Dennis has been certified as an ACHE Clinical Hypnotherapist since 1991, and is currently an Approved School Operator, Board Examiner, and Instructor, in Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. Please see some of his continuing education and speaking references below.
There are several credible certifying hypnotherapy organizations in the United States. The one to which I belong is, "The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners". This organization is a self regulating, nonprofit professional organization open to all who utilize hypnosis or hypnotherapy as an integral part of their profession or professional practice. The primary focus of ACHE is on formal specialized education and training followed by a comprehensive written examination and a practical demonstration of hypnosis. This demonstration of skills is done before the board of examiners and acceptance of a written code of ethics and principles of practice for the protection of the public and the profession is included in the process, and there is mandatory continuing education for recertification every two years.
ACHE is one of the world's largest hypnotism organizations, having approved many Hypnotherapy Training Institutes worldwide, certifying over 9,200 hypnotherapist in 21 foreign countries and in all 50 of the United States. ACHE is registered with the Federal Department of Education and provides the schools recognized by the Federal Department Of Labor for teaching hypnosis as an integral part of training leading to an avocation or vocation of hypnotherapist. In 21 countries, the foremost practitioners of hypnotherapy recognize ACHE as the International Voice of Hypnotherapy.
There has been a legal basis established for hypnotherapy as described in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (D.O.T.) , which is published by The US Department Of Labor. Legal basis for hypnotherapist - 079.157.010
-- hypnotherapist induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior pattern through hypnosis. Consults with client to determine the nature of the of problem. Prepares client to Internet my states by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Test subjects to determine degrees of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of clients problem. May train client in self of nonsense conditioning. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles(D.O.T.) published by the US Department of Labor.
American Council of Hypnotist Examiners Code of Ethics
As a Hypnotherapist holding a Certification from the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, I commit myself to conduct my professional relationships in accord with the Code of Ethics and subscribe to the following statements:
* I regard as my primary obligation the welfare if the individual or group served.
* I will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, age, sex, or national ancestry and in my job capacity will work to prevent and eliminate such discrimination in rendering service, in work assignments, and in employment practices.
* I give precedence to my professional responsibility over my personal interests.
* I hold myself responsible for the quality and extent of the service I perform.
* I respect the privacy of the people I serve.
* I respect the rights, desires, and needs of my clients at all times.
* I use in a responsible manner information gained in professional relationships.
* I treat with respect the findings, views, and actions of colleagues and use appropriate channels to express judgment on these matters.
* I practice hypnotherapy within the recognized knowledge and competence of the profession.
* I recognize my professional responsibility to add my ideas and findings to the body of hypnotism knowledge and practice.
* I accept responsibility to help protect the community against unethical practice by any individuals or organizations engaged in hypnotic services.
* I distinguish clearly, in public, between my statements and actions as an individual and as a representative of an organization.
* I support the principle that professional practice requires professional education and continuing education.
* I teach self-hypnosis to my clients/students whenever possible.
* I contribute my knowledge, skills and support to programs of human welfare.
* I agree that intimate social contact with clients is forbidden for a period of two years from the client's final session.
I understand that the maintenance of high ethical standards by the American Council of Hypnotists Examiners (A.C.H.E.) is an important support to the professional standing of all Hypnotherapists. I agree to conduct my practice and all professional interactions in strict accordance with the Code of Ethics as defined now or in the future. I also agree to conduct my practice and all professional interactions in strict accordance with A.C.H.E. rules and regulations promulgated now or in the future. By accepting my Certification, I consent to the authority and jurisdiction of the A.C.H.E. to promulgate such rules and regulations, as it may from time to time deem necessary and to take such action, including legal, as it deems necessary to enforce them.
If I am charged with an ethics violation, I understand that an investigation may be conducted upon receipt of a written complaint signed by the person against whom the wrong is alleged. When an allegation of misconduct is being investigated I will be given an opportunity to respond to the Ethics Committee. I understand that my certification could be suspended for a specific period of time or revoked. In any case, I agree to hold American Council of Hypnotist Examiners harmless for any actions it may take to guardagainst unethical practices or to enforce the rules and regulations.
Ethical Advertising Regulations
It has come to our attention that a timely caution about the inappropriate content of promotional material is necessary. (If you have already been licensed by a board of regulation, for example as a psychologist, clinical social worker, etc., elements of the following do not pertain.)
Do not make grandiose claims that project hypnosis or hypnotherapy as a panacea. Be certain that your advertising does not infer or imply that you have medical or psychotherapy training or any training that would qualify you for state licensing as a medical or mental health professional.
It is especially important that hypnotherapists avoid the use of the following words: "psychologist," "psychotherapist," "psychotherapy," "psychological," "counseling," "medical," ("clinical" in New Mexico only) "dental," "treatment," "cure," "health care," ("approved instructor" if no longer with an ACHE approved school that is also State Licensed,) or other similar wording in the title of business or any other promotional materials that could mislead the public.
Your hypnotherapy school training prepared you for certification by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Hypnotherapy is a "non-licensed" profession. Certification by the A.C.H.E. is granted only after the completion of specified levels of education provided by hypnotherapy schools licensed by their State's Board of Education (or equivalent). The name for such a regulatory agency varies from State to State). Licensing of a professional group can only be authorized by a law passed by a State legislature and implemented by a State Agency.
Thank you for your compliance
Tim Simmerman, President
Randal Churchill, Past President
American Council of Hypnotist Examiners
Gil Boyne, Executive Director
700 S. Central Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204
phone: (818) 242-1159
fax: (818) 247-9379
email