A quick look at your path to becoming a hypno-psychotherapist

Training to be a Hypno-Psychotherapist

Training with the National College may be undertaken on a part-time basis by combining (usually weekend) attendance for practical tuition and lectures at one of the tuition venues, together with a programme of home study, the ideal method for students with domestic and/or work commitments, and one adopted by many leading Universities in recent times.

Each weekend consists of practical demonstrations and instruction and practice in the application of therapeutic techniques, combined with lectures on the various theories involved.  Our days typically start at 9.00 am (earlier some days) and finish at 5 pm (later some days).

Course face-to-face work is complemented by home study of notes, video material and recommended text books to provide a well rounded and in-depth curriculum that meets the rigourous standards of several well respected accrediting organisations.

The full details of course structure can be found in the NCHP-A Prospectus, a copy of which can be found on this website.

The total number of study hours required to complete the course varies depending on what prior knowledge a student brings to the course. However, monitoring of past students' study patterns suggests that for a student with little prior knowledge of hypnosis, psychotherapy or psychology, total study hours including work on the Advanced Diploma (Stage 4 training) up to UKCP registration level may amount to 2010 hours over a four year period. This total includes class contact and supported self-study, but does not include the time spent on written examinations, supervision or self-therapy, and all of these are required to successfully complete the Advanced Diploma.

Students of NCHP-A are anticipated to set the Level 3 Diploma from the National College as their primary learning and achievement objective. The 450 hours of class contact for this extend to some 1120 hours when supported self-study is included. Again this total does not include time spent on written assessment supervision or self-therapy.


Stage One - Foundation Course

Open University (UK) specific credits: 30 points at Level 2

Work covered on Stage One is drawn from:

  • Ethical issues relating to the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy
  • Fundamental principles of hypnosis/hypnotherapy
  • Tests for hypnotic suggestibility
  • Preparing the subject for hypnosis
  • The importance of semantics in the use of hypnosis
  • Hypnotic induction techniques
  • Hypnotic deepening techniques
  • Termination of hypnosis
  • The use of post-hypnotic suggestions
  • Some psychological principles applicable to hypnosis
  • Aspects of practice management
  • Counselling skills for hypnotherapists

Also during Stage One, students are taught to use hypnosis to help people alter certain behaviour patterns, such as smoking and overeating, and to assist people with such problems as examination or driving test nerves, insomnia, improving or restoring sporting competence, and other anxiety related states.

Assessment by:

  • Continuous tutorial assessment
  • Completion of a portfolio of learning and A development journal
    Award for Stage 1
    • Letter of attendance from NCHP-A
    • 'Certified Consulting Hypnotist' certification from National Guild of Hypnotists (USA) and one year's membership of the NGH
      •

    Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Stage Two training. 

    Stage Two - Certificate Course 

    Open University (UK) specific credits: 45 points at Level 2 A:

    Work covered in Stage 2 includes:

    Section A: Theories of Psychotherapy

    • Study of the main principles of various schools of psychological thought which are applicable to the work of the therapist, including:
      • Humanistic: Includes an examination of the theory and practice of humanistic psychotherapy, with particular reference to Carl Rogers' work. The Gestalt approach to therapy is also covered
      • Freud: An emphasis on Libido theory, ego theory and defence mechanisms
      • Jung: Analytical psychology. A broad overview, with particular emphasis being given to Jung's theory of the unconscious.
      • Adler: Individual psychology. The effects of parental and environmental influence
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A study of the main experimental bases of cognitive behaviour therapy, their practical application and their relevance to hypno-psychotherapy
    • Ericksonian Techniques: A complete weekend is devoted to a Foundation Course on aspects of the contribution of Milton H Erikson. During the course emphasis is placed upon the application of both the theory covered in the lectures and the practical skills acquired. Thus, for instance, students are presented with actual case histories, and by means of class and group discussion, are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the formulation of interventions
    And Section B: Additional hypno-psychotherapy techniques:

    • The recognition and treatment of psycho-logical disorders
    • Practical counselling
    • Techniques in hypno-psychotherapy, e.g.:
      •  Hypno-analysis
      • Regression therapy
      • Hypno-pictography
      • Automatic writing
      • Structured dream analysis
      • Desensitisation techniques

     

     

    As in Stage One, there are demonstrations by tutors and plenty of practical sessions for students to try out the various techniques themselves.

    Throughout the course, topics such as Ethics, Human Development, Sexuality and 'medical science and hypnotherapy' are covered.

    Assessment by:

    • continuous tutorial assessment
    • four x 3,500 word essays, and 
      •
    • written examination (three papers)
      •

     

    Stage 2 Award:

    • Certificate in Hypno-Psychotherapy - CHP(NC) 
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Licentiate membership of the National College Student and Alumni Guild
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Intern membership of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists
      •

     

    Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Stage Three Diploma Course

     

    Stage Three - Diploma Course

    Open University (UK) - specific credits: 45 points as Post Graduate Level

    Outline of syllabus:

    • performance enhancement
    • physical issues
    • emotional issues
    • medical science and hypnotherapy
    • counselling skills
    • Marketing and practice development
      •

     Assessment by:

    • continuous tutorial assessment
    • practical examination
    • 10-12,000 word dissertation
      •

     

     Award:

    • Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy- DHP(NC) 
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Full membership of the Student and Alumni Guild
      •
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Professional membership of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association
    • Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Professional membership of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists

     


    Stage 4 - Advanced Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy - ADHP(NC)

    Awarded to those NCHP graduates who fulfil the requirements for recommendation to membership of the UKCP's National Register of Psychotherapists OR for those who have completed the UKCP requirements from another hypno-psychotherapy school and have completed the NCHP Ericksonian Hypno-Psychotherapy and/or NLP Psychotherapy Diploma, and a competency interview.

    Those who are awarded the ADHP(NC) are entitled to apply for Fellowship of the Student and Alumni Guild.

    For details of gaining UKCP Registration refer to www.psychotherapy.org.uk