How are hypnotists trained?
There are three large hypnotism organizations in the United States, and many small ones. The largest organization is the National Guild of Hypnotists, which is also the oldest. National Guild of Hypnotists certified practitioners undergo a standardized training program, typically delivered by certified faculty at a state-licensed hypnotism school. Upon passing a standard examination a person can be certified as a hypnotist. Many practitioners then undergo an internship or period of mentoring by a senior practitioner. After practicing general hypnotism for a minimum of one year a hypnotist may sit for the Board Certification Examination, which is an advance practice oral and written examination given by a peer group. If successful, a hypnotist who has been Board Certified may sit for the Fellow examination after three more years of study. The Fellow examination is also peer reviewed, and requires writing an original dissertation on some aspect of the hypnotic arts and sciences and defen
