Rev. C. Scot Giles, D.Min., LLC

There are three large hypnotism organizations in the United States, and many small ones. The largest organization is the National Guild of Hypnotists, which is also the oldest.

National Guild of Hypnotists certified practitioners undergo a standardized training program, typically delivered by certified faculty at a state-licensed hypnotism school. Upon passing a standard examination a person can be certified as a hypnotist. Many practitioners then undergo an internship or period of mentoring by a senior practitioner. My own internship lasted two solid years.

After practicing general hypnotism for a minimum of one year a hypnotist may sit for the Board Certification Examination, which is an advance practice oral and written examination given by a peer group four times a year around the country. If successful, a hypnotist who has been Board Certified may sit for the Fellow examination after three more years of study.

The Fellow examination is also peer reviewed, and requires writing an original dissertation on some aspect of the hypnotic arts and sciences and defending it before an examining committee. The Fellow exam also requires one submit a video of a hypnotism session with a client (who has given permission for the session to be recorded) and passing a peer review about how the session was handled. There is no more rigorous credential for the professional practice of hypnotism then becoming a Fellow of the National Guild of Hypnotists.

After an extended period of years, the Certification Board may choose to elevate a Fellow to the status of Diplomate of the National Guild of Hypnotists. This distinction is bestowed honoris causa, meaning that the Board has decided that the practitioner is operating at a level far above that typical for a Fellow. There is no test for the Diplomate level and one cannot ask to be considered. It is awarded solely on the basis of peer recognition and acclaim. I became a Diplomate in 2006. Presently, there are fewer than a dozen Diplomates of the National Guild of Hypnotists in the world.

Last updated on May 20, 2008 by C. Scot Giles