01 July 2025 6 min

Africa’s First Hypnotherapy College Launches as Brain Science Confirms - Change is Possible

Written by: Heather Fountain Save to Instapaper
Africa’s First Hypnotherapy College Launches as Brain Science Confirms - Change is Possible

Howick, KwaZulu-Natal – In the ever-evolving world of mind-body medicine, the science is catching up to what ancient traditions and forward-thinking practitioners have long intuited: the brain can change. And we can help it do so.

In the past decade, neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to new experiences - has transformed from academic theory to therapeutic goldmine. Thanks to breakthroughs in neuroscience, we now understand that thought patterns, behaviours, emotional responses, and even chronic stress or trauma aren’t fixed – they’re malleable. With the right intervention, minds can heal, habits can shift, and lives can change.

One of the most effective tools in facilitating that change? Clinical hypnotherapy. Once misunderstood or misrepresented in pop culture, hypnotherapy has emerged as a credible, evidence-based intervention that activates the subconscious mind and harnesses neuroplasticity to embed meaningful change. Whether for stress relief, trauma recovery, pain management, behavioural transformation or emotional resilience, hypnotherapy is increasingly being recognised by mental health professionals worldwide.

Yet in Africa – a continent full of resilience, wisdom, and untapped therapeutic potential – access to quality hypnotherapy education remains limited.

 The Missing Link: Africa-Centered, Culturally Responsive Hypnotherapy Education

There’s no shortage of hypnotherapy training providers globally or in South Africa. But while many offer generalised programs, few (if any) centre the African context. Fewer still recognise the diverse clinical, community, and cultural applications of hypnotherapy beyond the private practice consulting room.

More than ever, Africa needs an institution that understands its realities – its unique healthcare challenges, socio-economic pressures, cultural complexities, and vast human potential.

And now, it has one.

 Introducing the Hypnotherapy Training College Africa (HTCA)

We’re proud to announce the official launch of the Hypnotherapy Training College Africa (HTCA) – a groundbreaking educational institution designed to train, equip, and empower practitioners across the continent to use clinical hypnotherapy as a transformative tool for healing and growth.

HTCA isn’t just another certificate mill. It’s a professionally grounded, ethically guided, and internationally aligned academy that offers practical, neuroscience-informed training built for real-life application.

Whether you’re a psychologist working with trauma clients, a nurse managing pain in palliative care, a school counsellor supporting anxious teens, or a caregiver in a dementia facility – HTCA courses are designed to add real, usable tools to your therapeutic toolkit.

“Many people pursue hypnotherapy as a rewarding career path – and rightly so,” says co-founder Heather Fountain, an award-winning hypnotherapist and educator. “But we believe the benefits of clinical hypnosis should extend far beyond full-time practitioners. Our mission is to equip all professionals who support human wellness – whether in hospitals, classrooms, community centres, or private practice – with tools that work.”

 Not Just Another Training College

While most training providers focus on standalone qualifications for aspiring hypnotherapists, HTCA is different. It fills the gap between clinical research, therapeutic training, and on-the-ground needs in African health and wellness contexts.

The team behind HTCA brings decades of combined experience. From Glynis Bretherton – international educator and founder of Hypnotherapy Training College Australia and the visionary behind Hikma Flow Academy – to Heather Fountain and Derek Vorster, HTCA’s leadership brings not only academic rigour but real-world experience in healthcare, education, trauma work, and behavioural change.

 The First Three Courses – With More to Come

HTCA launches with a trio of professionally developed courses:

  1. Introductory Hypnotherapy Practitioners Course
    • Ideal for beginners, support staff, and those exploring mind-body modalities.
    • Covers hypnosis fundamentals, ethics, client screening, and practical skills.
  2. Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Applied Psychotherapy
    • A deeper dive into subconscious reprogramming, trauma resolution, anxiety, and behavioural change.
    • Blends traditional psychotherapy models with modern hypnotherapy tools.
  3. Advanced Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy, Applied Psychotherapy & NLP
    • Integrates powerful NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques for advanced therapeutic application.
    • Prepares practitioners for complex cases including addiction, phobias, identity issues, and unresolved trauma.

And this is just the beginning.

“Courses focused on addiction, grief, adolescent development, and family trauma are already in development,” says co-founder Derek Vorster. “Our curriculum is growing alongside the needs of our communities.”

 Who Should Train With HTCA?

The academy welcomes both aspiring hypnotherapists and established professionals from diverse fields, including:

  • Clinical Hypnotherapists – whether you're looking to qualify and enter the field for the first time, or you're already practising and want to upskill, refresh your methods, and gain Africa-specific insights.
  • Psychologists and Counsellors – add subconscious access tools to existing therapeutic approaches.
  • Nurses and Palliative Care Workers – help patients manage pain, anxiety, and fear at end of life.
  • Social Workers – support trauma recovery and resilience building.
  • Educators and Youth Workers – assist children and teens with self-regulation, anxiety, and motivation.
  • Carers in Elderly or Dementia Centres – enhance comfort, memory stimulation, and communication.
  • Coaches, Healers, and Wellness Practitioners – deepen your impact with subconscious transformation tools.

Each course is structured to honour prior experience while guiding learners toward professional excellence.

 Why HTCA is Different

  • Africa-Centric Curriculum: Designed with and for African professionals and clients.
  • Real-World Relevance: Courses apply directly to high-impact environments–schools, clinics, hospices, correctional facilities, and homes.
  • Expert-Led Instruction: Delivered by international trainers and local experts with lived experience.
  • Ethical, Evidence-Based Approach: Rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and integrative healthcare.
  • Global Recognition: While African-led, HTCA meets international training standards, with connections to HTCA Australia and the Mind Care Global Network.
  • Support Beyond Graduation: Ongoing postgraduate mentoring, supervision, and professional community.

 A Movement for Change, Not Just a Qualification

HTCA isn’t here to compete on paper credentials alone – it’s here to spark a movement of culturally fluent, therapeutically grounded, socially conscious practitioners who can meet Africa’s unique mental health and healing needs.

“We’re not just teaching scripts or techniques,” says Glynis Bretherton. “We’re cultivating insight, ethical maturity, and the ability to sit with human pain and potential in equal measure.”

 Enrol Now – and Be Part of the First Wave

Applications are now open for the next intake. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your impact, HTCA invites you to join a community dedicated to real transformation.

Courses are currently available via blended learning (online theory and optional in-person practice modules) with intakes throughout the year.

Visit www.hypnotherapytrainingcollege.co.za to enrol or learn more.

Empower yourself. Empower others. And become part of Africa’s next wave of healing practitioners.

Media Contact:

Heather Fountain

info@hypnotherapytrainingcollege.co.za

+27 (0)83 284 8049

50 Main Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, 3290

Issued by HTCA. All rights reserved.

Total Words: 1189
Published in Health and Medicine

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  • Company: Hypnotherapy Training College Africa
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  • Agency/PR Company: Baird Media (Pty) Ltd
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