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Hypnotherapy
and Legislation
By
Charles Wm. Skillas, PhD, BCH, CI
The
National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) held its annual convention
and educational conference in Nashua, NH on August 10-12,
2001. Over 2000 Hypnotherapists from all over the world
attended. This is the largest gathering of Hypnotherapists
in the world. They come to learn about new research
and the state of Hypnotherapy legislation.
Hypnotherapy is fast becoming a very popular healing modality because people are realizing its effectiveness, speed and low cost compared to other modalities and therefore, established professions are concerned about protecting their practices. It is a greed and security thing! You may already be aware that in Georgia, The Georgia Chapter of the NGH (NGHGeorgia) and CAMA (Complementary and Alternative Medical Assoc.) have been involved in a battle for the past four years to protect the right of Hypnotherapists to practice in Georgia. Currently, we are opposing Senate Bill 119 which would limit the practice of any modality affecting behavior to psychologists. Under Marge Roberts' (CAMA President) leadership, we are also working on introducing a “Freedom Of Access” bill into the Georgia Legislature. This bill, modeled on the successful MN bill would guarantee the people of Georgia the right to choose their own healthcare practitioner. Spearheading this work for the NGHGeorgia is Ray Williams, NGHGeorgia Vice President and Director of Legislative Affairs. Psychologists, who are licensed professionals, want to deny people their right to Hypnotherapy, forcing them to see only psychologists for any problems that affect behavior, and most problems do. At a recent hearing of the GORRC (Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council) considering SB-119, we spoke about the “arrogance” of the psychologists who contend that only they are capable of helping people in distress. Their stated purpose for this position is to “protect the people of Georgia.” The
NGH, under the leadership of Dr. Dwight Damon, wisely
amalgamated with the AFL/CIO to be the political arm
of the NGH. We have our own union, The National Federation
of Hypnotists, OPEIU AFL-CIO, Local 104. In each state,
the AFL-CIO political lobbyists are available to assist
Hypnotherapists to protect their right to practice.
In Georgia, we have Mr. Richard Ray (President of the
Georgia AFL-CIO) and Tasso Knight assisting us. These
experienced professionals have been invaluable in helping
us understand the
legislative process, advising us on courses of action
and participating in our dealings with the legislature.
They are our lobbyists. Without them, I don't believe
the people of Georgia would be able to receive the benefits
of Hypnotherapy today.
Texas Hypnotherapists are now receiving “cease and desist” orders from the Texas Attorney General because Texas licensed psychologists want to outlaw the practice of Hypnotherapy due to its growing popularity and intrusion into psychologists' practice. At the NGH convention, I was asked by Dr. Scott Giles (NGH Legislative Director) to speak to the Texas contingent of about 25 Hypnotherapists regarding what we are doing in Georgia to protect our right to practice. Hypnotherapy Article continued on next page |
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