United States and Canadian Regulation of Hypnosis Use by Psychologists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess what, if any, laws govern the use of hypnosis by psychologists. A questionnaire was mailed to the Executive Officers of the 51 Boards of Psychology Examiners in the United States and the District of Columbia and the nine Boards of Psychology Examiners in Canada. Respondents from all 60 (100%) Boards returned the questionnaire. Results indicate limited legal regulation of the practice of hypnosis with reliance placed on the psychologists to regulate their own practice and provide service only within the limits of their competency. The great majority of Psychology Boards have received no hypnosis-related complaints during the last 5-year period (1981–85).