The BIH code of practice is provided as a basis for guidance to all members in pursuance of their professional duties, and as a means to set out minimum standards of good conduct with which all members are expected to comply, working within boundaries of common practice which protect the integrity and commitment of the patient/therapist relationship.  At all times members shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring the British Institute of Hypnotherapy or the profession of Hypnotherapy into disrepute.  It is a condition of membership of the BIH that you agree to be bound by the conditions of this code of practice.


1. Client/patient confidentiality must be observed at all times. The only  exception to this is where consent is given or there is a legal  compulsion to do so for the purpose of criminal proceedings.  However,  it is acknowledged that the sharing of information with professional  colleagues may be necessary. In this case the clients anonymity must be  safeguarded.


2. BIH members have the responsibility of providing a service to their  clients in a climate of respect for their clients' needs and rights,  promoting integrity, equanimity, understanding and compassion.   Members should also make themselves familiar with any obligations  they may have under the Mental Health Act, 1983.

3. All members must be aware they have a duty to put the welfare of their  clients first, which includes working within the boundaries of their  own competence.  in the event of any difficulty arising where it would  be in the best interests of the client to receive medical assistance, or  there is a conflict of interests within the therapeutic relationship, or for  any other reason where the therapist feels unable to operate within the  field of his/her competency, the client must be referred on to an  appropriate therapist or medical practitioner at the earliest opportunity,  providing the withdrawal of services does not put the client at  unnecessary risk.

4. Extreme care must be exercised by those who use regression as part of   any treatment, to guard against the risk of false memoery recall,  otherwise known as False memory Syndrome.  A member must be  sufficiently skilled to understand his/her responsibility in the correct  use of language and methodology when working in this sensitive area.   A therapist must not deliberately lead a client to search for evidence of  abuse simply to satisfy the belief by the therapist that it must exist.


5. Members shall not abuse the trust placed in them by a person seeking  their assistance by being a part of,  or condoning, any behaviour which  is likely to be construed as taking advantage of their position for  financial reward in excess of the fees that would normally be charged.   Nor shall they abuse this trust by encouraging a relationship to develop  beyond the therapeutic requirement, for sexual favour or personal  gratification, or which is in any other way likely to cause distress.  It is  acknowledged that strong feelings sometimes occur between the client  and  therapist, but these must be approached in a responsible manner  and not allowed to undermine treatment.  Sometimes a change of  therapist may be in the best interests of both parties.

6. All members must be aware of the importance of ongoing study and self  improvement in order to maintain a level of competence that keeps pace  with the constantly evolving field of hypnotherapy/psychotherapy.  This  will include attendance at seminars, workshops, mutual co-operation  between professional colleagues, etc.

7. It is expected of all members that they conduct their business in a way  which is professional and beyond reproach.  This includes:-

(a)   ensuring that premises or facilities are suitable for the safety and  well being of the client, together with any third party who may accomp any them, taking into account any obligations they may have under the  Health and Safety At Work Act of 1974.

(b)   members must be covered by an appropriate insurance policy for  public liability and professional indemnity. This should be displayed at  their place of work where it is visible to their clients and anyone who  has a right to inspect it.                                                               


First Page                                                               Previous Page                                          Next Page