LCCH News Autumn / Winter - 2002

Lynelle Breedt, from South Africa, writes:

South Africa is a country stooped in crime, resulting in an ever increasing rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) and other stress related illnesses. Approximately 330 psychologists register annually with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with a total of 4,893 registered at present. With a population of 45,454,211 (as at June 2002), this indicates a ratio of only one psychologist per 9,290 people - barely a number that can meet the current counselling need in South Africa.

Much work remains to be done, however, in order for Hypnotherapy to be accepted in South African society as a rapid, effective and powerful tool in helping people. Many appear uneducated about what Hypnotherapy is and what it can be applied for. Most people’s reference to Hypnotherapy seems to be that of stage hypnosis and perhaps smoking cessation.

Unfortunately, but also understandably, Hypnotherapy in S A is strictly regulated. It is the view of the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa (the medical board) that only highly trained and professional practitioners should be permitted to work with a patient’s psyche.

One important question arises though. If sound psychological training is a prerequisite for allowing Hypnotherapists to work with patients’ psyches, why are dentists and general practitioners eligible to register as practising Hypnotherapists? It hardly makes sense considering the fact that university curricula for medical and dental students barely include psychological training.

SASCH (South African Society of Clinical Hypnosis), the accredited Hypnotherapy society of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, is currently the only body accredited to train professional practitioners in South Africa. However, various psychologists have indicated that, despite having completed the SASCH courses, they don’t feel confident in applying the content and techniques in therapy sessions.

The LCCH has already gained the respect of various professional bodies outside the borders of the United Kingdom, including that of SASCH, with LCCH courses already accredited by both the University of Greenwich and The Open University. The college is also actively involved in research, putting them on the forefront of new developments within the medical field and I feel it would be worthwhile to have the LCCH qualifications accredited with the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa. Through the ‘condition based approach’ taught by the LCCH, all practitioners will have the opportunity to accumulate theoretical knowledge as well as sound practical experience in order to practise the techniques with confidence.

I agree wholeheartedly that a stringent selection process should be in place for students to enrol and pursue a course in Hypnotherapy in order to ensure that only the most suitable students are accepted on the courses. These are my views:

1. University graduates with a major in psychology can only benefit from attending courses in Hypnotherapy presented by the LCCH. This will allow undergraduate students to start applying their knowledge in communities most in need of help and also foster counselling skills whilst furthering their studies in psychology.


NEWS

Lynelle Breedt, from South Africa, writes: South Africa is a country stooped in crime, resulting in an ever increasing rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) and other stress related illnesses. Approximately 330 psychologists register annually with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with a total of 4,893 registered at present. With a population of 45,454,211 (as at June 2002), this indicates a ratio of only one psychologist per 9,290 people - barely a number that can meet the current counselling need in South Africa. Much work remains to be done, however, in order for Hypnotherapy to be accepted in South African society as a rapid, effective and powerful tool in helping people. Many appear uneducated about what Hypnotherapy is and what it can be applied for. Most people’s reference to Hypnotherapy seems to be that of stage hypnosis and perhaps smoking cessation. Unfortunately, but also understandably, Hypnotherapy in S A is strictly regulated. It is the view of the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa (the medical board) that only highly trained and professional practitioners should be permitted to work with a patient’s psyche. One important question arises though. If sound psychological training is a prerequisite for allowing Hypnotherapists to work with patients’ psyches, why are dentists and general practitioners eligible to register as practising Hypnotherapists? It hardly makes sense considering the fact that university curricula for medical and dental students barely include psychological training. SASCH (South African Society of Clinical Hypnosis), the accredited Hypnotherapy society of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, is currently the only body accredited to train professional practitioners in South Africa. However, various psychologists have indicated that, despite having completed the SASCH courses, they don’t feel confident in applying the content and techniques in therapy sessions. The LCCH has already gained the respect of various professional bodies outside the borders of the United Kingdom, including that of SASCH, with LCCH courses already accredited by both the University of Greenwich and The Open University. The college is also actively involved in research, putting them on the forefront of new developments within the medical field and I feel it would be worthwhile to have the LCCH qualifications accredited with the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa. Through the ‘condition based approach’ taught by the LCCH, all practitioners will have the opportunity to accumulate theoretical knowledge as well as sound practical experience in order to practise the techniques with confidence. I agree wholeheartedly that a stringent selection process should be in place for students to enrol and pursue a course in Hypnotherapy in order to ensure that only the most suitable students are accepted on the courses. These are my views: 1. University graduates with a major in psychology can only benefit from attending courses in Hypnotherapy presented by the LCCH. This will allow undergraduate students to start applying their knowledge in communities most in need of help and also foster counselling skills whilst furthering their studies in psychology.			2. LCCH trained Hypnotherapists can apply their knowledge and skills alongside other professionals (general practitioners, psychologists and dentists) on clinical matters, allowing the medical practitioners to focus on their own specialized field. Many medical practitioners may find the application of Hypnotherapy too time consuming and may feel they do not have the time to treat patients with Hypnotherapy in order to achieve best results. Trained Hypnotherapists can be utilized in these practices to focus on Hypnotherapy, allowing the registered professionals to focus on applying medical and dental services. 3. There are many ‘non-clinical’ issues which can be dealt with by non-medical Hypnotherapists. Although these may be be ‘non-clinical’ issues, once resolved, they may have a hugely positive impact on the quality of an individual’s life. South Africa is a developing country, with great opportunities. Its people are enthusiastic, optimistic and excited about gaining new knowledge and skills. In bringing the LCCH ‘International Diploma’ to South Africa in the near future the LCCH can, by training highly qualified Hypnotherapists, bring relief in many areas of people’s lives. I am positive about this exciting venture and hope to write affirmatively in the next issue! We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing Introducing the 'playful' side of the Exeter Course Director, Christa Mackinnon Over the last few years some ex- and current students of LCCH courses have attended Christa's workshops and short training courses of a more shamanic nature, joining her and friends at taster workshops at Quest. This year an inspired drumming group formed fairly spontaneously after one of the 'shamanic drumming workshops', just a few weeks before the Quest festival, consisting of some ex-LCCH students and others. Scott Jasper, a percussionist who co-facilitates with Christa, was as worried as Christa herself when the idea of 'performing' on stage at Quest threatened to ruin their professional reputation in Devon. But, as Christa would put it: 'If you don't jump over your own shadow at times, you'll never get anywhere' and so the group achieved their 15 minutes claim to fame with two performances (actually they lasted 45 minutes.) If the picture above inspires you to attend some of the workshops or training courses of a more shamanic nature running at Kamdaris you can contact: Tel: 01803 762674 e-mail: kamdaris@hotmail.com web: http://www.kamdaris.co.uk

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