NHRA™ - frequently asked questions

Why a National Register?

There has recently been a lot of discussion in the industry regarding the importance of therapists to be listed on a National Register. This discussion has created some confusion, and consequently the NHRA™ has received many calls. All the callers invariably ask the same questions:

Why is it important to be on a National Register?
Who can register as a NHRA™ hypnotherapist?
What National Register should I be on?
So what should you do as a practicing professional in the industry?
How can a member of the public make a complaint?
What is the NHRA™ Code of Conduct?
Why might a therapist not be eligible to be listed on the National Register?
What if a therapist's name is not listen on the National Register?

So let's quickly review and clarify these questions.

Why is it important to be on a National Hypnotherapist Register of Australia?

There are a few reasons why it's beneficial to be on the RIGHT Register. Primarily, being on the right Register:

Establishes a level of transparency and creditability amongst clients and peers attesting to your level of qualification and experience; At this time hypnotherapists are not required by law to meet mandatory national standards of training. Therefore the only way the public can protect themselves against poor services is through seeking services from a registered hypnotherapist.

Registration with the NHRA™ is now a nationally recognised symbol of quality assurance for government, private health funds, and the general public

All promotion of the benefits of clinical hypnotherapy to the government and/or private health funds and other agencies will be to ensure that the public are directed to the NHRA™. Therefore if you are not on the NHRA™ you will miss out.
Reflects accountability to a peak professional body and quality of service to the public; If a hypnotherapist is not registered there are limited, if any options for complaints to be heard in a professional manner. However if a hypnotherapist is registered with the NHRA™ a formal complaint can be made to the Complaints Board of the NHRA™. Outcomes of a complaint can result in deregistration, which has overlapping consequences over and above just being deregistered.
Can serve as an excellent referral base. The only way a member of the public can be assured that their hypnotherapist is qualified and accountable is through registration on a national register.

Who can register as a NHRA™ hypnotherapist?

Only a professional hypnotherapist who has met NHRA™ full membership requirements is eligible.

What National Register should you be on?

Obviously this one is open to interpretation. But it stands to reason that if you want the maximum gain from being on a Register, the Register you are on should be large, recognizable and consistent. Only then will you have adequate transparency of your qualifications and experience, and get reasonable numbers of referrals.

A register should be administered by a professional body that can verify credentials to the public of each name on the Register. A Register that is not supported through original documentation lacks creditability. Where is the accountability to the public?

So what should you do as a practicing professional in the industry?

We recommend that practicing professionals ARE placed on a National Register. If you're not currently on a National Register; are considering joining a National Register; or are on a small Register that is costing you money or not providing an adequate benefit, ie Private Health Fund Provider Number, we suggest you consider the following:

What BENEFITS do you expect from being on a National Register?
Does the National Register you are/want to be on, reflect creditability by clearly displaying the minimum standards required of those on that register.
Take the time to identify what National Registers are available that provide the benefits you expect, ie private health fund provider number, government recognition etc.
Ascertain whether or not there are additional fees to be on that National Register as well as with your association.
Are the administrators able to verify the credentials of each person whose name appears on that National Register with yours to ensure your continued credibility? The NHRA™ staff personally check all applicants qualifications and do not rely on third hand information.

The NHRA™ and the AHA have a simple policy: One fee only, no extra admin fees or capitation fees.

they do not meet NHRA™ membership standards
they may have been de-registered due to a complaint
they may not have met the mandatory annual renewal requirements

What if a hypnotherapist’s name is not listed on the NHRA™?

If a hypnotherapist’s name is not listed on the NHRA™ Register then this indicates that they;

may not be eligible to be registered with the NHRA™
may have been de-registered
may not yet have sought registration with the NHRA™

NHRA™ - faq