Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice Recommended by The International Therapy Training Organization

The International Therapy Training Organization (ITTO) advocates the following Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Practitioners of Hypnosis:

I. Education
A. The Member shall have completed a course of study from an institution that is operating legally within its state or country.
B. The Member shall keep up to date with material and innovation in the field through ongoing continuing education.

II. Scope of Practice
A. The Member shall obey all laws and regulations regarding the practice of hypnosis and/or hypnotherapy.
B. Unless qualified to do so by another credential, members shall avoid using the language of psychology or medicine when working with clients, except in the explicit event of a referral from a licensed mental health or medical professional.
C. Obscene, inappropriate sexually suggestive, degrading or humiliating imagery shall never be used with a hypnotized client.

III. Advertising
A. Any advertising of hypnosis or hypnotherapy-related services shall be presented in a factual and ethical manner. Only duly trained and legally authorized professionals shall provide hypnotic services in conjunction with other specialties, occupations, vocations, arts or professions.
B. The Member shall disseminate no false or exaggerated claims regarding hypnosis, but shall attempt whenever possible to inform and educate the public with a true perspective of hypnosis.

IV. Professionalism
A. The Member shall conduct sessions in a professional manner.
B. The Member shall have a responsible attitude in retaining the good name of hypnosis by attention to personal conduct.
C. The Member shall publicly maintain a professional demeanor toward other professions expressing divergent views on hypnosis.
D. The Member shall establish and maintain proper records necessary to a professional practice.
E. Sexual activity shall not occur between a Member and a Client during the complete course of hypnosis and for a period of at least 2 years after the professional relationship has ended.

V. Reasonable Practice
A. Prior to entering into any professional relationship, the Member shall disclose to the Client the nature of the hypnosis, the purpose of the hypnosis, the anticipated length of therapy and potential cost of the therapy. No service will be provided until an informed consent is secured from the client.
B. The Member shall terminate his/her relationship with a Client when the Client can no longer benefit from continued service and shall not provide service if the Member does not have a good faith belief that the Client will benefit from the services provided.

VI. Confidentiality
A. All matters between the Member and Client shall be confidential. No third party shall have access to information given to the Member by the Client. Exceptions:
1) When the Client has granted permission in writing to divulge private information;
2) Where life is at risk by withholding private information; or
3) By force of law.

VII. Referrals
A. If during the course of a session, information is disclosed that would suggest that a referral or consultation with other professionals would be appropriate, the session shall be terminated and the referral or consultation shall be made if requested by the Client.

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