INTRODUCTION

The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists was formed in 1974. Some of the objects for which the Society was established are:

(a) To advance the knowledge, art science and practice of hypnosis and to maintain the highest possible ethical standards in the use of hypnosis.

(b) To further the prevention and treatment of ailments, afflictions and conditions with a view to reducing human suffering; and to co-operate with other authorities interested in the causes, diagnosis and treatment of such ailments, afflictions and conditions.

(c) To stimulate public interest in hypnosis and assist in keeping members up to date in the latest developments in the field of research into hypnotic techniques as applied to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of conditions that can be treated using hypnotic or similar techniques.

(d) To promote, develop and assist the study of and the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge and information concerning the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of psychosomatic ailments and conditions using hypnosis.

(e) To promote and establish funds for, and aid research and investigation into hypnotic techniques in their application to medicine and related fields and into the causes and treatment of ailments and conditions.

All members are required to maintain a strict standard of ethics. A separate publication, headed "Code of Ethics" is available on application to the Society.

ONGOING EDUCATION

The Society regularly organises weekend workshops, seminars and other educational programs. Every two years, an International Convention is held.

JOURNAL

The Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Hypnosis is published biannually by the Society.

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP

Admission to membership to the Society is available to Health Care Professionals and is conditional upon agreement to adhere to the regulations laid down in the Articles of Association and the Code of Ethics of the Society and the satisfactory completion of a wide range of courses. Exemptions may be granted if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, a candidate can demonstrate existing qualifications and competence.

GRADES OF MEMBERSHIP

Retired Member (no longer practising). Must have been either a Professional Member, Registered Professional Member or Fellow.

FELLOWSHIP

Professional Members or Registered Professional Members who in the unanimous decision of the Board of Directors have provided outstanding service to the Society and without limiting the generality thereof have established an extensive practice in hypnotherapy, advanced the knowledge of hypnotherapy or one of its fields, or made substantial and original contributions to the advancement of hypnotherapy or one of its fields.

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

Must be a Professional Member who:

Holds a current First Aid Certificate

Holds Malpractice Insurance

Undertakes ongoing Professional Development

Undertakes ongoing Clinical Supervision and/or Peer Support

PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

Application for professional membership may be made by those who have successfully completed an approved course in hypnosis and it's therapeutic application or have satisfied the Board of Directors of their competence in the theory and practice of hypnosis by examination.

AND are currently one of the following registered professionals:

Medical Practitioners

Psychologists

Dentists

Chiropractors, or

Theologically trained persons, at the discretion of the Board of Directors

OR

who have, as an Intern Professional Member completed or been exempted from all the educational requirements of the Society and have completed 20 hours of workshop participation and a minimum of twelve months clinical supervision in hypnotherapy. Prior to acceptance to Professional Membership an applicant may be required to undergo psychological appraisal by an independent psychologist nominated by the Board of Directors.

AND

will be required to attend an interview conducted by the Board of Directors of the Society.

On acceptance, Professional Member must complete one year of supervision by an approved clinical supervisor. A Professional Member is entitled to use the acronyms of the Society and such abbreviated form or emblem as may be approved from time to time by the Society, in additional to other benefits and entitlements pertaining to Professional Membership.

INTERN PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

Application for Intern Professional Membership of the Society may be made by those who have satisfied the Board of Directors of their competence in the theory and practice of hypnosis by examination and who have successfully completed all of the Society's educational requirements.

Prior to acceptance to Intern Full Membership an applicant may be required to undergo psychological appraisal by an independent psychologist nominated by the Board.

The period of Intern Full Membership is one year, during this time Intern Professional Members must undergo clinical supervision by an approved clinical supervisor and complete 20 hours of workshop participation.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Application for Senior Associate may be made by those who have successfully completed an approved course in hypnosis and it's therapeutic application or have satisfied the Board of Directors of their competence in the theory and practice of hypnosis by examination and who do not possess the tertiary qualifications required for Intern Professional Membership. Before acceptance as a Senior Associate an applicant will be required to undergo psychological appraisal by an independent psychologist nominated by the Board.

Recognition of prior learning will be considered for those who can supply evidence of successful completion of the Society's educational requirements.

Senior Associates are entitled to claim 'ASCH Senior Associate' but cannot use the Society's Logo or acronyms and will receive a yearly Certificate from the Society.

ASSOCIATE

Application for Associate of the Society may be made by those persons who have undertaken some training in hypnosis or its related fields.

Associates are entitled to claim 'ASCH Associate' but cannot use the Society's Logo or acronyms and will receive a yearly Certificate from the Society.

AFFILIATE

Application for Affiliate of the Society may be made by those persons with an interest in hypnosis.

Affiliates may not publicly claim membership of the Society.

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EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

May be changed or updated from time to time.

MINIMUM 300 HOURS OF TRAINING: 150hrs in Hypnotherapy plus 120 hours reading of relevant text.

150hrs In related fields which must include a minimum of 80 hours in Counselling (theory and practical) which must be designed to assist the student to understand the interaction between therapist and client and to acquire counselling micro skills as well as knowledge of the various theories.

AND

a minimum of 30 hours in Psychology covering the following topics: Introduction to Psychology, Basic Concepts in Psychology, Classification and Assessment, Abnormal Psychology, Personality Theories and Treatment, Behaviour Therapy, Social Psychology.

HYPNOTHERAPY TRAINING:

Hypnosis and its Therapeutic Application

–- minimum of 35 hours of face to face tuition plus practice of techniques in study groups.

Must cover the following course outline and be a guide to the basic principles involved in the theory and practice of clinical procedures involving hypnosis.

• Overview of hypnotic strategies
• Hypnotic terminology
• Dangers of Hypnosis
• Susceptibility techniques
• Open eye induction techniques
• Closed eye induction techniques
• Hypnotic Anaesthesia
• Glove Anaesthesia
• Regression and progression
• Therapeutic applications such as: Smoking, Weight Control, Memory training Nervous tension, Skin disorders Anaesthesia and Enuresis
• Introduction to psychopathology

Theories of Hypnosis – minimum of 65 hours of face to face tuition including the following topics:

• Communication and the clinician
• Hypnosis and Sport
• Abreaction through hypnosis
• Deepening Techniques
• Innovative induction techniques
• Hypnotic analgesia and anaesthesia
• Hypnosis for performance anxiety
• Forensic hypnosis

Practical Hypnotherapy Workshops – minimum 50 hours, covering a selection of the following topics:

• Induction Techniques (compulsory)
• Models of Hypnotherapy
• Script writing
• Regression
• Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
• Ego State Therapy
• Analytical Hypnotherapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Hypnosis
• NLP
• Gestalt Therapy

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	(i)	Application Fee of $50 (GST Inclusive)
	(ii)	Copies of certificates, degrees, etc. to support your application, if applicable.
	(iii)	Psychological Assessment Fee (if applicable) Sydney Metropolitan Area $150 (Inquire for country and interstate cost)

(C) Foward to:

The Registrar The A.S.C.H. 65 Hume St Crows Nest NSW 2065

You will be contacted by the Registrar of the Society on receipt of your application and advised of arrangements re examinations and / or psychological appraisal and / or interview with the Board as required.

N.B. Psychological appraisal is confidential and remains the property of the Society.

On notification of acceptance for membership you will be required to pay the annual membership fee.

Current fees are:
	Application fee (non refundable)	$50.00 (ACA levy not applicable)
	Overseas Aff. membership	$165.00 (ACA levy not applicable)
	Associate membership fee	$62.00 + $38.00 ACA levy = $100.00
	Intern Full Membership fee	$182.00 + $38.00 ACA levy = $220.00
	Full membership fee	$202.00 + $38.00 ACA levy = $240.00
	Registered membership fee	$232.00 + $38.00 ACA levy = $270.00
(All of the above are GST inclusive)

Full Members of the ACA are not required to pay the ACA Levy but are required to supply their ACA Full membership number for verification with the ACA.