Hypnotherapists in Charlottesville, VA

Photo of Ursula Goadhouse, MSW, CH
Ursula Goadhouse
MSW, CH
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Hypnotherapy is a proven method to create positive change.
Healing is sacred work. I honor your whole being, mind, body, and spirit. You can feel more at ease, peaceful, happy, and empowered. You can feel relief from depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. My areas of healing work include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, building self-confidence, and psychedelic integration. We develop your resilience with therapeutic techniques, including Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy, transpersonal, somatic, CBT, Mindfulness, EFT, NLP, and self-awareness tools. We will update, redefine, and shift you forward with compassion and skill.
Hypnotherapy is a proven method to create positive change.
Healing is sacred work. I honor your whole being, mind, body, and spirit. You can feel more at ease, peaceful, happy, and empowered. You can feel relief from depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. My areas of healing work include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, building self-confidence, and psychedelic integration. We develop your resilience with therapeutic techniques, including Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy, transpersonal, somatic, CBT, Mindfulness, EFT, NLP, and self-awareness tools. We will update, redefine, and shift you forward with compassion and skill.
(434) 838-3809 View (434) 838-3809
Photo of Susan Gross, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Gross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
You have survived the pandemic, congratulations! But..are you thriving now? If you're here on this site, something is going on that you want to change. I am a unique therapist who is goal oriented. You can't get back what you have lost these last 2 years, but you can figure out how the rest of your life should look. That is what I offer. I will help you look at the narratives you have about yourself. Some may be helpful and some may keep you locked up, ashamed, fearful, lonely. Let's change that. You are never more than 1 thought away from a new way of life.
You have survived the pandemic, congratulations! But..are you thriving now? If you're here on this site, something is going on that you want to change. I am a unique therapist who is goal oriented. You can't get back what you have lost these last 2 years, but you can figure out how the rest of your life should look. That is what I offer. I will help you look at the narratives you have about yourself. Some may be helpful and some may keep you locked up, ashamed, fearful, lonely. Let's change that. You are never more than 1 thought away from a new way of life.
(434) 201-4302 View (434) 201-4302
Photo of Latasha Nadasdi - Charlottesville Empowerment, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Charlottesville Empowerment
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
We believe in intentional, flexible, and collaborative services designed to meet each client's unique needs. Empowerment is "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights." Whether you're looking for symptom reduction, healing from past experiences, increasing understanding/insight, improving relationships, gaining support during difficult times, making difficult changes, or improving/maintaining your overall wellbeing, we look forward to supporting you in reclaiming and improving your life!
We believe in intentional, flexible, and collaborative services designed to meet each client's unique needs. Empowerment is "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights." Whether you're looking for symptom reduction, healing from past experiences, increasing understanding/insight, improving relationships, gaining support during difficult times, making difficult changes, or improving/maintaining your overall wellbeing, we look forward to supporting you in reclaiming and improving your life!
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Photo of Dr. Ashley Sweet - Dr. Ashley Sweet, Certified Sex Therapist, PhD, LPC, LMHC, CST, CCHt, Counselor
Dr. Ashley Sweet, Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMHC, CST, CCHt
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22903  (Online Only)
As a clinical sexologist, I help folks explore pleasure and better communicate in intimate relationships. As a relationship counselor, I work with couples and poly folks to improve their communication and connection. As a feminist therapist, I help clients dig deep to uncover their personal power, untangle anxiety and heal from trauma. I'm pro-choice, queer/bisexual identified, and welcome LGBTQ+ clients. I'm a curious counselor, and I help people dig to the roots of their pain. Fees are $200/session for individuals and $250 for couples (self-pay only, but can provide superbill for OON benefits).
As a clinical sexologist, I help folks explore pleasure and better communicate in intimate relationships. As a relationship counselor, I work with couples and poly folks to improve their communication and connection. As a feminist therapist, I help clients dig deep to uncover their personal power, untangle anxiety and heal from trauma. I'm pro-choice, queer/bisexual identified, and welcome LGBTQ+ clients. I'm a curious counselor, and I help people dig to the roots of their pain. Fees are $200/session for individuals and $250 for couples (self-pay only, but can provide superbill for OON benefits).
(757) 720-2613 View (757) 720-2613
Photo of Lora D Baum, PhD, Psychologist
Lora D Baum
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901  (Online Only)
Chronic illness or pain present unique challenges for individuals and families. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, learn to live a better and healthier life. I specialize in helping people with chronic medical conditions improve their physical and emotional functioning. Do you have chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic low back pain, or fibromyalgia? Each of these conditions can be alleviated by using psychological treatments. Having chronic pain is a stress in and of itself. I help you to make changes that can also improve sleep and mood.
Chronic illness or pain present unique challenges for individuals and families. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, learn to live a better and healthier life. I specialize in helping people with chronic medical conditions improve their physical and emotional functioning. Do you have chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic low back pain, or fibromyalgia? Each of these conditions can be alleviated by using psychological treatments. Having chronic pain is a stress in and of itself. I help you to make changes that can also improve sleep and mood.
(434) 336-3277 View (434) 336-3277
Photo of Kathryn Dunn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathryn Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901  (Online Only)
I love helping people find their true freedom in life! To be all that you truly are with confidence. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, afraid, anxious, confused, sad, depressed, hopeless, angry ... or something else. Together we'll create a safe space for you to land with what's bothering you. We'll start with where you are, draw strength from the things that are already working well in your life, unravel and release what's got you stuck and keeping you from living the life you want.
I love helping people find their true freedom in life! To be all that you truly are with confidence. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, afraid, anxious, confused, sad, depressed, hopeless, angry ... or something else. Together we'll create a safe space for you to land with what's bothering you. We'll start with where you are, draw strength from the things that are already working well in your life, unravel and release what's got you stuck and keeping you from living the life you want.
(434) 336-7437 View (434) 336-7437
Photo of Hope Beth Bagley, PhD, LCP, LPC, Psychologist
Hope Beth Bagley
Psychologist, PhD, LCP, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901
I offer a safe setting to gain an understanding and solutions related to the issues and goals in one's life. I help my patients in understanding how roles in current relationships can be related to roles in one's family of origin.
I offer a safe setting to gain an understanding and solutions related to the issues and goals in one's life. I help my patients in understanding how roles in current relationships can be related to roles in one's family of origin.
(434) 595-3466 View (434) 595-3466
Photo of Laura Anne Copley, PhD, LPC, CTS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Anne Copley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CTS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Now OPEN: Online Trauma Bonded GROUP… As a trauma survivor you can feel emotionally torn and mentally defeated. It seems like every relationship you find becomes painful and toxic, and every moment you're reminded of your trauma. You just want to feel safe in your body, connected in your relationships, and inspired in your life. Maybe you're cautious about getting help because revisiting painful memories seems scary and vulnerable. As the only PhD Certified Trauma Counselor in the Shenandoah Valley, I will help you identify your emotional and relationship blocks, and develop new ways to overcome and experience Post-Traumatic Growth.
Now OPEN: Online Trauma Bonded GROUP… As a trauma survivor you can feel emotionally torn and mentally defeated. It seems like every relationship you find becomes painful and toxic, and every moment you're reminded of your trauma. You just want to feel safe in your body, connected in your relationships, and inspired in your life. Maybe you're cautious about getting help because revisiting painful memories seems scary and vulnerable. As the only PhD Certified Trauma Counselor in the Shenandoah Valley, I will help you identify your emotional and relationship blocks, and develop new ways to overcome and experience Post-Traumatic Growth.
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Photo of Natasha Mroczek, PsyD, Psychologist
Natasha Mroczek
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901  (Online Only)
Infertility is unexpected. Emotional. Exhausting. Lonely. Navigating the world of assisted reproduction can be especially intimidating, a full-time job you didn’t ask for. You may find the weight of this new reality is getting heavier with each turn — How do you fit the comprehensive treatment plan into your already packed life? How do you advocate for yourself in this unfamiliar territory? How do you keep everything else in life afloat? You may have noticed important parts of your life are starting to suffer because you have become consumed by it all. Please know you aren’t alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself.
Infertility is unexpected. Emotional. Exhausting. Lonely. Navigating the world of assisted reproduction can be especially intimidating, a full-time job you didn’t ask for. You may find the weight of this new reality is getting heavier with each turn — How do you fit the comprehensive treatment plan into your already packed life? How do you advocate for yourself in this unfamiliar territory? How do you keep everything else in life afloat? You may have noticed important parts of your life are starting to suffer because you have become consumed by it all. Please know you aren’t alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself.
(804) 979-2181 View (804) 979-2181
Photo of Cynthia Rogers, DMin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DMin, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22904  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you searching for peace and wellness? Do you feel anxious or depressed? Have you experienced stress or trauma from relationships with others or other life events? Have you been worrying about life transitions or other issues? Has physical illnesses caused pain? Do you have concerns or questions associated with aging or dying? Perhaps you have wondered about deeper meanings in life or your spirituality? I will compassionately listen to your unique situation and collaboratively work with you to assess your strengths and needs in developing a therapeutic approach to your life challenges. There is hope that you can feel better.
Are you searching for peace and wellness? Do you feel anxious or depressed? Have you experienced stress or trauma from relationships with others or other life events? Have you been worrying about life transitions or other issues? Has physical illnesses caused pain? Do you have concerns or questions associated with aging or dying? Perhaps you have wondered about deeper meanings in life or your spirituality? I will compassionately listen to your unique situation and collaboratively work with you to assess your strengths and needs in developing a therapeutic approach to your life challenges. There is hope that you can feel better.
(571) 200-2471 View (571) 200-2471

Online Therapists

Photo of Christian Pasian Geye, MA, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christian Pasian Geye
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ruckersville, VA 22968  (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist, I utilize a number of evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Finding the right therapist is an essential step in your journey towards a happier, healthier, more successful you. I work collaboratively with patients to create treatment goals that are realistic and achievable, so they can make the positive changes necessary to become the person they intend to be. My therapeutic style is direct and solution-focused, while maintaining compassion and empathy for the challenges one must face to make long-lasting change. My approach is holistic and, often includes, interdisciplinary care and collaboration with medical professionals to provide the best possible care for my patients.
As a psychotherapist, I utilize a number of evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Finding the right therapist is an essential step in your journey towards a happier, healthier, more successful you. I work collaboratively with patients to create treatment goals that are realistic and achievable, so they can make the positive changes necessary to become the person they intend to be. My therapeutic style is direct and solution-focused, while maintaining compassion and empathy for the challenges one must face to make long-lasting change. My approach is holistic and, often includes, interdisciplinary care and collaboration with medical professionals to provide the best possible care for my patients.
(703) 884-8649 View (703) 884-8649
Photo of Paul T. Haefner - Riding Far, LLC, PhD, Psychologist
Riding Far, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winchester, VA 22601
In over 30 years of practice, I have discovered that my clients want more than relief from their symptoms. They want to better understand themselves and their struggles, they want practical tools to help them change, and they want more out of the relationships and their lives. Through my practice, continued training and education, and my own personal growth I am committed to offering my clients a wide range of meaningful and effective therapeutic experiences that address each of these desires and more. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer hypnotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy (an innovative experiential therapy).
In over 30 years of practice, I have discovered that my clients want more than relief from their symptoms. They want to better understand themselves and their struggles, they want practical tools to help them change, and they want more out of the relationships and their lives. Through my practice, continued training and education, and my own personal growth I am committed to offering my clients a wide range of meaningful and effective therapeutic experiences that address each of these desires and more. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer hypnotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy (an innovative experiential therapy).
(540) 384-9564 View (540) 384-9564
Photo of Kimberly A Milam - Neurofeedback Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, MA, LPC, BCN, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Neurofeedback Therapeutic Solutions, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BCN, NCC
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20109
We specialize in helping individuals heal from past traumas using a variety of interventions to include: Talk-therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, Hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - Tapping, Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture).
Have you experienced a traumatic event? Have you felt depressed, anxious, irritable, numb, hopeless, worthless, hypervigilant, shame, mistrust, a loss of self, or emotionally overwhelmed? Are you experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, insomnia, headaches, or problems concentrating? Have you thought about or participated in self-destructive behaviors or felt a loss of self? You are not alone most victims of trauma experience some of these symptoms. You can become more present emotionally and psychologically for yourself, your family, and friends.
We specialize in helping individuals heal from past traumas using a variety of interventions to include: Talk-therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, Hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - Tapping, Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture).
Have you experienced a traumatic event? Have you felt depressed, anxious, irritable, numb, hopeless, worthless, hypervigilant, shame, mistrust, a loss of self, or emotionally overwhelmed? Are you experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, insomnia, headaches, or problems concentrating? Have you thought about or participated in self-destructive behaviors or felt a loss of self? You are not alone most victims of trauma experience some of these symptoms. You can become more present emotionally and psychologically for yourself, your family, and friends.
(571) 200-2229 View (571) 200-2229
Photo of Del Ray Psych Wellness - Del Ray Psych & Wellness, LLC
Del Ray Psych & Wellness, LLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22301
Waitlist for new clients
We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
We are a vibrant and energetic group of clinical psychologists, therapists, and wellness professionals located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, VA. We are passionate about guiding adolescents and adults on their personal journeys of growth and transformation through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. We believe that wellness is attained by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
We are a vibrant and energetic group of clinical psychologists, therapists, and wellness professionals located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, VA. We are passionate about guiding adolescents and adults on their personal journeys of growth and transformation through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. We believe that wellness is attained by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
(703) 215-2840 View (703) 215-2840
Photo of Ji-Hae Park, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ji-Hae Park
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Herndon, VA 20170
Waitlist for new clients
I employ mindfulness meditation, clinical hypnotherapy, Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to fashion treatment to your unique wants and needs.
Let your genuine self, which has been silenced by habitual patterns and external pressures, shine through. If you’re looking to break from fears and phobias as well as unwanted habits, we can collaboratively work to ground you in your core truth and you can be with yourself in a new way.
I employ mindfulness meditation, clinical hypnotherapy, Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to fashion treatment to your unique wants and needs.
Let your genuine self, which has been silenced by habitual patterns and external pressures, shine through. If you’re looking to break from fears and phobias as well as unwanted habits, we can collaboratively work to ground you in your core truth and you can be with yourself in a new way.
(703) 596-3372 View (703) 596-3372
Photo of Jeffrey Rodman, LPC, LSATP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeffrey Rodman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LSATP
Verified Verified
Front Royal, VA 22630
I take a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which involves integrating various elements of different theories and practice. I lean most heavily on approaches focused on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors while also implementing an approach focused on helping clients achieve their highest potential. Instead of energy spent on the past or negative behaviors, I emphasize the goodness in clients and work toward growth and self-actualization. I also use approaches oriented toward problem-solving including Hypnotherapy, NLP Brain Training, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Coaching, and EMDR therapy.
I take a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which involves integrating various elements of different theories and practice. I lean most heavily on approaches focused on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors while also implementing an approach focused on helping clients achieve their highest potential. Instead of energy spent on the past or negative behaviors, I emphasize the goodness in clients and work toward growth and self-actualization. I also use approaches oriented toward problem-solving including Hypnotherapy, NLP Brain Training, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Coaching, and EMDR therapy.
(540) 235-5793 View (540) 235-5793
Photo of Lindsey Vick - Sunflowers Healing and Wellness, MHt, RMT, HCBE
Sunflowers Healing and Wellness
MHt, RMT, HCBE
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22301
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
(703) 884-2144 View (703) 884-2144
Photo of Dr. Jon L. Thomas, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Jon L. Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22031
In addition to a doctorate in counseling from George Washington University, my education and training includes post doctoral studies in marriage and family therapy at Virginia Tech, pscyhodrama, neurolinguistics programming, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral (CBT) and solution-focused therapy.
I created and direct The ADHD College Success Guidance Program to help high school and college students succeed academically and grow successful careers. We offer college readiness/success training, individual, family, and group therapy, parent education/support, and academic coaching. These services are designed and integrated around a unique model developed during my 30+ years of clinical and research activities with people who have ADHD.
In addition to a doctorate in counseling from George Washington University, my education and training includes post doctoral studies in marriage and family therapy at Virginia Tech, pscyhodrama, neurolinguistics programming, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral (CBT) and solution-focused therapy.
I created and direct The ADHD College Success Guidance Program to help high school and college students succeed academically and grow successful careers. We offer college readiness/success training, individual, family, and group therapy, parent education/support, and academic coaching. These services are designed and integrated around a unique model developed during my 30+ years of clinical and research activities with people who have ADHD.
(703) 935-5280 View (703) 935-5280
Photo of Belinda Boscardin, PsyD, Psychologist
Belinda Boscardin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24503  (Online Only)
I have experience as a health psychologist working with chronic pain and illness and have many years of training in hypnotherapy and meditation techniques and am very interested in the intersection between healing and spirituality.
As a psychologist, with almost 30 years of experience, I approach the therapy relationship with a blend of modern science, ancient wisdom (Secular, Yogic and Buddhist philosophies), common sense, humor and integrity. Increasing awareness through mindful intention and observation of the mind-body, describes my approach to psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and aimed at identifying your obstacles to healing. The co-creation of a clear pathway between the heart, mind and emotions is the therapeutic work.Your "best self" will be challenged, nurtured and supported in the process.
I have experience as a health psychologist working with chronic pain and illness and have many years of training in hypnotherapy and meditation techniques and am very interested in the intersection between healing and spirituality.
As a psychologist, with almost 30 years of experience, I approach the therapy relationship with a blend of modern science, ancient wisdom (Secular, Yogic and Buddhist philosophies), common sense, humor and integrity. Increasing awareness through mindful intention and observation of the mind-body, describes my approach to psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and aimed at identifying your obstacles to healing. The co-creation of a clear pathway between the heart, mind and emotions is the therapeutic work.Your "best self" will be challenged, nurtured and supported in the process.
(828) 358-2414 View (828) 358-2414
Photo of Lynn A Polizzi, LCSW, CH, CIMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynn A Polizzi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CH, CIMHP
Verified Verified
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Have you tried other forms of traditional therapy to only be right back where you started? Let’s figure out what works well and expand on that. Let’s not waste years in therapy but instead come up with achievable goals and make long-lasting changes. Finally, let’s add in non-traditional integrated modalities like mindfulness and hypnotherapy.
Have you tried other forms of traditional therapy to only be right back where you started? Let’s figure out what works well and expand on that. Let’s not waste years in therapy but instead come up with achievable goals and make long-lasting changes. Finally, let’s add in non-traditional integrated modalities like mindfulness and hypnotherapy.
(804) 599-4885 View (804) 599-4885

See more therapy options for Charlottesville

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.