Hypnotherapists in Sacramento, CA

Photo of Ray Brown, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ray Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819  (Online Only)
These include psychodynamic therapy, Rogerian (Person Centered) therapy, Cognitive/Behavioral therapy, and Hypnotherapy as well as a variety of other techniques, depending on the situation we are working with.
I believe our mutual job is to work together to help you find the best ways of dealing effectively with your problem. Sometimes, although we may know the answers to our problems, we have never been taught the skills to implement that knowledge. Part of my job is to use my expertise and education to teach those skills. For example, we may realize we are being misunderstood by others and work hard to be understood, but no matter how hard we try, nothing changes. Teaching communication skills is one of my areas of expertise that may prove useful.
These include psychodynamic therapy, Rogerian (Person Centered) therapy, Cognitive/Behavioral therapy, and Hypnotherapy as well as a variety of other techniques, depending on the situation we are working with.
I believe our mutual job is to work together to help you find the best ways of dealing effectively with your problem. Sometimes, although we may know the answers to our problems, we have never been taught the skills to implement that knowledge. Part of my job is to use my expertise and education to teach those skills. For example, we may realize we are being misunderstood by others and work hard to be understood, but no matter how hard we try, nothing changes. Teaching communication skills is one of my areas of expertise that may prove useful.
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Photo of Renata Peterson, MSW, LCSW, CCHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renata Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95841  (Online Only)
The approaches used are counseling, coaching, behavior therapy and hypnotherapy.
I believe that when individuals are ready to receive help, they will benefit greatly. Those I serve have sought assistance because they seek to move beyond their struggle, not because they had been asked to do so. This is not to say that those who have been encouraged haven't benefited as well. The approaches used allow me to serve those who are experiencing stress, anxiety or trauma. I also assist those who are ready to find their life's purpose but feel that they need the extra support in meeting this goal.
The approaches used are counseling, coaching, behavior therapy and hypnotherapy.
I believe that when individuals are ready to receive help, they will benefit greatly. Those I serve have sought assistance because they seek to move beyond their struggle, not because they had been asked to do so. This is not to say that those who have been encouraged haven't benefited as well. The approaches used allow me to serve those who are experiencing stress, anxiety or trauma. I also assist those who are ready to find their life's purpose but feel that they need the extra support in meeting this goal.
(916) 778-3116 View (916) 778-3116
Photo of Kenneth Cedric Grossman, PhD
Kenneth Cedric Grossman
PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
He has a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University and is an International Certified Hypnotherapy Instructor.
Dr. Kenneth Grossman is a solution focused Hypnotherapist who has successfully worked with over 50,000 clients. He consults with professional athletes, CEO's, corporate managers, entrepreneurs and other high functioning people who wish to rapidly resolve the issues and challenges in their lives. Whether you desire to reduce your anxiety, eliminate panic attacks, sleep better, stop smoking, control drinking...or even improve your golf score...consider hypnotherapy with Dr. Grossman.
He has a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University and is an International Certified Hypnotherapy Instructor.
Dr. Kenneth Grossman is a solution focused Hypnotherapist who has successfully worked with over 50,000 clients. He consults with professional athletes, CEO's, corporate managers, entrepreneurs and other high functioning people who wish to rapidly resolve the issues and challenges in their lives. Whether you desire to reduce your anxiety, eliminate panic attacks, sleep better, stop smoking, control drinking...or even improve your golf score...consider hypnotherapy with Dr. Grossman.
(866) 287-1826 View (866) 287-1826
Photo of Anna Rivett, CCHT, MFTT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Anna Rivett
Pre-Licensed Professional, CCHT, MFTT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Are you on a journey of healing and transformation? I offer integrative therapy at Hearts and Hands Counseling. I specialize in helping clients overcome challenges and move toward their dreams. Many of my clients are trauma survivors, people healing cancer, and people manifesting a new relationship. I work with a Jungian and Depth orientation, guiding my clients to create joyful, meaningful new experiences and fulfilling relationships. At AMARA Journeys, I offer integrative hypnotherapy, specializing in helping clients deepen their relaxation to create profound changes in health, career, and relationships.
Are you on a journey of healing and transformation? I offer integrative therapy at Hearts and Hands Counseling. I specialize in helping clients overcome challenges and move toward their dreams. Many of my clients are trauma survivors, people healing cancer, and people manifesting a new relationship. I work with a Jungian and Depth orientation, guiding my clients to create joyful, meaningful new experiences and fulfilling relationships. At AMARA Journeys, I offer integrative hypnotherapy, specializing in helping clients deepen their relaxation to create profound changes in health, career, and relationships.
(916) 633-6239 View (916) 633-6239
Photo of Kim Burris - The Holistic Counseling Center, Kim Burris LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Holistic Counseling Center, Kim Burris LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95819
Life's too short to stay stuck in survival mode. If you're tired of feeling burdened by your past, battling anxiety, or stuck in an endless cycle of stress and overwhelm, I can help. Me and my team work with adults, teens, moms and couples, and specialize in humans struggling with: Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum (PPD/PPA), Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Life Purpose. Modalities include: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Depth Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, Somatic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. We can help you unearth the root cause of your struggles, find relief from your pain, and start rebuilding your life.
Life's too short to stay stuck in survival mode. If you're tired of feeling burdened by your past, battling anxiety, or stuck in an endless cycle of stress and overwhelm, I can help. Me and my team work with adults, teens, moms and couples, and specialize in humans struggling with: Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum (PPD/PPA), Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Life Purpose. Modalities include: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Depth Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, Somatic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. We can help you unearth the root cause of your struggles, find relief from your pain, and start rebuilding your life.
(916) 352-7565 View (916) 352-7565
Photo of Kimberly Mascaro, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Mascaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94209  (Online Only)
Allow me to support you and help you thrive! Employed in the fields of mental/behavioral health, and education, since 1999, I'm also certified in guided meditation/yoga nidra, hypnotherapy, and integrative mental health.
Everyone wants to live a life of purpose and meaning. Whether you are currently facing challenging times, or desiring support in your next life chapter, I'm here for you. I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic style, integrating multiple therapeutic approaches. Currently, I serve a diverse adult population (primarily women in the 20s through their 50s) in many aspects of their lives, such as creativity, spirituality, post-trauma care, ADHD and executive functioning, anxiety, postpartum, big life transitions, grief/loss, cancer support, sleep and dreams, and late stage recovery.
Allow me to support you and help you thrive! Employed in the fields of mental/behavioral health, and education, since 1999, I'm also certified in guided meditation/yoga nidra, hypnotherapy, and integrative mental health.
Everyone wants to live a life of purpose and meaning. Whether you are currently facing challenging times, or desiring support in your next life chapter, I'm here for you. I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic style, integrating multiple therapeutic approaches. Currently, I serve a diverse adult population (primarily women in the 20s through their 50s) in many aspects of their lives, such as creativity, spirituality, post-trauma care, ADHD and executive functioning, anxiety, postpartum, big life transitions, grief/loss, cancer support, sleep and dreams, and late stage recovery.
(530) 203-5874 View (530) 203-5874
Photo of Jackie Ambrow, MA, CHT, CFA
Jackie Ambrow
MA, CHT, CFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
I help you get there with holistic tools from Hypnotherapy and Tapping/EFT plus anthropology, neuroscience, business and franchising, quantum physics, metaphysics and spirituality.
I help you create breakthroughs to greater Health, Wealth, Relationships and Impact. A breakthrough in one area can help you create breakthroughs in all the others. I help you find connect the dots, create new possibilities, let go of old patterns that no longer serve you, become the person you want to be, and get the results you need and want in your life. Just imagine what would be possible for you if you were really tuned in to your best inner promptings and felt courageous and confident enough to really go for your dreams. Almost anything would be possible for you, right?
I help you get there with holistic tools from Hypnotherapy and Tapping/EFT plus anthropology, neuroscience, business and franchising, quantum physics, metaphysics and spirituality.
I help you create breakthroughs to greater Health, Wealth, Relationships and Impact. A breakthrough in one area can help you create breakthroughs in all the others. I help you find connect the dots, create new possibilities, let go of old patterns that no longer serve you, become the person you want to be, and get the results you need and want in your life. Just imagine what would be possible for you if you were really tuned in to your best inner promptings and felt courageous and confident enough to really go for your dreams. Almost anything would be possible for you, right?
(352) 218-1670 View (352) 218-1670
Photo of Nicholas K. Bennett, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicholas K. Bennett
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
I take an integrated approach to psychotherapy, incorporating aspects of CBT, CPT, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and a variety of other treatment modalities.
I am licensed in both CA & WV. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, specific phobias, and trauma in clients pre-teen through late adulthood. I have served on integrative teams for parents and children in CPS cases as well as on collaborative teams providing treatment for clients residing in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with service members and Veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender clients seeking gender reassignment surgeries.
I take an integrated approach to psychotherapy, incorporating aspects of CBT, CPT, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and a variety of other treatment modalities.
I am licensed in both CA & WV. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, specific phobias, and trauma in clients pre-teen through late adulthood. I have served on integrative teams for parents and children in CPS cases as well as on collaborative teams providing treatment for clients residing in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with service members and Veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender clients seeking gender reassignment surgeries.
(805) 203-6673 View (805) 203-6673
Photo of Michael Thaden, MS, LMFT, ATR-BC, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Thaden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, ATR-BC, CHT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
(916) 259-3990 View (916) 259-3990
Photo of Dr. John J Murphy, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. John J Murphy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827
You’re going through life with anxiety, depression, and difficulty connecting with others. Of course! You’ve become an adult without proper guidance on how to manage your fears, cultivate resilience, and connect with others. Together, we can change that. Using both traditional and psychedelic therapy, my purpose is to be that guide. With ketamine assisted psychotherapy, you can finally have that transformative experience you’re really looking for. Not just to control your anxiety but to grow and become who you want to be. To go from surviving to thriving.
You’re going through life with anxiety, depression, and difficulty connecting with others. Of course! You’ve become an adult without proper guidance on how to manage your fears, cultivate resilience, and connect with others. Together, we can change that. Using both traditional and psychedelic therapy, my purpose is to be that guide. With ketamine assisted psychotherapy, you can finally have that transformative experience you’re really looking for. Not just to control your anxiety but to grow and become who you want to be. To go from surviving to thriving.
(279) 972-8538 View (279) 972-8538
Photo of Gina Holden, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gina Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I provide sessions after 5pm, on weekends & I am currently accepting individual and couple clients. My clients would tell you I am fun to work with, they feel heard, understood, and know their goals are important to me. Creating a connective, judgement free, and an explorative environment is essential in any therapeutic process. In order to develop long lasting change, in your relationships, behavior, and your life, you need a safe space. There, in that increasing place of safety, you begin to take steps toward the change you want, the goals you have, and begin to live the life you desire! I look forward to meeting you!
I provide sessions after 5pm, on weekends & I am currently accepting individual and couple clients. My clients would tell you I am fun to work with, they feel heard, understood, and know their goals are important to me. Creating a connective, judgement free, and an explorative environment is essential in any therapeutic process. In order to develop long lasting change, in your relationships, behavior, and your life, you need a safe space. There, in that increasing place of safety, you begin to take steps toward the change you want, the goals you have, and begin to live the life you desire! I look forward to meeting you!
(916) 837-8565 View (916) 837-8565
Photo of Stephanie Souza, PsyD, Psychologist
Stephanie Souza
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95819  (Online Only)
Welcome. Life is mental so let's strengthen your mind. Taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. If you're experiencing anxiety, lack of sleep, or relationship hurdles, please keep reading. By understanding yourself more deeply, we can work on enhancing your communication, and decision-making skills, to help build resiliency and create positive movement in your life. Your journey towards greater understanding and awareness can start here.
Welcome. Life is mental so let's strengthen your mind. Taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. If you're experiencing anxiety, lack of sleep, or relationship hurdles, please keep reading. By understanding yourself more deeply, we can work on enhancing your communication, and decision-making skills, to help build resiliency and create positive movement in your life. Your journey towards greater understanding and awareness can start here.
(916) 775-8786 View (916) 775-8786
Photo of Janina Guarino - Better Decisions Counseling, LAADC, CA, CADC, II, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Better Decisions Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, CA, CADC, II
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827
Why choose us? Because of our methods of Cognitive Behavior Theory counseling. Counseling services have a 86% goal success rate! Open till 7:00 by appointment. We offer Supervise visits, Co-parenting, Anger Management, Alcohol Forensic Assessments & Evaluations, Drug testing, a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT/SAP) Education to help you achieve your goals. Interventions and referrals to residential treatment centers and Sober Living available. Don't forget to like our Facebook page! Call us! Located in Sacramento and nearby.
Why choose us? Because of our methods of Cognitive Behavior Theory counseling. Counseling services have a 86% goal success rate! Open till 7:00 by appointment. We offer Supervise visits, Co-parenting, Anger Management, Alcohol Forensic Assessments & Evaluations, Drug testing, a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT/SAP) Education to help you achieve your goals. Interventions and referrals to residential treatment centers and Sober Living available. Don't forget to like our Facebook page! Call us! Located in Sacramento and nearby.
(916) 318-3402 View (916) 318-3402
Photo of Jeffrey W Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Jeffrey W Danese
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
I graduated from a M.S. mental health counseling program at Eastern Washington University in 1995, got certified and ran a private practice in Seattle from 1995 through 2003. I worked in an outpatient community clinic, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, at retreat centers, and at a college counseling center until starting work on a PhD in Religious Studies and Psychology. I worked, studied, and lived in Europe, East Asia, and Africa before teaching 10 years at San Jose State University, so I am comfortable and confident working with very different sorts of people and I want everyone and anyone to feel welcome and at ease in my care.
I graduated from a M.S. mental health counseling program at Eastern Washington University in 1995, got certified and ran a private practice in Seattle from 1995 through 2003. I worked in an outpatient community clinic, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, at retreat centers, and at a college counseling center until starting work on a PhD in Religious Studies and Psychology. I worked, studied, and lived in Europe, East Asia, and Africa before teaching 10 years at San Jose State University, so I am comfortable and confident working with very different sorts of people and I want everyone and anyone to feel welcome and at ease in my care.
(916) 354-6244 View (916) 354-6244
Photo of Kaylan Dias, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kaylan Dias
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95820  (Online Only)
Are you a woman whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns in your life.
Are you a woman whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns in your life.
(916) 510-0325 View (916) 510-0325
Photo of Ursula Lewis, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ursula Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95831
Are you feeling disconnected from the important people in your life? Does your life feel overwhelming or out of control ? Are you worried about your marriage or relationship ? Do you feel overwhelmed with being a parent & wonder if you are doing a "good enough" job? Are you frustrated you can't kick certain compulsive or addictive habits? Are you still affected by past traumatic experiences ? I know this can feel tiring and overwhelming. Let me help. You don't have to feel like this any longer.
Are you feeling disconnected from the important people in your life? Does your life feel overwhelming or out of control ? Are you worried about your marriage or relationship ? Do you feel overwhelmed with being a parent & wonder if you are doing a "good enough" job? Are you frustrated you can't kick certain compulsive or addictive habits? Are you still affected by past traumatic experiences ? I know this can feel tiring and overwhelming. Let me help. You don't have to feel like this any longer.
(530) 303-7013 View (530) 303-7013
Photo of Carole L Thompson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carole L Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
**ONLINE THERAPY AVAILABLE** Do you come from a family where one or both of your parents/caregivers were not emotionally there for you as a child, maybe they had an addiction (alcohol, drugs, work, anything else but you)? From these experiences as a child you received and downloaded messages that impact your life now as an adult. Maybe now as an adult you too suffer from an addiction, experience depression and/or anxiety or perhaps you keep finding yourself in co-dependent relationships. You want to break free from feeling lost and/or out of control, you want to be happy and feel secure in yourself and relationships.
**ONLINE THERAPY AVAILABLE** Do you come from a family where one or both of your parents/caregivers were not emotionally there for you as a child, maybe they had an addiction (alcohol, drugs, work, anything else but you)? From these experiences as a child you received and downloaded messages that impact your life now as an adult. Maybe now as an adult you too suffer from an addiction, experience depression and/or anxiety or perhaps you keep finding yourself in co-dependent relationships. You want to break free from feeling lost and/or out of control, you want to be happy and feel secure in yourself and relationships.
(916) 619-3791 View (916) 619-3791
Photo of Rosa Di Lorenzo, PsyD, Psychologist
Rosa Di Lorenzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
How would you like to live a vital, fulfilling life and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety that keep you stuck? I offer integrative mind/body approaches to health and wellness, including ACT and Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, a tailored use of meditation and body awareness techniques, suggestions for lifestyle adjustments, and emphasis on Being in the moment. I am also interested in existential issues like aging, transitions and losses, relationships/communication problems, and managing changes. Being mother tongue Italian, I am happy to offer bilingual services to Italian-speaking clients.
How would you like to live a vital, fulfilling life and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety that keep you stuck? I offer integrative mind/body approaches to health and wellness, including ACT and Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, a tailored use of meditation and body awareness techniques, suggestions for lifestyle adjustments, and emphasis on Being in the moment. I am also interested in existential issues like aging, transitions and losses, relationships/communication problems, and managing changes. Being mother tongue Italian, I am happy to offer bilingual services to Italian-speaking clients.
(916) 525-8595 View (916) 525-8595
Photo of Thomas Chipp - Thomas Chipp LCSW, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thomas Chipp LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I specialize in working with patients and/or family members dealing with adjustment reactions to medical illnesses including: cancer, neurological, aging, various physical/mental challenges: with associated grief; loss; depression; anxiety. I teach different coping strategies to deal with these issues. Including: Cognitive Behavioral techniques; Relaxation/stress reduction exercises; in naming just a couple of means of working with these difficult and often painful situations.
I specialize in working with patients and/or family members dealing with adjustment reactions to medical illnesses including: cancer, neurological, aging, various physical/mental challenges: with associated grief; loss; depression; anxiety. I teach different coping strategies to deal with these issues. Including: Cognitive Behavioral techniques; Relaxation/stress reduction exercises; in naming just a couple of means of working with these difficult and often painful situations.
(916) 597-1454 View (916) 597-1454
Photo of Deborah Miller-Froh, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Miller-Froh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people who are struggling, and decide take the courageous step to ask for help. Many have a history of trauma and suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, parenting challenges, sleep issues, sexual difficulties, chronic pain, relationship problems, and other post-traumatic responses. Also, present-day situations in our personal or collective worlds can be objectively hard to bear. Our experiences leave traces psychologically and somatically, so I use evidence-based, body-oriented, mindfulness techniques to address limiting patterns so that you can live more authentically today's challenging world.
I work with people who are struggling, and decide take the courageous step to ask for help. Many have a history of trauma and suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, parenting challenges, sleep issues, sexual difficulties, chronic pain, relationship problems, and other post-traumatic responses. Also, present-day situations in our personal or collective worlds can be objectively hard to bear. Our experiences leave traces psychologically and somatically, so I use evidence-based, body-oriented, mindfulness techniques to address limiting patterns so that you can live more authentically today's challenging world.
(916) 378-6706 View (916) 378-6706
1
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.