CRITERIA VERIFIED
Recognition with a defined scope
Approval identifies the person or institution and the fields that have been verified.
A CLEAR PROCESS · A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVECriteria and
Criteria and
guidance.
We recognise your background and help you strengthen your work.
Every background has its own context. We review what you practise and teach using public criteria, considering its foundations and different ways of learning.
PUBLIC CRITERIAClarity about
Clarity about
what you offer.
The review is tailored to your stated field and your work as a practitioner, school or educator. We look for consistency between your background, your work and the scope you communicate.
Our approach to foundationsOrigins and foundations
We identify where each approach comes from and what supports it: established or emerging evidence, theoretical plausibility, tradition, symbolism or spirituality. We request sources, references or background information to understand it. Claims must match the available support; historical use or plausibility alone does not demonstrate effectiveness.
Documented training and experience
We review the preparation of practitioners and educators in each field. Depending on the activity, this may include formal education, specialist training or learning and experience passed down through a tradition. This background must be documented through certificates, statements, references from teachers or communities, or relevant practice records.
Scope of the approach, method or practice
We ask you to describe what you offer, for whom, with which objectives and within what limits. We distinguish a therapeutic approach, a working method and a specific technique or practice. Preparation and supporting information must match the stated scope; knowing a technique alone does not establish comprehensive therapeutic training.
Coherence and training time
For schools and educators, we review objectives, content, duration, practice, guidance and assessment, alongside educator backgrounds. Time and practice opportunities must be sufficient to develop the stated competencies. Review considers the whole programme and the stated field, rather than simply adding up hours.
Documentation and responsibility
Records must allow us to verify who teaches, what is taught and what each document attests to. We review consistency between the application and public information, together with commitment to the code of ethics and the boundaries of the activity. We request clarification or additional supporting material when needed.
STEP BY STEPA way to
A way to
move forward with clarity.
You know what is reviewed, receive a reasoned response and can provide further supporting information.
Share your work
Tell us about your background and fields of work, with supporting documentation.
We review with you
The secretariat reviews your information and asks for clarification where needed.
Receive a response
We explain the decision, its scope and any areas that need attention.
Are the applicable criteria met?
AREAS TO COMPLETE
Guidance and an improvement plan
We agree on steps to complete or strengthen your work and review it again.
How we support youIf recognition cannot be granted, we explain the reasons and how to request reconsideration with new information.
WE SUPPORT YOUWhat if I do not
What if I do not
qualify yet?
Your application can be the start of a process of improvement.
We can help you organise your training records, explain the foundations of your approach, clarify the scope of your practices or strengthen the coherence of your educational work.
Discuss my applicationUnderstand what is missing
We explain which criterion needs attention, why it matters and what would help you move forward.
Agree on a way forward
Together, we agree on actions, documents and a reasonable timeframe for your circumstances.
Review again
Once you complete the agreed steps, we review the new information and explain the outcome.
Recognition will reflect the criteria and scope that have been verified.
BEFORE APPLYINGQuestions that
Questions that
help you move forward.
ISHS provides private recognition of the stated background and activity, with a defined scope. It does not replace official qualifications or professional licences, or scientifically validate all practices.
Is learning through tradition or experience considered?
Yes, when it is relevant to the stated field and can be documented. You may provide statements from teachers or communities, learning references and practice records. We review their relevance to what you practise or teach and to the requirements that apply to that activity.
Does recognising a school cover all its courses?
Institutional review considers the responsible people, educators and sample programmes. Recognising a school or educator does not automatically accredit every course or demonstrate the effectiveness of every practice taught.
What happens if my application is not accepted?
We will explain the reasons. You may request reconsideration with new supporting information. Guidance helps address issues that can be resolved; recognition is granted when the applicable criteria have been verified.
How is recognition maintained?
Validity appears on each record. Members update information, report material changes and participate in the included training. Renewal requires continuing to meet admission criteria.
CLARITY · CONSISTENCY · TRUSTClarity in what you teach.