ACHE-ACCREDITED Ethical Hypnosis Within ICF-Approved Coaching Framework
Happy Whole Human® offers American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE)–approved hypnotic coach training that may be applied toward both ACHE Hypnotic Coach and ACHE Master Hypnotic Coach credentials. Our hypnotic coaching curriculum is co-authored by Zoilita Grant and Dr. Lisa Leit and is fully aligned with professional coaching standards, ethical practice, and informed consent. All hypnotic methods taught within HWH are delivered within a non-therapeutic coaching scope and integrated with accredited coach training.

What Is Hypnotic Coaching?
Hypnotic Coaching—first formally certified by ACHE in 2008—is the non-therapeutic use of hypnosis within a professional coaching relationship. It combines classical hypnosis with the inquiry-based structure of coaching to support awareness, habit change, and goal achievement.
Hypnotic Coaching is grounded in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competency Model, including:
 

• The coach as process expert

• A partnered, inquiry-driven relationship

• Client-led agenda and focus

• Mutual learning and discovery

• Support for optimal functioning and conscious choice
   

At Happy Whole Human®, hypnosis is never used to diagnose, treat, or resolve mental illness. It is taught and practiced strictly as a coaching methodology, with clear screening, boundaries, and referral protocols.

Harnessing the Power of the Mind:
Hypnosis is not sleep, but a natural altered state of consciousness in which the body and conscious mind are relaxed while the subconscious mind remains alert and receptive.
 

• The conscious mind manages logic, reasoning, and reality testing

• The subconscious mind governs emotion, imagination, memory, habits, and autonomic processes

• Hypnosis allows alignment between conscious intention and subconscious response
   

As described by Zoilita Grant:
 
"Hypnosis is an educational communication process that allows a person’s conscious and subconscious mind to believe the same message. In this state, critical judgment is suspended and selective thinking is engaged."

Within coaching, this creates fertile ground for insight, integration, and sustainable change—when used ethically and appropriately.

Alchemical Hypnosis: Lineage & Evolution:
Alchemical Hypnosis, developed by David Quigley in the 1980s, synthesizes multiple traditions, including:
 

• Shamanic methodologies

• Jungian psychology

• Gestalt principles

• Psychosynthesis
   

This approach supports clients in accessing inner resources by working with inner parts or sub-personalities, enabling symbolic transformation and integration rather than directive suggestion.

Happy Whole Human® Integrative Hypnosis for Wholeness:
Happy Whole Human® extends Quigley’s work through a whole-person, coaching-based framework that emphasizes:
 

• Internal bonding and integration into a unified Adult Self

• Honoring each inner aspect as purposeful—each spoke of the wheel matters

• Developing the Adult Self as steward and manager of inner parts

• Supporting conscious self-leadership during and after the integration process
   

This model supports wholeness, coherence, and resilience, while remaining firmly within professional coaching scope.

Research-Supported Applications (Within Coaching Scope):
Research indicates hypnosis can enhance outcomes in areas such as:
 

• Self-esteem and confidence

• Habit change (e.g., smoking cessation, weight management)

• Stress and anxiety management

• Sleep improvement

• Performance and focus

• Grief and loss support

• Non-clinical trauma-related stress

• Coping support during medical treatment
   

HWH coaches are trained to screen carefully, obtain informed consent, and collaborate with healthcare professionals when appropriate.

Client Suitability & Contraindications:
Hypnotic coaching may support individuals experiencing:
 

• Everyday stress and anxiety

• Habit and behavior change challenges

• Goal attainment blocks

• Performance issues

• Lifestyle and well-being concerns
   

Hypnotic coaching is not appropriate for individuals with certain clinical conditions, including:
 

• Delusional or paranoid disorders

• Schizophrenic spectrum disorders

• Active eating disorders

• Certain personality disorders

• Bipolar disorder
   

HWH coaches are trained to decline, pause, or refer when hypnosis is not appropriate.

Accreditation & Credential Pathways:

American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE)
Happy Whole Human® hypnotic coaching training is approved by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE).
Upon program completion, graduates may apply eligible hours toward:

ACHE Hypnotic Coach Certification

• 200 total training hours

  • 100 hours coach-specific training

  • 100 hours hypnosis training
     

ACHE Master Hypnotic Coach Certification

• 300 total training hours

  • Hypnotic Coach certification plus 100 additional hours
     

Training and performance evaluation are included in our HWH program. Upon completion, you will receive Happy Whole Human certification, which can be submitted to the ACHE and ICF for certification with them as well. All ACHE credential applications and ACHE fees are administered directly by ACHE.

International Coaching Federation Alignment:

Our ACHE-accredited hypnotic coach training is also approved by the ICF as part of both our Level 2 and Level 3 coach training programs. Upon completion of designated HWH programs, ICF Level 2 or Level 3 Accredited Coach-Specific Training may be applied toward:
 

• PCC credential requirements

• MCC credential requirements

• ICF credential renewal 
   

All training remains aligned within the framework of the ICF Core Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics.

Ethical Scope & Professional Standards:

All HWH hypnotic coaching training is delivered:
 

• Within a non-therapeutic coaching scope

• With explicit screening and informed consent

• In alignment with ICF and ACHE ethical standards

• With clear differentiation between coaching, therapy, and clinical treatment
   

The focus is always on client-led insight, integration, and meaningful, measurable, lasting change.