TRAINING to be a HYPNO-PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Training with the National College may be undertaken on a part-time basis by combining weekend attendance for practical tuition and lectures at one of the tuition venues, together with a programme of home study, the ideal method for students with domestic and/or work commitments.

Each weekend consists of some eleven hours of practical instruction in the application of therapeutic techniques, combined with lectures on the various theories involved. Starting at 10.00am each day and finishing at 5pm, gives approximately 210 hours of class contact for the first three stages of the training up to Diploma level with an additional 315 hours for Stage 4 (Advanced Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy) totally 525 class contact hours for the full 4 year programme.

The total number of study hours required to complete the course varies depending on what prior knowledge a student brings to the course. However, monitoring of past students' study patterns suggests that for a student with little prior knowledge of hypnosis, psychotherapy or psychology, total study hours up to UKCP registration level may amount to 1,800 hours over a four year period. This total includes class contact and supported self-study, but does not include the time spent on written examinations, supervision or self-therapy.

Stage One - Foundation Course

Open University-specific credits: 30 points at Level 2

Work covered on Stage One is drawn from:

• Ethical issues relating to the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy
• Fundamental principles of hypnosis/ hypnotherapy
• Tests for hypnotic suggestibility
• Preparing the subject for hypnosis
• The importance of semantics in the use of hypnosis
• Hypnotic induction techniques
• Hypnotic deepening techniques
• Termination of hypnosis
• The use of post-hypnotic suggestions
• Some psychological principles applicable to hypnosis
• Preparation and use of audio-therapy tapes
• Aspects of practice management

Also during Stage One, students are taught how to use hypnosis to help people alter certain behaviour patterns, such as smoking and overeating, and to assist people with such problems as examination or driving test nerves, insomnia, improving or restoring sporting competence, and other anxiety related states.

Assessment by: continuous tutorial assessment, completion of a portfolio of learning and a development journal.

Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Stage Two training.
For more detailed information on stage one, click here

Stage Two - Certificate Course

Open University-specific credits: 45 points at Level 2

A: Theories of psychotherapy

Study of the main principles of various schools of psychological thought which are applicable to the work of the therapist, including:

Humanistic: Includes an examination of the theory and practice of humanistic psychotherapy, with particular reference to Carl Rogers' work. The Gestalt approach to therapy is also covered.

Freud: Libido theory, ego theory and defence mechanisms.

Jung: Analytical psychology. A broad overview, with particular emphasis being given to Jung's theory of the unconscious.

Adler: Individual psychology. The effect of parental and environmental influence. The reconstruction of clients' goals plays an important part in this theory.

Cgnitive Behavioural Psychotherapy: A study of the main experimental bases of cognitive behaviour therapy, their practical application and their relevance to hypno-psychotherapy.

Ericksonian Techniques: A complete weekend is devoted to a Foundation Course on aspects of the contribution of Milton H Erickson.

During the course emphasis is placed upon the application of both the theory covered in the lectures and the practical skills acquired. Thus, for instance, students are presented with actual case histories, and by means of class and group discussion, are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the formulation of treatments.

B: Additional hypno-psychotherapy techniques

• The recognition and treatment of psycho-logical disorders
  
  
• Practical counselling
  
  
• Techniques in hypno-psychotherapy, e.g.:
  
  
• Hypno-analysis
• Regression therapy
• Hypno-pictography
• Automatic writing
• Structured dream analysis
• Desensitisation techniques

As in Stage One, there are demonstrations by tutors and plenty of practical sessions for students to try out the various techniques themselves. Throughout the course, topics such as Ethics, Human Development and Sexuality are covered.

Assessment by: continuous tutorial assessment, four x 3,500 word essays, and a seven session case study with appropriate recordings, which is designed to assess practical competence.

Award: Certificate in Hypno-Psychotherapy - CHP(NC)

Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Licentiate membership of the National College Student and Alumni Guild.

For more detailed information on stage two, click here

Stage Three - Diploma Course

Open University-specific credits: 45 points at Post Graduate Level

Outline of syllabus: performance, physical issues, emotional issues. 

Assessment by: continuous tutorial assessment, and a 10-12,000 word dissertation

Award: Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy - DHP(NC)

Successful examinees are eligible to apply for Full membership of the Student and Alumni Guild

For more detailed information on stage three, click here


 

FURTHER TRAINING

Advanced Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy - ADHP (NC)

Awarded to those NCHP graduates who fulfil the requirements for recommendation to membership of the UKCP's National Register of Psychotherapists OR for those who have completed the UKCP requirements from another hypno-psychotherapy school and have completed the NCHP Ericksonian Hypno-Psychotherapy and/or NLP Psychotherapy Diploma, and a competency interview.

Those who are awarded the ADHP(NC) are entitled to apply for Fellowship of the Student and Alumni Guild

For details of gaining UKCP Registration click here

Rationale

The National College courses are structured in accordance with the needs of two groups of people. These are:-

    People who wish to embark on a new career in adult hypno-psychotherapy, and require a 
         recognised training to assist them to achieve their goal.

    People who, although not wishing to enter practice, may wish to pursue their serious interest in 
         the subject within the context of a recognised training programme.

Two further considerations have influenced the structure of the training.

    The Academic Board is aware that many applicants, although having an interest in hypno-
         psychotherapy, have little experience in its use.

    Many applicants, although being able to meet the educational standards required to gain 
         enrolment, may not have had the opportunity for many years to engage in serious study, and 
         they will require a gradual reintroduction to a learning environment.

With these points in mind, the National College courses commence with practical instruction, the academic content of the course being introduced gradually. Therefore, once having gained enrolment, if a student is prepared to follow the training and instruction provided, then he or she will experience little or no difficulty.

In addition, students and/or prospective students may be referred to an appropriate course in Psychology to preface, supplement or complement their regular National College training.

Personal development is not central to National College training, though it forms an important corollary, with self therapy being a compulsory component for UKCP Registration.

The National College's course tutors act as trainers, rather than as therapists (whilst all are, of course, qualified as such). The training schedule does not allow for course time to be taken up with individual therapy. In the event that personal issues arise during training (including reluctance to participate in course practical work) which require therapeutic intervention, the course tutor will refer the individual concerned to the National College so that a competent therapist can be recommended. Where necessary, and as advised by the course tutor, training may be interrupted until such time as the therapist selected recommends resumption.

We hope that this policy is seen as demonstrating a proper concern for the individual, balanced by our contractual commitment to deliver courses of training as defined in our Prospectus.

Click Here for our latest Stage One Dates
For full details of the National College download Prospectus.pdf
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