There are many hypnotherapy organizations. Many with official names like the "American Board" or "National Guild" or "American Council". Despite the official sounding names, none of these are Government Agencies. While some do offer wonderful benefits to their members, they are all owned or controlled by one person or group.

The Hypnotherapists Union is a non-profit organization, governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the Hypnotherapist members they represent. While we have the "Union" name, we do not serve as a collective bargaining organization, nor do we organize strikes. Unlike most Unions all our members are self-employed.

The Hypnotherapists Union is organized to create recognition and acceptance of hypnosis, and to lobby to prevent restrictions to the open and free practice of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. 

The Hypnotherapists Union Local is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is elected by the general membership every three years.

The Hypnotherapists Union was founded in 1972 by Dr. John Kappas - who literally defined the profession of Hypnotherapy when he authored the definition of a "Hypnotherapist" for the Federal Directory of Occupational Titles. This definition was lobbied by the Union affiliates to be added to the Directory and remains unchanged and in effect today. Dr. Kappas started this Union with the vision that Hypnotherapists could protect themselves from restrictive legislation and govern themselves to direct their professional futures.