How to choose the right UK Hypnotherapy Training School for you

Choosing a hypnotherapy course is easier with a checklist. The sorts of things to check includes who accredits it, how many hours are taught live, whether you'll complete case studies with an independent assessor, who the tutors are, what support you get, and which registers you could join afterwards. Hypnotherapy isn't regulated by law in the UK, according to the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), so these checks are yours to make.

Good news first. The UK has clear benchmarks you can hold any school against, and good schools are happy to be asked. Here's what to look for.

1. Who accredits the course, and what do they assess?

Ask who, and ask what. NCH says it assesses a school's ability to get students through its Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD). Its guide also notes that some schools have their own professional body and so, in effect, accredit themselves (NCH). Check the school appears on the accrediting body's own list.

NCH also points to the National Occupational Standards as the benchmark a course can be measured against (NCH). Ask whether the curriculum is mapped to these. They cover areas such as assessing a client's needs, providing hypnotherapy and evaluating outcomes.

2. How many hours does the course include?

A solid practitioner diploma is around 450 hours in total, including at least 120 hours of live teaching with a tutor. That's the minimum standard the professional bodies work to. The hours beyond the live teaching cover self directed study, practice and case studies.

3. How is it delivered?

Be wary of any course with no live teaching at all. Ask how many hours are taught live with a tutor, how many are self-study, and who assesses your practical work. Then check the answer with the register you plan to join to ensure successful completion of the course gives you the opportunity to apply to one of the professional bodies. A self study course probably won’t meet these requirements.

4. Will you complete case studies, with independent assessment?

Ask how many case studies you complete and what each one covers. A thorough case study includes an intake summary, a treatment plan with its rationale, a summary of treatment and outcomes, and what you learned. Ask too whether the final practical assessment is marked by an independent assessor who is a practising hypnotherapist and hasn't taught you.

5. Who are the tutors?

NCH's guide suggests asking about their qualifications and ongoing training, and whether they see real clients. Tutors who still practise bring real cases into the room.

6. What support do you get?

Ask about support between teaching days and after you qualify. NCH's guide lists both among the questions to ask.

7. Does it cover running a practice?

Skills with clients and skills with enquiries, fees and marketing are different things, and you'll need both to run your practice.

8. Who can you register with afterwards?

Ask which bodies you could join or register with, such as the General Hypnotherapy Register or the NCH.

Where does IOWA stand?

We're listed on NCH's accredited schools page and as a training provider with the GHR. Our Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy is 450 hours in total, including 120 hours of live teaching, and our curriculum is mapped to the National Occupational Standards. You will complete three case studies and your portfolio is assessed by an independent assessor who is a clinical hypnotherapist and teacher.

Ask us the same questions you'd ask anyone. Book a 30-minute call with a tutor.

Quick answers

Do I need a qualification to practise as a hypnotherapist in the UK? UK law doesn't require one, however to work safely with clients we do recommend you obtain a diploma. The registers have their own requirements so if you want to join one of these you will need a recognised qualification.

How long should a hypnotherapy diploma take? Look at total hours as well as calendar time. Around 450 hours in total, including 120 hours of live teaching, is the standard. Schools set their own length for the qualification. Our teaching takes place over 9 months and you then have a further 3 months to submit your portfolio.

Can I train online? Yes, depending on the school. Check how many hours are taught live with a tutor (120 is the standard) and how the live sessions are delivered. Many training schools offer online training now.

What are the National Occupational Standards? They're published Skills for Health standards for what a hypnotherapist should be able to do, covering areas such as assessing client needs, providing hypnotherapy and evaluating outcomes. NCH points to them as a benchmark a course can be measured against.