How to become an ericksonian hypnotherapist

How to become an Ericksonian Hypnotherapist

The path to becoming an Ericksonian hypnotherapist blends the usual professional training for mental health care with specialized Ericksonian coursework, supervised practice, and voluntary credentialing.

Educational Requirements
Hypnotherapy is regulated in different ways depending on where you are. There is no single national rule about what education you need to call yourself a hypnotherapist. The level of training you need depends on the type of work you want to do and the services you plan to offer.

The Foundation – Hypnotherapy Certification
The first step to becoming a hypnotherapist is to complete a thorough training program from a trusted school. Try to choose a program that focuses on the Ericksonian approach or includes a strong section about it.

A high-quality curriculum covers:

• History and principles of Erickson's work
• Elicitation and utilization of client resources
• Language patterns (Milton Model) for trance induction and therapeutic communication
• Construction and delivery of therapeutic metaphors
• Hands-on practice with induction techniques and conversational hypnosis

Hour Requirements
Reputable programs typically offer 200 to 300+ hours of training, including both classroom instruction and supervised practice. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), a leading organization, sets benchmarks for quality training.

Standalone Workshops and Conferences
These are frequently offered by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, which was founded by Dr. Erickson in 1957. Many programs count toward ASCH certification hours.

• Ericksonian Foundation: Intensive Training (‘From Foundational Principles to Advanced Clinical Applications’) – four-module journey: core methods of hypnosis, Ericksonian approaches, applying to issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, pain; includes live sessions, practical case work
• Erickson Foundation: Ericksonian Choice Architecture – online modules dealing with how to shape choices, decision making, indirect suggestion etc.; useful for integrating Ericksonian style into therapeutic communication
• Erickson Foundation: Anxiety & Depression Conference – focused conference exploring Ericksonian methods for working with anxiety and depression
• ASCH Level I Fundamental Clinical Hypnosis Workshop, in partnership with the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) – fundamental training in clinical hypnosis: eligibility for clinicians; small-group practices; covers induction, safety, foundational methods.

The Critical Distinction – Hypnotherapist vs. Licensed Medical/Mental Health Professional
This is the most important consideration for your educational path.

Path A – The Licensed Professional Route (Recommended)
The most robust and ethically sound path is to become a licensed healthcare professional first – such as a Psychologist (Ph.D., Psy.D.), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Medical Doctor (MD), or Dentist (DDS) – and then integrate Ericksonian hypnotherapy as a specialty.

Why choose this path? It lets you safely and legally help people with clinical conditions. You can offer hypnosis as part of psychotherapy and bill insurance for your services. Having a state license protects your practice and ensures you have solid knowledge of mental health, ethics, and common therapy methods.

Educational Requirement – This requires a master's or doctoral degree in your chosen field from an accredited university, followed by thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a state licensing exam.

Path B – The Certified Hypnotherapist Route
If you do not wish to pursue a full clinical license, you can practise as a certified hypnotherapist. In this role, you are typically considered a ‘consultant’ rather than a ‘therapist.’

Scope of Practice – You must strictly limit your work to non-medical, non-psychological issues. This often includes areas like stress management, confidence building, sports performance, habit control (like smoking cessation or weight loss), and motivational enhancement. You cannot diagnose or treat mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Educational Requirement – A certification from a reputable hypnotherapy school is the primary requirement. Your credibility will be tied directly to the quality of your specific hypnotherapy training.

Licenses and Certifications

State Licensure (USA)
Your need for a license depends on Path A or B above.

If you are a licensed healthcare professional (Path A), like a social worker or counselor, you must keep your main license active through your state’s licensing board. Hypnosis is used as an extra tool alongside your regular practice.

If you are a certified hypnotherapist (Path B), you do not have a government-issued license. You need to know your state’s laws carefully, because some states have rules about who can use certain titles or practice hypnosis. It is your responsibility to follow these rules so you do not practice medicine or psychology without a license.

Voluntary Certifications (Highly Recommended)
Since licensure is not available, voluntary certifications from major professional organizations are the primary means of establishing credibility and demonstrating advanced competence. These are crucial for both career paths.

• ASCH Certification in Clinical Hypnosis – This credential, administered by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, is distinct in that it ensures that the certified individual is a bona fide healthcare professional who is licensed in his or her state or province to provide medical, dental, or psychotherapeutic services. ASCH believes that persons trained only in hypnosis lack the diagnostic and therapeutic skills as well as the licensure required to safely and responsibly treat medical, psychological, or dental problems with hypnosis. ASCH certification distinguishes the professional practitioner from the lay hypnotist.
• Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCH) – This credential is offered by the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). The IMDHA has a strong focus on applications within medical and dental contexts and is well-respected.
• Certified Hypnotherapist (C.Ht.) – This is the most common entry-level certification. After completing an accredited training program (e.g., 200+ hours), you can apply for certification through bodies like ACHE or IMDHA. This usually involves submitting proof of training, passing an exam, and agreeing to a code of ethics.
• Board Certified Hypnotist (BCH) – This certification is administered by the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). The NGH is one of the oldest and largest organizations in the field and is known for its large annual convention, which offers a wide range of workshops, including many on Ericksonian techniques. The NGH welcomes both licensed professionals and hypnotists practising in non-clinical, motivational areas (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss, sports performance). Guild certification is a mark of professional training.
• NGH Certified Instructor – The National Guild of Hypnosis offers a series of ‘train the trainer’ courses leading to this credential focused on teaching hypnosis techniques.

Earning and maintaining one of these certifications signals to the public and other professionals that you have met rigorous educational and ethical standards.

Applicable Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Voluntary Certifications section, the following organizations also offer networking and continuing education opportunities that are particularly relevant for Ericksonian hypnotherapists:

• The Milton H. Erickson Foundation – This is the epicenter of Ericksonian scholarship and training. While not a membership organization per se, attending its renowned Evolution of Psychotherapy conference or international congresses is an unparalleled way to learn from the world's leading practitioners. The Foundation’s website is a vital resource for training materials and approved trainers.
• American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) – As mentioned, ASCH is indispensable for licensed professionals. Their workshops are heavily influenced by Ericksonian principles and provide exceptional training.
• Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) – This is another highly respected organization focused on the scientific basis of hypnosis. It attracts researchers and clinicians interested in evidence-based practice.
• American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) – The ACHE focuses on high educational standards and promoting hypnotherapy as a credible clinical modality.
• International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) – IACT’s mission is to provide a central hub where practitioners can network, collaborate, and grow. They offer resources to help you acquire hypnosis and other training from instructors who meet our high standards.

International Considerations
The regulatory environment differs significantly in other parts of the world.

• Canada – Regulation is provincial. In Ontario, for example, the title ‘Psychotherapist’ is regulated, and if hypnotherapy is used in a therapeutic context, the practitioner may need to be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Other provinces have different rules. The Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis (CFCH) is a leading professional body.
• United Kingdom – The UK is generally less regulated than the US. Hypnotherapy is not statutorily regulated, meaning no specific government license is required. However, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the UK government's recommended voluntary regulator. Registration with the CNHC is seen as the gold standard for credibility. Professional bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) are highly influential.
• Europe – The situation varies by country. In some countries like Switzerland, hypnotherapy is well-integrated into the medical system. In others, it may be completely unregulated. The European Society of Hypnosis (ESH) is a key umbrella organization that promotes scientific and clinical excellence across the continent.

Conclusion – A Journey of Art and Science
Becoming an Ericksonian hypnotherapist is more about learning deeply than just completing steps. In the USA, the most reliable path is to first become a licensed healthcare professional and then earn advanced certification through organizations like ASCH. If you choose to become a certified hypnotherapist without a license, it’s very important to understand your state’s rules and what you are legally allowed to do.

No matter which path you take, real skill comes from studying Erickson’s original case studies, practicing regularly, and embracing his philosophy of using a client’s own strengths and respecting their unconscious wisdom. By getting a solid education, pursuing respected certifications, and connecting with professional organizations, you can build a credible, rewarding practice focused on the thoughtful, strategic approach of Ericksonian hypnotherapy.