PHD in Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: Doctorate Degree Program Info

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic process performed on a patient who is in a state of hypnosis, or a mental state of focused attention and low peripheral awareness. While no accredited programs are available specifically in hypnosis or hypnotherapy in the U.S., some schools and organizations offer Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) programs in psychology with a specialization in hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology - Hypnotherapy Concentration

Doctoral-level classes in clinical hypnotherapy are often offered within Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology and through advanced, postdoctoral certificate programs in hypnotherapy. Such courses and programs are ideal for clinical psychologists, substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, clinical social workers or even dentists who are interested in incorporating clinical hypnotherapy into their work. Such individuals learn how to use advanced clinical hypnotherapy methods to manage pain and behavior modification in their patients.

Students enrolled in doctoral-level courses in clinical hypnotherapy learn how to induce hypnotic trances and use imagery to explore the subconscious mind. Advanced theories in meditation methods, issues in modern hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy instruction are also offered at the doctoral level.

Educational Prerequisites

Prerequisites can vary widely among programs offering clinical hypnotherapy concentrations, since no organizations accredit the subject. Some schools require that incoming Ph.D. students already hold clinical hypnotherapist certification from a body such as the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH). Other schools require bachelor's or master's degrees in such fields as psychiatry or psychology.

Program Coursework

A Ph.D. program focusing on hypnotherapy and hypnosis mainly offers courses that touch on advanced topics and theories in the practice. Some of these subjects might include:

  • Clinical hypnotherapy techniques
  • Hypnosis theories
  • Meditation therapy
  • Hypnotherapy in psychiatric care
  • Advanced hypnosis
  • Hypnotherapy research
  • Ethical and legal issues in hypnotherapy
  • Regression techniques

Popular Career Options

A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in hypnotherapy can prepare students for careers as hypnotherapists or as other types of therapists who practice hypnosis. Graduates may pursue positions as:

  • Hypnotherapist practitioners
  • Neuro-linguistic hypnotherapists
  • Personal life coaches
  • Dental hypnotherapists

Continuing Education Options

Individuals who complete doctorate programs with hypnotherapy concentrations can apply for voluntary certification from an organization such as the NBCCH and the American Board of Hypnotherapy. Such organizations also offer information on schools providing hypnotherapist programs, but they do not accredit such programs.

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