As a recently certified NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist I am wondering who I should belong to. I am in Victoria, BC Canada so a no-brainer would be the Canadian Association of NLP, but what about the American Board of Hypnotherapy and NLP? I am looking to add some credentials to my website and obviously to my practice. Any guidance/ experience would be appreciated.

In my own personal opinion, the only two certifying organisations that have any sort of credentials at all are The Society of NLP, SNLP and The International Training Academy of NLP, ITANLP. They are controlled by the two co-founders of NLP where the other organisations are often created by a self-proclaimed Master Trainer.

I am not sure if CANLP or ABNLP are actually certifying organisations or just national associations. Hopefully someone else can answer that question.

Damian is too cynical. Of course there is a plethora of trade bodies: what else would you expect in a field that rests on the notion 'the map is not the territory'? And who better to police that territory than the Martin Labbe Guild of Hypnotherapy and NLP?

Cynical indeed, that would mean that NLPU (Robert Dilts) and the ABNLP and ABH (apparently endorsed by Tad James) would have no credentials!?! I was certified by a trainer who was certified by Dilts and Delozier, therefore I am not? Wow! Adrian, although your post is a little radical (in my opinion), after digging a little deeper, I see what you mean. Thanks.

Let me ask you something Martin - what is your definition of "credentials"?

My dictionary says: "That which entitles one to confidence, credit, or authority".

Or: "evidence or testimonials concerning one's right to credit, confidence, or authority".

I don't know about you, but I don't let other people decide how much coinfidence, credit or authority I'm entitled to, and I don't need their evidence or testimonials to prove how much I already have.

I suggest you be your own credentials. Demonstrate for yourself who you are. Walk your talk and talk your walk. Then it doesn't matter which bits of paper you have, or who put their paw print on them.

Indeed Chris I would define it the same way. I know that I have all the confidence/ competence/ authority and credit that I need so I appreciate your candor. Thank you.

Martin,

I would look into these different associations and see which one has the best benefits and accreditation process.... i.e. Can you get cheaper PI insurance by being a member?

Do they insist that you have your own CPD (Continuing Personal Development) and also do they verify that you have spent X hours a year on improving your skills by attending trainings etc..

Is there a qualifying methodology or is just paying the joining fee all they ask for to award full membership...

How recognised are they within the industrry? i.e. APA is well recognised is the AHA as well recognised?

These are some of the criteria that I would assess association bodies on before I join

Thank you Jason.