Hypnosis training in APA- and non-APA-approved clinical/counseling doctoral programs.

Abstract

'Previous research describing the extent and characteristics of hypnosis training indicates little availability in psychology doctoral programs. One drawback to gaining a clear picture of the present status of hypnosis training in academia occurred because previous studies only sampled American Psychological Association (APA) approved training programs. This study assesses the status of and attitudes toward hypnosis training in 186 APA- and nonAPA-approved doctoral programs. Fifty'three percent of the departments (98) returned questionnaires within the allotted time period. Results indicate that 30% of the APAapproved and 39%, of the non-APA-approved programs offer either a full or partial course in hypnosis. Approximately 60% of the programs in both groups either offer some type of academic course or allow students the opportunity to enhance their previously learned hypnosis skills through practicum courses. Respondent attitudes toward hypnosis are generally positive. Interest-in the source of hypnosis training continues to grow as the use of hypnotherapy increases. Two studies reported that psychologists who use hypnosis have had limited academic hypnosis training. In 1979 Harrison surveyed psychologists who were members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Only 28% of the respondents had obtained academic course work in hypnosis. Kraft, Rodolfa, Reilley, and Blackmore (Note 1) surveyed a random sample of the membership of the American Psychological Association (APA) and of APA's Division of Psychological Hypnosis. Only 25% of the respondents from the Division of Psychological Hypnosis and 33% of the general membership who use hypnosis had received their primary training-in an academic course. Other sources of training reported in both studies were workshops and supervised experience. A survey of hypnosis training in 54 APA-approved clinical psychology training programs was conducted by Moss, Logan, and Lynch in 1962. Only nine programs (17%) offered either a full course in hypnosis or a course that covered hypnosis as a major topic area. Even though limited academic hypnosis training occurred, Moss et al. reported that a majority of programs had the resources available to offer hypnosis training. An increase in the availability of training and interest in hypnosis was reported by Parrish (1975) after he had surveyed 83 APA clinical psychology programs in 1973. A full or partial course in hypnosis was offered by 45% of the programs. Hypnosis training was primarily included in the curriculum because of its clinical usefulness. One drawback of the Parrish (1975) and Moss et al. (1962) studies is that only APA-approved doctoral training programs were sampled. A number of doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology have not sought or have not been granted APA approval. The APA developed a procedure and criteria (APA, Note 2) to assess whether doctoral programs offered an acceptable level of academic training. Lack of APA approval, however, does not imply that a program cannot meet acceptable standards (APA, 1979): Approval implies only that a program has voluntarily ap