Certification is a confusing affair in hypnotherapy, with some acronym overlap, and experts sharply divided on what's most meaningful, or whether you need it at all. A spoonful of the alphabet soup:

CCHT, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist — The nonprofit American Council of Hypnotist Examiners insists on 300 hours of instruction for this certification.

ASCH, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis — Sixty hours of ASCH-approved hypnosis education is needed to qualify for full certification. Most members aren't board certified in hypnosis, but all are required to be licensed health care professionals.

CHT, Certified Hypnotherapist — Earned through the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, this requires a minimum of 120 hours of training and proficiency in performing and explaining basic hypnotic procedures. No health care licensure is needed to get this type of certification.

SCEH-ACE, Active Commitment to Excellence — This certification from the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis requires at least 40 hours of training in approved workshops, a minimum of two years using hypnosis and a commitment to excellence based on a written plan. All members must be licensed health care professionals.

CH, Certified Consulting Hypnotist — The National Guild of Hypnotists Inc. — the country's oldest and largest certifying body — requires a minimum of 100 hours of hypnosis training to be a certified member.