Hypnotherapists in New Brighton, MN

Photo of Donny Hobbs, MA, LMFT, CEC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donny Hobbs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Brighton, MN 55112
I offer Clinical Hypnotherapy which is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational and sleep issues, chronic pain, IBS, smoking cessation, professional and athletic performance issues, fear of flying/public speaking and many additional concerns.
I work with individuals who are impacted by anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. My treatment approach focuses on improving confidence and personal resilience while reducing emotional distress. I also provide counseling for couples and families who are working through relational challenges and life-cycle transitions.I work from a holistic perspective, and my approach is goal driven and solution-focused. Together we identify your goals and ideal outcomes and work through challenges and unhelpful patterns to achieve success. I use accountability coaching to help you achieve your goals and step into the next chapter of life.
I offer Clinical Hypnotherapy which is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational and sleep issues, chronic pain, IBS, smoking cessation, professional and athletic performance issues, fear of flying/public speaking and many additional concerns.
I work with individuals who are impacted by anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. My treatment approach focuses on improving confidence and personal resilience while reducing emotional distress. I also provide counseling for couples and families who are working through relational challenges and life-cycle transitions.I work from a holistic perspective, and my approach is goal driven and solution-focused. Together we identify your goals and ideal outcomes and work through challenges and unhelpful patterns to achieve success. I use accountability coaching to help you achieve your goals and step into the next chapter of life.
(651) 927-8109 View (651) 927-8109
Photo of Donny Hobbs, LMFT, CEC, Dir, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donny Hobbs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEC, Dir
Verified Verified
New Brighton, MN 55112
Donny Hobbs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Executive Coach, and Leadership Development Consultant. He provides holistic executive coaching and wellness consulting services for individuals and teams at the corporate level, and clinical psychotherapy for individuals (18+), couples, and families. Donny’s approach to wellbeing revolves around two concepts: energy management and effective communication. He helps clients cultivate a healthy energy flow that invites connection and trust while helping maintain energy throughout the entire day. Donny is passionate about helping leaders, teams, and organizations pre
Donny Hobbs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Executive Coach, and Leadership Development Consultant. He provides holistic executive coaching and wellness consulting services for individuals and teams at the corporate level, and clinical psychotherapy for individuals (18+), couples, and families. Donny’s approach to wellbeing revolves around two concepts: energy management and effective communication. He helps clients cultivate a healthy energy flow that invites connection and trust while helping maintain energy throughout the entire day. Donny is passionate about helping leaders, teams, and organizations pre
(651) 358-2195 View (651) 358-2195
Photo of Jenna Hobbs, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Jenna Hobbs
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Brighton, MN 55112
I work with adolescents and adults as a collaborative, supportive partner to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. My therapeutic approaches integrate cognitive, behavioral, and insight-focused strategies. This warm and personal style helps clients work through ingrained and unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck in emotional distress and unfulfilling relationships. I have a mindful and holistic perspective, and emphasize integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing. I address many presenting issues in addition to welcoming concerns about physical and mental health. I am trained in clinical hypnosis, and enjoy working creatively to find effective solutions to inspire lasting change.
I work with adolescents and adults as a collaborative, supportive partner to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. My therapeutic approaches integrate cognitive, behavioral, and insight-focused strategies. This warm and personal style helps clients work through ingrained and unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck in emotional distress and unfulfilling relationships. I have a mindful and holistic perspective, and emphasize integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing. I address many presenting issues in addition to welcoming concerns about physical and mental health. I am trained in clinical hypnosis, and enjoy working creatively to find effective solutions to inspire lasting change.
View
Photo of Catherine Russell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Russell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
New Brighton, MN 55112
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
(612) 260-4569 View (612) 260-4569

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sadie Watts, MSW, LICSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sadie Watts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55102
The way out is often through, and when working with me in hypnotherapy you'll find we can do this by tapping into the power of your subconscious.
Are you a person currently contemplating personal change? Have you ever thought of therapy as a means towards personal growth or self discovery? I'd like to compassionately guide/support you toward actualizing your best self. I want to help you break out of the rut, to meet goals and to gain confidence and strength to conquer whatever obstacle is in your way. I prefer to emphasize and build on positive influences. I prefer to work in the realm of solutions, and I can help with deep, meaningful, personal shifts that lead to change.
The way out is often through, and when working with me in hypnotherapy you'll find we can do this by tapping into the power of your subconscious.
Are you a person currently contemplating personal change? Have you ever thought of therapy as a means towards personal growth or self discovery? I'd like to compassionately guide/support you toward actualizing your best self. I want to help you break out of the rut, to meet goals and to gain confidence and strength to conquer whatever obstacle is in your way. I prefer to emphasize and build on positive influences. I prefer to work in the realm of solutions, and I can help with deep, meaningful, personal shifts that lead to change.
(507) 338-6129 View (507) 338-6129
Photo of Jeffrey Jones - Phoenix Mental Health, PLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Phoenix Mental Health, PLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I'm a liberation psychology-informed psychotherapist specializing in existential and narrative therapy, EMDR, and hypnotherapy.
Are you struggling with feeling like an outsider, experiencing abuse or bullying, dealing with anxiety or depression, or working in a toxic environment? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment? Are you seeking validation, understanding, and a way to heal from past traumas? Is your goal to gain tools to cope with life's challenges and feel empowered to make positive changes? If so, seeking therapy is a courageous and important step towards achieving your mental health and well-being.
I'm a liberation psychology-informed psychotherapist specializing in existential and narrative therapy, EMDR, and hypnotherapy.
Are you struggling with feeling like an outsider, experiencing abuse or bullying, dealing with anxiety or depression, or working in a toxic environment? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment? Are you seeking validation, understanding, and a way to heal from past traumas? Is your goal to gain tools to cope with life's challenges and feel empowered to make positive changes? If so, seeking therapy is a courageous and important step towards achieving your mental health and well-being.
(612) 501-6807 View (612) 501-6807
Photo of Kristin Volk Funk, MEd, CCH
Kristin Volk Funk
MEd, CCH
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55401
As a counselor, life coach, and certified clinical hypnotherapist for over twenty-five years, I utilize talk therapy, hypnotherapy and guided deep meditation for life enhancement and advancement.
Imagine yourself letting go of fears, gaining power, confidence and happiness, releasing sadness and anxiety, losing weight, quitting tobacco, alcohol or other addictions, ending insomnia....in other words, becoming the successful, happy and fulfilled person you desire and deserve to be! Hypnotherapy utilizes the power of your subconscious mind, which is a major portion of your total mind, to create the positive habits and outlook that you consciously want but may have eluded you. Results can be fast and permanent.
As a counselor, life coach, and certified clinical hypnotherapist for over twenty-five years, I utilize talk therapy, hypnotherapy and guided deep meditation for life enhancement and advancement.
Imagine yourself letting go of fears, gaining power, confidence and happiness, releasing sadness and anxiety, losing weight, quitting tobacco, alcohol or other addictions, ending insomnia....in other words, becoming the successful, happy and fulfilled person you desire and deserve to be! Hypnotherapy utilizes the power of your subconscious mind, which is a major portion of your total mind, to create the positive habits and outlook that you consciously want but may have eluded you. Results can be fast and permanent.
(651) 504-3106 View (651) 504-3106
Photo of Edith Lamboy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Edith Lamboy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55117  (Online Only)
I am EMDR trained and also like to use Hypnotherapy/ Guided Meditation as an adjunct to other modalities.
Are you struggling in your relationship to yourself or others? Would you like to feel better about yourself and life in general? Have losses taken the joy out of life? Are you a survivor of traumatic experiences? Would you like to make changes and are unsure where to begin? My approach is collaborative and gentle, tailored to your needs and issues. Let's work together towards reconnecting you to your own inner wisdom! I would love to help you in developing your strengths, internal resources and coping skills for the challenges in your life.
I am EMDR trained and also like to use Hypnotherapy/ Guided Meditation as an adjunct to other modalities.
Are you struggling in your relationship to yourself or others? Would you like to feel better about yourself and life in general? Have losses taken the joy out of life? Are you a survivor of traumatic experiences? Would you like to make changes and are unsure where to begin? My approach is collaborative and gentle, tailored to your needs and issues. Let's work together towards reconnecting you to your own inner wisdom! I would love to help you in developing your strengths, internal resources and coping skills for the challenges in your life.
(612) 260-8755 View (612) 260-8755
Photo of Jane Gallagher, MA, LADC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Jane Gallagher
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LADC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408  (Online Only)
I use hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, EMDR, mindfulness, and a variety of techniques.
Open for New Clients. Clients seeking therapy can come as they are. It is my goal to have the education and tools to facilitate their process. I work with individual adults, teens, and children in a variety of areas, including mental health therapy, substance use disorder, EMDR trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, quitting smoking, phobias, confidence, and equine-assisted therapy. I have been a life coach and hypnotist for 11 years, substance use disorder counselor for 5 years, and I am a pre-licensed mental health therapist under supervision.
I use hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, EMDR, mindfulness, and a variety of techniques.
Open for New Clients. Clients seeking therapy can come as they are. It is my goal to have the education and tools to facilitate their process. I work with individual adults, teens, and children in a variety of areas, including mental health therapy, substance use disorder, EMDR trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, quitting smoking, phobias, confidence, and equine-assisted therapy. I have been a life coach and hypnotist for 11 years, substance use disorder counselor for 5 years, and I am a pre-licensed mental health therapist under supervision.
(612) 800-8054 View (612) 800-8054
Photo of Lorrie Ogren, MA, LPCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lorrie Ogren
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407  (Online Only)
EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, Holo-dynamic Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies are some of the interactive methods I use for trauma, anxiety, depression, neg beliefs.
I offer a unique blend of alternative therapies combining some of the newest discoveries in neuropsychology, mind-body integration and mindfulness. I do my best to work from a place of intuitive, compassionate, heart based support. Working together, we can explore your issues and uncover the root causes of your suffering using the subconscious, breath-work, mind-body awareness and many other transpersonal therapy methods. I believe therapy is the courageous process of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering the 'greater' self and learning to make conscious choices with compassion and forgiveness.
EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, Holo-dynamic Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies are some of the interactive methods I use for trauma, anxiety, depression, neg beliefs.
I offer a unique blend of alternative therapies combining some of the newest discoveries in neuropsychology, mind-body integration and mindfulness. I do my best to work from a place of intuitive, compassionate, heart based support. Working together, we can explore your issues and uncover the root causes of your suffering using the subconscious, breath-work, mind-body awareness and many other transpersonal therapy methods. I believe therapy is the courageous process of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering the 'greater' self and learning to make conscious choices with compassion and forgiveness.
(715) 333-3446 View (715) 333-3446
Photo of Jamie R Houk, MA, LPCC
Jamie R Houk
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55405
I also have training in hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Do you find yourself in similar patterns or situations? It is helpful to seek out guidance and support from someone unbiased as they have the opportunity to see your story with fresh eyes so that insights may be provided on unhealthy patterns, limiting beliefs, and decisions. It is my goal to assist you on your path so you can have more confidence in managing whatever you may feel is blocking you from moving forward. Many times within therapy it feels like we are just treating the various symptoms that pop up, however, I like to get to the root of it so that true healing can occur.
I also have training in hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Do you find yourself in similar patterns or situations? It is helpful to seek out guidance and support from someone unbiased as they have the opportunity to see your story with fresh eyes so that insights may be provided on unhealthy patterns, limiting beliefs, and decisions. It is my goal to assist you on your path so you can have more confidence in managing whatever you may feel is blocking you from moving forward. Many times within therapy it feels like we are just treating the various symptoms that pop up, however, I like to get to the root of it so that true healing can occur.
(651) 301-8321 View (651) 301-8321
Photo of Joseph Lundsten, MA, LPCC
Joseph Lundsten
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55418
I have come to embrace an integrative approach with individuals and couples that uses psychodynamic therapies, emotionally focused therapy, somatic work, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and Christian spiritual integration.
Currently, I am working with adults and couples with varying concerns including: grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, addiction and substance use, sexual addiction and integrity, faith and spirituality, chronic health issues, OCD and scrupulosity, and relational and family issues.
I have come to embrace an integrative approach with individuals and couples that uses psychodynamic therapies, emotionally focused therapy, somatic work, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and Christian spiritual integration.
Currently, I am working with adults and couples with varying concerns including: grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, addiction and substance use, sexual addiction and integrity, faith and spirituality, chronic health issues, OCD and scrupulosity, and relational and family issues.
(651) 565-6987 View (651) 565-6987
Photo of Anne M. Tyler, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anne M. Tyler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55101  (Online Only)
In our rapidly evolving world, the demands for adaptability intensify, amplifying stress and challenges. I blend cutting-edge neuroscience insights and innovative integrated strategies to build resilience and navigate the complexities of life. Serving professionals from diverse sectors including science, medicine, business, technology, government, military, academia, aviation, spirituality and creative fields, I offer customized approaches to achieving personal growth & healing, family harmony and excellence in performance. My goal is to provide transformational experiences to empower strength, resilience and living your best life.
In our rapidly evolving world, the demands for adaptability intensify, amplifying stress and challenges. I blend cutting-edge neuroscience insights and innovative integrated strategies to build resilience and navigate the complexities of life. Serving professionals from diverse sectors including science, medicine, business, technology, government, military, academia, aviation, spirituality and creative fields, I offer customized approaches to achieving personal growth & healing, family harmony and excellence in performance. My goal is to provide transformational experiences to empower strength, resilience and living your best life.
(612) 360-2664 View (612) 360-2664
Photo of Alex J. Marie, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Alex J. Marie
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Now, more than ever it is natural to feel stressed, overwhelmed, confused or anxious at times. It may be that you are considering therapy to address a specific problem you are facing; or you want to better understand why you respond the way you do to events in your life. Perhaps you want to talk about difficult or painful experiences you have had. Whatever brings you to this important work, I am committed to listening closely and working collaboratively to help you find what matters most to you.
Now, more than ever it is natural to feel stressed, overwhelmed, confused or anxious at times. It may be that you are considering therapy to address a specific problem you are facing; or you want to better understand why you respond the way you do to events in your life. Perhaps you want to talk about difficult or painful experiences you have had. Whatever brings you to this important work, I am committed to listening closely and working collaboratively to help you find what matters most to you.
(952) 314-5520 View (952) 314-5520
Photo of Sue M Sexton, MA LP, Psychologist
Sue M Sexton
Psychologist, MA LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Have you had a recent change in your life and want a safe person to talk with to better understand yourself? Perhaps your feelings have felt more intense: anxiety, depression, confusion, or desire to find purpose to your life. You look around - seeking answers, understanding, & deeper healing. Maybe a life situation unfolded and you were suddenly on a path you never imagined (job loss, divorce, etc) or one you wanted to be on but it’s more stressful or different than what you thought (attending college or a new job). If this is you, I can support you. I approach all my clients with the understanding that we are capable of change.
Have you had a recent change in your life and want a safe person to talk with to better understand yourself? Perhaps your feelings have felt more intense: anxiety, depression, confusion, or desire to find purpose to your life. You look around - seeking answers, understanding, & deeper healing. Maybe a life situation unfolded and you were suddenly on a path you never imagined (job loss, divorce, etc) or one you wanted to be on but it’s more stressful or different than what you thought (attending college or a new job). If this is you, I can support you. I approach all my clients with the understanding that we are capable of change.
(651) 412-7480 View (651) 412-7480
Photo of Nancy J Arikian, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Nancy J Arikian
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I am passionate about helping people find and build on their inner strengths and learn new skills in order to feel more at ease emotionally and create a more satisfying life. I listen deeply to help people explore their strengths and also obstacles to creating the life they want. I enjoy helping people with a variety of problems including anxiety, depressed mood, relationship struggles, insomnia, and health problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
I am passionate about helping people find and build on their inner strengths and learn new skills in order to feel more at ease emotionally and create a more satisfying life. I listen deeply to help people explore their strengths and also obstacles to creating the life they want. I enjoy helping people with a variety of problems including anxiety, depressed mood, relationship struggles, insomnia, and health problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
(612) 354-8114 View (612) 354-8114
Photo of Stacia Hanson, MA, LP, Psychologist
Stacia Hanson
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Whether it's a sounding board or a more intensive and specialized therapy approach that you are seeking, I invite you to contact me. Together let's identify what you want to get from therapy and how we will know when therapy is working for you. I would like to assist you as you take your next steps towards healing, resiliency, and balanced mental health. I can help assist you in alliviateing suffering from problematic mental health symptoms interfering with your daily life. Let's work towards achieving the life and the goals that you desire.
Whether it's a sounding board or a more intensive and specialized therapy approach that you are seeking, I invite you to contact me. Together let's identify what you want to get from therapy and how we will know when therapy is working for you. I would like to assist you as you take your next steps towards healing, resiliency, and balanced mental health. I can help assist you in alliviateing suffering from problematic mental health symptoms interfering with your daily life. Let's work towards achieving the life and the goals that you desire.
(952) 921-3266 View (952) 921-3266
Photo of Melinda R Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC, Counselor
Melinda R Coscarelli
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Are you ready for something better in your life but don't know where to start? Welcome to the next generation in Therapy and Treatment Programming! We are a group of specialized therapists who get right to the root of the issue, helping you feel better much quicker than some of the traditional therapies. We offer evidenced based neuro-science techniques that are effective for treating everything from trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and several other concerns. We are warm, welcoming, compassionate and highly skilled. We take good care of our clients, and we will take good care of YOU!
Are you ready for something better in your life but don't know where to start? Welcome to the next generation in Therapy and Treatment Programming! We are a group of specialized therapists who get right to the root of the issue, helping you feel better much quicker than some of the traditional therapies. We offer evidenced based neuro-science techniques that are effective for treating everything from trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and several other concerns. We are warm, welcoming, compassionate and highly skilled. We take good care of our clients, and we will take good care of YOU!
(651) 372-8567 View (651) 372-8567
Photo of Claudia Petcu, MSW, LPsy, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claudia Petcu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LPsy, LGSW
Verified Verified
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
(612) 712-5203 View (612) 712-5203
Photo of Muhammad Samim - Cornerstone Therapy and Recovery, MS, MFT-TL, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cornerstone Therapy and Recovery
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MFT-TL
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104
I provide guidance and support to improve relationships and well-being in MN, WI & MI. Whether you're facing trauma, relationship struggles, sexless relationships, sex addiction, or anger management, I offer a safe and judgment-free space for you to share your concerns. I'm dedicated to helping you find understanding and harmony in your relationships. With cultural humility, I bridge the gap between diverse backgrounds, such as war veterans, trauma survivors, domestic abuse survivors, immigrants, refugees, and the Muslim and South Asian communities. I provide the tools, knowledge, and support for healing and growth.
I provide guidance and support to improve relationships and well-being in MN, WI & MI. Whether you're facing trauma, relationship struggles, sexless relationships, sex addiction, or anger management, I offer a safe and judgment-free space for you to share your concerns. I'm dedicated to helping you find understanding and harmony in your relationships. With cultural humility, I bridge the gap between diverse backgrounds, such as war veterans, trauma survivors, domestic abuse survivors, immigrants, refugees, and the Muslim and South Asian communities. I provide the tools, knowledge, and support for healing and growth.
(763) 275-3152 View (763) 275-3152

See more therapy options for New Brighton

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.