The Heavy Foot Of Government Presses Down On Hypnotists A Little More

[Conrad Cook]

...in Washington state.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.19.035

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.19.020

[Conrad Cook]

I've been aruging in what is apparently the most popular (and according to some the worst) thread ever in HypnoThoughts that the idea some people seem to have that we need the government (or some other never-named institution) to take control of the practice of hypnotherapy and enforce homogenous education, and so on; and then everything will be hunky-dory and we'll have the "respect" of the "medical community" -- whatever that means -- I've been arguing, basically, that this is a nightmare waiting to happen.

My overall point being that once you open the door to this kind of thing, you don't end up with an institutionalized kindly father-figure that gently ensures all hypnotists everywhere work together for the common good, but more a kind of schitzoid Captain Ahab.

Recent events in Washington state illustrate exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. Lawmakers there have recently, it seems accidentally, defined an entire category of counselor out of existence.

Yes, Virginia, There are New Restrictions on the term, “Private Practice Counseling.”

Dear Floyd—CounselingSeattle.com:

I am 58 years old. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I have been doing private practice counseling for 27 years. Some of my fellow counselors say that I cannot continue to do private practice counseling after July 1, 2009. My Papa used to say, “If you see it on CounselingSeattle.com, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth; will I have to give up private practice counseling?

Virginia [Anonymous], MA, LMHC

Dear Virginia,

Your counseling friends are right. All of you were affected--probably unintentionally--when the Washington State legislature passed a bill (2SHB 2674) eliminating the registered counselor (RC) credential and establishing several new credentials in its place. The lower levels (in terms of qualifications) include two new categories--certified advisors and certified counselors--who are permitted to do private practice counseling within carefully defined and prescribed limits.

[...]

Oh, you will still be able to have a counseling business; you will still be able to help troubled clients; and you will still be able to charge for your services. You just won’t be able to say, “I do private practice counseling.” In fact, you may not be able to say that you are a counselor and that you have your own private practice. (Consult an attorney. Otherwise you may accidentally break the law when trying to describe the kind of work you do.)

The full editorial Q&A:

http://www.counselingseattle.com/counseling/private-practice.htm

The article:

http://eworldwire.com/pressreleases/19217

[Donna Rodolph]

~~that the idea some people seem to have that we need the government (or some other never-named institution) to take control of the practice of hypnotherapy and enforce homogenous education, and so on; and then everything will be hunky-dory and we'll have the "respect" of the "medical community" -- whatever that means -- I've been arguing, basically, that this is a nightmare waiting to happen.~~

The post you were reading...and the post I was reading... were obviously two completely different posts. Kind of like... when a group of people see an accident ~no pun intended~ and then give conflicting reports.

The post I was reading was one that was 'wondering' what may be beneficial. Started with the hope that if ideas were given on what is, what a person would like to have better, and maybe what 'could' be done...
maybe, just maybe...someone in the group could come in and say, "Ohhh well you see, that may not work because of this..." or "that may be a good idea because of this."
The general intention to understand, collect knowledge, and discuss it.
I can't seem to find where anyone said "we NEED the government (or anyone) to take control of" anything.

But then, there is always someone in the group who doesn't seem to read the words as intended.
Maybe it was me?
As with everything...some people came across as helpers...and then some came across...not-so-much.

words, words, words, ~grin
You know... I once read something I thought made good sense
(oh wait... ~shocked that I recall it~, you wrote this....)

Here is the quote:
"words are for mankind the problem in interpreting scripture, because
making the leap from word to meaning is not always easy." ~Conrad

I think that can be said for not just scripture.
It can be said of any text.

~~D.

[Conrad Cook]

As with everything...some people came across as helpers...and then some came across...not-so-much.

What specificially are you saying about whom?


"words are for mankind the problem in interpreting scripture, because
making the leap from word to meaning is not always easy." ~Conrad

I think that can be said for not just scripture...but also any text.

When people say less than they mean, there's a reason for it. For professional communicators to say less than they mean, and then cry foul when people interpret their meanings, is like issuing invitations to an open house and then crying foul when people walk in. That is to say, it is unprofessional.

There were people on that thread advocating governmental regulation of the profession. Explicitly. For you to imply otherwise means that you either did not read the thread fully, or you did not understand what you were reading.

Now, why don't you stop making this conversation about me, and stop making it about you, and say something substantial about the topic.


Conrad.

[John Cleesattel]

The law appears to be specifically about hypnotherapy, not hypnotists or hypnosis. The same thing exists in Texas. The psychologists and psychiatrists here were more organized than we were. Its been that here way ever since the early '90's, and it ends up being a semantics issue. Thus, instead of being a hypnotherapist doing hypnotherapy, I am a hypnotist that does trance solutions. I personally never liked the word "therapy" anyway. Therapy is for sick people.

The real concern in both states appears to be the "counseling" aspect, and I don't know if I disagree. Those of us who are not professionally trained and certified counselors have no business counseling anyone about anything. I make it a point to let all of my clients know that I am NOT a counselor and I do not diagnose. They come to me for help with specific issues, and that's what they get.

John

[Roger Moore, PhD]

Just to be clear, as a Washington resident who has followed this closely, the change is for Registered Counselors. There is no change in the Registered Hypnotherapist law and according to my legislative sources, there is no intention of making any change in the Registered Hypnotherapist law.

[Donna Rodolph]

say something substantial about the topic.

Substantial has a few different meanings, Conrad…so say what you mean. Practice what you preach. And all those other idioms that go with that.

I do my best to find value in your posts, when you throw some interesting tid-bit that doesn’t even correlate with what I have written. Sometimes it is like we are having two completely different conversations.
But hey, they are substantial. And maybe I could now start a post on ‘what exactly makes for a substantial post? Which definition should be used?’ and/or “should there be a requirement that all posts be substantial?”

Now, why don't you stop making this conversation about me, and stop making it about you,

I think it is always good to remember
Every post you make is about you, every post I make is about me, as it is for every person who posts it is about them; each of our posts showing who we are and who we are not - regardless of the topic. Either, showing our interest, joy, confusion, intelligence (or lack-there-of), boredom, or anger (to name a few), just by the arrangement of our words and what we have chosen to say.
So, to stop making it about me…
I would have to stop posting…
You’re not suggesting…
What?
You don’t want to hear what I have to say?

Say it isn’t so.
~~D.

[Michael Ellner]

Hey Donna,

When I post -- it's about you babe! --

I'm turned on by what you have to say and how ya say it--

Write On!

[Conrad Cook]

Roger, can you tell us what is required to register under the current law?

Conrad.

[Roger Moore, PhD]

You must be 18 years old, take an on-line AIDS course, pay the state $150.00 & tell them about your hypnosis training (such as "read a book") - annually on your birthday you send them more money and that is all there is to it -

The current law did not change. Do not confuse the Registered Hypnotherapist with the Registered Counselor. Registered Counselor changed - they are two different animals.

[Paula Saxon Nongard]

http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Hypnotherapist/documents/hyp... A link for those who want a Washington license.... Connecticut alaso has 'registration". The Connecticut law requires $50 and a one page form.

[Roger Moore, PhD]

There is no hypnotherapy license in Washington - there is only Registration (even though the form reads license) it is still Registration- you are correct the fee is $50.00 - not $150.00 -

[James Hazlerig]

Hey, John,

I'm in Texas, too, and to be honest, I prefer the term "hypnotist" to "hypnotherapist."

Before I work with a client, I have a disclaimer to sign that states I'm not a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed professional counselor. It then says that any statements I make are to be considered friendly advice, no more.

On the main topic, we're in a legal gray area in Texas. So far as I know, no "lay" hypnotist--flinch--has run afoul of the law in our state. Sometimes, I wish that things weren't so gray for us, but then I remember that if the legislature does ever spell things out concretely, they might well legislate us out of business. So I just make sure that no one has grounds to claim that I'm counseling without a license.

My 2 cents,

James