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Course Philosophy
Theoretical Foundations of Clinical Interventions
The clinical interventions used by psychotherapists are often shaped by their theoretical and philosophical perspectives, as well as by their professional experience. While this expertise is valuable, it can sometimes lead to rigid adherence to a particular therapeutic modality, potentially overlooking the individual needs of the client.
Each therapist constructs a clinical case map based on their training, literature review, and research interpretation. However, what qualifies as “good” research in psychotherapy is a subject of debate (Salmon, 1983; Murcott, 2005). This discrepancy highlights the idea that “the map is not the territory”—meaning that multiple perspectives can be used to understand and interpret clinical reality (Hawkins, 2002).
Factors Influencing Therapeutic Outcomes
Research on therapy effectiveness suggests that therapeutic success is influenced by:
40% by external factors (e.g., unexpected life events, social support, self-motivation)
30% by common therapeutic factors found across all modalities
15% by specific psychotherapeutic techniques (e.g., systematic desensitization, hypnosis) (Lambert, 1992)
While no single psychotherapeutic approach has been proven superior to others, all outperform the absence of treatment (Lambert & Bergin, 1994). The common factors approach (Frank, 1973; Lambert & Bergin, 1994) seeks to identify the shared therapeutic elements across various modalities, with the goal of developing more effective and integrative treatments (Hawkins, 2002).
However, different schools of psychotherapy emphasize these factors to varying degrees. Most approaches prioritize one or two core elements, while treating others as secondary. Nevertheless, research consistently shows that the therapist-client relationship is one of the most significant predictors of successful outcomes (Bergin & Lambert, 1978; Luborsky et al., 1983; Clarkson, 1998).
The Role of Hypnotherapy in an Integrative Framework
Given the importance of therapeutic relationships and common factors, we believe that hypnotherapy should be practiced within an integrative framework. Moreover, Ericksonian psychotherapy principles, which are commonly associated with clinical hypnosis, are inherently integrative in nature.
One challenge in hypnotherapy is that clinical hypnosis is a tool rather than a standalone theoretical model. While mastering hypnotic techniques, language, and suggestion strategies requires extensive study, hypnotherapists also need:
A theoretical foundation for conceptualizing clinical cases
A structured approach to psychiatric diagnosis
A well-defined treatment strategy
Thus, hypnotherapy should not be viewed as an isolated technique but rather as an integrated component of psychotherapy. We believe that integrative psychotherapy theory provides the necessary framework to contextualize hypnotic interventions and suggestions in clinical practice.
Training Curriculum in Integrative Hypnotherapy
The basic training program spans three years, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Each training module lasts 20 hours, consisting of:
4 hours of theoretical instruction
11-12 hours of practical applications
5 hours of individual work
Students acquire core competencies in hypnotherapeutic interventions and techniques, emphasizing experiential learning, as psychotherapy cannot be mastered solely through theory.
The basic training, conducted in English, is a hybrid format.
Basic training consists of 20 modules, detailed here: Basic Training
The advanced training program builds upon the foundation of basic training, focusing on:
Advanced hypnotic techniques and interventions
Conceptual case models
DSM-5 diagnostic categories
Each training module lasts 20 hours, including:
4 hours of theoretical study
11-12 hours of practical applications
5 hours of individual work
At this stage, beginner hypnotherapists refine their ability to develop diagnostic and treatment plans, tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs.
The advanced training, conducted in English, is available in a hybrid format.
Advanced training consists of 10 modules, detailed here: Advanced Training
Group Personal Development
Personal development is a core component of integrative hypnotherapy training. Research confirms that a psychotherapist’s level of self-awareness and personal growth is directly linked to therapy effectiveness.
Without adequate self-knowledge, therapists may unconsciously project personal emotions and thought patterns onto their clients. One of the biggest challenges for beginner hypnotherapists is developing active and empathic listening skills while avoiding countertransferential obstacles.
To qualify as an integrative hypnotherapist, trainees must complete:
At least 25 hours of individual therapy with a psychotherapist of their choice
12 modules of group personal development or therapy
Supervision provides essential guidance for beginner hypnotherapists as they transition into clinical practice. Given the uncertainties and challenges that arise during early career stages, support from experienced professionals is invaluable.
Supervision Structure
Group supervision modules last 15 hours and are conducted online
Individual supervision is available upon request
Supervision Requirements for Graduation
To successfully complete supervision, trainees must:
Work with clients in private practice or institutional settings
Accumulate a minimum of 300 client contact hours
Submit supervision protocols for at least 10 supervised cases across various pathologies
More details are available here: Supervision
Intervision / Peer Supervision
Intervision (peer supervision) is held monthly, conducted online, and is free for ACCPI members. Each session lasts 3-4 hours and is designed to:
Address urgent client situations
Provide quick consultation and advice
While intervision does not replace formal supervision, it serves as an additional resource for trainees.
Intervision schedules are announced monthly via our WhatsApp group.
Examinations & Academic Requirements
Trainees must complete both theoretical and practical exams at specific milestones in their training.
Exam Format
Theoretical exams:
Oral (online format)
Written (in-person format)
Examinations occur at the end of:
1st year
3rd year
5th year
Academic Requirements
In addition to exams, trainees must submit:
At least 4 essays and book reviews
10 case protocols
Two dissertation papers (at the end of the 3rd and 5th years)