Free Nationally accredited Hypnotherapy course?

http://www.hypnosis.edu/training/
From website
"Hypnotherapy Training From the Hypnosis Motivation Institute
Learn to Hypnotize at No Charge! - Become a Certified Hypnotist
The Hypnosis Motivation Institute, America's first Nationally Accredited College of Hypnotherapy is now offering to qualified applicants the opportunity to study HMI's first level of training and even achieve the first level of Certification "Certified Hypnotist" for absolutely no cost or obligation!"
Advertised in Psychology today -free for first 1000 applicants
Go to above website for details. Appears legit, but I don't know all the details.

 

Their instructional staff don't appear very educated. Very few have degrees in the behavioral sciences. I'm not too impressed.

 

I don't mean to take issue with anything that's been written here, but a few facts/factors probably need to be mentioned, to wit:

Hypnosis/hypnotherapy, just generally, is one of those weird areas upon which few completely agree. Some think it's voodoo, the work of the devil, or worse; while others think it could replace all forms of psychotherapy. Neither extreme is, of course, correct.

As a therapeutic tool, it can be quite effective... but best in the hands of highly-trained professionals, preferably certified/licensed in some form of psychology or psychological counseling. Stage hypnotists who use it for entertainment should probably be dragged behind trucks and their bodies dumped into the river... but that's just my intentionally-over-the-top-just-to-make-a-point opinion.

Sadly, there are few actual degrees in hypnosis/hypnotherapy; and if there's any area that's filled with quacks and nutjobs, it's the world of hypnosis/hypnotherapy. There are no actual degrees in the US of which I'm aware (at least no accredited ones); and only a couple in the UK. There's at least one government-approved/accredited certificate/diploma program in Australia that I'm aware of which, despite the provider's web site looking kinda amateurish, appears to be quite good. But one thing's for sure: If someone claims to have an associates, a bachelors, a masters or a PhD or PsyD (or any doctorate, for that matter) in hypnosis or clinical hypnotherapy, then it's definitely not accredited... and is quite likely bogus, too... at least if the holder claims it's from a US institution. And I would argue, further, that the professional ethics of anyone who claims to have such a thing -- unless, maybe, if it's one of those aforementioned UK masters degrees in hypnosis/hypnotherapy -- should be questioned; and should probably be avoided... but that's just me.

Now, there are accredited institutions which offer psychology or social work degrees which include a not-insignificant amount of study and practical experience in hypnosis/hypnotherapy -- maybe even so much of it that students in such programs could legitimately declare a minor in it -- but there are no legitimate, accredited hypnosis/hypnotherapy undergraduate or graduate degrees in the United States. Period. And I could only find maybe one or two in the UK... and only at the masters level.

So, how to get credible hypnosis/hypnotherapy training in the US that's also accredited by an agency that's approved by the US Department of Education (USDE) and/or its Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

Sadly, even though PatsFan's "not too impressed" with it, there's pretty much only one choice: HMI...

...and, unfortunately, that's true whether one's seeking a traditional brick & mortar type school, or a distance larning program, in hypnosis, hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (which is pretty much a joke, but I digress), etc.

Like it or not, the HMI folks -- impressive or unimpressive though they may be -- are pretty much the only accredited game in Hypnosisville. Fortunately, they're deadly serious about what they do, and are quite, quite good at it... the relative lack of bachelors or masters degrees among their faculty/staff notwithstanding.

Because hypnosis/hypnotherapy is such a weird little area, just generally; and because it's so difficult to find reputanble, legitimate ways to become properly and safely trained in it in a way that makes you accountable and responsible (and legal), finding a good program -- accredited or not -- can be a real challenge. Though it may or may not be the best program out there, its accreditation, its overall quality of content and delivery, and its philosphy of accountability, makes HMI a very safe choice... the only one out there without one having to do a whole bunch of research, and having to perform his/her own painstaking due diligence, in order to find another. Remember, the field is rife with quacks and whackjobs! HMI's DETC accreditation ensures that, if nothing else, you'll certainly find no such thing there; and you'll be able to point proudly to its training... more proudly, I would argue, than many others who went with godknowswhat other unaccredited programs out there.

If you want to know more about what else is out there, as well as many of the pitfalls to be avoided, etc., I can go on if you like (and if you like, just say so and/or ask some questions)...

...but I just wanted to cover HMI, specifically, so that a larger, more accurate picture may be presented.

If HMI is offering some of its coursework for free as a promotion -- a means of attracting new students -- I, personally, don't see anything wrong with that. Oh, sure... it's not the sort of thing that we like to see accredited institutions do, just generally; but it's not dishonorable or illegal or anything like that. It's just unusual... and the sort of thing a used-car dealer would be more likely to do. But, hey... whatever gets the job done, I suppose.

 

I agree with DesElms-this a DETC accredited program. If this offer is truly free and you have an interest in hypnosis this is a good way to explore it.

 

At one point I became interested in hypnosis, primarily for pain management, and I secured training through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis known colloquially as 'ash.' At the time –- my career diverged and I lost interest – this was the organization for credentialed clinicians (physicians, psychologists, dentists, etc.) not a fly-by-night. I assume this is still the case but I can't speak with authority. One of the instructors, a dentist with a doctorate in clinical psychology, proved to be one of the more intriguing individuals I've ever encountered.

http://www.asch.net/

 

Thanks, David. IMO ASCH is indeed much more impressive. HMI may be accredited, but everything else about it seems very suspect. Real hypnotherapy requires training in hypnosis and therapy. ASCH seems to agree:

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis is the largest U.S. organization for health and mental health care professionals using clinical hypnosis.

Founded by Milton H. Erickson, MD in 1957, ASCH promotes greater acceptance of hypnosis as a clinical tool with broad applications. Today, ASCH offers workshops, certification, and networking opportunities that can enhance both your professional and personal lives.

ASCH is unique among organizations for doctoral and master's prepared professionals using clinical hypnosis. Our members are psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, medical doctors, master's level nurses, and dentists. As an interdisciplinary organization, ASCH provides an opportunity to learn from and interact with colleagues in other health and mental health care disciplines. This allows for a cross fertilization of ideas and applications that meshes neatly with current trends, such as mind-body health and integrative medicine.

 

Under the truck

Stage hypnotists who use it for entertainment should probably be dragged behind trucks and their bodies dumped into the river... but that's just my intentionally-over-the-top-just-to-make-a-point opinion.

or as professor Sam Kinison was wont to say...

"I hope they slide under a gas truick and taste their own blood."

 

Actually, the Hypnosis Motivation Institute does not look too bad. Yes, there are a couple of others such as "Ash" and one other that heavily tie Hypnosis to the practice of graduate level Counseling, Psychology and medicene.

For what it is though HMI offers a relatively good program.

i) It is nationally accredited in marked contrast to the many other Hypnosis schools.

ii) Has a good size residential program.

ii) In order to qualify as a Hypnotherapist, not only do you have to complete the course list but also complete 200 hrs of practicum after the coursework. The practicum must be supervised by a Licensed Social Worker, medical doctor, etc.

North

 

course completed

I have completed the free Foundations of Hypnosis course through MHI. I found it interesting. I'd receive a chapter online and a 2 hour DVD in the mail-would view it and study chapter then submit quiz online. They were graded within 2 days and I'd recieve the next lesson promptly. There were 6 lessons -12 hours of video. The tutor assigned to me was gracious and available. There was a final written exam and I had to take a verbal exam over the phone where my final was reviewed and I did a simulated hypnosis session with him. I did learn new things even though I have taken alot of hypnosis courses and used it in the past. There was some marketing to encourage one to pursue further study in their wide array of advanced courses but no high pressure techniques. Overall a good experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good entry level hypnosis course.