Hypnotherapists in Crescent Beach, FL

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Photo of Anne K Glowacki, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne K Glowacki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34237  (Online Only)
Counseling approaches I employ include family systems, structural, solution-focused, narrative therapies, hypnotherapy, & Past Life Regression.
Welcome and thank you for visiting and taking the first step to personal well-being. People seek out psychotherapy for many reasons. My focus is to help identify what is most important to you in your life that you wish to strengthen and express more fully, even if you are facing difficulties right now. What may appear as obstacles at first can merely be stepping-stones to your deepest fulfillment. I welcome the opportunity to take part of that journey with you in a confidential environment committed to sensitivity and compassion with proven strategies that motivate and encourage continued success.
Counseling approaches I employ include family systems, structural, solution-focused, narrative therapies, hypnotherapy, & Past Life Regression.
Welcome and thank you for visiting and taking the first step to personal well-being. People seek out psychotherapy for many reasons. My focus is to help identify what is most important to you in your life that you wish to strengthen and express more fully, even if you are facing difficulties right now. What may appear as obstacles at first can merely be stepping-stones to your deepest fulfillment. I welcome the opportunity to take part of that journey with you in a confidential environment committed to sensitivity and compassion with proven strategies that motivate and encourage continued success.
(941) 219-3481 View (941) 219-3481
Photo of Wendy Haggerty - Sex And Love Therapist, LMFT, CST, CSTS, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Haggerty - Sex And Love Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, CSTS, CHT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34236
Waitlist for new clients
I practice from an integrative approach utilizing IMAGO, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Hypnotherapy and Systemic Sex Therapy.
Want to grow in your personal life and relationships? I work with individuals, partners and couples on a variety of issues related to love, sex and relationships. I am a clinical sexologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified hypnotherapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist & supervisor.
I practice from an integrative approach utilizing IMAGO, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Hypnotherapy and Systemic Sex Therapy.
Want to grow in your personal life and relationships? I work with individuals, partners and couples on a variety of issues related to love, sex and relationships. I am a clinical sexologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified hypnotherapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist & supervisor.
(941) 727-5979 View (941) 727-5979
Photo of Judith Rio Collins - Rio Collins, Psy.D., PsyD, Psychologist
Rio Collins, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34234  (Online Only)
Trained in Ericksonian/clinical hypnotherapy, inter-generational family systems, gestalt, EMDR, Gottman Marital Therapy, Complementary Health/somatic, Cognitive behavioral, psychodrama, Rolfing, and mindfulness.
The best therapy always starts with being accurately listened to, so you can feel deeply known. Then as we learn more about yourself, you build your inner awareness of your emotions, thinking patterns and interpersonal processes. I will be with you in each moment, neutrally observing you, and coaching you to do the same for yourself. Watching together instead of judging. Moving your personal narrative into your embodied experience. We then work together applying many tools for change. My therapeutic style supports you, taking your vague desires, or back burner dreams and making them into actionable words, goals, tools.
Trained in Ericksonian/clinical hypnotherapy, inter-generational family systems, gestalt, EMDR, Gottman Marital Therapy, Complementary Health/somatic, Cognitive behavioral, psychodrama, Rolfing, and mindfulness.
The best therapy always starts with being accurately listened to, so you can feel deeply known. Then as we learn more about yourself, you build your inner awareness of your emotions, thinking patterns and interpersonal processes. I will be with you in each moment, neutrally observing you, and coaching you to do the same for yourself. Watching together instead of judging. Moving your personal narrative into your embodied experience. We then work together applying many tools for change. My therapeutic style supports you, taking your vague desires, or back burner dreams and making them into actionable words, goals, tools.
(980) 446-3487 View (980) 446-3487
Photo of Audrey Oxenhorn, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Audrey Oxenhorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34235
As a holistic practitioner, who is also a psychotherapist, artist, healer and grandmother, I offer children and their families practical life changing tools and knowledge to meet everyday challenges. Children and adolescents are living a completely different childhood than we did and it is helpful to get a skilled and intuitive perpsective about these shifts. Some of the tools that I offer include: Mindfulness for kids and adolescents, Tapping or Emotional Freedom Techniques, Creative Arts, Hypnotherapy and Personalized Meditations.
As a holistic practitioner, who is also a psychotherapist, artist, healer and grandmother, I offer children and their families practical life changing tools and knowledge to meet everyday challenges. Children and adolescents are living a completely different childhood than we did and it is helpful to get a skilled and intuitive perpsective about these shifts. Some of the tools that I offer include: Mindfulness for kids and adolescents, Tapping or Emotional Freedom Techniques, Creative Arts, Hypnotherapy and Personalized Meditations.
(941) 271-0240 View (941) 271-0240
Photo of Robin Elizabeth Richardson, MA, LMHC, CCTPll, CFTP, NBCFCH, Counselor
Robin Elizabeth Richardson
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CCTPll, CFTP, NBCFCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34233  (Online Only)
My Credientials include being a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Family Trauma Specialist, and a National Board Certified Fellow of Hypnotherapy.
The counseling process is about your healing into wholeness. My job is to facilitate this journey and help you identify issues, concerns, and the solutions to them as you walk into a life of balance and empowerment. I offer an interesting combination of services that include, but is not limited to, traditional person-centered insight-oriented talk therapy, guided imagery, relaxation training, hypnosis, and vibrasound music technology. Be it mental, emotional, or spiritual issues that need to be addressed this multi-modal approach helps you step into your true and perfect integrated self. www.nouveauhealing.com www.nouveausolutions.com
My Credientials include being a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Family Trauma Specialist, and a National Board Certified Fellow of Hypnotherapy.
The counseling process is about your healing into wholeness. My job is to facilitate this journey and help you identify issues, concerns, and the solutions to them as you walk into a life of balance and empowerment. I offer an interesting combination of services that include, but is not limited to, traditional person-centered insight-oriented talk therapy, guided imagery, relaxation training, hypnosis, and vibrasound music technology. Be it mental, emotional, or spiritual issues that need to be addressed this multi-modal approach helps you step into your true and perfect integrated self. www.nouveauhealing.com www.nouveausolutions.com
(941) 803-1339 View (941) 803-1339
Photo of Paul Gunser - Psychological Consultation and Therapy Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Psychological Consultation and Therapy Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34232
Not accepting new clients
As a clinical psychologist, I offer cognitive behavior therapy, hypnotherapy, stress management, and psychological testing.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. They may be having health problems, causing anxiety and depressed feelings. In addition, many of my patients are experiencing chronic pain, and I have helped them cope with reductions in pain levels. I am now offering ADHD Evaluations for adolescents and adults. I offer In-Person (through December) and Virtual telehealth sessions. I provide testing in my office in Millerton, NY, or online. Biofeedback treatments will also be available.
As a clinical psychologist, I offer cognitive behavior therapy, hypnotherapy, stress management, and psychological testing.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. They may be having health problems, causing anxiety and depressed feelings. In addition, many of my patients are experiencing chronic pain, and I have helped them cope with reductions in pain levels. I am now offering ADHD Evaluations for adolescents and adults. I offer In-Person (through December) and Virtual telehealth sessions. I provide testing in my office in Millerton, NY, or online. Biofeedback treatments will also be available.
(941) 210-3771 View (941) 210-3771
Photo of Ashley Wise, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Wise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34243
Healing minds, bodies, and hearts through TraumaTherapy work. My primary goal is to provide you with relief and improvement in functioning and well-being. We will work together collaboratively to establish a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship. I specialize in BrainSp.,Hypnotherapy TraumaFocusedCBTand I am Accelerated ResolutionTherapy AdvancedCertified which works to reprogram the way distressing memories are stored in the brain.I specialize in healing individuals and families.I use a multitude of proven therapy modalities during each session to be creative about finding what will work best for you.
Healing minds, bodies, and hearts through TraumaTherapy work. My primary goal is to provide you with relief and improvement in functioning and well-being. We will work together collaboratively to establish a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship. I specialize in BrainSp.,Hypnotherapy TraumaFocusedCBTand I am Accelerated ResolutionTherapy AdvancedCertified which works to reprogram the way distressing memories are stored in the brain.I specialize in healing individuals and families.I use a multitude of proven therapy modalities during each session to be creative about finding what will work best for you.
(941) 307-7741 View (941) 307-7741
Photo of Bette Rabbitt, LMHC , LPCC, Counselor
Bette Rabbitt
Counselor, LMHC , LPCC
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34233
Time for a Mental Health Checkup? Life can be difficult with obstacles to overcome. Adverse experiences from childhood & adolescence affecting your current functioning? Unprocessed trauma & fear of the future and depression repressed? Relationship challenges in need of improvement? Family dynamics unhealthy! Have you invested in your Higher Self as a priority? Negative self talk? Self destructive behavior. Substance use disorders.? The Good News- You are capable of change! Use my personal & professional experience of overcoming numerous challenging & traumatic events to reach mental, emotional & behavior balance. Pick up the tools!
Time for a Mental Health Checkup? Life can be difficult with obstacles to overcome. Adverse experiences from childhood & adolescence affecting your current functioning? Unprocessed trauma & fear of the future and depression repressed? Relationship challenges in need of improvement? Family dynamics unhealthy! Have you invested in your Higher Self as a priority? Negative self talk? Self destructive behavior. Substance use disorders.? The Good News- You are capable of change! Use my personal & professional experience of overcoming numerous challenging & traumatic events to reach mental, emotional & behavior balance. Pick up the tools!
(941) 213-5279 View (941) 213-5279
Photo of Brad Eppley, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Brad Eppley
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34238
I love helping people heal, develop and create healthier relationships. My passion is to facilitate transformational change that results in greater inner peace, healthy self love and joy in life and relationships. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor I enjoy helping clients address underlying causes to symptoms like depression and anxiety. I am certified to do Neurotransmitter testing through Neuro Science and I work Holistically with an emphasis on Integrative and Functional care that focuses on the whole Being and helping clients to function optimally beyond just symptom relief.
I love helping people heal, develop and create healthier relationships. My passion is to facilitate transformational change that results in greater inner peace, healthy self love and joy in life and relationships. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor I enjoy helping clients address underlying causes to symptoms like depression and anxiety. I am certified to do Neurotransmitter testing through Neuro Science and I work Holistically with an emphasis on Integrative and Functional care that focuses on the whole Being and helping clients to function optimally beyond just symptom relief.
(941) 203-3416 View (941) 203-3416
Photo of Curtis Schindeler, PhD, ABD, MS, MHC, neuroth, Counselor
Curtis Schindeler
Counselor, PhD, ABD, MS, MHC, neuroth
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34239
I believe that I offer something that is a bit different than most other practices. My partner and I, work together in a collaborative manner with an end goal of resolution. We have put together a practice that utilizes tools which others do not. Whether you or your loved one suffers from depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, pain, headaches, suicidal ideation, PTSD, ADHD, panic attacks or you are just having difficulty in your marriage or relationship we work together and have the tools that bring about actual resolution.
I believe that I offer something that is a bit different than most other practices. My partner and I, work together in a collaborative manner with an end goal of resolution. We have put together a practice that utilizes tools which others do not. Whether you or your loved one suffers from depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, pain, headaches, suicidal ideation, PTSD, ADHD, panic attacks or you are just having difficulty in your marriage or relationship we work together and have the tools that bring about actual resolution.
(941) 417-8113 View (941) 417-8113
Photo of Pete Gaerlan-Di Libero, MSW, RCSWI
Pete Gaerlan-Di Libero
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW, RCSWI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34278
Some experiences in life are beyond our ability to deal with. The approaches I excel in are rooted in intention and reflection gained from my years as a contemplative monk. When we meet, I will help you encounter yourself in a new way and accompany you as you explore different aspects of yourself. Together we will create an action plan to identify the necessary steps forward and work toward them. Whether we talk through your concerns, utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), explore hypnosis and subconscious resolution work, or engage in HeartMath and contemplative practices, a new beginning is approaching!
Some experiences in life are beyond our ability to deal with. The approaches I excel in are rooted in intention and reflection gained from my years as a contemplative monk. When we meet, I will help you encounter yourself in a new way and accompany you as you explore different aspects of yourself. Together we will create an action plan to identify the necessary steps forward and work toward them. Whether we talk through your concerns, utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), explore hypnosis and subconscious resolution work, or engage in HeartMath and contemplative practices, a new beginning is approaching!
(941) 239-7212 View (941) 239-7212
Photo of Katherine Ann Best, PhD, LCSW, MPH, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine Ann Best
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MPH, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34236  (Online Only)
Dr. Katherine Best is dedicated to your wellbeing by providing a quick response and flexible hours of care. Building upon strengths, she uses a positive, non-judgmental approach to encourage growth and change. Dr. Best offers: psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, trauma resolution, pre and post divorce counseling, family mediation for conflict resolution, clinical hypnosis, EMDR, archetypal pattern dream analysis, and life coaching. In addition, Dr. Katherine Best offers treatment for stress, anxiety, procrastination, depression, cumulative exposures to trauma, priest and clergy abuse, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Dr. Katherine Best is dedicated to your wellbeing by providing a quick response and flexible hours of care. Building upon strengths, she uses a positive, non-judgmental approach to encourage growth and change. Dr. Best offers: psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, trauma resolution, pre and post divorce counseling, family mediation for conflict resolution, clinical hypnosis, EMDR, archetypal pattern dream analysis, and life coaching. In addition, Dr. Katherine Best offers treatment for stress, anxiety, procrastination, depression, cumulative exposures to trauma, priest and clergy abuse, chronic pain, and insomnia.
(941) 487-0956 View (941) 487-0956
Photo of Ann Hawthorne - Life by Design, RN, LMHC, CHT, Counselor
Life by Design
Counselor, RN, LMHC, CHT
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34233
Life is to short to settle for bad relationships, suffer from low self esteem, anxiety, addictions or depression. But often, finding the "right" therapist" to help you resolve these issues, can leave you feeling like you are looking for a needle in a haystack. I have been told that I have a gift of helping others. It is my sincere desire to help you get the results you desire. By helping you clarify your goals, and then by keeping each session focused on steps toward that goal, you can achieve the change you are looking for. My style and approach to therapy is never a "one size fits all" but will be customized to fit your needs.
Life is to short to settle for bad relationships, suffer from low self esteem, anxiety, addictions or depression. But often, finding the "right" therapist" to help you resolve these issues, can leave you feeling like you are looking for a needle in a haystack. I have been told that I have a gift of helping others. It is my sincere desire to help you get the results you desire. By helping you clarify your goals, and then by keeping each session focused on steps toward that goal, you can achieve the change you are looking for. My style and approach to therapy is never a "one size fits all" but will be customized to fit your needs.
(941) 740-5408 View (941) 740-5408
Photo of William J. Roderick, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
William J. Roderick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34235
I have been providing therapy to individuals since 2009. Over these years, I’ve come to more fully appreciate that each of us has the potential within to develop a more fulfilling and meaningful life, while more effectively handling the pain that inevitably goes along with it. Do you want to learn how to stop denying, avoiding, and struggling with what holds you back and prevents you from doing what is truly important? Would you like to reduce the impact and influence of difficult thoughts and feelings, and take action to build a life that is rich, full, and meaningful? These are skills that can be learned in therapy.
I have been providing therapy to individuals since 2009. Over these years, I’ve come to more fully appreciate that each of us has the potential within to develop a more fulfilling and meaningful life, while more effectively handling the pain that inevitably goes along with it. Do you want to learn how to stop denying, avoiding, and struggling with what holds you back and prevents you from doing what is truly important? Would you like to reduce the impact and influence of difficult thoughts and feelings, and take action to build a life that is rich, full, and meaningful? These are skills that can be learned in therapy.
(941) 203-3262 View (941) 203-3262
Photo of Danielle Green, MA, MDiv, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34236
I provide a safe environment to explore and resolve beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that stand in the way of living a fully conscious and authentic life. Specialties include work with anxiety, depression, trauma, divorce, death, attachment ruptures, and ancestral/ inter-generational shame, and PTSD. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have studied at the Graduate Theological Union - University of California, Berkeley, The Graduate School for Marriage and Family Therapy, Ca.Institute of Integral Studies (San Francisco), and The Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. I hold two Masters degrees and a Ph D in Psychology.
I provide a safe environment to explore and resolve beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that stand in the way of living a fully conscious and authentic life. Specialties include work with anxiety, depression, trauma, divorce, death, attachment ruptures, and ancestral/ inter-generational shame, and PTSD. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have studied at the Graduate Theological Union - University of California, Berkeley, The Graduate School for Marriage and Family Therapy, Ca.Institute of Integral Studies (San Francisco), and The Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. I hold two Masters degrees and a Ph D in Psychology.
(941) 203-3351 View (941) 203-3351
Photo of Tanya A Barkley-Graham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanya A Barkley-Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34236
I have over 25 years of social work practice and experience working within government agencies, non- profit organizations, and in a private practice setting. I work with individuals, couples, and families to support them in identifying challenges and setting goals to design the life they desire.
I have over 25 years of social work practice and experience working within government agencies, non- profit organizations, and in a private practice setting. I work with individuals, couples, and families to support them in identifying challenges and setting goals to design the life they desire.
(941) 260-1921 View (941) 260-1921
Photo of Ann Goelitz, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ann Goelitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34230
I am a therapist, writer, and scholar with more than twenty years of experience in psychotherapy. I specialize in trauma and loss, helping individuals like you heal using a combination of talk therapy, EMDR, hypnosis, CBT and therapeutic dream work. I use humor as a healing tool, in addition to therapy methods that we’ll choose together to ensure they’re right for you. I’ll guide you along your journey, help you better understand your experience and provide you with tools that you can use on your own to continue to heal. Your healing journey is unique to you—there’s no strict schedule or timeline to follow.
I am a therapist, writer, and scholar with more than twenty years of experience in psychotherapy. I specialize in trauma and loss, helping individuals like you heal using a combination of talk therapy, EMDR, hypnosis, CBT and therapeutic dream work. I use humor as a healing tool, in addition to therapy methods that we’ll choose together to ensure they’re right for you. I’ll guide you along your journey, help you better understand your experience and provide you with tools that you can use on your own to continue to heal. Your healing journey is unique to you—there’s no strict schedule or timeline to follow.
(646) 490-0406 View (646) 490-0406
Photo of Patricia Musselwhite-Weaver, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Patricia Musselwhite-Weaver
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34231  (Online Only)
I am a rehabilitation counselor trained to treat medical issues such as physical illness or disability, emotional/mental diagnoses, and addictions and am also licensed as a mental health counselor. I am specially trained to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma, including dissociative disorders. I provide treatment for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, family and relationship issues, and help with parenting issues. I am skilled at diagnosing, especially persons with dual diagnoses or complex medical/psychological ailments.
I am a rehabilitation counselor trained to treat medical issues such as physical illness or disability, emotional/mental diagnoses, and addictions and am also licensed as a mental health counselor. I am specially trained to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma, including dissociative disorders. I provide treatment for stress, depression, anxiety, anger, family and relationship issues, and help with parenting issues. I am skilled at diagnosing, especially persons with dual diagnoses or complex medical/psychological ailments.
(941) 677-1188 View (941) 677-1188
Photo of Lara Fine, MA, Pastoral Counselor
Lara Fine
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Sarasota, FL 34231
As my reviews show, I am here to help and usually can! Using heightened intuition, meditation and counseling skills, my gift is seeing through and beneath appearances to the core of your Soul issues and conflicts and those of others. In just one session, we can quickly get to the "bottom line" and treat the sources of your problem/s. We will then discuss approaches to take in your life which will ease you onto a healthier path. We can develop your own inner spiritual compass to benefit yourself and your loved ones. "God helps those who help themselves" and "Seek and ye shall find!"
As my reviews show, I am here to help and usually can! Using heightened intuition, meditation and counseling skills, my gift is seeing through and beneath appearances to the core of your Soul issues and conflicts and those of others. In just one session, we can quickly get to the "bottom line" and treat the sources of your problem/s. We will then discuss approaches to take in your life which will ease you onto a healthier path. We can develop your own inner spiritual compass to benefit yourself and your loved ones. "God helps those who help themselves" and "Seek and ye shall find!"
(941) 548-4080 View (941) 548-4080
Photo of Inger M. Sjogren, MA, LPC, MBA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Inger M. Sjogren
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sarasota, FL 34230  (Online Only)
Is the pattern of "reacting" rather than "responding" negatively impacting your relationships and professional life? Is your self-esteem battered from being constantly criticized for overreacting? These are indications that the issue lies in your nervous system rather than your cognitive process. When this is the case, it makes sense to focus treatment on developing techniques to modulate your nervous system. This will help you access critical thinking and respond in a productive way. Your relationships, career, and self-esteem will benefit when you are able to formulate a response rather than be driven by emotional reactivity.
Is the pattern of "reacting" rather than "responding" negatively impacting your relationships and professional life? Is your self-esteem battered from being constantly criticized for overreacting? These are indications that the issue lies in your nervous system rather than your cognitive process. When this is the case, it makes sense to focus treatment on developing techniques to modulate your nervous system. This will help you access critical thinking and respond in a productive way. Your relationships, career, and self-esteem will benefit when you are able to formulate a response rather than be driven by emotional reactivity.
(475) 242-8253 View (475) 242-8253
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.