Hena Husain - Sterling Heights, Michigan - PhD FAKE

Hena Husain of Balance4Life in Sterling Heights, MI claims to have earned a doctorate in Behavioral Science from Alpha University. Readers of this blog know that there is no such university (See http://fakedoctorate.blogspot.com/2012/12/alpha-university-degree-mill.html). She cons others into thinking she has a doctorate and then trains them to become hypnotists for organizations such as the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (both owned by Bob Otto, who is another fake PhD scammer, See http://fakedoctorate.blogspot.com/2012/12/robert-otto-owner-of-imdha-and-iact.html).

Husain is a proud member of these supposedly "ethical" organizations:

Clinical Care Network Professional Group 
Medical Office Managers Association 
National Guild of Hypnotists 
American Board of Hypnotherapy, IACT and IMDHA 
The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce 
Local Business Network (LBN) 
The Pakistani Women's Association of Michigan

Anne Spencer, Royal Oak, MI, FAKE PhD - UPDATED!

Anne Spencer of the Infinity Institute Hypnosis Training School in Royal Oak, MI, is the founder of the allegedly "ethical" hypnosis organization, the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association is yet another degree fraud. Anne claims to have earned a PhD and has numerous, too many to count, references about "Dr. Anne Spencer, PhD" all over the web. Our research shows that she participated master's level coursework in education at Marygrove College, but, very conveniently, there are no references to where she may have earned her PhD or in what field. She was even inducted into the National Guild of Hypnotist's highest order, the Order of Braid. So much for an ethical organization.

We took the following blurb off of Roger Moore's site, who readers will recognize as another PhD Fraud (See http://fakedoctorate.blogspot.com/2012/11/roger-moore-fake-phd.html). These fraudsters love to stick together.

Colette and Ron McKie - Family with FAKE PHDS

Colette McKie, who operates a hypnosis practice in Bowie, MD called"Turning Point," claims to have a Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the American Pacific University, a known degree mill (see http://fakedoctorate.blogspot.com/2012/11/known-diploma-mills-resource-guide.html). There are no accredited doctoral or masters programs in hypnosis anywhere in the world.

Speaking of the McKie's, her husband Ron McKie, who also operates "Turning Point Hypnotherapy Strategies and Acupuncture," claims to have a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the same degree mill. Ron claims to be a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, who supposedly has a code of ethics. Except when it has to do with fake degrees.

We affirm that the McKie's are McFrauds when purporting to hold doctorates and bachelor's degrees in hypnosis.

In response to this posting, the McFrauds posted this statement on their website:

EDUCATIONIONAL STATEMENT [yes, the fake-PhD misspelled "Educational"]

It has come to our attention that there are some who question our educational background, specifically our degrees. I would like to clarify this.  [It's about time your fraudulent claims are questioned.] Our degrees in Clinical Hypnotherapy were issued from American Pacific University, located in Hawaii. This school Is a dedicated educational institute that has constantly worked at improving the level of their classes to ensure that its students receive the highest level of education possible. In fact, while we were in our degree programs, the University was going through the process of obtaining accreditation; which it has completed. Shortly after receiving their accreditation for distance learning, American Pacific University became Kona University; a fully accredited institution. [NEWSFLASH - Kona University does not offer ANY degrees in Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy. I also challenge you to go to Kona.edu and find ANY information about accreditation. Good luck with that.] The courses that we took, and the requirements and standards of knowledge that we were held to, met or exceeded, those of similar, accredited institutions.  [Really? Considering that there are NO accredited degree programs in hypnosis, how can there be anything similar? They paid a degree mill to send them a diploma.] The degree programs had the same requirements as other institutions for credit hours, and, for both of us, took 2-3 years to complete. We are both better for the experience. Contrary to the accusations of others, this institution is not a degree mill; we worked hard for the degrees we received. [You mean your NO DEGREEs?] If you feel that our educational background does not meet your needs, please look somewhere else. We are dedicated, professional practitioners [with phony degrees] who have your best interest [our pockets] in mind.

Patricia Armour - FAKE DOCTORATE

Patricia M. Armour
PhD in Scam Artistry

Patricia M. Armour, whose practice is called Mind Spa Mentor Hypnosis in Owings Mills, MD is currently the biggest bullshit artist we have seen. She claims to hold an "alternative Doctorate in C.O.R.E. Counseling/Education from the Institute of Transformational Studies in Glouchester, MA."
There is no such degree program and an "Alternative Doctorate" is NOT A DEGREE.

She is a member of the Institute of Applied Natural Science, National Guild of Hypnotists, International Association of Counselors and Therapists, American Society of Alternative Therapists, American Academy of Ericksonian Hypnosis, Society of Neuro-Linguistic Practitioners (NLP), and National Federation of Neuro-Linguistic Psychology. Shame on any institution that would allow a member to represent them as a complete FRAUD.

James Malone, FAKE PhD, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

James Malone of Point Pleasant, NJ claims to have "completed an alternative doctoral degree program in Clinical Hypnotherapy through American Pacific University with a dissertation project on hypnosis for weight loss."

Readers of this blog know that American Pacific University is nothing more than a degree mill. However, it is interesting that he attempts to justify his fake degree by saying that it was an "alternative doctoral degree program." That's semantics for, "I gave my money to a degree mill and, maybe I wrote a paper, and then they mailed me a doctorate."
James is a proud member of the National Guild of Hypnotists.

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UPDATE

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James "Not A Doctor" Malone wrote to us today:

He wrote, "I do not use the title of Dr. or PhD, preferring to use no initials at all at this time. 

That's actually not true, James Malone. His photograph above clearly shows you using the initials, DCH or Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy, which does not exist (if it's not accredited, it does not exist). And of course, we dug a little further.

We found a YouTube video posted on May 22, 2012, which clearly reads, James Malone, DCH:

And then there is this stop-smoking publication that he offers on his website, clearly reading James Malone, DCH:

And then we found that he conned a tinnitus support group into thinking he is a doctor, Dr. James Malone.

And here's one whose title we feel is rather creepy: Can you Hypnotize Women? by James Malone, DCH (scroll down to the bottom of his post):

In his email, Mr. Malone wrote, "I do mention the alternative program I completed on my CV as it was not a "diploma mill," since considerable time and effort was involved. I follow current NGH recommendations and clearly identify it as an 'alternative program.' If they change that ethical standard at some point, I will gladly comply."

We are not the NGH. We're not even in the NGH. And we don't really care what the NGH has to say about your non-accredited, non-recognized "degree." In fact, if they acted with any degree of ethics, we wouldn't have much to write about, would we?

According to Employee Screen, a Diploma Mill (aka a degree mill) is an organization that awards academic degrees and diplomas with substandard or no academic study and without recognition by official educational accrediting bodies. The purchaser can then claim to hold an academic degree, and the organization is motivated by making a profit. These degrees are often awarded based on vaguely construed life experience. Some such organizations claim accreditation by non-recognized/unapproved accrediting bodies set up for the purposes of providing a veneer of authenticity."

Sounds a lot like "Dr." James Malone, a veneer of authenticity.

Guess what "institution" is listed a KNOWN DIPLOMA MILL? You got it! American Pacific University! Don't believe us? See for yourself at www.employeescreen.com/.../files/Rev2_Known_Diploma_Mills.pdf

A word from our sponsors

Our blog was recently mentioned on 23NLPeople.com, and it was said that many people, especially on the hypnosis forum "www.hypnothoughts.com" did not support our work, providing threats of litigation and so forth. Very simply, these individuals feel threatened. They feel threatened because they, or their friends, falsely claim to have earned a doctorate or master's degree. Some are showboating (aka brown-nosing) to win the admiration of some well-known hypnotists and/or business partners who are doing the scamming. The argument that "so and so is highly respected" doesn't explain or give anybody the right to enhance their credibility by citing false academic credentials. If they are indeed THAT good, they wouldn't need to.

Actually, we have received scores of emails from people who want to high-five us. There is a silent majority who agree with our mission and who are observing the actions and rants of those who are guilty, and also observing those who are nay-saying us. To you, we raise our glasses and toast you.

A question remains -are these individuals simply misinformed and mere victims of these diploma mills? Or are these people maliciously trying to dupe potential customers and students. In other words, are these people truly idiots who think they can earn a degree by not properly attending school or are they pure-bread scam artists? Our answer is, "does it matter?" No it does not. If you are one of these people, we urge you to STOP USING YOUR FAKE CREDENTIALS no matter how real you think they are. Otherwise we will continue to expose you. Don't think you're immune if you're hiding in Micronesia. We are receiving tips from well-meaning individuals daily. You will eventually appear on this site.

While it appears that we are focusing on the hypnosis profession, this wasn't intentionally the case when we first created this forum. It was our intention to call out those in any profession who falsely claim credentials that they haven't properly and rightfully earned. However, it seems as though the hypnosis profession is rampant with such individuals. As such, when one knows how to identify these perpetrators, it quite simple to know who they are.

There something to be said about these so-called ethical organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists and the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association/International Association of Counselors and Therapists hybrid (the NGH is supposedly non-profit [at least according to the IRS] where Dwight Damon has been the president for decades (who actually elected him president, nobody will ever know as no dues-paying member can recall an actual election). On another note, has anybody actually witnessed Dwight Damon hypnotize ANYBODY?) and the IMDHA and IACT are private businesses both owned by Robert Otto). There are several other hypnosis "organizations" but these are two/three of the largest.

These organizations have Codes of Ethics which many hypnotists proudly boast that they adhere to, giving their clientele some sort of confidence. However, it is clear that none of these organizations actually care about or enforce these codes and many involved in these organization's hierarchies are guilty of using fictitious degrees. They are merely lip-service. If these Codes of Ethics meant anything, the fraudulent use of fictitious degrees would cease to exist. However, the last thing any of these organizations want to do is eliminate a source of dues. Let's examine the Codes of Ethics of these organizations:

National Guild of Hypnotists

E. Credentials: Members shall always be honest about the nature of their titles and degrees when referring to them to the general public, the media, and within the confines of our profession.

International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association

Integrity
Members seek to promote integrity in the teaching and practice of hypnosis. In these activities members are honest, fair and respectable of others. To the extent feasible, members attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to the function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Members rely on scientific or professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments or when engaging in professional endeavors.

International Association of Counselors and Therapists

Section A4 reads, "4. The member neither claims nor implies professional qualifications exceeding those possessed by them and is responsible for correcting any misrepresentations of these qualifications by others."

As one can see, ethics, integrity, and the whole shabang are clearly outlined in these organization's Codes of Ethics. YET....the preponderance of fake academic credentials is overwhelming. These organizations are also, supposedly, preparing for the day when hypnosis is regulated be mandating CEUs and the such. Unfortunately, they aren't preparing well enough because, as long as there are individuals who are committing fraud by boasting fake academic credentials, nobody will ever respect the profession as a whole.

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Taken from http://www.23nlpeople.com/blog/2012/11/fake-qualifications-phds-and-hypnotherapy.htm

On my Brass Bollocks training where I open the doors to the business end of my work and show exactly how and what I did and do now to run a successful business I repeatedly expound a simple principle:
"Humility will save you from humiliation."
It shouldn't be a difficult concept but in the world of personal development where everyone is chasing a high status in the industry, it is a very rare thing indeed.
I believe that I can accurately predict how quick a new practitioner will fail and return to their day job.  The quickest failure will follow a single use of a single word. "Us"
On the practitioner's contact page they write, "Contact Us" instead of "Contact Me" - this is true as a predictor of failure where there is a solo practitioner, rather than a group or two practitioners on the site.
Why do they write "Contact Us"?  Well, because he or she is trying to appear more than they actually are.
Their very first point of contact with their customer is built on a simple little deception, a lie.  Not exactly the best start, don't you think?
And the reason their business will fail?  Because they are deceiving themselves as to the true nature of their business and they will continue to build on this lie as they ever inflate their ego and bolster a false identity.
A fairly common extension of this lie is the use of false and fake qualifications and certifications.  The fake PHD is just one example.
Another tragically common example is the endless creation of self serving "Regulation Boards" "Associations", "Societies", Institutes" and so forth all in an attempt to affording status and prestige, when in fact they are just merely a brief invention to "endorse" their own practice and courses.
What this does is contaminate the marketplace so much that the public no longer know what is a genuine society (i.e. it actually has members, a charter, etc) and what is just a webpage on the 'net purporting to be such.  Actually, I think so many hypnotherapists are utterly ignorant and in their quest for status don't ever bother checking these things out themselves.  They just send off a cheque, receive a certificate and that is that - they are a member, have a logo and so on, and so they perpetuate the lie and the falsehood.
I managed to terminate the totally fake and illegal "British Board of NLP" operation 2 years ago by threatening to bring a criminal action against its "chairman" unless he removed all traces of the website and notified his "members" of such.  Yet, if you google it today, you will still find people claiming to be members of "The British Board of NLP", displaying a logo and claiming status as a result.  It worries me when supposed experts in mental health display such crass stupidity. And I do think this is stupidity rather than a deliberate fraud.
And here's the funny thing - they display these logos, memberships and false qualifications so that we...err...trust them.
It's worth mentioning here that a few years ago the original "chairman" of the "British Board of NLP" sent me a legal letter threatening me with litigation for libel unless I immediately ceased my public statements about their shenanigans. I couldn't help but wonder how interesting it would be to see them actually try to prove in court that the 'British Board of NLP' actually existed.  It didn't and never did, so it was impossible for me to libel it. I never heard anything further from them until "it" (actually, this was just the domain name for the website and company name, which wasn't actually "The British Board of NLP") changed hands and the nonsense started up all over again.
I've recently challenged people about the use of fake PHDs on a hypnosis forum and interestingly received a collective outrage from forum members suggesting that to do so was somehow unsporting and that I was.  Needless to say the usual threats of litigation followed and expressions of outrage followed.
You can read the reactions here: http://www.hypnothoughts.com/forum/topics/doctor-or-phd-in-hypnotherapy-how-valid
A recent anonymous blog (http://fakedoctorate.blogspot.co.uk) has taken to "outing" the hypnotherapists who claim to have PhDs when they allegedly don't have any such thing. Whilst I cannot claim to know the validity of the claims that are made on this blog, I thoroughly applaud the sentiment.
The hypnotherapy community appear outraged because apparently such a blog is unprofessional and brings the profession into disrepute.  Well, I have news for them - so is lying about one's qualification in order to con clients out of their money.
My inbox is starting to receive emails from outraged individuals who think I am the one posting the Fake PhD blog and telling me to cease and desist.  I'm not anything to do with the blog of course, I first saw this blog when a link to it was posted on the Hypnothoughts forum.
Here's the link to the BBC program about such nonsense that was aired in 2009 to which I was a main contributor behind the scenes and make a fleeting appearance. https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=176394112754

Cal Banyan & Rev. Giles - Advocates speaking out against Fake PhDs

I caught an interesting article posted in 2008 by Cal Banyan, when he referred to Rev. Scott Giles' article entitled, "Shooting Yourself in the Foot Part #1: Real v. Fake Credentials." Banyan wrote:

Bravo Rev. C. Scot Giles, DNGH! In case you don’t know who Rev. Giles is, he writes for the National Guild of Hypnotists, Journal of Hypnotism, which just arrived in my mailbox today. I loved his latest article, Shooting Yourself in the Foot Part #1: Real v. Fake Credentials. In this article, he talks about such things as “The Mail-Order Degree“, “The Internet Ordination” and “The Silly Title“.
My favorite part was about fake hypnosis degrees. I just can’t stand it when someone comes up to me and tells me that they have a “PhD” or other kind of “doctorate” in hypnosis! I don’t know about every country in the world, but I do know that there is no such thing in the USA.
I don’t mean to make people who have these fake degrees angry at me, but I just have to tell them that you are doing EVERYONE a HUGE disservice by promoting yourself and your service by holding out these fake degrees in hypnotism, hypnosis and hypnotherapy.First of all, as Rev. Giles will tell you, these degrees, even if they take some work to get, do not rise to the level of study required to achieve a real academic degree. These fake hypnosis degrees are not recognized by any organization who would grant a real degree. In most cases you will find that these “degree granting” organizations will say that they ARE accredited. But with a bit more research, you will find that they created the organization that is accrediting them! Essentially, this means that they have accredited themselves. This is bad for the hypnotist who will be found out eventually. It is bad for the profession because when hypnotists are discovered to have false credentials, it makes everyone in the profession look bad. It is bad for our clients, because they are being misled to select a hypnotist based on false credentials. I have known people with these false degrees who could not hypnotize anyone! Nor could they carry on a intelligent conversation on the topic of hypnosis, hypnotherapy or hypnotism. I personally think these fake degrees should be outlawed. Bravo Rev. Giles for writing your article, and thank you NGH for printing it! 

This is wonderful testimony about the dangers of hypnotists bearing false credentials. There is one problem, however, in that both Banyan and Giles are leaders of the National Guild of Hypnotists, an organization who tends to turn their heads at fake credentials. Simply review this blog to see a number of NGH members who lie about the credentials. I applaud Banyan and Giles, but they have the influence to make such changes at the NGH and, well, obviously nothing has changed since 2008.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.calbanyan.com/archives/2008/03/05/rev-giles-on-real-v-fake-credentials/

William Hathaway - New Hampshire FAKE DOCTORATE

William Hathaway, of the White Mountain Hypnosis Center in Madison, NH claims to have a "Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy granted by the State of California." If you have been following this blog, you will know at least one thing: there are no accredited doctoral programs anywhere in the world. If you are at least a little bit intelligent, you will also know that state's don't confer degrees, university's do. He was actually elected as to be a fellow of the National Guild of Hypnotists, who apparently refuse to uphold any sort of code of ethics they supposedly have. Shame on you, William Hathaway, for calling yourself a doctor and lying to the people who you supposedly help!

Philip Holder, Master's Center, FAKE DOCTORATE

Philip Holder of "The Master's Center" in Netwtown, Bucks County, PA, claims to have a PhD, but does not say in what or from where. He is a trainer for The International Medical Dental Hypnotherapy Association,The International Association of Counselors & Therapists, National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists, American Counsel of Hypnotist Examiners and a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. Each of these organizations supposedly has a code of ethics barring the falsification of disclosure of false degrees, but apparantly, as long as they receive yearly dues from that individual, they overlook these things. That's him on the left, putting his foot into the jaw of a man wearing a varsity jacket who is pretending to attack him with a lug nut wrench.