Welcome to the British Society of Clinical & Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH), we are a registered charity dedicated to the responsible and ethical use of hypnosis in healthcare. Founded in 1952, our society has grown from a small group of pioneering practitioners into a vibrant community of healthcare professionals committed to integrating hypnosis into clinical practice and academic research.
At BSCAH, our mission is to promote the highest standards of education, research, and clinical practice in the field of clinical hypnosis. We believe in the power of hypnosis to enhance patient care and improve outcomes across various medical and psychological disciplines. By fostering a deep understanding of hypnosis and its applications, we aim to support healthcare professionals in using this powerful tool as an adjunctive therapy.
BSCAH was originally established as the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis (BSMDH) by a group of forward-thinking doctors and dentists who recognised the potential of hypnosis to complement traditional medical treatments. Over the decades, our scope has expanded to include a wide range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychologists, and allied health practitioners. This growth reflects our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the broad applicability of hypnosis in healthcare.
We offer comprehensive training programs designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate hypnosis into their practice. Our courses cover a range of topics, from foundational principles to advanced techniques, ensuring that practitioners are well-prepared to use hypnosis safely and effectively.
We provide a supportive community for healthcare professionals interested in hypnosis. Through our conferences, workshops, and publications, members have access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities. We also offer accreditation to ensure that our members adhere to the highest standards of practice and ethics (currently being reviewed).
BSCAH actively supports and promotes research in the field of clinical hypnosis. The Society encourages its members to engage in research activities that contribute to the scientific understanding of hypnosis and its applications. By fostering a culture of evidence-based practice, BSCAH ensures that the therapeutic use of hypnosis is grounded in robust scientific evidence.
Looking to the future, BSCAH envisions a world where hypnosis is a standard component of healthcare. We strive to make hypnosis training more accessible and to advocate for its inclusion in medical, dental and psychological curricula. By continuing to promote research, education, and professional development, we aim to enhance the quality of care provided to patients across the UK and beyond.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, BSCAH welcomes you to join our community. Together, we can explore the vast potential of hypnosis, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare.
BSCAH members are health professionals in their own right and are subject to the strict guidelines and codes of conduct specified by their own professional body. Each member gives a signed undertaking to use clinical hypnosis only for those purposes for which they are professionally qualified.
The British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH) has a rich history that spans over seven decades, beginning in 1952 with the formation of the "British Society of Dental Hypnosis." Originally focused on the dental field, the society expanded its scope in 1955 by incorporating a medical section and rebranded as "The Dental and Medical Society for the Study of Hypnosis." This marked the first step towards broadening its reach beyond dentistry.
In 1968, the society adopted a new constitution and became known as "The British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis" (BSMDH). This name reflected its commitment to both medical and dental professionals interested in the use of clinical hypnosis.
A significant evolution occurred in 1977 with the establishment of the British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis (BSECH). This society catered primarily to psychologists and other professionals interested in both the theory and application of hypnosis. Unlike BSMDH, BSECH was more inclusive, allowing members who were not necessarily clinicians but were involved in experimental research or theoretical studies of hypnosis.
For various reasons, in 1992, BSMDH (Scotland) and BSMDH (Mets & South) Branches broke away from the main BSMDH Society and became autonomous bodies.
The late 1990s brought further inclusivity to BSMDH. In 1998, the society broadened its membership criteria to include psychologists and nurses, and by 2000, it extended to other registered health professionals, including UKCP-registered counsellors and BACP-accredited psychotherapists. This expansion reflected the growing recognition of hypnosis as a valuable tool across various healthcare disciplines.
In 2004, BSMDH became a registered charity, and by 2005, it had transformed into a company limited by guarantee. The following year marked a significant reunion when BSMDH (Mets and South) voted to rejoin BSMDH. That same year, BSMDH and BSECH formed a joint Academic and Accreditation Committee, reflecting their shared goals and overlapping memberships.
The culmination of these collaborative efforts came in 2007 when BSMDH and BSECH merged to form the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH). This merger unified the strengths of both organisations, fostering a comprehensive platform for professionals from various fields to explore, study, and apply hypnosis in clinical and academic settings.
BSCAH continues to be a leading organisation, promoting the ethical and effective use of hypnosis in healthcare while supporting research and education in the field.
