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Mozart New user Rochester, MN 80 Posts |
I've been following the hypnosis forum for quite some time and noticed that most of the posts are heavily in favor of formal training. I agree with these people wholeheartedly and wouldn't think of putting myself out there without some kind of educational background.
Problem is, I'm having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff. You probably know better than I about the wide variety of training options out there. I've yet to find one, however, that certifies itself through some kind of independent regulatory body. Lawyers are required to pass the Bar; the measure of an accountant is a CPA. In my own industry, the best security professionals are certified by the American Society of Industrial Security. That certification requires a combination of practical experience, formal education, and passing a very difficult written exam. Can anyone tell me if there is a certifying, licensing, regulatory, or controlling body does the same for hypnotists? I've tried to follow Lee Darrow's advice by searching the training posts, but come away more confused than informed. It seems like everyone has their favorite training programs and trainers, but no one is answering the question: "What or who qualifies that person to teach these techniques?" Any help would be appreciated. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
The Café will run the spectrum on this topic. Everything from Lee's advice to take an NGH course to people who tell you the NGH is just full of it.
Some say no training, some say take a weekend course, and some say other things. You are right, the search topic is of almost NO help on this. Really, the best thing is to find a mentor. THAT is my advice.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Mozart New user Rochester, MN 80 Posts |
I appreciate the feedback, Danny, but it just brings me back to the original question. Let's frame it this way: I screw up during a stage performance. One of my subjects has an abreaction, and I handle it badly. The subject is injured and takes me to court. The subject's attorney says: "Mr. Mozart, what qualifies you to perform hypnosis on unwitting volunteers?" I reply: "Well, I've attended a weekend Geoffry Ronning training course, and my mentor is Lee Darrow - who has been doing this for 30+ years."
That kind of pathetic reply is blood in the water to any experienced attorney. Obviously I have no formal (i.e., medical) training, and although my mentor has a wealth of practical experience, this doesn't make me experienced by association. Even if I have a 'CH' after my name, most likely it has been issued by the the same organization that trained me - which makes it virtually worthless and akin to buying a degree from a diploma mill. Beyond buying liability insurance, how do I protect myself? |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Simple, just like any other professional. INSURANCE.
NO matter what your background, hurt a volunteer on accident and count on court.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
MagicalPirate Special user Shamokin, PA 828 Posts |
Go with the "there is no such thing as hypnosis" position, and let the burden of proof fall on the accuser. Take out a $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 liability policy, and let the insurance company fight it out. That is what you hire them to do when you pay the premiums.
Also, they are more likely to trip on the way up the stairs on stage than to have an abreaction. Just consider the possible phobia or traumatic experiences people may have had when formulating your suggestions. If it could scare anyone, create a different skit. Martin
Martin Blakley, CSH, DASH, CMSA
http://www.thehypnoguy.com/HYPNORESOURCES http://www.docgrayson.com/ How To Sell Anything Online http://tub.bz/?r=1z Copyright to my own words retained 100%. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Martin,
Bingo on the stairs. Make sure that is always covered in the policy.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Mozart New user Rochester, MN 80 Posts |
Martin & Danny -
Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have thought of making certain the stairs were included in the coverage. For many years, I've been buying similar comprehensive liability insurance for my detective agency. Usually, the annual premium ran about $7000 for a million dollars of coverage with a two million dollar aggregate. Can either of you tell me if the premiums are similar for a stage hypnotist at the same level of coverage? |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
A fraction of that.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Martin, as an insurance professional (I got my license on a bet some years ago), there's a flaw in your argument from the insurer's standpoint. If the INSURANCE company says that you are doing hypnosis, it doesn't matter what YOU say you are doing. THEY are the final arbiter as to whether you have coverage or not.
Yes, there IS an appeal process, but it takes time and is going to cost you, as the claim against you will be moving forward DURING the appeal. Now, as to the original question: My recommendations are as follows - if you are not a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor, dentist, MSW/LCSW, nurse, or ministerial counsellor, getting a certification through one of the member groups of something called the Congress of Professional Hypnosis Organizations (COPHO) is probably your best bet. These groups generally do NOT allow either weekend only programs for certification, nor do they allow distance only training (generally, except in certain cases where hardship can be shown). Member groups include: The National Guild of Hypnotists http://www.ngh.net The International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association http://www.imdha.com and the Association for the Advancement of Ethical Hypnosis http://www.aaehonline.com All three of these organizations offer training, internationally, although AAEH is very limited in scope these days. Having a certification will help you get performer's liability insurance, as several carriers have now exempted hypnotists from their coverage. I recently got an offer from one such group that exempted hypnotists and, of all things - MENTALISTS! So before you get insurance coverage, make sure of several things: one being that the agent you are dealing with is licensed to write business in your state, and two being that the policy will actually COVER you as a hypnotist and for whatever else you might be doing on stage! This advice offered is NOT from the standpoint of a professional insurance agent, as my license is NOT in liability and is limited ONLY to the state of Illinois (I'm required by law to state that), but as a layman only. Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
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