Client factsheet: Hypno- Psychotherapy
Jan 1, 2026
This is a factsheet I usually share with my clients before the first session. There are often misunderstandings and questions about Hypnosis. I hope it helps clarify them.
“The Register for Evidence-Based Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy” in the UK has put these bullet points together:
The more you understand hypnotherapy, the more effective it is likely to be. If there are any points below which you don’t agree with, or don’t understand, please discuss them with your therapist.
• Hypnosis is a special way of using various naturally-occurring psychological and physiological states. It’s a collaborative process in which you allow yourself to follow the guidance of the therapist by using your imagination to evoke positive emotions and rehearse behaviour change.
• Everyone can, in principle, be hypnotised. It has been shown to help if you relax, think positively, and imagine the things being suggested.
• Hypnotic “trance”, so-called, is an increased ability to respond to positive suggestions, usually accompanied simply by relaxed attention to the ideas being suggested.
• Hypnosis is definitely not a state of sleep or unconsciousness. Roughly 90% of people report being aware of everything that happens, and relaxation helps but is not essential to hypnosis.
• Hypnosis is definitely not a state of mind control. You cannot be made to do anything against your will. On the contrary, normally you must want to accept suggested ideas and actively imagine responding to experience their effects.
• Hypnosis is completely safe when used in a responsible and professional manner. Nobody has ever been “stuck” in hypnosis.
• Comedy stage hypnosis has very little to do with clinical hypnotherapy and has been shown to foster misconceptions which can prevent people from benefiting from treatment. Take what you see on television with a generous pinch of salt.
• Hypnotic suggestion is a means of experiencing certain helpful ideas at a level profound enough to directly influence our emotions and behaviour.
• Psychological and emotional problems can be seen as the result of negative thinking, whereas hypnotherapy aims to encourage (“suggest”) positive ideas which lead to improvement.
• Hypnotherapy, except for smoking cessation, usually requires more than one session. However, it is probably one of the briefest forms of psychological therapy, and in clinical studies the average number of sessions is around 4–6.
• Hypnosis can help with an enormous range of different issues. Research tends to provide most support for its use in,
Anxiety management.
Pain management.
Overcoming sleep disorders
Treating certain psychosomatic or stress-related illnesses.
However, hypnosis is also used to conquer habits such as nail-biting or smoking cigarettes, and for personal development in areas such as sports performance, public speaking, or creativity.
• Thousands of positive experimental and clinical research studies on hypnosis have been published. It was recognised as an effective treatment by the British Medical Association (BMA) and American Medical Association (AMA) in the 1950s and, more recently, by the American Psychological Association (for obesity) and NICE guidance (for IBS) used by the NHS.
• Hypnosis is essentially a simple, down-to-earth, and common sense therapy. For example, by relaxing, thinking positively, and picturing your goals, hypnosis can help you to progressively improve your habitual feelings and behaviour.
Agnes Kru
Calm the Mind. Reconnect the Body. Transform your Habits.
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Professional Conduct and Integrity 1.1 I will conduct myself with professionalism, honesty, dignity and respect in all professional activities. 1.2 I will not engage in behaviour that brings my profession, ACCPH, or fellow practitioners into disrepute. 1.3 I will work within recognised ethical frameworks and within the scope of practice for which I am trained and competent. 1.4 I will declare conflicts of interest and avoid dual relationships that may impair professional judgement or objectivity. 2. Professional Competence and Development 2.1 I shall not claim qualifications, credentials, status or experience that I do not hold, nor use post-nominals I am not entitled to. 2.2 I will not offer services in any modality in which I am not adequately trained or qualified. 2.3 I will engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance my knowledge and skills. 2.4 I recognise the limits of my competence and will refer clients to other professionals where appropriate. 3. Client Welfare and Safeguarding 3.1 I will act in the best interests of clients and prioritise their welfare, safety and autonomy. 3.2 I will not enter into a sexual, exploitative or abusive relationship with any client. 3.3 I will not take advantage of clients financially, emotionally or psychologically. 3.4 I will actively safeguard children and vulnerable adults and comply with relevant legal duties. 4. Medical, Therapeutic and Coaching Responsibility 4.1 I will not claim to diagnose, cure or treat medical conditions outside my professional remit. 4.2 I will not advise clients to discontinue prescribed medication or treatment from a medical professional. 4.3 I will respect the role and expertise of other healthcare and mental health professionals and collaborate responsibly where appropriate. 5. Confidentiality, Records and Data Protection 5.1 I will maintain client confidentiality in accordance with UK law, including data protection legislation (for oversees members, within the requirements of their residing country) 5.2 Confidential information may only be disclosed with consent, legal requirement, or where necessary to prevent serious harm. 5.3 I will maintain accurate and relevant records of my work. 5.4 I will store, retain and dispose of records securely and lawfully. 6. Fitness to Practise 6.1 I declare that I am fit to practise and do not have any condition that impairs my ability to work safely. 6.2 I will notify ACCPH if I develop a condition that affects my capacity to practise safely and will cease practice where necessary. 6.3 I will inform ACCPH of any unspent criminal convictions or legal restrictions that limit my ability to practise, especially with children or vulnerable adults. 7. Ethical Use of Techniques 7.1 I will not use hypnotherapy, hypnosis or related techniques for entertainment or any purpose that disrespects client dignity. 7.2 I will ensure that all interventions are used respectfully, professionally and for therapeutic or developmental purposes. 8. Advertising, Marketing and Public Representation 8.1 I will represent my services, qualifications and outcomes honestly and accurately in all advertising and promotional materials. 8.2 I will not make misleading, exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims. 8.3 I will not use testimonials, case studies or marketing materials that breach confidentiality or mislead the public. 9. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 9.1 I will treat all clients fairly and without discrimination in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. 9.2 I will respect diversity of identity, experience and belief in all professional interactions. 10. Insurance and Legal Compliance 10.1 I will maintain appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance at all times. 10.2 I will comply with all relevant laws, regulations and safeguarding requirements applicable to my practice. 11. Professional Relationships and Endings 11.1 I will establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries both in and outside of client sessions. 11.2 I will manage the ending of professional relationships responsibly and ensure appropriate signposting or referral where needed. 12. Conduct and Reputation 12.1 I will not associate with organisations that promote harmful, illegal or fraudulent practices. 12.2 I will uphold the reputation of ACCPH and the professions we represent. 13. Disciplinary Procedures 13.1 I accept the authority of ACCPH to investigate alleged breaches of this code. 13.2 I understand that ACCPH may impose sanctions, including suspension or termination of membership, where serious breaches occur. 14. Agreement to the Code I understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, suspension or termination of membership.