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About the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)

The Association was established in 1999 by Terence Watts and was successfully led for more than 20 years before being taken over by Georgina McKinnon and Emma Evans in 2021, who continue to build upon its strong foundations with a shared commitment to professionalism and high standards within the profession.

The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy is a long-established, respected professional body dedicated to promoting excellence, integrity, and public confidence within the fields of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. We are committed to supporting highly trained practitioners while ensuring that members of the public can access safe, ethical, and professional therapeutic services.

Our approach is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking. We recognise the diversity of approaches within modern hypnotherapy and psychotherapy and believe that professional standards, ethical practice, and ongoing education are essential to the continued growth and recognition of the profession, fostering a professional community that values compassion, accountability, and evidence-informed practice.

From the earliest stages of professional regulation, APHP representatives played an instrumental role in shaping national standards. Our active involvement in working groups contributed directly to the development of voluntary self-regulation for hypnotherapy in the UK, and ultimately to the establishment of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners, launched in 2008 with Department of Health support. The inclusion of hypnotherapy within the CNHC register marked a significant milestone, strengthening credibility, accountability, and public trust across the sector.

As a key member of the UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations (UKCHO), APHP takes an active role in the initiatives that define how hypnotherapy is practised today. We have been a formative influence in introducing and refining the Hypnotherapy Core Curriculum, ensuring training schools meet the high benchmarks the profession demands. Through this partnership, APHP members are part of a collective that actively shapes the future of professional standards and regulation across the UK. 

Today, APHP continues to uphold high professional standards through comprehensive membership requirements, recognised training expectations, and a strong commitment to ethical conduct. Members are expected to work within a robust Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, supported by clear and accessible complaints and disciplinary procedures that reinforce our commitment to transparency and public protection.

We work closely with training providers, practising therapists, supervisors, and industry professionals to encourage continuing professional development and best practice. We also maintain ongoing dialogue with the CNHC, UKCHO, and other professional bodies to support the advancement, recognition, and integrity of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy within modern healthcare and wellbeing services.

Whether you are seeking professional hypnotherapy training, looking for a qualified practitioner, or exploring membership within a recognised professional association, APHP is committed to supporting both practitioners and the public with professionalism, warmth, and integrity.

If you are a therapist looking for a professional association or a training provider, please get in touch.

 

What kind of therapist should I choose?

You may have heard the terms hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling and possibly psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioural and cognitive. You might even have had other therapies in the past such as BWRT, havening or NLP. Choosing the right therapist for you depends on the kind of help you need. Click below to discover more

The differences between hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and counselling


An Overview

Hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and counselling are all forms of talking therapies. They cover similar topics and help with similar problems. Talking therapy is a form of mental health treatment that involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a certified mental health therapist.

During therapy sessions:

  • You’ll have a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to express yourself.
  • The therapist will help you understand your emotions, identify negative thought patterns, and develop healthier behaviours and mindsets.

Therapy comes in various forms, each with unique approaches and techniques. Finding the right therapist involves ensuring they are properly qualified, insured, and accredited.

Hypnotherapy

  • Focuses on accessing the subconscious mind through hypnosis to address specific issues or habits.
  • Uses guided relaxation and suggestions to promote positive change.
  • Often used for issues like anxiety, phobias, and habit changes. Coupled with psychotherapy, it can help overcome many of life’s challenges.

Psychotherapy

  • Explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to uncover underlying causes of emotional or mental health issues.
  • Often delves into the past to understand current-day challenges.
  • Can be long-term or short-term, depending on the individual’s needs.

Counselling

  • Provides support and guidance to individuals dealing with life challenges.
  • Often incorporates practical strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
  • Commonly used for issues such as relationship problems, grief, and stress management.

Key Differences Between Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, and Counselling:

Feature Hypnotherapy Psychotherapy Counselling
Focus Accesses the subconscious Conscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours Support and guidance for current-day issues
Techniques Hypnosis, suggestion Talking therapy, various techniques Listening, problem-solving
Duration Often shorter-term Can be long-term or short-term Varies depending on the issue
How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often accompanied by deep relaxation. In this state, the conscious mind becomes less dominant, allowing the subconscious mind to be more accessible.

Hypnosis can occur naturally (such as being engrossed in a book or daydreaming) or be induced intentionally through therapeutic or recreational techniques.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes, hypnosis is considered a useful and safe tool when performed by a trained and qualified professional. It is a natural and non-invasive process that does not involve the use of drugs or physical manipulation. However, like any therapeutic approach, it may not be suitable for everyone or every condition.

Non-invasive: It relies solely on verbal guidance and mental techniques.

No Loss of Control: During hypnosis, individuals remain aware of their surroundings and retain control over their actions. They cannot be made to do anything against their will or values.

Widely Researched: Studies and clinical evidence support its effectiveness for many conditions, such as anxiety, panic, pain, habit-breaking, goal setting, grief, PTSD and much more.

The most important part of choosing a therapist is to make sure the have been properly vetted by a professional association. Hypnosis performed by someone unqualified or without a proper understanding of mental health issues could lead to ineffective or even counterproductive results.

For individuals with severe mental health disorders (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia), hypnosis may not be advisable as it could exacerbate symptoms.

Choose a Professional: Always work with a certified and experienced hypnotherapist.

Be Open About Your Health: Share any medical or psychological history with your therapist to ensure the approach is suitable.

Understand the Process: Discuss what to expect during and after the session to feel more comfortable.

When used responsibly and appropriately, hypnosis can be a powerful tool for positive change.

How will I know if my therapist is right for me?

Choosing the right therapist is like finding a good book—you need one that captures your attention, resonates with your experiences, and helps you see things in a new way.
Finding your ideal therapist starts with understanding your own needs and preferences. Ask yourself what you’re looking to address—whether it’s anxiety, stress, relationships, or something more specific and then look for a therapist who specialises in that area. Decide if you’d feel more comfortable with a particular gender, age, or style of therapy, like a more creative way of working such as hypnotherapy, or a more open-ended one like psychotherapy.

Research is key, so check on our directory, read reviews, and look at their specialist areas. Many therapists offer an initial consultation, take advantage of this to ask questions, get a feel for their approach, and see if you feel a connection. Ultimately, your ideal therapist is someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and respected while providing the tools you need to grow and heal.

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