About HEA
A member-run, not-for-profit organization formed in 1998. Our members are hypnotists, healing-arts practitioners and people who simply want to understand hypnosis, from all over the world.
Our mission
We are a member-run organization of a diverse group of people interested in hypnosis and the complementary healing arts. Our mission is to provide high standards of education and quality support for members in a friendly and warm environment, so they are empowered to learn, grow and achieve excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Each year we host a conference featuring experts in the field of hypnosis.
Online hypnosis education community events, every month.
Our educational events provide professional hypnotists with continuing education units (CEUs).
Our Public Outreach Committee issues press releases about the positive uses and benefits of hypnosis.
Adults with a sincere interest in the nature, uses and benefits of hypnosis. Our members include:
We welcome members from all over the world.
Standards
Adopted March 8, 2003, and adapted from the National Guild of Hypnotists' code of ethics. Every HEA member agrees to follow it.
“Members shall make the physical and mental well-being of each client a prime consideration.”
“Members shall not engage in verbal, physical or sexual abuse of any client.”
“Members shall use hypnosis strictly within the limits of their training and competence and in conformity to the laws of their state.”
“Members shall not use hypnosis to treat a medical or mental illness except on referral from a licensed medical or mental health professional.”
“Members shall withhold non-referred hypnotic services if a client’s behavior or symptoms suggest a medical or mental health condition, and shall recommend the client consult an appropriate licensed professional.”
“Members shall be truthful in their advertising.”
“Members shall treat hypnotist colleagues without public defamation.”
HEA's bylaws, as amended October 2022.
Since 1998
HEA grew out of an older group, the Florida Association for Professional Hypnosis (FAPH). FAPH was the oldest continuously operating hypnosis organization in Florida. Its founders had set it up as a for-profit corporation, owned by its principal stockholders, and through the 1980s it held conferences around the state. As members aged and became less active, attendance fell.
In 1998, members Buddy Todd (RIP) and Earl Yawman (RIP) left FAPH to form a not-for-profit organization, and the Hypnosis Education Association was born. Buddy and Earl planned a Hospitality Evening at every conference, with food, drinks and socializing. It did a lot to build both the membership and the friendships.
Many of the first members had been friends and FAPH members for years: Buddy, Earl, Lynn Groves (RIP), Pat Brown, Joan Pataky (RIP), Dan Cleary, George von Hilsheimer, James Grant, Dorothy Ross, Michael Watson, Renee Sakr and Ross Hester. Over time FAPH dwindled as its members retired, while HEA grew stronger.
Our responsibility hasn't changed: to work together and make HEA a joyous time of learning and personal validation for every member.
Adapted from a history by J Ross Hester, PA-CH, March 2015.
Leadership
President
Melanie McCool is The Entrepreneur’s Hypnotherapist™ and a Certified Master Trainer of Hypnosis who is passionate about helping hypnosis be better understood and more utilized by the general public, and helping hypnotists be better compensated for the profound work they do.
mindworxco.com
Vice President
Shawn is co-founder of HypnoBiz-in-a-Box™ and is passionate about helping hypnosis be better understood and more utilized by the general public, and helping hypnotists be better compensated for the profound work they do.
hypnobiz-in-a-box.comWhen a member has made great contributions to HEA and the field of hypnosis, the president may award them Lifetime Member status.
“I have said for years and still say to this day that it's the best value for great hypnosis education and information that I've ever encountered and, as an added bonus, the nicest, friendliest conferences I've ever attended.”
Speakers wanted
Provide specialty training? Apply to present at an HEA event.
