Client Bill of Rights
Education and Training:
I was trained in clinical hypnotism by Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, APN, MA, BCH, CI. I am registered as a Certified Hypnotist with both the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). As such, must complete annual continuing education to maintain my certification to meet the requirements set forth by these organizations. The NGH is the oldest and largest hypnotism organization in the world and its certification is the most widely- recognized credential for the professional practice of the hypnotism. I am a graduate of St. Andrews University in Scotland. I have a MS in information science from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Notice:
As The State Of North Carolina Has Not Adopted Education And Training Standards For The Practice Of Hypnotism, This Statement Of Credentials Is For Informational Purposes Only. Hypnotism is a self-regulating profession and its practitioners are not licensed by the state of North Carolina. I am not a physician nor a licensed health care provider and may not provide a medical diagnosis nor recommend discontinuance of medically prescribed treatments. If a client desires a diagnosis or any other type of treatment from a different practitioner, the client may seek such services at any time. In the event that my services are terminated by a client, the client has a right to coordinated transfer of services to another practitioner. A client has a right to refuse hypnotism services at any time. A client has right to be free of physical, verbal or sexual abuse. A client has a right to know the expected duration of sessions, and may assert any right without retaliation.
Redress:
I am a certified member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, and practice in accordance with its Code of Ethics and Standards. If you have a complaint about my services or behavior that I cannot resolve for you personally, you may contact: The National Guild of Hypnotists, P.O. Box 308, Merrimack, NH 03054-0308, (613) 429-9438 to seek redress. Other hypnotism services may be available to you in the community. You may locate such providers in the phone book.
Fees:
The charge for my services is $125.00 per hour, unless otherwise specified in advance. Payment is expected when services are delivered unless other arrangements are made. Cash, personal check, debit or credit card are acceptable for payment. I will provide you with a receipt for all fees paid.
Confidentiality:
I will not release any information to anyone without a written authorization from you, except as provided for by law. You have a right to be allowed access to your written records.
Insurance:
I suggest you think of my services as something that you will pay for personally. That will both protect your privacy and help you to value the work you are doing more. In general, insurance companies do not cover hypnotic services, and you should not expect them to do so. I will complete any forms needed by you for submission to your insurance company for the reimbursement of medical hypnosis costs.
My Approach
Non-Therapeutic Hypnotism is the independent use of the hypnotic arts and sciences to help a client inculcate positive thinking and the capacity for self-hypnosis. As a professional hypnotist my role is to teach, coach, guide, instruct and train clients in resolving commonly-encountered problems of daily life through the use of self-hypnosis. I see my work as a hypnotist as non-therapeutic in nature. Hypnotists do not engage in the independent diagnosis and treatment of medical or mental disease or offer any form of dietary or nutritional guidance or counsel. The services I render are offered to the public as a form of motivational coaching, combined with instruction in self-hypnosis. I do not represent my services as any form of health care or psychotherapy, and despite research findings to the contrary, by law I may make no health benefit claims for my services.
Terminology:
A hypnotist is a person who is certified in the hypnotic arts and may hold various certifications for different hypnosis issues. They are regulated by an organization that certifies their education and ethical standards but are not licensed by the state. Currently, North Carolina does not license hypnotists. In North Carolina, a hypnotherapist is a licensed mental-health or medical practitioner who has received training in the hypnotic arts in addition to training in mental health and/or medicine.
Time of Sessions and Changes:
I commit to begin and end sessions on time. If you wish to change your appointment, please give at least 24 hours in advance notice by emailing me at info@positivespiral.net or calling me at 919-636-2781. Without this prior notice, you will be expected to pay for any missed appointment time. I will not call or send you reminders for the sessions.
Medical Hypnosis:
Requires a written referral from an appropriately-licensed practitioner. Hypnosis is a complementary treatment and is meant to be an adjunct to a doctor's treatment and to assist treatment goals. It does not replace medical directives. Do not discontinue any prescribed medication or change or disregard directives by your physician without talking with your doctor first, even if your symptoms improve.