There have been concerns about the impact that the establishment of the College of Psychotherapists will have on the practice of hypnosis in Ontario. The law was passed in 2007.

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The main concern is with Section Q of Bill 171, which is an omnibus bill that establishes the College of Psychotherapists. You can find the official statute here.

The relevant portion of the legislation states the following:

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Scope of practice

3.  The practice of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication. 2007, c. 10, Sched. R, s. 3.

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Authorized Act

4.  In the course of engaging in the practice of psychotherapy, a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, to treat, by means of psychotherapy technique delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.

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What This Means For You: How To Practice Safe Hypnosis**

It is more important than ever for hypnotists in Ontario to learn how to stay within their legal scope of practice. The law states that only psychotherapists can treat people with a "serious disorder". In the eyes of the law, hypnotists are not permitted to diagnose or treat health problems, physical or mental.

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Because there can be a fine line between everyday problems and diagnosable health conditions, this can be confusing. It is key for all hypnotists to learn how to navigate these waters so that they can help as many people as possible, and stay within the bounds of the legislation. 

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As hypnotists, we are educators and coaches, training people how to use their minds to help themselves. The language we use, how we work with clients, and which clients we work with, must reflect this. Be sure to review these areas:

• Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations

• Client Communication

• Use of Regression (the most risky hypnosis technique)

• Record Keeping

• Testimonials 

• Disclosure of Qualifications

• Waivers

• Titles

• Knowing When & How To Refer Out

• Skillfully Handling Delicate Client Situations
   

Get Good Training & Mentoring

Make sure you are properly trained to practice hypnosis. Many certifications out there are very basic and give students the illusion that they are prepared to work with clients. This leaves hypnotists vulnerable to making mistakes with clients or accidentally going beyond their scope of practice. So have a passion for learning, seek out proper training and mentoring, and humbly know that there is always more to learn.

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Hypnosis is a wonderful and rewarding profession, a great second career choice, and a rare opportunity to earn a high end income while helping others and doing something you enjoy. Stay within your scope of practice and have fun!

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If you have any comments or questions about this, please feel free to contact me at 800-971-5774, or by email. 

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** This information is not legal advice. The Master Hypnotist Society Canada and Hypnosis Training Canada provide education and training only. Consult with your lawyer about all of your business decisions.