About the Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association

For fourteen years what pre-existed the QCHPA was a network of graduates from the Quest Institute, run for free by Trevor and Rebecca Silvester. The purpose was to work together to boost the brand of QCH, and help the graduates ethically build a prosperous business. It worked so well that by 2015 the network had grown too large for Trevor, Bex and Jan to service its potential, so the publication of our research project seemed the ideal time to move things to another level.

We wanted to make clear that the QCHPA existed to benefit those who belong to it, and those its members serve – the public. So, instead of being a limited company the QCHPA was created as a Community Interest Company. CIC’s are very cool because they limit the use of any profit made, it basically has to be spent back on the purpose for which it exists. We liked that.

Who are the members?

In essence the members are individuals building small businesses serving the public by offering an evidence based therapy service that has been proven to help wellness in cases of depression and anxiety, and can assist with many other health and well-being issues.

How does the QCHPA serve them?

The services offered  aim to help them build their businesses and create ethical prosperity. This is achieved through provision of support materials, the continuation of research that has proved the effectiveness of the therapy offered and publicising of the research to raise the confidence of the public in seeking help for the wellness issues. In creating an open and giving community with access to emotional support and professional development opportunities we can create an atmosphere of excellence and build even higher standards, which we feel will be more achievable without the pressure that comes from having a commercial intention.

These are the benefits the QCHPA offers to its members:

• A body of solution-focused supervisors who are Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapists.
• Regular CPD events, including a free training day.
• An active peer support forum.
• Able to use published research in their marketing.
• Appear on the QCH ‘Find a Therapist’ directory.
• Discounted price Questival – our regular conference –  featuring top speakers in the field.
• Online, regularly updated, resource area.
• Free updates of Diploma training materials so graduates remain current.
• Press releases and other marketing tools.

How does the QCHPA serve the public?

The public benefit by being made more aware of the help available to them through the promotion of the activities of the members, the publicising of the research evidence proving the efficacy of the member’s therapeutic approach, and being able to find an appropriate therapist for their issue who is committed to the membership standards of the Association.

We have an existing relationship with The Carers Trust and aim to build further relationships with community groups who serve members of the public who could benefit from our skills base. If you are such a group, please contact us.

With the publication of our pilot study proving the efficacy of Cognitive Hypnotherapy for anxiety and depression we’re passionate about bringing this benefit to those who suffer, as well as expanding our research to prove the effectiveness in other clinical areas where people are experiencing problems. We hope to build the company as a wellness funnel, helping the public find the best possible care, with the appropriate expertise.

A particular focus of the organisation will be gaining NICE approval so that the help our members offer can be NHS funded, and so available to a wider section of the community

To become a member, you must hold a Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy issued by The Quest Institute, be a member of the CNHC or NCH and adhere to their code of ethics, be in contracted supervision, and market yourself as a Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapist in a way that honours your fellow members.