“During the first session, we explained the reasons for our coming. Then, there were the hypnosis sessions. I paid in cash”, indicates Amélie. According to her, the therapist also sent her messages via social media, first once a week, then more frequently. “At first it was comforting, like a shoulder you could lean on. But I fell into a trap”she regrets.
I bought food supplements at exorbitant prices
As a nutrition therapist, she also offers to take care of your health through food. “She took advantage of our vulnerability to sell us food supplements at exorbitant prices. Amélie protests.
“In addition, she presented herself as a psychic and claimed that my family was under the influence of negative forces, inciting us to pay considerable sums of money for “rituals” supposed to free us from these influences,” continues Amélie. One day, this therapist would have come to his home to “fight bad vibes. “For this intervention, I had to pay 1,100 euros. And I’ve never seen a difference personally.”.
The mother sent us some invoices that she received. “It was not mentioned “hypnosis” or “black magic” but rather a “coaching” session or “food supplement”. In total, I spent around 5,000 euros in 6 months. And nothing is refunded.”regrets Amélie.
The Walloon woman believes she was manipulated. “I admit that I was psychologically unwell and emotionally weak. We want to believe it. At one point I said “stop”. But she really pestered us to do new sessions.”claims Amélie.
I work according to the rules of the art
Contacted, this therapist denies any manipulation or abusive practices. “I am a basic nurse and I have followed training. I have a university degree as a nutritional therapist. So, abusive practices would surprise me. I work according to the rules of the art”she maintains firmly. “Furthermore, I deny all black magic. I am a bioenergetician, a practice based on energies. Which has nothing to do with what this person is saying. And regarding food supplements, these are only suggestions, it is not an obligation.” the therapist defends.
Unrecognized health professions
The problem lies in the vagueness surrounding this type of practice. In Belgium, you should know that hypnosis and nutritherapy are not recognized health professions. However, there are multiple training courses offered by private institutes and universities. The duration and methods of training vary. But no diploma is officially recognized in our country.
“Hypnosis is neither a reserved discipline nor a regulated profession within the meaning of the law on the exercise of health professions”, indicates Vinciane Charlier, spokesperson for the FPS public health. “This form of communication can be used in health care fields by certain professions who legally have the skills. As a nurse, you cannot use hypnosis with the aim of conducting psychotherapy with the patient.”specifies the spokesperson.
Regarding nutritional therapy, “the recognized health professional who deals with this type of problem is the dietician.”reveals the FPS public health.
Information confirmed by Serge Pieters, president for many years of the professional union of dietitians. “In our country, three professions can give dietary advice: dieticians with a diploma, doctors and pharmacists who have obtained the right to provide dietary advice 3-4 years ago. lists this specialist.
According to Serge Pieters, food coaches or advisors, nutritherapists, nutritionists are therefore not recognized terms.
“We cannot therefore comment on diplomas or training in these two subjects – hypnosis and nutritherapy – which are not part of the health professions”indicates the FPS public health.
There is therefore a risk of practicing illegal medicine
This does not mean, however, that the training provided is not qualitative. “But there is therefore a risk of practicing illegal medicine.”underlines Vinciane Charlier.
Some therapists may take advantage of their patients’ vulnerability. “One person was also sentenced to prison for this type of irregularity following complaints. Patients were abused by this person without a recognized diploma who charged staggering prices. reveals the dietician.
According to him, beyond possible abuse at the financial level, there is also a risk to the health of patients. “I received consultations from people who had received a list of food prohibitions, which actually created deficiencies.”denounces Serge Pieters, while recalling that many mutual funds offer partial reimbursements when a patient consults a dietician.
File a complaint with the FPS public health
In the event of a possible problem, he advises patients to file a complaint. “If a person feels abused or ripped off in relation to a practice which does not comply with established rules, they should not hesitate to file a complaint with the FPS health which has a unit against charlatanism. The best is to put together a file with proof such as invoices and prescriptions.”recommends Serge Pieters.
A step that Amélie could therefore take. It will then be up to the competent authorities to decide on the practices of his therapist. “I believe it is crucial to raise public awareness of this issue.” in any case believes the mother.
