Since the 1950s there has been an upsurge of interest and activity in the field of hypnosis amongst academic and applied psychologists, medical practitioners, dentists and other health service professionals, as well as the public at large. There is evidence of the increasing routine use of hypnosis by professionals in Europe, North America and Australasia, and interest is also being shown in South Africa and Japan. The numerous developments in the field have brought to a head issues concerning the legal and professional regulation of hypnosis. Should the use of hypnosis be restricted to certain professionals and, if so, what kind of training should practitioners of hynosis undergo? What, if anything, should be done about the use of hypnosis for entertainment? Some countires have had laws for some time regulating the professional use of hypnosis, others are considering such regulations. According to the rationale and with what purposes in mind are these rules devised? And what determines a restrictive or a permissive attitude to the practice of hypnosis? With hypnosis in Europe at a significant and eventful period in its evolution, this book provides an overview of what has happened before, what is happening now and in what direction ideas and practices are heading. This single volume aims to enable the professionals to bring themselves up-to-date with the current scene in Europe and the implications for the evolution of hypnosis worldwide.