Hypnotherapy Consent Example for Australian Practice
A signed form is not, by itself, informed consent. The value of a hypnotherapy consent example lies in the conversation it supports: a clear, respectful discussion about what the client is agreeing to, what they can expect, and where their choices remain theirs. For practitioners, this is a practical expression of professional responsibility. For clients, it is a sign that their autonomy, privacy and wellbeing are being taken seriously.
The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) supports high professional standards across the profession. A well-considered consent process helps registered practitioners demonstrate those standards from the first appointment, while giving members of the public greater confidence when choosing a practitioner.
What informed consent means in hypnotherapy
Informed consent is an ongoing process, not a one-off administrative task at intake. Before a client agrees to proceed, they should receive information in language they can understand and have a genuine opportunity to ask questions. They should know the practitioner’s qualifications, the nature and intended purpose of sessions, likely practical arrangements, fees, confidentiality boundaries and their right to pause or end a session.
Consent must be voluntary. A client should never feel pressured to disclose more than they wish to disclose, accept a suggestion they do not understand, or continue with an approach that no longer feels appropriate. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, including during a session.
The detail required will depend on the setting and client presentation. A straightforward consent conversation with an adult client may be brief, whereas work involving a young person, a client with limited decision-making capacity, a third-party referral, online sessions or recordings requires additional care. Practitioners should work within their training, professional scope and relevant legal obligations.
Hypnotherapy consent example for practitioners
The following hypnotherapy consent example is a starting point for an Australian clinical practice. It should be adapted to reflect your own services, policies, record-keeping arrangements, state or territory requirements and professional obligations. It is not a substitute for obtaining appropriate legal or professional advice for your practice.
Client informed consent form - example
Practitioner and service information
I understand that my practitioner is providing clinical hypnotherapy within their qualifications, training and professional scope. I have been given the practitioner’s name, contact details, fees, cancellation policy and information about how to raise a concern or make a complaint.
Nature of hypnotherapy
I understand that hypnotherapy involves focused attention, relaxation and therapeutic communication. My experience may vary from session to session. I understand that I remain aware of my surroundings and retain the ability to communicate, make choices and stop participation at any time.
My participation and choice
I understand that my participation is voluntary. I may ask questions before, during or after a session. I may decline any exercise, suggestion or discussion, request a break, or withdraw my consent without needing to provide a reason.
Potential experiences and considerations
I understand that sessions may involve discussion of personal experiences, thoughts, emotions or memories. At times, this may bring up feelings that are uncomfortable or unexpected. I agree to tell my practitioner if I feel distressed, unsafe, uncertain or unable to continue.
Privacy and confidentiality
I understand that my personal information and session records will be handled confidentially and stored securely in accordance with the practitioner’s privacy policy and applicable requirements. I understand that confidentiality may be limited where disclosure is required or permitted by law, where there is a serious concern about safety, or where professional consultation is required under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.
Records, communication and technology
I understand how my records will be kept, who may access them and how long they will be retained. I understand whether sessions are held in person or online, and any privacy considerations associated with electronic communication. No session will be audio or video recorded without my specific prior consent.
Fees and appointments
I understand the fee for each session, payment arrangements, cancellation notice required and any fee that may apply to late cancellations or missed appointments. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about these arrangements.
Consent
I confirm that I have read or had this information explained to me, have had the opportunity to ask questions and consent to participate in clinical hypnotherapy sessions. I understand that I may withdraw or change my consent at any time.
Client name: ______________________________
Client signature: ___________________________ Date: __________
Practitioner name: __________________________
Practitioner signature: ______________________ Date: __________
Make the form part of a real conversation
A form should confirm a discussion, rather than replace one. Before inviting a signature, take time to explain the document in ordinary language. Ask the client what they understand hypnotherapy to involve, whether they have concerns about privacy, and whether the fee and cancellation arrangements are clear. This creates an opening for misconceptions or uncertainty to be addressed early.
Avoid presenting consent as a rushed box-ticking exercise in the waiting room. A client who is anxious, overwhelmed or unfamiliar with professional services may need more time. Where English is not the client’s preferred language, consider how information can be communicated clearly and whether additional support is appropriate.
The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) encourages practitioners to maintain professional records that show both the consent form and the conversation behind it. Brief, factual notes may record what was explained, questions asked, any consent limitations, and whether the client raised concerns. Records should be relevant, respectful and stored in line with your privacy procedures.
Whether you’re a practitioner, student, or member of the public, explore the resources below to connect with the AHA and take the next step.
Helpful Links
When consent needs extra attention
Some circumstances call for more than a standard form. With children and young people, practitioners need to consider parental or guardian authority, the young person’s understanding and the appropriate involvement of all parties. The practitioner should explain confidentiality in an age-appropriate way, including its limits, before sensitive information is discussed.
If a client’s capacity to understand or make decisions appears uncertain, slow the process down. Do not assume agreement means comprehension. Consider whether the client can understand the information, weigh it in relation to their circumstances, communicate a choice and revisit that choice as needed.
For online sessions, consent should address the practical environment as well as technology. Confirm the client’s location at the beginning of each appointment, their contact number, whether they have privacy, and what steps will be taken if a connection drops. If a support person, parent or interpreter is present, clarify their role and obtain the client’s agreement where appropriate.
Recording requires separate, specific consent. A general clause buried in an intake document is unlikely to provide the clarity clients deserve. Explain why a recording is requested, how it will be stored, who may access it, and how consent can be withdrawn. The same care applies to using de-identified case material for education, supervision or professional discussion.
Review consent throughout the professional relationship
Consent should be revisited when the purpose of sessions changes, new information affects the client’s circumstances, fees or policies are updated, or a different format is proposed. A simple check-in such as, “Are you comfortable to continue with this approach today?” reinforces that consent remains active.
For AHA members, consent sits alongside ethical conduct, privacy-aware record keeping, ongoing education and appropriate professional support. The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) exists to strengthen these foundations across Australia’s hypnotherapy profession, supporting practitioner credibility and public confidence alike.
A thoughtful consent process does more than protect a practice. It establishes the tone of the professional relationship: clear, collaborative and centred on the client’s right to understand, choose and be heard.