Foundation Course in Hypnosis
The Foundation level course teaches you fundamental hypnosis skills, how to hypnotise others for relaxation, how to formulate suggestions and teach self-hypnosis.
A key element of the course is a series of relaxing hypnosis audios designed to help you as a student learn, remember and retain the course material. You are encouraged to practise self-hypnosis as a tool for relaxation, focus, confidence, and help build your hypnosis skills.
Curriculum Modules
(see preview modules to view example course content)
- Overview of resources
- Glossary of terms
- SCRIPTS: Hypnotherapy Practicals
- Susceptibility tests
- Podcast: HypnoSOS
- Books by Ursula James
- Transformation: Self-hypnosis Handbook by Ursula James: Downloadable PDF
- Hypnotherapy MP3s by Ursula James
- Recommended Videos & Podcasts
- Recommended Reading
- National Occupational Standards in Hypnotherapy
- 🎙️ HYPNOSIS & YOU: podcast episodes on the history of hypnosis
- Definition of terms: hypnosis, hypnotherapy, clinical hypnosis
- The History of Hypnotherapy
- Erroneous and Problematic Beliefs About Hypnosis
- The hypnotic state: more familiar than you might think
- Overview of clinical applications
- 🎧 HYPNOSIS SESSION: A Hypnosis library in your unconscious
- QUIZ: definition of terms
- 🎙️ HYPNOSIS & YOU: podcast episodes Consciousness
- States of consciousness
- Unconscious vs conscious mind: A model to explain the benefits of hypnotherapy over other talking therapies
- Hypnosis: A natural phenomenon
- 🎧 Mindfulness session
- Hypnosis, Meditation and Mindfulness: Differences and similarities
- Receptivity to hypnosis
- 🎧 HYPNOSIS SESSION: Time to daydream in the library
- QUIZ: States of Consciousness
- 🎙️ HYPNOSIS & YOU: Podcast episodes on positive suggestions and ego-strengthening
- Why it is important to create positive suggestions
- Reminders of success: the power of positive suggestions
- How to create positive suggestions for your volunteer
- Ego-strengthening: its role in hypnotherapy
- How to create tailored ego-strengthening suggestions
- Working with Clients Who Struggle to Identify Positive Qualities or Accomplishments
- From Hypnosis to Hypnotherapy
- Hypnotherapy course taster: Hypnotic phenomena
- Hypnotherapy course taster: Fundamentals of psychological theories and behaviour analysis
- Hypnotherapy course: taster The characteristics of a good hypnotherapy practitioner
- Hypnotherapy course taster: Hypnotherapy for phobias
"The course content has exceeded my expectations, and my wellbeing has also improved, with better sleep and feeling more grounded and assertive. This course is a life changer - both for me and for those who will benefit from the knowledge I will use to help others."
Isabella
Psychologist and Researcher in Oncology
As taught at the following medical schools:
The course includes:
🎧Hypnosis Audios – Immerse yourself in a range of professionally recorded hypnosis sessions to deepen your understanding and experience the transformative power of hypnosis first-hand.
🎥 Lecture audios – Expert-led lessons that break down hypnosis theory and techniques into practical, easy-to-apply steps.
🎙️ Exclusive Podcast Series – Access a dedicated podcast covering advanced insights, real-world applications, and inspiring case studies from experienced practitioners.
📚 Comprehensive Course Materials – Downloadable resources, scripts, and guides to reinforce your learning and serve as valuable references for practice.
🌐 Interactive Community Hub – Join a private online community where you can connect with fellow students, exchange ideas, and find practice partners.
👩🏫 Tutor Support – Get direct access to experienced hypnosis tutors for questions, feedback, and guidance as you progress through the course.
“It's a really well written course, easy to follow and understand.
I like how everything is laid out and structured.
Following the guidance from this course,
I am now able to confidently and successfully hypnotise others."
Victoria
Ursula James: Course creator
Former Visiting Professor of Clinical Hypnosis, Robert Gordon University
In addition to having been the only professor of Clinical Hypnosis in the UK, Ursula James is a visiting teaching fellow at Oxford University Medical School, and a Patron of both Anxiety UK (formerly the National Phobics Society) and the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV).
Ursula was a member of the international advisory board of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (formerly Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery) and a Foundation Member of the Academy of Medical Educators.
"Having tried another hypnotherapy training, I am very pleased to say how enjoyable this course is. I would liken it to reading a good book. Easy to understand, informative and enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone, whether for professional purposes or just for your own self learning."
Valerie
Corporate fraud detection consultant
Study with professionals
Ursula James Hypnotherapy online courses contain material developed for, and taught to, student doctors. These courses have been taught for the past 22 years at medical schools including Oxford University Medical School, where she pioneered the first course in clinical hypnosis and its application specifically for medical students.
Ursula James Hypnotherapy Training teaches at the same high standard and presents similar material to that taught at medical school. However the scope has been broadened to give easy access to others interested in learning how to use hypnosis as a therapeutic tool, whether to for themselves, to train for a new career, as an addition to their professional skills.
The full training programme
This course is level 1 of the complete Clinical Hypnosis course which comprises three levels, Hypnotherapy (level 2), and Clinical Hypnosis (level 3), each building on the skill set of the previous one.
Each course is standalone, and the skill set required for each level is outlined below.he skill set required for each level is outlined below:
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Level 1 - Foundation: Fundamental hypnosis skills, self-hypnosis, how to hypnotise others, formulate suggestions, and teach others self-hypnosis.
No experience required - suitable for those with no knowledge of hypnosis.
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Level 2 - Hypnotherapy: Achieving therapeutic outcomes for a wide range of conditions, and building practical skills to become a professional hypnotherapist.
This course requires a basic practical knowledge of hypnosis.
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Level 3 - Clinical Hypnosis: Advanced hypnotherapy skills with a client-centred approach.
This course is appropriate for practising hypnotherapists or those with experience of working with clients.
Two ways to study…
All three course levels are offered in two pathways, so you can choose the one that best fits your goals.
Pathway 1: CPD Online-Only
100% self-paced learning — videos, audios & downloadable resources
Perfect for CPD, supplementary study, or a personal introduction to hypnosis
No tutor interaction required — start anytime, anywhere
Completion certificate (not valid for professional practice)
Best for: Students wanting CPD hours, personal development, or a taster before committing to practitioner training.
Pathway 2: GHR-Accredited (Applied for)
Fully structured with tutor interaction, feedback, and formal assessment
Peer practice pods, recorded submissions, and final evaluations
Meets General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) standards for practitioner accreditation
Earns you tutor contact hours towards the 120-hour GHR requirement
Accredited certificate valid for professional practice
Best for: Students aiming for full professional practitioner status with live tutor feedback and observed practice.