Code of Ethics

There are three levels of membership within the IAPCH:

  • Associate member
  • Member
  • Certified Member

All members are expected to adhere to the following code of ethics. This code of ethics covers all aspects of hypnosis, ranging from professional therapy, to street hypnosis and hypnotic performances. The term Hypnotist is used to refer to the individual undertaking the use of hypnosis, and the terms client, subject, or participant are used to refer to an individual who  communicating with the hypnotist in an hypnotic fashion.

Client Welfare

The welfare of the individual the hypnotist is working with is the primary concern of the Hypnotist. This is universal regardless of what area the Hypnotist is working in, whether it be in a therapeutic context (if qualified to do so), or a more informal setting (such as street hypnosis). It is the hypnotists responsibility to use hypnosis only in the areas that they can demonstrate the appropriate level of competence in order to ensure that the subject’s experience of hypnosis is a positive one.
IAPCH members will:

  • Make any intended charges for the use of hypnosis known to the subject up front. Gifts and benefits may be excepted if reasonable, but should in no way be solicited.
  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all involved, including themselves, the subject, and other individuals they may be affected by their use of hypnosis.
  • Refrain from using their position of trust to exploit the client emotionally, sexually, financially or in any other way whatsoever.
  • Gain the correct consent and permission of the subject necessary to ensure a client’s complete well-being. This may typically include the consent of a parent or guardian for working with children under sixteen, or such age as the national law requires.
  • Not coerce or pressure a subject into undertaking a hypnotic experience against their wishes.
  • Not discriminate against an individual due to their religion, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, or social standing. However, where there is potential for the hypnotist to be ill at ease with some aspect of the subject’s way of being, it is the hypnotists care of duty to offer to refer the individual to another suitable hypnotist.
  • Make no claim that they hold specific qualifications unless such claim can be substantiated. All treatment and work is to be done within the confines of a safe and appropriate environment.
  • Ensure that they have the correct knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to ensure they can competently deal with any situation that may arise as the result of their actions as a hypnotist. This includes the correct use of abreaction procedures.
  • Ensure that any suggestions or Hypnotic work is done within the wishes of the client. This means working only within the problem constructs the client has asked for help with, or using open-ended suggestions that will allow the individual to work towards a positive outcome for themselves that their unconscious deems appropriate.

It is the duty of the Hypnotist to ensure the subjects well-being is the top priority when undertaking any form of hypnotic process, therapeutic work, or performance.

Legal Obligations:

  • It is the duty of the Hypnotist to ensure they work within the confines of the legal systems within their country of work. They are to familiarize themselves with any law or legal obligation concerning confidentiality, data protection, note keeping, the maintenance of valid insurance, advertising laws, the use of protected titles, and restrictions on working within a hypnotic context imposed by the country they are practicing in.
  • Hypnotists will not work with certain subjects under two conditions: 1) the client has a condition that contraindicates the use of hypnosis. 2). A client who has false-pretences regarding the ability of the hypnotist and the current understandings of what hypnosis is capable of. This includes never promising a cure for any condition or problem, nor giving advice on any medical, psychiatric, or psychological problem or condition, unless they have the training and expertise to do so

Duties as a member of the IAPCH:

  • To report any other Member who appears to be breaking one or more of the ethical rules laid down in this document. Such complaint can be made with total confidentiality and will be fully investigated.
  • To confirm, upon initial application, that they have not been convicted of any offence likely to bring their professional name or the reputation of The Association into disrepute and undertake to inform The Association, in writing, should such an event subsequently occur whilst a member of The Association.
  • Use no claim or title connected with the IAPCH, other than their membership status and connection with the association.
  • Members will refrain from any behavior in connection with their professional endeavors that would be likely to bring the Association into disrepute.
  • Members will refrain from any behavior in connection with their professional endeavors that would be likely to bring the field of hypnosis into disrepute.

Terms of Membership:

  • All members will agree to abide by the code of ethics; making a formal application for membership constitutes such agreement.
  • From time to time, this document may have additions or deletions; in such event, the latest copy will be available to all members via our website.