Hypnotherapists in Novato, CA

Photo of Scott W. Menasco, LMFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Scott W. Menasco
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Transformation takes work. It takes patience, energy, time. It takes a willingness to feel unsavory emotions. As your therapist I can't tell you all the answers. I can't tell you how to fix all of your problems. However, I can help you learn to embrace and embody your own transformative potential. I can help to steward your deepest self into being. Along the way you will also learn practical skills. You will learn to relate to your unconscious. You will understand your dreams in new ways. Most of all you will learn to embrace the aliveness that is you.
Transformation takes work. It takes patience, energy, time. It takes a willingness to feel unsavory emotions. As your therapist I can't tell you all the answers. I can't tell you how to fix all of your problems. However, I can help you learn to embrace and embody your own transformative potential. I can help to steward your deepest self into being. Along the way you will also learn practical skills. You will learn to relate to your unconscious. You will understand your dreams in new ways. Most of all you will learn to embrace the aliveness that is you.
(628) 232-6967 View (628) 232-6967
Photo of Laura J Cabanski Dunning, PhD, Psychologist
Laura J Cabanski Dunning
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
(415) 858-6264 View (415) 858-6264
Photo of Brit Lesnett - SOMA Hypnotherapy, CCHt
SOMA Hypnotherapy
CCHt
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
(415) 650-2327 View (415) 650-2327
Photo of Joni Metolius, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joni Metolius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947  (Online Only)
My ideal clients want to resolve the stumbling blocks in a variety of areas. Those include facing or have a family member facing a life altering medical condition and their challenges, dealing with traumas. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues. We explore avenues to overcome or adapt to those conditions. Many clients determine as we work together that they need help with how they communicate - with themselves as well as with others.
My ideal clients want to resolve the stumbling blocks in a variety of areas. Those include facing or have a family member facing a life altering medical condition and their challenges, dealing with traumas. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues. We explore avenues to overcome or adapt to those conditions. Many clients determine as we work together that they need help with how they communicate - with themselves as well as with others.
(415) 966-4356 View (415) 966-4356
Photo of Matthew Engel, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Engel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94947  (Online Only)
It's hard to find the right therapist. I get it! My intention is to be as straightforward and compassionate as possible. I work with people from many walks of life. Regardless of culture, economics, gender identity, sexual orientation or vocation, we all seek greater meaning, depth, authenticity & inner peace. I draw from 25+ years of professional experience blending insights and supportive tools from psychology and non-denominational spirituality. Whether you're newer to this process or a "seasoned client," I work best with people who are committed to inner growth. I provide psychotherapy as well as life and business coaching.
It's hard to find the right therapist. I get it! My intention is to be as straightforward and compassionate as possible. I work with people from many walks of life. Regardless of culture, economics, gender identity, sexual orientation or vocation, we all seek greater meaning, depth, authenticity & inner peace. I draw from 25+ years of professional experience blending insights and supportive tools from psychology and non-denominational spirituality. Whether you're newer to this process or a "seasoned client," I work best with people who are committed to inner growth. I provide psychotherapy as well as life and business coaching.
(628) 666-0266 View (628) 666-0266
Photo of Robynne O'Byrne, PhD, Psychologist
Robynne O'Byrne
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
Robynne has expertise in treating anxiety and depression in adults, children and teens, working with adult survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma, and treating patients with alcohol and other addictions. She also specializes in working with couples around marital issues and has training in grief and loss, having worked with many patients confronting these issues, including parents who have lost a child. In addition to working with clients in therapy, Robynne is also a trained mediator and works with divorcing couples around custody and financial agreements.
Robynne has expertise in treating anxiety and depression in adults, children and teens, working with adult survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma, and treating patients with alcohol and other addictions. She also specializes in working with couples around marital issues and has training in grief and loss, having worked with many patients confronting these issues, including parents who have lost a child. In addition to working with clients in therapy, Robynne is also a trained mediator and works with divorcing couples around custody and financial agreements.
(628) 244-8701 View (628) 244-8701
Photo of Barbara A. Turner, PhD, LMFT, STR-CT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barbara A. Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, STR-CT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I have worked with adults and children for over 30 years. My work bridges a broad spectrum of life issues with the belief that we each carry a unique inner authority that directs us to develop according to our own truth. My work has a Jungian orientation. In addition to verbal therapy with adults we may incorporate dream work, art, Sandplay or EMDR as a means of self-exploration. With children I use play therapy and Sandplay. Some of the issues I work with include anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, trauma, sexual abuse, child adjustment, post pandemic modifications, gender orientation, etc. www.BarbaraTurnerTherapy.com
I have worked with adults and children for over 30 years. My work bridges a broad spectrum of life issues with the belief that we each carry a unique inner authority that directs us to develop according to our own truth. My work has a Jungian orientation. In addition to verbal therapy with adults we may incorporate dream work, art, Sandplay or EMDR as a means of self-exploration. With children I use play therapy and Sandplay. Some of the issues I work with include anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, trauma, sexual abuse, child adjustment, post pandemic modifications, gender orientation, etc. www.BarbaraTurnerTherapy.com
(707) 414-8293 View (707) 414-8293

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kelsey Meredith Wunderle, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelsey Meredith Wunderle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I use an integrative trauma informed approach that is based in knowledge of the body and brain, and is informed by internal family systems therapy, expressive arts, somatics and hypnotherapy.
I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed and deeply listened to. In a complex and challenging world, I have the tools to support you in compassionately engaging your inner work and cultivating more well being. If you are struggling with anxiety, the impacts of trauma, or seeking change and growth in your relationships and life, I can help you resource yourself in meeting difficulties. Together we can discover the sources of imbalance and address their root causes while building new skills and tools.
I use an integrative trauma informed approach that is based in knowledge of the body and brain, and is informed by internal family systems therapy, expressive arts, somatics and hypnotherapy.
I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed and deeply listened to. In a complex and challenging world, I have the tools to support you in compassionately engaging your inner work and cultivating more well being. If you are struggling with anxiety, the impacts of trauma, or seeking change and growth in your relationships and life, I can help you resource yourself in meeting difficulties. Together we can discover the sources of imbalance and address their root causes while building new skills and tools.
(415) 449-8159 View (415) 449-8159
Photo of Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa, PhD, Psychologist
Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Geronimo, CA 94963
I personalize treatment for you, using a combination of insight oriented work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guided meditation, dream work, forest therapy, hypnotherapy, art, movement, and music therapies.
Serving Oregon & California. Are you contemplating or working through a major change, transition, or transformation? This could mean a shift in work, relationship, gender or sexual identity, spiritual perspective, health status, or a recent loss. When we are thrust into the unknown, finding a new way forward can feel confusing, overwhelming, scary, or uncertain. You might be unsure of what to do next, worry you have lost your way, or find it hard to trust you will land on your feet again. I specialize in working with people navigating major change. I walk alongside you in the mystery until you find your way to the other shore
I personalize treatment for you, using a combination of insight oriented work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guided meditation, dream work, forest therapy, hypnotherapy, art, movement, and music therapies.
Serving Oregon & California. Are you contemplating or working through a major change, transition, or transformation? This could mean a shift in work, relationship, gender or sexual identity, spiritual perspective, health status, or a recent loss. When we are thrust into the unknown, finding a new way forward can feel confusing, overwhelming, scary, or uncertain. You might be unsure of what to do next, worry you have lost your way, or find it hard to trust you will land on your feet again. I specialize in working with people navigating major change. I walk alongside you in the mystery until you find your way to the other shore
(707) 243-3293 View (707) 243-3293
Photo of Larry Yavorsky - Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement, LMFT, RN, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RN, MA
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Including: mindfulness training, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, somatic, transpersonal and approaches for exploring developmental patterns, & emotional triggers.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
Including: mindfulness training, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, somatic, transpersonal and approaches for exploring developmental patterns, & emotional triggers.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
(510) 401-3935 View (510) 401-3935
Photo of Michelle Baumgartner, LCSW, OTR/L, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Baumgartner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, OTR/L
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Are life's challenges leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Highly skilled in helping clients navigate and integrate the experience of having a chronic/serious health condition, or the loss of a loved one. Help resolving difficult or early life experiences that are affecting current relationships. Enjoy supporting women as they transition: A young adult woman finding her authentic, empowered self. A pregnant/postpartum woman managing her changing moods, preparing for this rite of passage, and adjusting to a new role. A perimenopausal/menopausal woman examining her life, finding her voice, and taking new risks.
Are life's challenges leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Highly skilled in helping clients navigate and integrate the experience of having a chronic/serious health condition, or the loss of a loved one. Help resolving difficult or early life experiences that are affecting current relationships. Enjoy supporting women as they transition: A young adult woman finding her authentic, empowered self. A pregnant/postpartum woman managing her changing moods, preparing for this rite of passage, and adjusting to a new role. A perimenopausal/menopausal woman examining her life, finding her voice, and taking new risks.
(415) 969-4170 View (415) 969-4170
Photo of Deane Rain Marie, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deane Rain Marie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I work with chronic dieters, binge eating disorder, and poor body image. Your body does not determine your value. However, you're surrounded by a culture that tells you it's YOUR fault. You've dieted until you don't even recognize your relationship with food anymore. You can't hear your body, let alone trust it. Your concept of your body and your relationship with it are damaged. You just know you're not what you're supposed to be, not valuable or acceptable.You're binging one moment and dieting the next. We weren't designed to live this way. I can help! I’ve been there. If you’re tired of the weight cycling, let’s work to end it!
I work with chronic dieters, binge eating disorder, and poor body image. Your body does not determine your value. However, you're surrounded by a culture that tells you it's YOUR fault. You've dieted until you don't even recognize your relationship with food anymore. You can't hear your body, let alone trust it. Your concept of your body and your relationship with it are damaged. You just know you're not what you're supposed to be, not valuable or acceptable.You're binging one moment and dieting the next. We weren't designed to live this way. I can help! I’ve been there. If you’re tired of the weight cycling, let’s work to end it!
(415) 306-8551 View (415) 306-8551
Photo of Dr. Nata-Andrea Bolsheva-Blizenko - Spiritual Unification Istitute of AIWP, PhD, PC, FNCPC, FNCCCE, Counsel, Pastoral Counselor
Spiritual Unification Istitute of AIWP
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, PC, FNCPC, FNCCCE, Counsel
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Do you have a relationship that needs improving? Do your career, business skills, performance, and money power need a boost? Are negativity and self-doubt sabotaging the very things you want to do ... stopping you before you begin? Is your creativity at a dead stop? Has your power of attraction tad the dust? Do you start projects and never finish? Do you want to increase your personal magnetism and attract the right kind of people in your life? Your goals are achievable and the possibilities are endless with Biblical Counseling and Hypnosis sessions. I am Certified COVID-19 and Behavioral Health
Do you have a relationship that needs improving? Do your career, business skills, performance, and money power need a boost? Are negativity and self-doubt sabotaging the very things you want to do ... stopping you before you begin? Is your creativity at a dead stop? Has your power of attraction tad the dust? Do you start projects and never finish? Do you want to increase your personal magnetism and attract the right kind of people in your life? Your goals are achievable and the possibilities are endless with Biblical Counseling and Hypnosis sessions. I am Certified COVID-19 and Behavioral Health
(415) 524-7894 View (415) 524-7894
Photo of Gautama (Glenn) Katzman, MA LMF, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gautama (Glenn) Katzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMF
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
From the perspective of the Soul, Earth Is a Place We Come To Evolve and one's Life is the perfect curriculum for our evolution. The Pains of our lives force us to grow. My works helps people grow, evolve, in 2 primary ways. Releasing Trauma (emotional overwhelm) with tools such as EMDR, TAT, IFS: and developing skills: such as Emotional Awareness and Regulation/ Communication/ How to be present with ourselves and others/ Meditation/ How to take care of our inner child parts/ Forgiveness and Acceptance. A sturdy versatile Emotional Toolbox is absolutely essential for inner wellbeing and peace as well as healthy relationships.
From the perspective of the Soul, Earth Is a Place We Come To Evolve and one's Life is the perfect curriculum for our evolution. The Pains of our lives force us to grow. My works helps people grow, evolve, in 2 primary ways. Releasing Trauma (emotional overwhelm) with tools such as EMDR, TAT, IFS: and developing skills: such as Emotional Awareness and Regulation/ Communication/ How to be present with ourselves and others/ Meditation/ How to take care of our inner child parts/ Forgiveness and Acceptance. A sturdy versatile Emotional Toolbox is absolutely essential for inner wellbeing and peace as well as healthy relationships.
(505) 557-1305 View (505) 557-1305
Photo of Emily Morrison, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emily Morrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903  (Online Only)
Now licensed in California and Oregon. When we allow ourselves to connect with our physical experience it often allows us to move through our emotional experience with more ease. Life is full of big emotions. Using tools like mindfulness and body/mind awareness, I help clients build a library of coping strategies for various challenges to empower them to manage the big feelings that arise. This framework works aids in improve a variety of issues and difficulties, but some of the challenges I work with people most often in are anxiety, depression, life transitions and repatterning behaviors and relational interactions.
Now licensed in California and Oregon. When we allow ourselves to connect with our physical experience it often allows us to move through our emotional experience with more ease. Life is full of big emotions. Using tools like mindfulness and body/mind awareness, I help clients build a library of coping strategies for various challenges to empower them to manage the big feelings that arise. This framework works aids in improve a variety of issues and difficulties, but some of the challenges I work with people most often in are anxiety, depression, life transitions and repatterning behaviors and relational interactions.
(707) 635-6453 View (707) 635-6453
Photo of Shawn Michael Nichols, PhD, MA, CC
Shawn Michael Nichols
PhD, MA, CC
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Executive Coaching. Frustrated with managing your coworkers, staff, or children? I'm an Organizational Psychologist, helping people develop better Behaviors and Systems. Success is in the way you speak, strategize, and hold others to healthier actions every day. Be the best leader or parent - they have a great deal in common. What you should find through our work is: relationships become more positive, you are understood, and you can lead others to develop their own improved social skills and interactions. You will understand emotional responses and they will learn daily methods to reject fear and ambivalence.
Executive Coaching. Frustrated with managing your coworkers, staff, or children? I'm an Organizational Psychologist, helping people develop better Behaviors and Systems. Success is in the way you speak, strategize, and hold others to healthier actions every day. Be the best leader or parent - they have a great deal in common. What you should find through our work is: relationships become more positive, you are understood, and you can lead others to develop their own improved social skills and interactions. You will understand emotional responses and they will learn daily methods to reject fear and ambivalence.
(707) 205-4638 View (707) 205-4638
Photo of Jan Edl Stein, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jan Edl Stein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lagunitas, CA 94938  (Online Only)
In practice for 30+ years, I offer heartfelt therapy that is engaged, creative and deep. If you are feeling "stuck" in an old story, caught in repeating thought or behavioral patterns, or have a sense of not being fully present for life, I can help you shift into a fuller sense of yourself that is empowered and positive. My style is sensitive yet direct and "down-to-earth". We all have a creative aspect to our psyche that has the power to make effective changes positive outcomes in our lives. I endeavor to awaken that resource.
In practice for 30+ years, I offer heartfelt therapy that is engaged, creative and deep. If you are feeling "stuck" in an old story, caught in repeating thought or behavioral patterns, or have a sense of not being fully present for life, I can help you shift into a fuller sense of yourself that is empowered and positive. My style is sensitive yet direct and "down-to-earth". We all have a creative aspect to our psyche that has the power to make effective changes positive outcomes in our lives. I endeavor to awaken that resource.
(415) 799-4022 View (415) 799-4022
Photo of Albert Wong, PhD, Psychologist
Albert Wong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
(415) 991-0289 View (415) 991-0289
Photo of Jo Sopko, MFT, RDT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Jacqueline Sarah Robertson, MA, LMFT, PATP, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline Sarah Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PATP, EMDR
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Ross, CA 94957
Change is ready for you. Do you find yourself battling burnout, anxiety, or depression? Are you feeling trapped or besieged by overwhelming emotions? If you're yearning for a shift in your life, CHANGE is possible. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative journeys, helping them break free from limiting patterns and heal past wounds that hinder their path to fulfillment. In my therapy sessions, you'll find a safe haven—a space free of judgment and filled with compassion. Together, we'll unravel the layers of your being, unearth hidden truths, and cultivate new coping mechanisms. Your authentic self awaits you.
Change is ready for you. Do you find yourself battling burnout, anxiety, or depression? Are you feeling trapped or besieged by overwhelming emotions? If you're yearning for a shift in your life, CHANGE is possible. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative journeys, helping them break free from limiting patterns and heal past wounds that hinder their path to fulfillment. In my therapy sessions, you'll find a safe haven—a space free of judgment and filled with compassion. Together, we'll unravel the layers of your being, unearth hidden truths, and cultivate new coping mechanisms. Your authentic self awaits you.
(805) 991-0685 View (805) 991-0685
HypnoTherapy

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy works by using guided hypnosis to help you reach a state of focus and concentration through mental imagery and soothing verbal repetition. The state is somewhat like being absorbed in a book, a movie, or your own thoughts. You are not under a therapist’s “control,” but they can help you relax and turn your attention inward to discover the resources to achieve behavior change or better manage psychological concerns. Therapy sessions may involve guiding you through recognizing a problem, releasing problematic thoughts about it, and considering and accepting more productive alternatives before returning to normal awareness. Hypnotherapy is typically used by a therapist along with traditional forms of talk therapy. Eventually, your therapist can help you learn hypnotherapy techniques yourself so you can establish a stronger sense of control on your own in stressful or challenging moments.

Is hypnotherapy the same as hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy, which is sometimes called hypnotic suggestion, is a therapeutic technique in which a therapist uses hypnosis to help patients. It is not the kind of hypnosis portrayed in stage shows, or in movies or on television. You will not be unconscious or asleep during hypnotherapy, you will not lose control of yourself, your thoughts, or your free will, and you will be able to fully recall your experience. And while you will hear your therapist’s suggestions, it is always up to you to decide whether to act on them. Hypnosis by a trained mental-health professional is not a form of mind control, which is impossible to achieve anyway.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

The most common challenge of hypnotherapy is that as many as one in four people cannot be hypnotized. Brain imaging has confirmed differences in patterns of brain connectivity between those who respond to hypnotism and those who do not. Other people who could potentially be hypnotized may not respond to the technique because of their skepticism or resistance to entering a hypnotic state. If a therapist’s “post-hypnotic suggestion” is effective, it’s because they are suggesting something you want to achieve.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Through hypnotherapy, you can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. Like other talk therapy techniques, when hypnotherapy succeeds, it’s a case of mind over matter. Effective hypnotherapy involves self-healing because you access resources you need to change inside of yourself and learn how to tap into them whenever you need. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective therapy for anxiety, phobias, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and undesirable behaviors like smoking. It can be used to help improve sleep or to address relationship challenges, and to aid with pain management, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and the gastrointestinal side effects of pregnancy or chemotherapy.