Hypnotherapists in Sebastopol, CA
![Photo of Karen E. Prosen, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22fee381-66c2-4282-afd2-e86fc49478ad/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karen E. Prosen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472
I have a background in hypnotherapy and my focus is now on transpersonal psychology, while acknowledging that systems and intersectional identities affect our mental health.
You deserve to live a life of alignment and fulfillment and to receive support as you do so. Taking the step to speak to a therapist is an act of self-honoring as you move in a new direction in your life. My ideal client is motivated and seeks a caring therapist willing to individualize treatment. If this is you, and you are interested in EMDR, parts work/IFS, and a somatic orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to connect further.
I have a background in hypnotherapy and my focus is now on transpersonal psychology, while acknowledging that systems and intersectional identities affect our mental health.
You deserve to live a life of alignment and fulfillment and to receive support as you do so. Taking the step to speak to a therapist is an act of self-honoring as you move in a new direction in your life. My ideal client is motivated and seeks a caring therapist willing to individualize treatment. If this is you, and you are interested in EMDR, parts work/IFS, and a somatic orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to connect further.
![Photo of Mimi Rose Bashaw, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/886fa8b5-6f1d-41e2-95ae-8e3be74fbdcd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mimi Rose Bashaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95473
Depending upon the needs of each client, I utilize EMDR, Gestalt therapy, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, dream work, ceremony, expressive arts and acupressure.
Fulfillment from relationships and the transformation of heartbreak, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and isolation are all possible. Sometimes we need outside support to help us identify our strengths and guide us down a path that leads to healing. With sensitivity and compassion, I integrate the most effective approaches that help my clients heal from the past and realize peace and happiness in their lives. I welcome individuals and couples of any gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs. I have worked extensively with clients who have experienced altered states of consciousness and those who use cannabis as medicine.
Depending upon the needs of each client, I utilize EMDR, Gestalt therapy, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, dream work, ceremony, expressive arts and acupressure.
Fulfillment from relationships and the transformation of heartbreak, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and isolation are all possible. Sometimes we need outside support to help us identify our strengths and guide us down a path that leads to healing. With sensitivity and compassion, I integrate the most effective approaches that help my clients heal from the past and realize peace and happiness in their lives. I welcome individuals and couples of any gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs. I have worked extensively with clients who have experienced altered states of consciousness and those who use cannabis as medicine.
![Photo of Diana Breeze Holloway, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403f15dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diana Breeze Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Waitlist for new clients
I bring training in hypnotherapy, EMDR, neurobiology, mindfulness, parts work, attachment, parenting and relationship dynamics.
We all come with baggage. It makes us who we are and yet it can be so heavy. My idea of therapy's purpose is to help clients lighten their load. Everybody wants to make healthier choices, to find joy in life. How that is done is individual and to be discovered. I have interest in and respect for the differences in people's experience. I also have faith in each person's ability to find a path to wholeness. If you have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, or other disturbances we can find the way to access your own inner healing power.
I bring training in hypnotherapy, EMDR, neurobiology, mindfulness, parts work, attachment, parenting and relationship dynamics.
We all come with baggage. It makes us who we are and yet it can be so heavy. My idea of therapy's purpose is to help clients lighten their load. Everybody wants to make healthier choices, to find joy in life. How that is done is individual and to be discovered. I have interest in and respect for the differences in people's experience. I also have faith in each person's ability to find a path to wholeness. If you have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, or other disturbances we can find the way to access your own inner healing power.
![Photo of Jeffrey Tipp, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4418fd33-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am certified in EMDR and Clinical Hypnotherapy and was trained directly by Michael White, the developer of Narrative Therapy.
My therapy practice is client centered, so I place full attention on precisely what you hope for , what you dream of, and what gets in the way. I tailor our work to achieve meaningful change that will endure, regardless of outer circumstances.I combine Zen awareness training and cutting edge modalities that are innovative yet accessible and invite the inner courage of my clients.I recognize and honor the native wisdom of clients regarding their own lives. Clients report they experience the beginnings of change almost immediately. Over half of my clients work with me via Skype video conferencing.
I am certified in EMDR and Clinical Hypnotherapy and was trained directly by Michael White, the developer of Narrative Therapy.
My therapy practice is client centered, so I place full attention on precisely what you hope for , what you dream of, and what gets in the way. I tailor our work to achieve meaningful change that will endure, regardless of outer circumstances.I combine Zen awareness training and cutting edge modalities that are innovative yet accessible and invite the inner courage of my clients.I recognize and honor the native wisdom of clients regarding their own lives. Clients report they experience the beginnings of change almost immediately. Over half of my clients work with me via Skype video conferencing.
![Photo of Hochima Denise Treppa, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca88dd6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I have special training in Hypnotherapy, Psych-K, Emotion Code, EMDR, Grief Counseling, Childhood Depression, Play Therapy, Sandtray, Divorce Counseling, Somatic Experiencing, Research-based Couples' Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics issues, & issues of Sexual Abuse.
If you find you just are hitting a plateau which you cannot move beyond, the pain of your childhood or past trauma somehow comes up to keep you down or stuck in life or your relationships. You are seeking a Professional who is supportive, compassionate and understanding; who can help and guide you to your own answers, perfectly tailored for you, without shaming you or intimidating you. Or you are a parent and want this type of support for your child. I can help you free yourself from your past and grow into the great person you know is within you.
I have special training in Hypnotherapy, Psych-K, Emotion Code, EMDR, Grief Counseling, Childhood Depression, Play Therapy, Sandtray, Divorce Counseling, Somatic Experiencing, Research-based Couples' Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics issues, & issues of Sexual Abuse.
If you find you just are hitting a plateau which you cannot move beyond, the pain of your childhood or past trauma somehow comes up to keep you down or stuck in life or your relationships. You are seeking a Professional who is supportive, compassionate and understanding; who can help and guide you to your own answers, perfectly tailored for you, without shaming you or intimidating you. Or you are a parent and want this type of support for your child. I can help you free yourself from your past and grow into the great person you know is within you.
![Photo of Pat Mitchell, CHT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4389b92a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hypnotherapy is effective because it bypasses the conscious, prefrontal cortex and communicates directly with the emotional brain, the amygdala that stores emotions, trauma, memories.
I work with clients who want to resolve childhood trauma, quit smoking or other undesirable habits. Also clients who have anxiety, depression, phobias or were subjected to sexual molestation and PTSD, can be helped through hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help to heal and change the negative programs from childhood and adult trauma too. Freud, Adler, and Jung used hypnosis. All the great founders in the field of psychology used hypnosis because it had proven its effectiveness. Hypnotherapy is unique because by going to the core problem it can quickly help you heal emotional wounds and have a new, more positive life.
Hypnotherapy is effective because it bypasses the conscious, prefrontal cortex and communicates directly with the emotional brain, the amygdala that stores emotions, trauma, memories.
I work with clients who want to resolve childhood trauma, quit smoking or other undesirable habits. Also clients who have anxiety, depression, phobias or were subjected to sexual molestation and PTSD, can be helped through hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help to heal and change the negative programs from childhood and adult trauma too. Freud, Adler, and Jung used hypnosis. All the great founders in the field of psychology used hypnosis because it had proven its effectiveness. Hypnotherapy is unique because by going to the core problem it can quickly help you heal emotional wounds and have a new, more positive life.
![Photo of Christine Dufond, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b117647-43fe-4c15-99f6-a51151de4fad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Is the suffering that you keep circling back around to your soul calling out to you to dig deeper and really heal yourself? Many of us wonder why we suffer so much in our relationships, why we are afraid of love, why we stay in less fulfilling places in life rather than taking the steps to live a more meaningful, larger life. The calling for humanity is coming from our souls. If you can at least be open to this possibility, I invite you into the therapy process of tapping into your soul's wisdom and letting it guide you.
Is the suffering that you keep circling back around to your soul calling out to you to dig deeper and really heal yourself? Many of us wonder why we suffer so much in our relationships, why we are afraid of love, why we stay in less fulfilling places in life rather than taking the steps to live a more meaningful, larger life. The calling for humanity is coming from our souls. If you can at least be open to this possibility, I invite you into the therapy process of tapping into your soul's wisdom and letting it guide you.
![Photo of Judith Blackbird Joinville, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad2b7e28-1118-4ce7-a113-73be2929e60a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Judith Blackbird Joinville
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Online Only)
When you are searching for a therapist the many choices may be confusing. There are so many different ways to describe a safe place where one can explore options, learn to communicate more effectively, debrief from previous hurts, exploitations or resolve a current crisis. Achieving a higher standard of life through self awareness and for some, banishing the self talk of shame and low self esteem which brings many to seek help. As your therapist, I incorporate my own personal work, training and supervison and above all, the experience of working with clients for the past 30 years.
When you are searching for a therapist the many choices may be confusing. There are so many different ways to describe a safe place where one can explore options, learn to communicate more effectively, debrief from previous hurts, exploitations or resolve a current crisis. Achieving a higher standard of life through self awareness and for some, banishing the self talk of shame and low self esteem which brings many to seek help. As your therapist, I incorporate my own personal work, training and supervison and above all, the experience of working with clients for the past 30 years.
![Photo of Mary Jane Covell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf711fe7-ba93-499f-ae17-9c8e173fdebe/2/320x400.jpeg)
"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but actually you've been planted"--Christine Caine. There is something painful in each of us that is waiting to be retrieved, healed and shaped into something beautiful. Our grief and longing draw us closer to our truest selves and help us surrender to being reshaped. Are you aware of what is withering inside of you to make room for the flowering of your Truest Self? Together we do more than just "fix" what troubles you...together we "craft the medicine" that truly heals.
"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but actually you've been planted"--Christine Caine. There is something painful in each of us that is waiting to be retrieved, healed and shaped into something beautiful. Our grief and longing draw us closer to our truest selves and help us surrender to being reshaped. Are you aware of what is withering inside of you to make room for the flowering of your Truest Self? Together we do more than just "fix" what troubles you...together we "craft the medicine" that truly heals.
![Photo of Richard Giovannoli, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c02b309-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
There is nothing quite like emotional pain. We carry it with us everywhere. It messes up our life. Sometimes it makes us want to hide from other people; sometimes from ourselves. Sometimes we turn to various escapes to quiet that insistent feeling in our bodies. We look to one solution after another until we learn to mistrust every solution. And we are right. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, there isn't even a one-size-fits-all question. You are unique, and only you have the answer. My role is to help you find it.
There is nothing quite like emotional pain. We carry it with us everywhere. It messes up our life. Sometimes it makes us want to hide from other people; sometimes from ourselves. Sometimes we turn to various escapes to quiet that insistent feeling in our bodies. We look to one solution after another until we learn to mistrust every solution. And we are right. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, there isn't even a one-size-fits-all question. You are unique, and only you have the answer. My role is to help you find it.
![Photo of Maz Karandish, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2439a62-c762-42bc-b0ce-e548ffefc0aa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Sebastopol, CA. My approach is client-centered and tailored to your needs. Elements of Mindfulness, IFS, CBT, and Psychodynamic therapy are integrated into my approach. In addition to being a therapist I'm also a professional touring musician and understand the complexities of living a high output lifestyle.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Sebastopol, CA. My approach is client-centered and tailored to your needs. Elements of Mindfulness, IFS, CBT, and Psychodynamic therapy are integrated into my approach. In addition to being a therapist I'm also a professional touring musician and understand the complexities of living a high output lifestyle.
![Photo of Roberta Godbe-Tipp, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4546e7d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roberta Godbe-Tipp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Online Only)
Tired of talk therapy? Are you looking for a dynamic, empowering approach to counseling? Maybe you are noticing that the natural felt sense of joy, aliveness and peace is eluding you. There are times in life when we all need support. As a seasoned Transpersonal Therapist with over forty years of contemplative practice, I bring an intuitive sensitivity, trained attention and wisdom to our work together and support you in awakening to a deeper awareness of Self, that will radically transform your experience of daily life. This naturally results in greater creativity, aliveness, inner strength and courage.
Tired of talk therapy? Are you looking for a dynamic, empowering approach to counseling? Maybe you are noticing that the natural felt sense of joy, aliveness and peace is eluding you. There are times in life when we all need support. As a seasoned Transpersonal Therapist with over forty years of contemplative practice, I bring an intuitive sensitivity, trained attention and wisdom to our work together and support you in awakening to a deeper awareness of Self, that will radically transform your experience of daily life. This naturally results in greater creativity, aliveness, inner strength and courage.
![Photo of Debra Melmon, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e60ff82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Debra Melmon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Therapy is the collaborative interaction between client and practitioner, both an art and a science. My practice is goal oriented and active, an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness orientations customized to the unique needs of the client. Whether you are young or old, suffer from depression and anxiety or seeking clarity, I offer myself as a compassionate professional of self exploration.
Therapy is the collaborative interaction between client and practitioner, both an art and a science. My practice is goal oriented and active, an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness orientations customized to the unique needs of the client. Whether you are young or old, suffer from depression and anxiety or seeking clarity, I offer myself as a compassionate professional of self exploration.
![Photo of Tina Stanley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7518a7cf-6bfb-4e55-9c6d-c980eae1710c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful thinking or behavior patterns? Is anxiety interfering with your ability to enjoy life? Do you need help with parenting or relationship issues? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you struggling with chronic pain or illness? Is it difficult to make decisions?
Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful thinking or behavior patterns? Is anxiety interfering with your ability to enjoy life? Do you need help with parenting or relationship issues? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you struggling with chronic pain or illness? Is it difficult to make decisions?
![Photo of Nancy Burns, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40748d13-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Many people come to see me because they are experiencing distress in some area of their life. It may be a specific issue like divorce, depression, anxiety or grief. They may desire more intimacy with their partner and find themselves getting "triggered" or defensive instead. When working with individuals and couples regarding their relationships, I offer effective and proven skills that achieve positive results quickly. I have a gentle approach with the ability to be direct when needed..
Many people come to see me because they are experiencing distress in some area of their life. It may be a specific issue like divorce, depression, anxiety or grief. They may desire more intimacy with their partner and find themselves getting "triggered" or defensive instead. When working with individuals and couples regarding their relationships, I offer effective and proven skills that achieve positive results quickly. I have a gentle approach with the ability to be direct when needed..
![Photo of Ben Schwarcz, MA, MFT, ACP-EFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4ef3101-e289-41ed-bee0-8f8f9605bf05/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ben Schwarcz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ACP-EFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Therapy should be an uplifting, inspiring and transformational experience! I have extensive training and experience using EFT Tapping for releasing traumas, negative emotions, and negative subconscious programming that holds you back in life. My main areas of focus are Trauma release, and Peak Performance Coaching, specializing in working with Entrepreneurs to reduce anxiety and self-limiting beliefs that cause stress and block creativity. Offering both short-term solution oriented therapy as well as life coaching and long-term therapy, depending on your goals and needs. I am also an EFT trainer for psychotherapists through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology.
Therapy should be an uplifting, inspiring and transformational experience! I have extensive training and experience using EFT Tapping for releasing traumas, negative emotions, and negative subconscious programming that holds you back in life. My main areas of focus are Trauma release, and Peak Performance Coaching, specializing in working with Entrepreneurs to reduce anxiety and self-limiting beliefs that cause stress and block creativity. Offering both short-term solution oriented therapy as well as life coaching and long-term therapy, depending on your goals and needs. I am also an EFT trainer for psychotherapists through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology.
![Photo of Roberta Vinck, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/471fca0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you anxious/depressed, overthinking, and not sleeping well? I was waking up at 3 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep until I discovered ALPHA-STIM, It uses safe and effective Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to dramatically reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. One of my clients was able to cut back on medication. If you would like to use ALPHA-STIM along with therapy, give me a call. You can try it and see for yourself how effective it is. You can also look it up on the internet for further information and clarification.
Are you anxious/depressed, overthinking, and not sleeping well? I was waking up at 3 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep until I discovered ALPHA-STIM, It uses safe and effective Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to dramatically reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. One of my clients was able to cut back on medication. If you would like to use ALPHA-STIM along with therapy, give me a call. You can try it and see for yourself how effective it is. You can also look it up on the internet for further information and clarification.
![Photo of Beverly Vistara Benoit, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b980ff77-c5fa-426f-8542-3a53cc616424/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beverly Vistara Benoit
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Online Only)
I provide guidance towards building trust and balance, by forming a growing alliance with you. Together, we find a pathway to renew your mind/body/spirit connection. We access your inner resources, to create a unified sense of self. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, anger, trauma, we pay attention to these signals. We meet vulnerability with a gentle rhythm, so the heart can release these emotions. Our intent is to nurture a relationship to yourself, based on self acceptance, honor and respect. Our focus is to create a feeling of safety within yourself, security in the world, and an opening to wholeness.
I provide guidance towards building trust and balance, by forming a growing alliance with you. Together, we find a pathway to renew your mind/body/spirit connection. We access your inner resources, to create a unified sense of self. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, anger, trauma, we pay attention to these signals. We meet vulnerability with a gentle rhythm, so the heart can release these emotions. Our intent is to nurture a relationship to yourself, based on self acceptance, honor and respect. Our focus is to create a feeling of safety within yourself, security in the world, and an opening to wholeness.
![Photo of Alanna Taormina, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adee4df9-3e00-48bb-8aab-94fdd3ea8a40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alanna Taormina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Online Only)
I take a holistic approach to therapy and address client's concerns from the perspective of their mind, body, and spirit. My role is one of a guide along the journey to wholeness. I offer illumination of integral pieces along your path and help you to integrate these pieces to become a happier, healthier, more authentic you! I truly believe that each individual can heal from emotional pain. I am competent in a variety of theoretical approaches including: Psychodynamic, Transpersonal, Client centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, and CBT. I am trained in EMDR and clinical hypnosis.
I take a holistic approach to therapy and address client's concerns from the perspective of their mind, body, and spirit. My role is one of a guide along the journey to wholeness. I offer illumination of integral pieces along your path and help you to integrate these pieces to become a happier, healthier, more authentic you! I truly believe that each individual can heal from emotional pain. I am competent in a variety of theoretical approaches including: Psychodynamic, Transpersonal, Client centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, and CBT. I am trained in EMDR and clinical hypnosis.
![Photo of Matthew Smith, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6ada24c-3866-48ff-aa43-8605dad42eb1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew Smith
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Waitlist for new clients
Offices in Fremont and Santa Rosa: You can think of me as a professional guide for your personal growth. Most people seek psychotherapy from me to guide them through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and self-improvement. The majority of my background is working with adults: individually or in group therapy. Since I am certified and trained in several "best practice" approaches, it is likely we can find an approach that can be effective for you. I also provide some specialized services including psychological testing for attention problems and sex/couple therapy. Please visit my website if you would like more details.
Offices in Fremont and Santa Rosa: You can think of me as a professional guide for your personal growth. Most people seek psychotherapy from me to guide them through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and self-improvement. The majority of my background is working with adults: individually or in group therapy. Since I am certified and trained in several "best practice" approaches, it is likely we can find an approach that can be effective for you. I also provide some specialized services including psychological testing for attention problems and sex/couple therapy. Please visit my website if you would like more details.
See more therapy options for Sebastopol
Nearby HypnoTherapy Searches for Sebastopol
- Corte Madera
- Healdsburg
- Mill Valley
- Napa
- Novato
- Petaluma
- Rohnert Park
- San Rafael
- Santa Rosa
- Sausalito
- Sonoma
- Windsor
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.