All certified hypnotherapists adhere to a code of ethics and standards of practice as prescribed by National Guild of Hypnotists and included below.

The Code of Ethics of the National Guild of Hypnotists
The NGH requires its members to conform to the following ethical principles, and shall hold members accountable for any departure from these principles.

A. Client Welfare: Members shall make the physical and mental well-being of each client a prime consideration.
B. Client Safety: Members shall not engage in verbal, physical or sexual abuse of any client.
C. Practice Limits: Members shall use hypnotism strictly within the limits of their training and competence and in conformity to the laws of their state.
D. Advertising: Members shall be truthful in their advertising.
E. Referred Practice: Members shall engage in hypnotic work with a client regarding a medical or mental disease only on written referral from an appropriately licensed medical or mental health professional, except when otherwise provided for by state law.
F. Reasonable Practice: Members shall withhold non-referred hypnotic services if a client’s behavior, appearance or statements would lead a reasonable person to believe that the client should be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. Members shall provide services to such clients only after evaluation and with the approval of the licensed health care professional.
G. Colleagues: Members shall treat hypnotist colleagues without public defamation.