National Guild of Hypnotists


The National Guild of Hypnotists is a non-profit, membership-based, international organization for professional consulting hypnotists. In 2015 the organization is headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The NGH has 114 member chapters worldwide, with greater than 14,000 members in 80 countries. It sets standards for hypnotherapy practice.
In 2015 the President of the National Guild of Hypnotists is Dr. Dwight F. Damon, who is also a founding member.

History

The NGH was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1951 by Dr. Rexford L. North
On May 11, 1993, the National Guild of Hypnotists was recognized by the 103rd Congress of the United States for their efforts toward establishing and maintaining a high code of ethics, as well as educational resources regarding hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
In 1994, The NGH chartered a union chapter through the Office and Professional Employees International Union, the National Federation of Hypnotists, Local 104, OPEIU-AFL-CIO, CLC, in order to provide additional legal and political assistance to NGH members by providing access to an official, unionized organization.
In 2000, the organization represented its members in discussions with the state of Indiana, which had set up a committee to license hypnotists.
In August, 2013, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick awarded the National Guild of Hypnotists a Governor's Citation, in recognition of their 63rd anniversary. Mayor Arthur G. Vigeant declared August 10, 2013 to be National Guild of Hypnotists Day in the city of Marlborough, Massachusetts in recognition of contributions made to the city, state, and country.
On December 11, 2014, Representative Steve Stockman of Texas recommended the NGH as "one of two organization from which to seek referrals" for hypnosis

Activities

Certification training programs

As part of ongoing services to the member community, the National Guild of Hypnotists has produced several certification, education, and training programs. In 1990 NGH set requirements of 15 hours of continuing education credits for active certification status; in 1991 the minimum number of training hours was raised to 100, with 75 class hours and 25 hours independent study. That year a Forensic Hypnosis curriculum and the Train the Trainers Program and core curriculum were introduced. In 1992 a continuing education workshop program for NGH members was organized.
In 1995 the Registered Hypnotherapist designation was replaced with the Certified Hypnotherapist designation. In 1998 the NGH Certification Board was created, and a Pediatric Hypnotism curriculum was developed. In 1999 Medgar Evers College – City University of New York began offering a NGH Certification course, an Emergency Hypnotism curriculum and a Complementary Medical Hypnotism curriculum were added.
In 2000 the NGH core curriculum was translated into Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, Spanish and Polish. In 2003 and 2004 three new programs were added: Sports Hypnotism, and a 12-month Clinical Hypnotism curriculum, and a Hypno-Coaching program.
The NGH also maintains an updated guide to state law and legal issues regarding hypnotism for public and member education.

Publications

Beginning in May, 1951, the NGH established a magazine called Journal of Hypnotism. Founder Dr. Rexford L. North served as editor and publisher, with contributing editors and authors including current President Dwight Damon, Harry Arons, and Bernard Yanover. This publication serves as a trade journal for practicing professional hypnotists.
In 1987, NGH began a newsletter called Hypno-Gram with articles from guild members. Dr. Dwight F. Damon is the current editor of this publication.
The National Guild of Hypnotists has also acted as book publisher for some members, including NGH President Dwight Damon.
The first annual National Guild of Hypnotists Annual Convention was held in 1988 in Danvers, MA. The 1989 convention was held in New York City, NY.
From 1990-2004 the convention was held in Nashua, NH.
From 2005 to 2019, the convention has been held in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
The theme of the 26th annual convention held in 2013 was "A Legacy of Excellence". It featured both stage and consulting hypnotists, and was reported to have nearly 1,200 attendees. The 2014 Convention was held from August 8–10, with the theme of "Building Our Profession".

Public awareness

The Guild also organizes presentations aimed at educating the public about the uses of hypnosis.