Style of learning
How did our student's learn?
As everyone learns differently, we used a wide range of teaching techniques within our training sessions, including demonstrations, discussion, video, and occasional PowerPoint presentations. Students complemented their studies by reading books from our recommended book list and accessed additional resources such as articles, videos and scripts in our member's area. We truly believe however, that there is no better way to learn and gain confidence than through practising with real people what you seen and have read.
Did you provide practical demonstrations?
Absolutely! Demonstrations were a regular feature of our training sessions, with both students and volunteer clients enjoying the experience of hypnosis, coaching, and other therapeutic techniques.
Did students get to practise during their training?
Yes, yes, yes! We believe that practising your hypnotherapy skills is essential, so LHA students got many opportunities to work with others in the group. They also also completed case studies for each module, which involved working with volunteer clients.
How were students assessed?
Students received regular verbal and written feedback on their assignments and portfolio work.
How big were class sizes?
We believed that small is best, so our class sizes for diploma training were normally limited to 12 but were often smaller. This means that they got plenty of tutor attention and the opportunity to gain experience working with a number of other students.
Accreditation & Qualification
What is the Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (NCH)?
The Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD) is a credible, externally validated qualification in hypnotherapy. Equivalent to a foundation-level degree, the HPD is a Level 4 qualification. To gain the HPD (NCH) students were required to attend all five modules of our Hypnotherapy Practitioner Programme and then complete the required assignments and portfolio or professional discussion (oral examination).
Was it possible to do one single training module?
Our diploma training consisted of five interactive modules, and students were required to attend all modules. Fewer hours or modules would not meet National Occupational Standards nor the criteria of most professional associations, such as the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) and the APHP (Association for Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy). We therefore didn't offer the option to attend singular modules except as CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for qualified therapists.
How were students assessed?
LHA students received regular verbal feedback from their tutor on their work and practical sessions. Written feedback was given on homework assignments (case studies). Their externally accredited Hypnotherapy in Practice (HPD) portfolios were assessed by an NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) assessor. They gave feedback to students on any additional work required, allowing them to re-submit their work once corrected. This qualification can also be achieved through the Professional Discussion route, an oral qualification which is conducted via two extended phone calls with the NCH assessor.
What qualification did LHA students receive on graduation?
After successful completion of their group training, short question papers, and case study assignments, students were awarded the LHA Hypnotherapy Diploma. This allowed them to arrange professional insurance, join a professional association and the CNHC, and set up in practice. If they chose to undertake the NCH Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD), they received it once their portfolio had been marked by the NCH assessor or they had completed the Professional Discussion route to qualification to the satisfaction of the assessor. Please see the answer above.
Was the qualification offered by LHA recognised?
Yes. The HPD is considered by many as the 'Gold Standard' hypnotherapy qualification, as it is externally accredited.
Was there a written exam?
There was no 'sit-down' exam, but students were sent a short written assignment to complete at the end of each module. This was completed in their own time and their work was submitted electronically. Case study assignments were marked in-house. The HPD (Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma) portfolio was assessed by an NCH Assessor.
Who accredits this course?
The Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma is a Level 4 qualification, accredited by the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) and the Northern College of Further Education (NCFE).
Which professional bodies could students or graduates join/become a member of?
Students were registered as student members of the APHP (Association for Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy) and the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) at the start of their training. The cost of this was included in your LHA training. On qualifying, they could upgrade their NCH and APHP membership.
What could LHA graduates call themselves once qualified?
Once they completed their qualification, they could call themselves a hypnotherapist or a clinical hypnotherapist.
How soon could they practise after completing their training?
Successful graduates could set up in practice as soon as all their assignments had been marked and they had received their LHA Hypnotherapy Diploma.
What follow-up training could graduates do?
There is a wide variety of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses that will help extend knowledge.
Eligibility
What qualifications did candidates need to enrol?
We had an open access policy, so no specific formal qualifications were required. We did, however, need to feel confident that students had suitable language and communication skills and were able to cope with the academic requirements of the course. There was a short interview (on the phone, via Zoom or face-to-face) before any applications for a place could be processed.
I've never had hypnotherapy. Would this matter?
Many students are attracted to training to be a hypnotherapist because they have benefitted from hypnotherapy themselves. Whilst we recommended that students received some hypnotherapy sessions with a qualified therapist before they qualified, it wasn't a requirement. Students experienced the giving and receiving of hypnosis many times during their training.
Can I join an LHA course?
There are no dates or courses available, sorry.
Practice set-up & development
LHA training has been described as practice-ready. What does this mean?
It means that we saw ourselves as more than a training course provider. We wanted all our students to go on to become successful therapists, so our training was designed to help our students achieve this.
When were students ready to set up in practice?
Graduates were ready to start seeing paying clients as soon as they had received their college diploma and had arranged their professional insurance.
I want to change my career to become a full-time therapist. Is that realistic?
Definitely! There are lots of people out there who need help to change how they feel or behave, so there's no shortage of work. Both Abbey and I have busy, successful therapy practices, and I run intensive therapy retreats in Hebden Bridge. Unfortunately, LHA is not running any courses, but other hypnotherapy training schools are available. Good luck!