional organisations who wish to have their qualifications or members considered for a route to our register are welcome to contact the Society for an initial discussion.

Accreditation

This is appropriate for those training courses that have fully demonstrated to the Society high standards of course content and delivery and are considered to develop students who are safe, competent and ethical to practice. The course must demonstrate a commitment to the HS Code of Ethics and meet our current Training Standards. Accredited status is granted for a period of 5 years and is subject to annual renewal.

Successful completion of an HS Accredited course is one of the routes to becoming a Registrant. Applicants should be aware that course Accreditation is a robust process which can take some months to complete.

We are fully aware of the importance of widely recognised standards such as the various relevant National Occupational Standards and Ofqual Levels. (An officer of the Society helped to write the revised National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy working in tandem with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills).

We encourage you to provide the National Hypnotherapy Society with as much information as you can about your organisation and the course(s) you want us to assess.

Each application will be examined closely for a balance of items and an overall understanding that your course is safe, competent and ethical to train hypnotherapists to see clients. The National Hypnotherapy Society expects training providers to meet the minimum criteria set out below and will exercise reasonable monitoring and assessment procedures. The Society cannot accept responsibility for those courses that may fail to do so.

An Accredited course will have fully demonstrated to the Society that they contain all elements necessary for professional practice. The course must comply with the following benchmarks:

• Demonstrable equivalence to a Level 3 Ofqual Certificate. (An actual Ofqual qualification is preferred.)
• Learning Outcomes for the course, which comply with the Hypnotherapy National Occupational Standards. The course provider must demonstrate this.
• A minimum course length of one year part time.
• Hours of study will include guided learning, directed study and dedicated assessment appropriate to the achievement of at least a Level 3 Ofqual Certificate.
• The development of students who are safe, competent and ethical to practice.

You must also provide evidence of the below:

• Course Content - to include:
  
  • The learning outcomes as specified in the National Occupational Standards
• Establishment of Course
  • One set of students should have graduated from the course and the training provider should have obtained feedback from the students and implemented any relevant changes into the course structure.
• Insurance and Financial Responsibility
  • Training providers should be professionally insured and the Society may request evidence of financial responsibility (to ensure the course does not collapse and leave students 'high and dry').
• Course Prospectus
  • The course prospectus to contain full information regarding the qualification and background of course instructors, content of the course, admissions criteria, admissions procedure (including personal interview) and total costs (including any fees due for supervision and personal therapy).
• Staff
  • A minimum of two core members of staff who shall be held responsible for the course content and accreditation procedures. Such members of staff should be registrants of the Society. We also request that you encourage all of your staff to apply to join the Society.
• Skills Training - to include:
  • Structured experiences and regular opportunities for observation, practice, feedback (from staff and fellow students), discussion and review.
  • Opportunities to practice those skills being identified and developed from the models being taught, so that students can describe, analyse and utilise them.
  • A progressive monitoring and assessment of skills development.
• Reading
  • A detailed set book list that is appropriate to the course
  • Frequent class handouts (copies of same to be submitted)
• Opportunity for feedback between staff and students
  • To be sufficient
• Code of Ethics
  • Training school to agree to abide by HS Code of Ethics and Complaints Procedure
• Assessment
  • By continual assessment of course work, feedback, personal and written assessment and / or examination.

Full details can be found in our Training Standards document.

Full details of the Accreditation application process and other levels of course recognition.

National Occupational Standards

The following Learning Outcomes are based on the National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy (NOS) and give the minimum standards required in a practitioner:

CNH23 — Provide Hypnotherapy to Clients

This standard covers hypnotherapy for individuals. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

Performance Outcomes

Practitioners must be able to do the following:

1. Select the methodologies that are appropriate for the client which are consistent with the overall therapeutic plan. Discuss with the client the reasons for your choices of methodology at each stage of the therapy. Explain the possible responses to therapy — in an appropriate manner, level and pace to suit client's understanding.
   • Explaining the principles of different approaches and their application taking into consideration their method of application and assessment of each individual client including online therapy
   • Relating the links between case evaluation and selected approaches recognising the connection between different presenting symptoms and appropriate application of a variety of approaches
   • Demonstrating appropriate therapy planning and understand the importance of initial consultation and structure
   • Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
   • Explaining different methodologies employed in the therapy (these may include but are not limited to):
     1. the use of formal and informal trance
     2. the use of different levels of consciousness
     3. the use of direct and indirect approaches
     4. the use of direct and indirect suggestions
     5. matching different approaches to different clients e.g. permissive or authoritarian
     6. the use of mechanistic approaches
     7. relationships between different methodologies
   • Assessing possible contra-indications for particular presenting issues and understanding issues of safety and appropriateness for each individual client. If in doubt, contact client’s GP or other relevant healthcare professional (such as psychiatrist if patient has been referred or is working ‘in conjunction with’) - always with the client’s permission.
   • Demonstrating the principles of selecting techniques – i.e. matching the therapy to client needs
   • Recognising the importance of taking a critical approach in relation to methodologies selection
2. Ensure the client is aware of their role in cooperating and participating in the therapy. Discuss the role the client (and companion if relevant) must take for hypnotherapy to be successful. Encourage them and explain how to:
   • monitor their response to therapy and any self care exercises
   • note any changes in their health and well-being
   • contact the practitioner at an appropriate time if they have any concerns or queries in relation to their therapy.
     • Identifying the importance of being aware of actions, transference, abreactions and reactions and interactions of the client by observation and discussion.
     • Identifying the possible barriers to successful therapy
     • Explaining how to safely re-orientate the client at the end of the session
3. Give clear and accurate advice with regard to any relevant aftercare within the scope of the therapist’s expertise. Support the client to make informed choices.
   • Restating the factors to consider when selecting methodology tailored to individual needs
4. Apply the appropriate interventions that are suited to the client's needs
   • Relating the links between case evaluation and selected approaches recognising the connection between different presenting symptoms and appropriate application of a variety of approaches
   • Demonstrating appropriate therapy planning and understand the importance of initial consultation and structure
   • Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
   • Demonstrating the variety of content, structure and approach of different methodologies and the benefits and limitations of each
   • Demonstrating the principles of selecting techniques – i.e. matching the therapy to client needs
   • Restating the factors to consider when selecting methodology tailored to individual needs
   • Describing the processes for evaluating information as the therapy proceeds and using this to inform future practice
5. Evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of Hypnotherapy to inform future plans and actions
   • Recognising the importance of building review, reflection and evaluation into therapeutic planning
   • Recognising the importance of taking a critical approach in relation to methodologies selection
6. Accurately record information and reflect upon the rationale for programme of Hypnotherapy.
   • Identifying current methodologies, underpinning theories and codes of ethics
   • Explaining the importance of observation of clients throughout the therapeutic process

7. Be aware of the importance of working within levels of competence. Understand their own limitations and refer on to another hypnotherapist or healthcare professional if appropriate.

• Maintain awareness of safeguarding with children and vulnerable adults.
• Know the importance of confidentiality and where a breach may be required (e.g. for imminent risk).
• Understand the risks and limitations of online therapy

CNH1 — Learning Outcomes

Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural healthcare.

Overview

Practitioners must show their understanding that all forms of complementary and natural healthcare rely on exploring and establishing the client’s needs and expectations.

They recognise that this may take place at the outset, but also during the delivery of complementary and natural healthcare.

Identifying this allows the practitioner to consider whether it is appropriate to offer the service to the client, the type of service that should be offered and any required modifications to that service.

Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

Performance Outcomes

Practitioners must be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate requests for complementary and natural healthcare and take the appropriate action Explain the nature of the service and fee structures to the client
   • Defining the nature of the service provided and fee structures
   • Describing the potential risks (relevant to their discipline) of various courses of action for the client
2. Provide an appropriate and safe environment for the service. Understand how to make clients feel welcome and ensure they are as comfortable as possible
   • Explaining the concept of health and well-being that is consistent with the practice, principles and theory underlying their discipline.
   • Explaining the importance of a suitable environment and making clients feel welcome
   • Having knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
3. Discuss the client’s needs and expectations, and ask relevant questions. Encourage the client to ask questions, seek advice and express any concerns
   • Recognising how the client’s previous and present care may affect their health and well-being in relation to their discipline
   • Illustrating how the psychological and emotional balance, as well as diet and lifestyle of the individual, can affect their health and well being
   • Identifying how the context in which people live affects their health and well-being
   • Evaluating the conditions for which the discipline is appropriate and those where it must be used with caution
   • Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
4. Establish the client’s needs in a manner which encourages the effective participation of the client and meets their particular requirements. Determine any contra-indications or restrictions that may be present and take the appropriate action.
   • Discussing how to establish valid and reliable information about the client, and determine the priority of need, in order to plan the service.
   • Explaining how to work with clients to determine the appropriate actions.
   • Defining the appropriate actions to take to match identified needs
   • Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
5. Evaluate the information obtained and determine the appropriate action with the client Complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
   • Demonstrating how to select and use different methods for exploring clients’ needs
   • Explaining how to recognise conditions for which your discipline is unsuitable and for which the client should seek advice from other sources
   • Recognising how to judge whether self-care procedure(s) relevant to your discipline are appropriate for the client
   • Understanding the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
   • Demonstrating the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements

CNH2 — Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients

Overview

Practitioners must recognise how important it is that the planning of complementary and natural healthcare takes place through discussion and agreement with the client and relevant others (e.g. carers).

This competence is about developing and agreeing plans that meet the client’s needs. Such plans may be subject to change as the service proceeds.

Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

Performance Outcomes

Practitioners must be able to do the following:

1. Explain the available option(s) which meet the client’s identified needs and circumstances. Explain any restrictions, possible responses and advise on realistic expectations. Advise the client when your discipline is inappropriate and help them to consider other options
   • Describing the range, purpose and limitations of different methods or approaches which may be used for clients’ individual needs
   • Explaining how to determine the most appropriate method(s) for different clients and their particular needs
   • Discussing how to recognise those occasions when your discipline may complement other healthcare which the client is receiving
   • Identifying the alternative options available to clients for whom your discipline is inappropriate
2. Discuss the approach to be taken, the level of commitment required and the potential outcomes and evaluation with the client. Check the client understands and support them to make informed choices. Obtain the client’s consent and complete records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
   • Demonstrating how to support and advise the client to make informed choices
   • Exploring how to work with the client and relevant others to plan the approach
   • Explaining why evaluation methods should be determined at the planning stage and what the client’s role will be in the evaluation
   • Describing the importance of encouraging and empowering the client to be as actively involved as possible
   • Illustrating the relationship of the client’s involvement to the promotion of their health and well-being
   • Applying the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements