A question about what the terms Hypnotist and Hypnoanalyst mean (also I talk about the initials CH, CI, CHT, BCH)

Answered by Calvin D. Banyan, MA, CI, BCH

Question:

What is the difference between a Hypnotist and Hypnoanalyst?

Answer:

A "Hypnotist" is simply someone who hypnotizes people. An example of someone who uses this title is the Stage Hypnotist. This person is someone who uses the demonstration of hypnotically induced phenomena, such as amnesia or hallucination, to entertain. On the other hand...

A "Hypnotist" is someone who uses hypnosis (hypnotizes people) in order to help them move toward health and other goals. However, some hypnotists may call themselves hypnotists in order to avoid some of the complications that calling yourself a "hypnotist" may have in some areas or communities (i.e., legal limitation of doing hypnosis, also some people who may be resistant to seeing a "hypnotist" but would be willing to see a hypnotist).

Another term which is more confusing is "Hypnoanalysist" or "Hypnoanalyst" Generally, someone who uses this term is identifying herself as being a hypnotist who is trained in doing Hypnotic Age Regression or the application of Psychoanalytical techniques in hypnosis. However, the Hypnoanalysist may or may not be trained in psychoanalytic psychology. This is one of the reasons that most find this term to be confusing.

Generally, hypnotists who are trained in and use Age Regression Work, do not identify themselves as being Hypnoanalysts or Hypnoanalysists. If you want to work with a hypnosis professional who uses age regression techniques, it is better to ask them if they are trained is these age regression techniques than to rely on what they call themselves. There are some very good Hypnotists, and Hypnoanalysts that call themselves Hypnotists.

You can be further confused by the initials after the names of hypnosis professionals. Here is a key to some of the initials used.

Here are some of the initials used by members of the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).

C.H.

Means Certified Hypnotist (Completed NGH Certification, Examination, and maintains certification by complying with requirements for ongoing continuing education).

C.H.T.

Is the old initials for indicating that one is a Certified Hypnotist, and may may still be in use by other organizations (also, CHt).

B.C.H.

Means Board Certified Hypnotist (additional examinations, both oral and written, and has shown the ability to write on the topic of hypnosis).

C.I.

Means that this is an experienced hypnotist (as least a CH), who has also been trained and certified as an instructor by the NGH.

Other organizations may use other initials. You would have to contact each organization to find out what they mean to indicate with each credential.