These two terms are often used
interchangeably. But are they really synonymous? Or are there subtle and/or
significant differences between the two. Like the word hypnosis, the differing
definitions provided by practitioners and “academicians” (just about anyone who
questions, studies, or purports to understand hypnosis) remain ambiguous – even
contentious.
I have been looking for sources to define
clinical hypnotherapy – some documentation that I can cite or quote that gives
a concise and understandable definition for the term. To date, unfortunately, I
have not succeeded. So it is important
to note that the following is merely my own opinion on the matter. I cannot and
will not indeed insist that others have to adhere to my own opinion or belief.
Ultimately, each of you will have to decide for yourself what makes sense and
what resonates with your own values.
I remember when I was first trained to be a
hypnotherapist almost 25 years ago, by the renown Dr. A.M. Krasner – author of
the Wizard Within and founder of the
American Institute of Hypnotherapy and the American Board of Hypnotherapy. I was issued a certificate officially
certifying me as a “Clinical Hypnotherapist.” Of course I was elated to receive
that piece of document that stated “Clinical Hypnotherapist” rather than
“Hypnotherapist.”
Looking back, I am certain like with many
people I found the title “clinical hypnotherapist” as somewhat being
significantly “superior” to that of “hypnotherapist.” Even back then, however,
I was quick to point out that it should not be stated as clinical as the
training provided little knowledge, if any, on what I believed to be clinical
in nature (equating clinical to something medical or psychological). In reality
there was no training in psychotherapy or in medicine.
Society’s perception has been shaped to
believe, erroneously I might add, that being a clinician is somehow deemed
superior and therefore more coveted by the majority. One can recognize, even
today, the deference given to medical practitioners over others or even
clinical psychologists over say counselling psychologists.
In the subsequent year when I renewed my
membership with the American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH), the body that
certified me, I noted that the new certificate showed “Certified
Hypnotherapist” as opposed to “Clinical Hypnotherapist.” In some sense I was
glad for the “correction” they made. I can’t say I was disappointed as I did not
see myself as being any less qualified as a clinician since I was already a
practicing counsellor and had done an additional year of post graduate studies
in Clinical Psychology. I felt the change of term on their certificate
indicated the Association’s cognizance of the fact that there is indeed a
difference between a clinical hypnotherapist and a hypnotherapist. In fact, in
their training there is caution in handling medical or psychological diagnoses.
These are contraindicated in hypnotherapy, and a hypnotherapist is directed to
refer and/or consult with a trained and licensed individual with regard to
assisting with a client who has been so diagnosed.
Hence, this is where I came to rest with my
definition of a clinical hypnotherapist. He/she should be one with additional
training – be it in psychotherapy or medicine. Of course, over the years I have
come to recognize that the term clinical can, and in fact does, include other
areas of clinical work including though not limited to the studies in: dentistry,
pharmacy, midwifery, birthing, chiropractic, and so forth. I’ve also become
clearer that the word “clinical” or clinician does not denote superiority but
rather additional or separate expertise in particular area. So, while I
consider myself a clinical hypnotherapist I would not be so ready to jump in
and assist a client on areas beyond my training or experience/expertise. For example, I would not work with one who
wishes to give birth via hypno-birthing (unless and/or until I have been
trained to do so). Nor would I claim to be able and willing to work with a
patient who wishes to be hypnotized for the purpose of surgery (to avoid the
use of anaesthetic) – without at least collaboration with a licensed medical practitioner.
In regards to the term hypnotherapy and
because I felt “successful” in pointing out for consideration the use of the
word clinical hypnotherapy, when I was later trained and certified to be a
trainer who can in turn certify others – I pointed out that even the use of the
word hypnotherapist is inaccurate (since participants may not again have the
benefit of training as a therapist). Bolden, I am sure, by my earlier
experience – I was eager to point this out. However, Drs. Tad James
(founder/creator of Timeline Therapy) and Adrianna James were quick to draw my
attention to the definition we use for hypnotherapy.
Hypnosis: a tool; a technique; a modality - used by a
trained professional to aid a client/patient
Therapy: treatment of a disorder/issue/challenge
Therapy: treatment of a disorder/issue/challenge
Hypnotherapy, then,
is: the use of hypnosis in the
treatment of a disorder (with
the term disorder used generically here not necessary a diagnosis from the ICD
or DSM)
Hence, my conclusion
is that clinical hypnotherapy refers to the use of hypnosis as a treatment
modality/approach/tool/technique in a clinical setting by a professional
trained in that respective clinical field for the purpose of helping his/her
client/patient to deal with the client’s issue/disorder. On the other hand, a
hypnotherapist is one who is trained to use hypnosis to help others with any
and all issues that do not necessarily require additional specialized training
that is clinical in nature. It is also important to note that a hypnotherapist
– like counselors, psychotherapists, and even doctors – who may be additionally
trained in certain areas of hypnotherapy. For example one may have additional
and specialized training in dealing with past life (past life regression or
PLR), weight loss management, sports therapy, smoking cessation, inner child
therapy, therapeutic imagery, hypno-birthing and a myriad of others.
It is of particular
concern to me to hear of my peers who are practitioners readily offer to help
anyone with any issue be they medical or psychological without the necessary
training in those areas. While I respect each individual’s right to do as
he/she sees fit bearing in mind the one great guiding principle of “above all
else, do no harm” I continue to feel uncomfortable with what I sometimes see as
reckless abandon for guidelines to not over offer beyond what we may be able to
deliver. I am also highly disturbed (even agitated) to hear of some
practitioner (who holds position of authority) who claim that the use of the
title of “clinical hypnotherapist” as nothing more than a “marketing gimmick.” Such description coming from supposed learned
individuals, to me, are indicative of grave ignorance and even insulting to
those who use the term genuinely as reflective of their actual practice and
training (as opposed to merely to hoodwink consumers).
