Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice

Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy Program

DCH 810

Breyer State University

Professor: John McGrail, Ph.D.

Syllabus

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to DCH 810, Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice.  Clinical hypnotherapy finds itself in a unique and somewhat dubious position in contemporary healthcare. There is an enormous and continually growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of modern hypnotherapy as a therapeutic tool across a vast spectrum of behavioral, emotional and medical issues. This data increasingly demonstrates that hypnosis and hypnotherapy can and will play an important role in the newly emerging, or better, re-emerging holistic model of healthcare in Western society. Thus we can expect an increase in interest in the field and an increase in the numbers of lay hypnotherapists— “trained professionals” who do not also hold a license to practice medicine or psychotherapy. And yet, hypnotherapy is also perhaps the most denigrated and neglected of any of the health and wellness modalities considered legitimate by the healthcare establishment

Unlike medicine, psychology, dentistry, chiropractic, Chinese medicine, physical therapy, or even massage therapy, the practice of hypnotherapy (from a legal perspective) entails virtually no standards or requirements for minimum training, practical experience, or demonstrated competence. This opens the way for potentially huge legal and ethical issues, none of which are new. Even the briefest glance at the historical literature surrounding the use of hypnosis in healthcare underscores a consistent and continuing pattern. Hypnosis has waxed and waned in popularity and acceptance as a legitimate and ethical therapeutic tool since the days of Anton Mesmer. This course is designed to assist you in exploring and understanding the legal and ethical issues facing today’s practitioners, and also defining and refining your own position, as you exploit the myriad of opportunities that a career in hypnotherapy provides, and successfully face the challenges of building a successful, respected practice in today’s environment.  

TIME FRAME: This is a 5 semester-hour course. This course is allotted 10 weeks of time. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of the 10-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day which you notify me that your textbooks have arrived and you are ready to begin your studies.  Please be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification.  Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded five semester hours of credit.

TEXTBOOKS: There is one (1) required textbook for this course.

Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions, Standards and Cases, Gerald P. Koocher, Patricia Keith-Spiegel, New York, Oxford University Press ISBN # 13: 978-0-19-514911-1.

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EXAMINATIONS: There are no formal examinations for this course. Your grade will be determined by the quality of three writing assignments.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100 %    =    A
80-89 %     =    B
70-79 %     =    C
Below 70% =    Fail

You will be graded on each of three writing assignments; two smaller assignments, each worth one quarter of your grade and one longer assignment worth half of the final grade.

COMMUNICATION: I am available and delighted to support you throughout your studies in the course and I want you to feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, etc. as you feel necessary. I request that primary contact and communication be accomplished via email for ease and consistency, but telephone conversations are absolutely fine. I prefer to pre-schedule phone calls. You can email a request and we will find a mutually acceptable time. I want you to enjoy the process exploring and learning more about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: There will be three written assignments; a “hybrid” research paper/study guide relevant to the subject of legal and ethical issues in lay hypnotherapy, and two “practical assignments” that afford you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and compliance with the accepted standards of legal and ethical professional conduct in the field of mental health at large, as well as those specific hypnotherapy in your location of practice.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Dr. John McGrail is clinical hypnotherapist also certified in NLP, Time Line Therapy, Therapeutic Imagery, EFT, and is the Creator of Quantum Therapy. He integrates these therapeutic modalities with a lifelong study and practice of Eastern and Native philosophies and over 25 years experience as a teacher, coach, and mentor across a variety of industries and disciplines, from military and commercial aviation, to film, television, and corporate communications and training. John thus combines a practical and powerful blend of Western science and shamanic spiritual wisdom to guide his clients in manifesting change, transformation, personal growth, and spiritual empowerment. His Los Angeles-based company, A Better You, Inc. serves individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as select corporate clients. Services range from individual sessions, to motivational presentations, training seminars, and workshops. Dr. McGrail earned a B.S from Cornell University and did his early graduate work in Communication Arts at the University of West Florida. He took his original training in clinical hypnotherapy at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in Los Angeles, the nation's first federally accredited college of hypnosis, then went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical hypnotherapy from Breyer State University. In addition to frequent televisions and radio appearances, John has published numerous articles on hypnosis and human development and is currently at work on two new books “Who’s Driving Your Bus,” and “Synthesis, the Power of Quantum Healing.” Dr. McGrail is an avid boater and blue-water fisherman. He also enjoys golf, wilderness hiking, and camping.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The objectives for this course are:

1). Understand the definition of “hypnotherapist” according to the federal and local guidelines.
2). Locate and demonstrate complete understanding of the specific state and or local regulations governing the practice of hypnotherapy in your location.
3). Demonstrate understanding of accepted standards of ethical behavior and marketing in mental health professions.
4). Demonstrate understanding and compliance with state and local laws as to marketing hypnotherapy in your location.
5). Define and state your position on important legal and ethical issues regarding the profession of lay hypnotherapy.

ASSIGNMENTS: For specific assignments, please click on the link “Assignments”

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may address them to admassistant@breyerstate.com. An administrative faculty member will respond to all questions.

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