“The cat is out of the bag.
After many months, I’ve finally been pushed to finish this article on questionable credentialing in hypnosis and “psychotherapy.” A reporter from a major magazine wrote to “Dr. Zoe D. Katze” for input on an article she was writing on hypnosis for childbirthing. She had stumbled across Dr. Zoe’s name on the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists’ website. I had to tell her the truth.
Dr. Zoe D. Katze, Ph.D., C.Ht., DAPA, is a cat. In fact, she is my cat. Those familiar with basic German have probably already enjoyed a laugh. “Zoe Die Katze” literally translates to “Zoe the cat.”
Dr. Katze’s credentials look impressive. She is certified by three major hypnotherapy associations, having met their “strict training requirements” and having had her background thoroughly reviewed. She holds a Diplomate in psychotherapy from an association that claims to promote the highest standards among psychotherapists.
I was motivated to credential my cat by two circumstances. First, I have become increasingly heedful of all the questionable credentials out there, and I’ve grown tired of sounding defensive to therapist-shopping clients who confront me with something along the order of: “I found somebody with all these certifications and diplomas and he/she charges half of what you psychologists charge.”
The last straw (and my moment of inspiration) came during an internet search for a colleague. I accidentally came upon the website of another “psychotherapist” who listed a doctoral degree from an infamous diploma mill. Along with his degrees, he listed a veritable alphabet soup of impressive-looking letters after his name, corresponding to various “board certifications” and his status as a “Diplomat [sic] and Fellow” of the “largest professional hypnosis association in the world.”
I decided to credential my cat.
This was a surprisingly easy thing to do. First, since so many financial transactions are conducted by credit card, I had to get Zoe some credit. No problem; I just added her as an “authorized user” of one of my own credit cards. (The credit card agent asked for Zoe’s social security number, but then cheerfully relented when I told him it would take me some time to search for it.)”
Read more at Dreichel (Thanks Josie H)
Seen this on I think the Graham Norton show, just goes to show how easy it is to make yourself look clever and professional.
This cat was featured on QI.
Stephen Fry described the qualifications Zoe has and showed a picture of her.
Its on youtube, Series H Episode 15 titled Hypnosis, Hallucinations & Hysteria .
This is quite shocking to hear. Can you give any advice then as to finding a reliable genuine hypnotherapist, was is the best route to go down?
Zoe got any open appointment slots?
This story sadly makes the rounds everywhere as a reason all hypnotists are going through this process when it simply is not true. There are many “coffee table” run organizations that may do something like this. Fortunately, I smart shopper doesn’t have to use them. The National Guild of Hypnotists requires class room training, continuing education credits every year, and maintain State Licensed Schools through the given state’s Board of Education.
If you’re looking for a professional hypnotist, then look for either an active NGH member in good standing or a mental health professional trained in the use of hypnosis. Ironically, many psychologists come to the NGH for their training. It will still be up to you to interview the hypnotist to determine if their methods are suitable to you.
A “genuine hypnotherapist” ? there’s a contradiction of terms if there ever was one.
“look into my eyes, my eyes” credentialed or not its all mind manipulation, that’s the world we live in, it’s one big fake show, fake on fake extravaganza.
its your only choice, are you going to be a spectator or participant ?
Del, how is it fake? Hypnosis is just a combination of submission, suggestion and relaxation. How can that even BE fake? Now the things a therapist uses hypnosis for, THOSE can be utter fakery (like past life regression and that kind of mumbo-jumbo). But hypnosis in and of itself is just a technique.