The principal aim of the British Society of Hypnotherapists (founded 1950) is to promote the highest quality practical and theoretical training in hypnosis.

In conjunction with supporting high standards of training and practice among its members,
the Society, a non-profit organization, is involved in initiatives to implement high standards of hypnotherapy training and practice in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world.

The Society gathers information on hypnotism and hypnotherapy from many sources throughout the world and maintains contact with other professional and learned bodies. It disseminates information on hypnosis, its use in therapy and training, to the media and the general public.

The Society and its personnel are widely regarded and quoted in the media and elsewhere as authorative sources of information on hypnosis and the practice of hypnotherapy. The Society is also widely referenced in books and magazines as a body to whom members of the general public can direct enquires regarding hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists. It operates a Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and a Complaints Procedure.

The Society operates a Continuing Professional Development policy and has guidelines on supervision of therapists and personal therapy for therapists.
Membership of the Society is open to individuals who have undertaken extensive training in hypnotherapy.