American Council of Hypnotist Examiners Code of Ethics As a Hypnotherapist holding a Certification from the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, I commit myself to conduct my professional relationships in accord with the Code of Ethics and subscribe to the following statements: I regard as my primary obligation the welfare if the individual or group served. I will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, age, sex, or national ancestry and in my job capacity will work to prevent and eliminate such discrimination in rendering service, in work assignments, and in employment practices. I give precedence to my professional responsibility over my personal interests. I hold myself responsible for the quality and extent of the service I perform. I respect the privacy of the people I serve. I respect the rights, desires, and needs of my clients at all times. I use in a responsible manner information gained in professional relationships. I treat with respect the findings, views, and actions of colleagues and use appropriate channels to express judgment on these matters. I practice hypnotherapy within the recognized knowledge and competence of the profession. I recognize my professional responsibility to add my ideas and findings to the body of hypnotism knowledge and practice. I accept responsibility to help protect the community against unethical practice by any individuals or organizations engaged in hypnotic services. I distinguish clearly, in public, between my statements and actions as an individual and as a representative of an organization. I support the principle that professional practice requires professional education and continuing education. I teach self-hypnosis to my clients/students whenever possible. I contribute my knowledge, skills and support to programs of human welfare. I agree that intimate social contact with clients is forbidden for a period of two years from the client's final session. I understand that the maintenance of high ethical standards by the American Council of Hypnotists Examiners (A.C.H.E.) is an important support to the professional standing of all Hypnotherapists. I agree to conduct my practice and all professional interactions in strict accordance with the Code of Ethics as defined now or in the future. I also agree to conduct my practice and all professional interactions in strict accordance with A.C.H.E. rules and regulations promulgated now or in the future. By accepting my Certification, I consent to the authority and jurisdiction of the A.C.H.E. to promulgate such rules and regulations, as it may from time to time deem necessary and to take such action, including legal, as it deems necessary to enforce them. If I am charged with an ethics violation, I understand that an investigation may be conducted upon receipt of a written complaint signed by the person against whom the wrong is alleged. When an allegation of misconduct is being investigated I will be given an opportunity to respond to the Ethics Committee. I understand that my certification could be suspended for a specific period of time or revoked. In any case, I agree to hold American Council of Hypnotist Examiners harmless for any actions it may take to guardagainst unethical practices or to enforce the rules and regulations. Ethical Advertising Regulations It has come to our attention that a timely caution about the inappropriate content of promotional material is necessary. (If you have already been licensed by a board of regulation, for example as a psychologist, clinical social worker, etc., elements of the following do not pertain.) Do not make grandiose claims that project hypnosis or hypnotherapy as a panacea. Be certain that your advertising does not infer or imply that you have medical or psychotherapy training or any training that would qualify you for state licensing as a medical or mental health professional. It is especially important that hypnotherapists avoid the use of the following words: "psychologist," "psychotherapist," "psychotherapy," "psychological," "counseling," "medical," ("clinical" in New Mexico only) "dental," "treatment," "cure," "health care," ("approved instructor" if no longer with an ACHE approved school that is also State Licensed,) or other similar wording in the title of business or any other promotional materials that could mislead the public. Your hypnotherapy school training prepared you for certification by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Hypnotherapy is a "non-licensed" profession. Certification by the A.C.H.E. is granted only after the completion of specified levels of education provided by hypnotherapy schools licensed by their State's Board of Education (or equivalent). The name for such a regulatory agency varies from State to State). Licensing of a professional group can only be authorized by a law passed by a State legislature and implemented by a State Agency. Thank you for your compliance Tim Simmerman, President Randal Churchill, Past President American Council of Hypnotist Examiners Gil Boyne, Executive Director 700 S. Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91204 phone: (818) 242-1159 fax: (818) 247-9379 email