Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma (AHD)

AHD – the next stage in the advancement of your professional career as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

When you successfully pass the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma (AHD) you will be awarded a certificate of achievement by NCFE. The Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma (AHD) has been accredited by the NCFE as having measurable learning outcomes that have been benchmarked at Level 5 (using Ofqual’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) level descriptors).

NCFE accreditation gives assurance that the content of the hypnotherapy training course is of a high standard and meets the rigorous requirements of a national awarding organisation. NCFE accreditation also gives formal recognition to our hypnotherapy training courses which result in the ‘award’ of a certificate of achievement.

At present the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma (AHD) is the highest award in Hypnotherapy

Ofqual Framework
Ofqual Framework – click to enlarge

Not so long ago NCFE and similar accrediting organisations were told by Ofqual that the highest customised award they were able to authorise was a Level 4 award. Any higher award had to be sanctioned by a higher authority. It is for this reason that Level 5 awards in our area of expertise are a rarity. Our AHD submission for a Level 5 award was for us a long and involved process. It was achieved for various reasons but the main contributing factors were :

  1. The entry level is the level 4 Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma
  2. The CV’s and experience of the contributing lecturers is in our opinion, and the opinion of the accrediting authorities, of exemplary standards.
  3. The AHD diploma course satisfies the general principles of a “Foundation Degree” ie the learner is in practice as well as Learning academically
  4. A bona fide research programme forms an integral part of the award.

This is an award that will put you in a different league to most of our profession from a qualification perspective. Even studying for AHD should be worthy of adding to your CV.

Requirements

To achieve AHD graduates will have to attend, or have attended, the following CPD modules and submit a portfolio.

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Fertility
  • Self-Hypnosis for Childbirth
  • Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Working with Children
  • Mindfulness
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Neuroscience & Obesity (this CPD is not necessary if it was covered on your HPD course)

By attending each of the required CPD’s you will obtain the evidence relevant to the Learning Outcomes.

Learning outcomes will be further evidenced by candidates providing a comprehensive report on their own research findings by taking part in the Clifton Practice Outcome Ratings Research (CORP) with average clinic hours of not less than five clients per week over a nine month period. In effect it is approx 180 sessions. Most graduates will be able to achieve this in a much shorter time. CORP presentation, particularly with the 2016 software, can be straightforward and impressive.

Diploma Equivalence

AHD at Level 5 is the equivalent of Diplomas of Higher Education and Further Education, Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas within the Framework for Higher Education. At this level candidates are expected to use their own initiative in interpreting the questions and providing answers. Unlike Level 4 and below it is not an option to ask “what is meant by this?” It is up to you to decide. It is also entirely at your discretion how you verify the Learning Outcomes and the extent of your answer. However, you have Written Record templates, Log report templates and a space for DVDs/CDs if these seem appropriate in your portfolio.

Registration and Cost

Graduates who wish to work towards AHD will be required to complete the AHD Registration Form.

The current fee for the AHD is £495.00 to cover the costs of registration and administration. The usual fees for attending the CPD modules will apply. This fee can be paid via bank transfer or by instalments via Standing Order : 6 monthly payments of £82.50 or 12 monthly instalments of £41.25.

After registration graduates will be given a password to enable them to download the portfolio templates from the Information and Documentation page on this website. All AHD portfolios will be submitted in electronic format.

Duration

AHD may be completed; i.e. portfolio submitted, over a maximum period of four years after registration.