As an executive member of the South African Society of Clinical Hypnosis (SASCH) I frequently get the opportunity to meet Hypnotherapists from around the world. One such person was Lynnelle Breedt, a hypnotherapist trained by the LCCH and now living in Johannesburg. Her breadth of knowledge and the high standard of her training immediately impressed me and, wishing to find out more about the organization, it was through her that I eventually made contact with the LCCH, more specifically with the LCCH’s Director of Studies Peter Mabbutt.

On a recent visit to London we were able to meet and discuss the different approaches to educating prospective therapists taken by both our countries. I also learned that he was planning to visit South Africa in February 2002 and so arranged for Peter to present a one-hour lecture at the quarterly workshop held by SASCH. Whilst talking to Peter in London it became evident that there are some major differences in legislation and training between South Africa and the UK. In South Africa the regulations governing the practice of hypnotherapy differ insofar as only registered or intern psychologists, doctors or dentists can legally practice as clinical hypnotherapists.

As far as training is concerned different rules and regulations also apply. Taking approximately 5 years to complete, training is split into three levels: elementary, intermediate and advanced. Both the intermediate and advanced courses consist of four modules, namely ego state therapy, medical hypno-analysis, traditional therapy and Ericksonian therapy of which students may elect to do two out of these four modules. 

On completion of the advanced course candidates are then eligible to sit for the diplomate examination, an internationally recognized qualification that is regarded as the highest official qualification in clinical hypnotherapy. This includes both written and oral examinations as well as the evaluation of three clinical cases that are either videoed by the candidate and/or evaluated live at the patient’s therapy session. 

The title of the workshop held in Johannesburg was “Psychotherapeutic Implications of Common Medical Conditions.” We had a variety of speakers including a psychiatrist, a neuro-surgeon and a plastic surgeon all addressing the issue of the effect physical disorders can have on a patient’s mental health. However, I thought it would be of interest to the workshop delegates to hear about the way in which potential therapists in the UK are trained and so asked Peter to focus his talk on the training approach used by the LCCH.

After having outlined the legislation (or lack of) governing hypnotherapy in the UK, Peter briefly talked about the different levels of training that the LCCH offers explaining the differences between the certificate, diploma and practitioner courses as well as highlighting the different approaches taken at these various levels. 

Peter also spoke to us about building a closer collaboration between the LCCH and SASCH with the hope that we can enjoy a greater flow of information and ideas as well as contributing to the education of therapists in both our countries.

It must be said that the members of SASCH were very impressed at how comprehensive the LCCH syllabus is, as well as the ethical standards promoted by the organization and instilled in their

The applicability of hypnotherapy training for all caring professions was well taken by the South Africans as Peter went on to discuss the future of hypnotherapy in the UK, its greater acceptance by more orthodox approaches to medicine whilst pointing out that its use is spreading to many sectors within the health care industry. Another point that was well taken was the care with which the LCCH selects prospective students to ensure the right kind and quality of candidate for training and therefore indirectly protecting the members of the public they will eventually be treating.

Many South Africans envied the clinical supervision approach, as we don’t have a similar intimate relationship between supervision and training as well as post-training help. After his talk many members of the society approached me about the possibility of Peter giving a half-day / full-day workshop on his next visit to South Africa in September, which I am pleased to say he has gladly accepted.

It must be said that the members of SASCH are looking forward to a closer association with the LCCH, a liaison that will benefit both organizations and their members.

Peter replies:
On the 23rd of February 2002, after an invitation to do so from Dr. Cecile Gereck, I addressed the South African Society of Clinical Hypnosis (SASCH) in Johannesburg. It was an opportunity to forge new links with hypnotherapists as well as to gain a greater understanding of the state of hypnosis and hypnotherapy in this part of the southern hemisphere. 

After the lengthy 11-hour flight I arrived at my destination. It was a pleasant surprise to be met by Lynnelle Breedt, one of my ex-students who I had seen through the course from interview to Practitioner Diploma, and to be able to catch up with her, finding out what she was doing and how she was coping as a hypnotherapist in South Africa.

After having dumped my luggage at the hotel I was driven to the area in Midrand on the outskirts of Johannesburg where I gave my talk. I must say that I was made to feel very welcome by the South Africans and enjoyed being able to share knowledge with them as well as taking the opportunity to explore the beautiful South African countryside. It goes without saying that I very much look forward to my return trip in September to present a workshop for SASCH on behalf of the LCCH.

Editor’s note: A free Masterclass place for the best caption of Peter Mabbutt with the lions below. 
E-mail: lcch1@aol.com