I have a degree in Computer Studies. All courses in my uni had one mandatory lecture in the first year, on the topic of ethics. I remember two things about the course - its brevity, and the reluctance with which the lecturer wanted to deliver it as if someone had given him a bag containing dogshit to hold on to for an hour.
I remembered these long after the content of the lecture - the moral problems, the questions - had faded into memory. I remembered wanting, above all, to know more.
I consider the ethics of my actions, and seriously recognise that where an action has consequences the mature and enlightened individual must accept that those consequences will occur before acting - and be willing to face them head on, with eyes as wide open as when he acted to cause those consequences.
And with that, from the School of Professional Hypnosis site, I'd like to present you with their code of ethics - a code which covers all of the essential ethical considerations. A code which I can quite happily get behind and follow.
The Hypnotist Code of Ethics
1. A hypnotist has a unique bond of trust with the hypnotic subject therefore a hypnotist must always maintain a concern for their subject's welfare, respect their personal rights and dignity, practice social responsibility, and maintain their own professional integrity.
2. A hypnotist must always obtain consent of the subject before attempting to hypnotize them.
3. The well being of the subject must be the prime concern of the hypnotist.
4. A hypnotist must not attempt to treat medical disorders, unless they are a trained medical professional. Any subject with a medical problem must be urged to seek proper professional medical treatment.
5. A hypnotist must become familiar with, and obey all laws and regulations regarding the performance of hypnosis in the jurisdictions in which they practice.
6. Because of the unique relationship and emotional rapport between hypnotist and subject, a hypnotist specifically will not use hypnosis as an advantage to engage in business dealings or in relationships of a sexual nature with any subject.
7. A hypnotist will always make post hypnotic suggestions of positive well being to hypnotized subjects.
8. A hypnotist will never intentionally cause strong or frightening emotions, obscene or sexual hallucinations, or degrading suggestions without the prior non-hypnotized consent of the subject.
I understand hypnosis is a powerful and valuable technique that is not to be employed without careful and thoughtful intent, and that I must complete this course using these guidelines by agreeing to this pledge. I agree with the spirit and specifics of the above Code of Ethics. I will always place the welfare of my subjects as my utmost priority.
That works for me. It feels good to have principles, and to just follow them all the way down the line. I'd rather show, not tell; and my clients already know - because I can trance them.
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