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International Hypnosis Association

The International Hypnosis Association provides credentialing and certification for Hypnotherapists, NLP Practitioners, and NLP Master Practitioners around the world. We have members in over 45 countries.


Hypnosis and NLP trainers can submit their courses for free evaluation, and upon approval, can be added to our list of IHA Approved Courses. The course approval process is free to allow for complete objectivity.

Each member must meet requirements that ensure knowledge and competence to qualify for IHA certification.


What It Means To Be Associated with the IHA

In addition to offering individual hypnotherapy and NLP certification, course facilitators may submit courses for IHA approval.  


An IHA Approved Course will have demonstrated adherence to our standards, and ensure that any student of that course will meet IHA membership requirements.


The IHA supports the practice of hypnosis and NLP for Licensed Mental Health Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Physicians and those with quality hypnosis and NLP backgrounds.


All IHA members must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conduct.



History Of The IHA


The International Hypnosis Association has roots that go back to the 1960s.

We are based in the United States, and were originally formed in Washington State by a small group of professionals who recognized the need for a worldwide credentialing organization that placed an emphasis on ethics and competency.


The IHA evolved to fulfill a void in the hypnotherapy and NLP community. It was formed by a small group of people who recognized the need for:

  • A worldwide credentialing organization that placed an emphasis on meeting an accessible and standard set of criteria.
  • A membership dedicated to the ethical practice of hypnosis and NLP worldwide.
  • Membership and certification that was both trustworthy and accessible for hypnotherapists and NLP Practitioners who had the necessary education and dedication to a code of ethics.

This group consisted of Licensed Mental Health Therapists, Certified Hypnotherapists, and NLP & Hypnotherapy trainers. They put together standards for certification for hypnotists and NLP practitioners, as well as a set of standards for the courses that would be approved by the IHA.


J. C. Ban was the original President and CEO of the IHA. Working as a licensed mental health counselor for one of the largest health organizations in the world, she realized the need for a dynamic, standards-based, accessible and legitimate hypnosis and NLP credentialing body. While the group that runs the IHA has evolved over time, our standards remain as high as they were at the very beginning.


International Hypnosis Association members are committed to fulfilling the need for a higher standard of ethics, knowledge, and competency around the world.  Many countries have little to no regulation or minimum standards for practitioners, and the IHA is dedicated to helping provide practitioners who can be trusted to do their jobs well.



IHA Philosophy


In credentialing hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners, the IHA believes that skill level is the most important criteria. We do not believe that certification should be based solely on the number of hours of study.


While there is a controversy in the field between those with advanced degrees and those who have concentrated their education/training on hypnosis and NLP, the IHA supports the practice of both groups as long as they stay within their respective scopes of practice. The IHA provides guidance in staying within scope of practice.


Our Mission


  • Promote a high level of professionalism in the field of hypnosis and NLP worldwide.
  • Provide accessible certification, support, training, and networking opportunities for NLP and hypnosis professionals.
  • Advocate for the valid and therapeutic uses of hypnosis and NLP through increased public awareness around the world.

Keith Livingston

President:  Keith Livingston


Keith Livingston was involved in the formation and development of the International Hypnosis Association, and remains active as the President today.

Keith has over 25 years of experience training hypnotherapists and NLP Master Practitioners, as well as leading professional hypnosis organizations with a large network of hypnosis and NLP professionals.


Keith was president of the Washington Hypnosis Association (one of the oldest hypnosis organizations in the US, started in 1969), and was 2005's president of the Washington State chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists (sometimes known as the Charles Tebbetts chapter).


Director of Education & Operations: Maggie Heath

Maggie Heath

Maggie has been a Certified Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner for over 20 years, and a hypnosis and NLP trainer for over 10 years. She is the face behind most of the communication for members and IHA Approved Course providers, as well as making sure things run as smoothly as possible behind the scenes.

IHA Regional Advisors


IHA Regional Advisors serve the function of additional leadership and support for various regions around the world. They are all highly qualified in their fields, as well as well versed in the hypnosis and NLP specific needs and regulations in their region. Any member or potential member can contact one of our Regional Advisors with any questions specific to their region.

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