American Pacific University

Hi,
Does anyone know the American Pacific University? Is this a diploma mill or a non-accredited school? Any information, source or link is welcomed.
Thank

 

For the vast majority of people in the vast majority of situations, making such a distinction is pointless.

A search of threads on this board will reveal much. Reading Bear's Guide will reveal even more. Finally, asking a more specific question than "has anyone ever heard of...." isn't really a good way to get information.

What do you really want to know?

 

their founder is tad james who is a well known and respected author in the field of nlp and cognitive psychology. Then again he claims a phd himself, that some might consider "self awarded".

 

If reading between the lines of Rich's post didn't adequately convey it, APU is... well... questionable... while at the same time being not necessarily bad, depending on how you look at things. It's probably not a mill, though many here will disagree.

The problem is... oh, c'mon... let's face it: It's hypnotheraphy, for godsake! Most states that even care treat hypnotherapy like a trade... like massage therapy or becoming a beautician or something. It's common for 200 to 300 -- and usually no more than 500 -- hours of education and training to be adequate, in the states that care, to call yourself "certified" or even "licensed." So offering an entire degree -- espeically one allegedly at the doctorate level -- seems, all things considered, kinda' silly.

This opinion, mind you, is coming from someone who actually has hypnotheraphy training... albeit thirty years old and in an apprenticeship format under someone trained at the University of Chicago in the '60s; and because the training is so ancient and things have changed, and because I believe, today, in much more formal training, etc., it's something I would never dare do today, professionally, or anything like that. Nor have I ever in the past. However, that said, I definitely believe that hypnosis and/or hypnotherapy can be useful and beneficial under the right circumstances, and when at the hand of someone who treats it with the respect it deserves, doesn't claim it will do what it can't (or shouldn't), and bothered to get some kind of really credible and legitimate training. I particularly like it when the hypnotherapist is also a licensed psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist... but I don't profess that only those professions should be able to do it professionally. I, personally, just happen to like it better when that's whose doing it (and I tend to only recommend that one obtain hypnotherapy from such qualified professionals... but that's just me).

Worthy of note is that an accrediting agency approved by the US Department of Education (USDE) and its Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) does accredit distance learning (D/L) hypnotherapy programs... or at least one, anyway... to wit:

• Hypnosis Motivation Institute
  Extension School
  18607 Ventura Boulevard
  Suite 310, Tarzana, CA 91356
  
  PHONE: 1-800-682-4464; Fax: 818-344-2262
  
  WEB SITE: http://www.hypnosis.edu
  
  FOUNDED: 1967
  FIRST DETC ACCREDITED: 1989
  NEXT DETC REVIEW: 2008
  
  STUDY AREA: Professional training in hypnosis and hypnotherapy

Of course, an argument can (and should, in my opinion) be made that it's folly to obtain one's training completely via D/L when the subject is such an inherently hands-on, technique-driven sort of thing as hypnosis. But that didn't stop DETC from accrediting at least the one hypnotherapy program shown above... indicating that it can be done.

You'd think that if APU wanted the kind of credibility that its web site suggests it thinks it deserves, it would join Hypnosis Motivation Institute as a DETC-accredited provider. Of course, since it offers a doctorate-level program (or so it claims), DETC would not accredit them... at least not yet; and that may be the reason APU never sought same. Still, if APU really wanted the credibility that badly... 'Nuff said.

In his 15th Edition of "Bears Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning," Dr. Bear places APU on page 190, in chapter 21: "Other Schools with nonresidential Programs." And about them he writes:

• The schools in this chapter do not meet the standards of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accreditation Principles... ). They are not necessarily bad, illegal, or fake, but they are unlikely to be accepted as accredited, despite the claims that many of them may make.

And about APU, specifically, Dr. Bear writes, simply:

• American Pacific University (Hawaii)
  Honolulu, HI
  
  FIELDS OFFERED: Hypnotherapy, esoteric studies
  
  Same ownership as the American Institute of Hypnotherapy in California. Offers bachelor's and doctoral degrees in clicnical hypnotherapy and doctorates in "esoteric studies." Once claimed accreditation from the unrecognized International Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities."

And that decidedly false claim of accreditation -- even though no longer made -- by an agency that isn't approved by USDE and/or CHEA has probably helped earn APU a less-than-wonderful regard by many members here. It is agreed, I think, by most here (I dare say) that a claim of accreditation by a less-than-credible -- and certainly unrecognized by any government -- accreditor stains the institution's general credibility forever... maybe even after it really does later achieve perfectly legitimate, USDE/CHEA-approved accreditation (which APU has clearly not done... yet... if it even ever plans to).

Who knows... maybe APU's "degrees" are well-regarded in hypnotherapy circles; but, even if so, I doubt they are anywhere else... and they might even be looked-upon with disdain by most anyone outside that community. The accreditation issue, if anyone's interested, was also discussed, among other places, in a 2004 thread in the American Institute of Hypnotherapy forums.

Finally, NLP, generally, remains controversial... and really should be viewed as something separate from hypnotherapy, generally. Be careful what you do, and how you do it, with regard to NLP. Just my advice, for what it's worth.

I'll bet Steve Levicoff -- whose opinion I respect... though by a recent posting elsehere here it would appear the feelings aren't mutual -- would have something to say about it... as would Rich, I'm guessing, if you'd just answer his question. Since those two tend to pretty much know what the heck they're talkin' about on issues such as these (and many others, too, I'm sure), I'd pay heed to whatever they say about APU.

 

APU

APU offers the same courses in hypnotherapy as AIH. Which is, and has been, approved by CA. since the 80's. Although an esoteric topic, the procedure in awarding credits is similar to DETC standards. If one concentrates on scientific studies, rather than "New Age" conjecture, a substantial amount of information, about hypnosis, can be gleaned from some of the material. Gregg is right about having someone trained in the field. Although, most MH professionals have no such training. And usually make attempts after observing a few sessions, so caveat emptor.

 

Re: APU

Hi Clay - Your unique phrasing in the above quotation makes its meaning somewhat unclear. In my 20 years of experience in the mental health field I have known only 2 people, both Psychiatrists, who had any interest in hypnosis. I only knew one of them to actually utilize this technique and that was only with a single case. When you say, "And usually make attempts after observing a few sessions..." can you say more about what you meant, specifically, and the extent of your knowledge and experience in mental health and hypnosis? Thanks,
Jack

 

Uh, oh.

 

APU

Iwent to AIH in the late 80's and early 90's. I thought that it may be helpful in my law enforcement work and personal problems with pain.
I went to USF and talked to several MH persons. They advised that it was rarely used and when it was, several people observed. They would then use, what they had observed, if attempting the process. USF is a teaching school for MH students.
So some would try what they had observed.
If I failed to state what I was told properly, then I apologize. That is why I said cavet emptor to the gentleman interested in APU. My understanding of hypnosis is that it is all self hypnosis. A form of this is now being used in the VA for patients with chronic pain.
If I am wrong, please let me know. I have been using a form of hypnosis, for numerous spinal fractures and fusions, for years. So I guess my experience with self hypnosis is extensive.
I do not claim to be an expert in anything, other than pain, and do not attempt to hypnotizs others. I am not a MH profressional and do not profess to be. I try to keep my posts short, so I probably don't explain things sufficiently. Please explain your experience in dealing with pain. Suggestions?
Clay

 

Studies

I also studied Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. This doesn't mean I believe in TCM, it just interested me. This is also being used in VA hospitals, for chronic pain patients, some say it works, I think it's the placebo effect. Chiropractic is proposed. Seems like a waste of money to me. So Jack, what's your educated take on this, other than waste my money, what harm have I done?
Clay

 

Re: APU

Aside from some mounting arthritis I have virtually no experience in the area of pain management. I had the opportunity of listening to John Kabat-Zinn MD when I worked at UMass Medical School but I was not directly involved in his clinic. I'm told that his techniques are highly regarded and effective. I've known a number of people who have had good results with chiropractic therapy but I imagine that it depends largely on the nature of the problem.

My impression from your original posting was that you were saying that utilizing hypnotherapy after just a few "observations" was a common practice in the mental health field. Personally I would see this as irresponsible and unprofessional. I'm glad to hear that this is not a widespread practice in your neck of the woods. Best of luck with your pain management.
Jack

 

PCU

No it isn't used in an unprofessional manner at all. What I observed were student shrinks, obtaining all necessary permission, before utilizing what they had observed.
Howerver, several weight and smoking clinics are in the area. Many sponsored by Tampe General Hospital, and directed by lay persons, like myself. I was offered a job doing this, but refused.
I do not promote hypnosis as a cure all. I doubt that helping someone stop smoking is a medical no-no. And does not require a medical license to assist clients in accomplishing this goal.
Psychotherapy, is what I would consider a self-promoting business. I'm sure people are helped, but looking at the DSM IV finds a code for virtually every human emotion. How telling.
My experience with shrinks has been less than enlightening. I know several, and they are all nice folks who believe in their profession. But without drugs, a nut remains a nut. And those that are helped are directed toward self-help. The shrink is a catalyst and the patient the healer.
I use the term shrink in humor, not in a derogatory way, and the shrinks, I know, use the same term and have described their profession just as I have above.
If this is offensive, I certainly apologize, but if I am either correct or incorrect, please let me know. And rest assured, the hypnotists claiming magical cures for everything don't last long.
It is a subject worthy of study and I doubt shrinks are the only group that can objectively look at the topic. As you said, very few used it, so how can they have a professional opinion about the subject?
I have read hundreds of articles and books, on the topic, and still don't know what hypnosis is. Not the vague definition, but the process itself. This is what interests me. So, being a student of humanity disqualifies one from questioning those claiming to know what is best? This is presumptuous. My studies have been for my own personal growth, and nothing more.
Gregg: What'a the Uh, oh for ?
Clay

 

hypnosis is vast field

I would like to state that APU, which began as the American Institute of Hypnotherapy, is an excellent choice for those interested in learning about the numerous applications of hypnotherapy and imagery. Yes basic hypnosis training can be given in a day or two but it has many applications ranging from pain control,, enhancement of peak performance in sports (used by Sports Psychologists rather than steroids!), medical psychology to lose weight , stop smoking etc., relaxation and stress managment, phobic reduction, improve self-esteem, in forensics, psychotherapy, religion and prayer and multiple other applications. There is a field called psychoneuroinmmunology that uses many hypnotic applications. In addition there are different types of imagery and hypnosis (Eriksonian, non-directive etc.). Hypnosis is an accepted threapeutic application as recognized by both the AMA and APA. The Doctor of Hypnotherapy is a legitimate attempt (modeled after the Psy.D in Psychology) to professionalize the field and study and research this vast area of application. A person who studies this vast area of applications, techniques etc. is certainly worthy of a degree. Look at their course titles and you will see this is worthy material. The knock against APU is that it studies some less than accepted areas of hypnotherapy as Past Lives Therapy and several of their staff have non accredited Doctorates. But in the whole it appears to be an innovator in bringing hypnosis to a respectable level and not the provence of those "only weekend trained hypnotherapists." They do require hands-on-training through weekend 2-3 day seminars.
I am not associated with them but I have attended a weekend training course in Advanced Hypnotherapy offered by them and found it very interesting and in depth- on par with my Basic Hypnotherapy Training (Continuing Education through Massachusetts School Of Psychology , an accredited school.)

 

Re: PCU

I was just screwin' around. But, obviously, you, too, sensed the indignation in Jack's post... else you wouldn't have worded your responses about as carefully as I've ever seen... and I don't mean that in a negative way; quite the contrary. And, by the way, I agree with your general take on it. No argument here. Good posts.

 

Indignation?
ME?

Jack

 

APU

Having a choice of subjects gave me an opportunity to deal specifically with topics concidered worthy of professional study. No "New Age" hype. And unless a professional utilizes hypnosis in their practice, I would have no problem stating that I know more about the topic than a MH professional without any training in the area. Does this mean I'm a shrink? No, just someone who has studied something someone hasn't. I have also had advanced study in hypnosis for pain management. It helps me.
This is the same for any subject. I have studied numerous interesting matters, but would never claim to be an expert in any.
I can skydive, scuba, fly, shoot etc... trained as a Green Beret, law enforcement, and trained others in the areas I knew about. But I also learned while training and teaching. I have taught in universities and high schools. And learned more than I taught.
Anyone claiming to have the inside on any topic is either delusional or suffering from morbid egotism. And a shrink isn't needed to make this diagnosis.
Scientific method is my way of observing and learning. It works best for me. And I'm the only one interested in my way of looking at things. At least, I'm the only one most familiar with my way of looking at things.
APU is giving an opportunity to folks interested in a subject. As far as I know they give the proper disclaimers concerning accreditation. So they operate legally. And AIH is still Ca. approved, but no longer accepting students. I promise to refrain from such lenghty posts. And Jack, I am unique as is the rest of humanity.
Clay

 

Same

Gregg,
I hunt and peck, so it takes me longer to respond than most. I'm here to learn not fight. Although I will argue a point, I can accept someone disageeing. Makes me think. You gave me more information about monitors than any person in a store. And it was understandable to me. Ya done good.
Jack,
Pick a fight with Gregg, he is brutal, especially when he has been up for days.
Clay

 

Re: APU

Was this ever in question?

Pick a fight with Gregg...

I don't pick fights but I don't run from them either.
Jack

 

Fight

No just a statement. And an attempt at humor. I'm sure your verbal skills are excellent. I don't run either. Are we supposed to be fighting? What is the subject?Cui bono?
Clay

 

Re: Fight

I'm sorry for any misunderstanding. I'm sure that it'll never happen again. Thanks for your service to our country.
Jack

 

Same

Thanks Jack. I just don't want to accidentally piss anyone off. I tend to be rather blunt, but I try not to show animosity. And this form of communication is rather new to me so my emotions may be expressed improperly. I'm used to yelling in person and receiving same w/ body language. If you don't dismiss me, you will find I can, on occasion, be rather humorous in a convoluted way. Too many concussions and lack of magical hypnotic
"johnson" growth are the only excuses I have now. But I'll work on others, if I can remember what the hell I'm talking about.