Ellensburg hypnotherapist claims church exemption

ELLENSBURG — A man continues to run a hypnotherapy business in Ellensburg and Seattle even though the state Health Department has denied his application for credentials.

Christopher Philip Bartow of Ellensburg told the Daily Record he doesn’t need a license because he’s working as a minister ordained in the Universal Life Church and is counseling people under the religious exemption.

Case manager Tammy Kelley says the Health Department might investigate.

Bartow’s application was denied in July because of convictions for domestic violence, violating a no-contact order and assault.