The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis defines hypnosis as "a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention." Psychologists and medical professionals use clinical hypnosis to reduce pain, change behavior and promote healing.
The National Guild of Hypnotists, founded in 1950, has status as a nonprofit, educational corporation and professional association. Headquartered in New Hampshire, the NGH's members -- certified hypnotists, consulting hypnotists and hypnotherapists -- use the professional designation CH.
The NGH offers professional development and training programs to its members, with seminars that focus on such topics as stroke survivors, leadership, specific techniques, consulting and body language. NGH members in practice for over a year can become NGH Certified Instructors, via training available in various U.S. and Canadian cities.
The NGH publishes two professional journals, the "Journal of Hypnotism" and "Hypno-Gram," and holds an annual convention that offers training. The cost of training depends on the course and category of membership -- non-members pay more than members, and regular members pay more than student members.