Hypnotherapists in Philadelphia, PA

Photo of Victor Tsan, MD, LAC, CHP
Victor Tsan
MD, LAC, CHP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19115
My name is Dr. Tsan and I'm medical doctor, certified hypnotherapist, homeopath, acupuncturist and reiki master. I am also the Medical Director of Philadelphia Holistic Clinic. In this clinic all holistic modalities reside under one roof. Holistic treatment is my specialty and I use it in my medical practice during the period of last 40+ years. The core concept of acupuncture is related to the qi energy that presents in our body. Hypnotherapy is a technique that combines the power of suggestion and an altered state of consciousness to change in behavior.
My name is Dr. Tsan and I'm medical doctor, certified hypnotherapist, homeopath, acupuncturist and reiki master. I am also the Medical Director of Philadelphia Holistic Clinic. In this clinic all holistic modalities reside under one roof. Holistic treatment is my specialty and I use it in my medical practice during the period of last 40+ years. The core concept of acupuncture is related to the qi energy that presents in our body. Hypnotherapy is a technique that combines the power of suggestion and an altered state of consciousness to change in behavior.
(267) 460-4560 View (267) 460-4560
Photo of Elise Gaul, MS, LPC, NCC, CT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elise Gaul
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
I am an experienced practitioner providing evidenced-based therapies including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, mindfulness and others for processing grief and trauma, lowering anxiety, reducing pain symptoms, and improving mood.
Are you feeling off balance or distressed physically and emotionally due to a recent loss, past trauma, or stressful life circumstances? You need to process your experience plus tools and practices to enjoy a healthy mind-- one that is that is present, focused, responsive, and resilient. Your life is precious. Now is the time to make it the best it can be with positive mind states, a sense of purpose, and connection. A healthy mind is the best predictor of a happy life!
I am an experienced practitioner providing evidenced-based therapies including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, mindfulness and others for processing grief and trauma, lowering anxiety, reducing pain symptoms, and improving mood.
Are you feeling off balance or distressed physically and emotionally due to a recent loss, past trauma, or stressful life circumstances? You need to process your experience plus tools and practices to enjoy a healthy mind-- one that is that is present, focused, responsive, and resilient. Your life is precious. Now is the time to make it the best it can be with positive mind states, a sense of purpose, and connection. A healthy mind is the best predictor of a happy life!
(610) 202-0905 View (610) 202-0905
Photo of Dr. Elanah D. Naftali, DrPH, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Elanah D. Naftali
Marriage & Family Therapist, DrPH, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19144  (Online Only)
When anxiety and depression run wild, our relationships suffer and self confidence is eroded. I help Individuals restore wholeness and safety; especially after a trauma from long ago, or just yesterday. I also work with individuals longing for deeper connection and joy in their personal and work relationships. I blend body-based approaches, mindfulness and hypnotherapy to offer tangible tools for staying healthy and grounded; especially when life's running us and lacks vitality.
When anxiety and depression run wild, our relationships suffer and self confidence is eroded. I help Individuals restore wholeness and safety; especially after a trauma from long ago, or just yesterday. I also work with individuals longing for deeper connection and joy in their personal and work relationships. I blend body-based approaches, mindfulness and hypnotherapy to offer tangible tools for staying healthy and grounded; especially when life's running us and lacks vitality.
(215) 498-6360 View (215) 498-6360
Photo of Joe Dowling, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joe Dowling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19128
) and hypnobirthing utilizing medical hypnotherapy and mindfullness.
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
) and hypnobirthing utilizing medical hypnotherapy and mindfullness.
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
(267) 282-6036 View (267) 282-6036
Photo of Jeanie Snodgrass Almo, BSN, MS, CHT, Counselor
Jeanie Snodgrass Almo
Counselor, BSN, MS, CHT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am the Founder of Fairmount Associates, LLC, a private counseling practice combining traditional psychotherapy approaches with hypnotherapy , mindfulness, & energy therapies to address issues as relationships, marriage, separation, divorce, depression, grief and loss, parenting issues, substance abuse, and self esteem. When appropriate, I employ hypnosis and hypnotherapy along with energy and mindfulness therapies to overcome anxiety, fears, phobias, anger, stress; to improve focus for sport, speaking and test taking; preparing for medical procedures & treatments; deal with chronic pain & illness; smoking and weight issues; & for stress reduction & stress management. This comprehensive background and experience provide a platform for my skills as a Life Coach.
I am the Founder of Fairmount Associates, LLC, a private counseling practice combining traditional psychotherapy approaches with hypnotherapy , mindfulness, & energy therapies to address issues as relationships, marriage, separation, divorce, depression, grief and loss, parenting issues, substance abuse, and self esteem. When appropriate, I employ hypnosis and hypnotherapy along with energy and mindfulness therapies to overcome anxiety, fears, phobias, anger, stress; to improve focus for sport, speaking and test taking; preparing for medical procedures & treatments; deal with chronic pain & illness; smoking and weight issues; & for stress reduction & stress management. This comprehensive background and experience provide a platform for my skills as a Life Coach.
(215) 486-3283 View (215) 486-3283
Photo of Neal King, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Neal King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Clients receive my audio programs for Stress, Weight Control and/or Smoke Cessation that can accompany Hypnotherapy.
Licensed in PA and NJ - Accepting Telehealth Let’s take a direct, head-on approach to managing ANXIETY and STRESS – as that is known to be the trigger to many other ailments. I am on a personal mission to HELP TEENS and ADULTS GAIN INSIGHT into their anxious triggers that are self-limiting their incredible potential. I am a strength-based therapist with emphasis on mindfulness and stress management as it relates to improving your daily interactions and functioning. Let's learn and use effective problem-solving and cognitive restructuring skills; so your confidence and capabilities toward solutions will become part of you.
Clients receive my audio programs for Stress, Weight Control and/or Smoke Cessation that can accompany Hypnotherapy.
Licensed in PA and NJ - Accepting Telehealth Let’s take a direct, head-on approach to managing ANXIETY and STRESS – as that is known to be the trigger to many other ailments. I am on a personal mission to HELP TEENS and ADULTS GAIN INSIGHT into their anxious triggers that are self-limiting their incredible potential. I am a strength-based therapist with emphasis on mindfulness and stress management as it relates to improving your daily interactions and functioning. Let's learn and use effective problem-solving and cognitive restructuring skills; so your confidence and capabilities toward solutions will become part of you.
(267) 613-9109 View (267) 613-9109
Photo of Kelly N Craney, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly N Craney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19111
The advanced techniques available are strategically blended to maximize your treatment, such as: Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, Reiki, and Somatic & Energetic Psychology.
The majority of my clients are people who have struggled to find relief from traditional medicine (and traditional approaches to addressing complex ailments/struggles). I am grateful that these individuals find relief here. Many of my patients have been able to resolve complex challenges in just a few months of biweekly sessions. Areas of specialized care & success include, but are not limited to: trauma, chronic pain, nerve damage, complex medical conditions, grief, spiritual development, struggles with weight, stomach/GI issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression, medication intolerance, and some areas of addiction.
The advanced techniques available are strategically blended to maximize your treatment, such as: Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, Reiki, and Somatic & Energetic Psychology.
The majority of my clients are people who have struggled to find relief from traditional medicine (and traditional approaches to addressing complex ailments/struggles). I am grateful that these individuals find relief here. Many of my patients have been able to resolve complex challenges in just a few months of biweekly sessions. Areas of specialized care & success include, but are not limited to: trauma, chronic pain, nerve damage, complex medical conditions, grief, spiritual development, struggles with weight, stomach/GI issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression, medication intolerance, and some areas of addiction.
(267) 871-9969 View (267) 871-9969
Photo of Nadine Rosechild Sullivan, PhD, CHT, Rev, Counselor
Nadine Rosechild Sullivan
Counselor, PhD, CHT, Rev
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118  (Online Only)
Would you like to understand yourself, or your relationships, better? Do you have a need for clear direction? insight on your journey? Would you like to change your life? attract the people, knowledge and things you need? accomplish your dreams? experience greater happiness? get rid of annoying habits and fears? live with less stress? Let me help you bloom to your full potential. I do not label or use a "medical model." As an interfaith minister, I provide holistic spiritual counseling, and/or hypnotherapy or intuitive guidance, that is respectful of your spiritual (or non-spiritual) perspective.
Would you like to understand yourself, or your relationships, better? Do you have a need for clear direction? insight on your journey? Would you like to change your life? attract the people, knowledge and things you need? accomplish your dreams? experience greater happiness? get rid of annoying habits and fears? live with less stress? Let me help you bloom to your full potential. I do not label or use a "medical model." As an interfaith minister, I provide holistic spiritual counseling, and/or hypnotherapy or intuitive guidance, that is respectful of your spiritual (or non-spiritual) perspective.
(215) 352-3947 View (215) 352-3947
Photo of Lisa Brenner - Clearing The Way Hypnotherapy, MSN, CRNP, FNP, BC, CHT
Clearing The Way Hypnotherapy
MSN, CRNP, FNP, BC, CHT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19131
When you enjoy a hypnotherapy experience you benefit from a deeply relaxed, yet mentally focused state. You remain in control while allowing abundant opportunities for positive growth. The term "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek "hypnos", meaning sleep. In reality you are awake enjoying a brainwave state similar to peaceful meditation. In Lisa's practice each client's uniqueness is intuited. Hypnotherapy can help with smoking cessation, stress / pain release, preparation for medical procedures, childbirth preparation, Irritable bowel, and much more. It can also be a profound tool for introspection, personal clarity and growth.
When you enjoy a hypnotherapy experience you benefit from a deeply relaxed, yet mentally focused state. You remain in control while allowing abundant opportunities for positive growth. The term "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek "hypnos", meaning sleep. In reality you are awake enjoying a brainwave state similar to peaceful meditation. In Lisa's practice each client's uniqueness is intuited. Hypnotherapy can help with smoking cessation, stress / pain release, preparation for medical procedures, childbirth preparation, Irritable bowel, and much more. It can also be a profound tool for introspection, personal clarity and growth.
(484) 443-5471 View (484) 443-5471
Photo of Meaghan Coneys, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meaghan Coneys
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Starting therapy both a daunting and exciting process. I will create a safe environment where you can feel comfortable in moments of discomfort. I strongly believe the relationship between therapist and client is the primary factor to change and growth within the individual. I emphasize importance on past/current relationships, believing that we are impacted and molded by our relationships with others. I maintain a strengths-based/humanistic approach to psychotherapy, while using a number of clinical tools (EMDR, Hypnotherapy, & Meditation) to cope with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
Starting therapy both a daunting and exciting process. I will create a safe environment where you can feel comfortable in moments of discomfort. I strongly believe the relationship between therapist and client is the primary factor to change and growth within the individual. I emphasize importance on past/current relationships, believing that we are impacted and molded by our relationships with others. I maintain a strengths-based/humanistic approach to psychotherapy, while using a number of clinical tools (EMDR, Hypnotherapy, & Meditation) to cope with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
(203) 609-4462 View (203) 609-4462
Photo of Taylor Rotolo, LCSW, ACHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Rotolo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACHT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107  (Online Only)
I also offer meditation and hypnotherapy as well as therapeutic tools.
Hi there! My name is Taylor Rotolo (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. I offer telehealth only for right now however I am hopeful to be able to offer in person services in the future. I have been a therapist for 5 years and a social worker for 9 years. Social work is my passion and helping people heal into self love is my purpose. I absolutely love to serve people in their healing journeys. I am committed to being the change as I serve as a social worker. I feel truly blessed to do this work.
I also offer meditation and hypnotherapy as well as therapeutic tools.
Hi there! My name is Taylor Rotolo (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. I offer telehealth only for right now however I am hopeful to be able to offer in person services in the future. I have been a therapist for 5 years and a social worker for 9 years. Social work is my passion and helping people heal into self love is my purpose. I absolutely love to serve people in their healing journeys. I am committed to being the change as I serve as a social worker. I feel truly blessed to do this work.
(610) 897-7966 View (610) 897-7966
Photo of Marina James, MA, CBC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marina James
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19116
With techniques, including talk therapy, CBT, and hypnotherapy, we will modify your behavior to reach your life goals.
Your anxiety is always present, and depression is a constant visitor, yet, energy and motivation rarely exist. You instinctively understand that society's rules are not always relevant; at the same time, it is hard to decide what is important and how to find your life's purpose, especially with unrealistic media expectations. You worry about money, the future, and the carbon footprint. You have difficulty with challenging conversations and making meaningful relationships. It is hard for you to keep up with the demands of life, keep things organized and workable, and find a healthy balance in life.
With techniques, including talk therapy, CBT, and hypnotherapy, we will modify your behavior to reach your life goals.
Your anxiety is always present, and depression is a constant visitor, yet, energy and motivation rarely exist. You instinctively understand that society's rules are not always relevant; at the same time, it is hard to decide what is important and how to find your life's purpose, especially with unrealistic media expectations. You worry about money, the future, and the carbon footprint. You have difficulty with challenging conversations and making meaningful relationships. It is hard for you to keep up with the demands of life, keep things organized and workable, and find a healthy balance in life.
(267) 982-4444 View (267) 982-4444
Photo of Reinhild Draeger-Muenke, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist
Reinhild Draeger-Muenke
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118  (Online Only)
Whether we'll use psychodynamically oriented or cognitive behavioral talk therapy, sand play or art, guided imagery, hypnotherapy or mindfulness meditation, there are many therapeutic ways to ameliorate challenging symptoms, to explore underlying issues, and to integrate new, constructive ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving into your daily life.
You may have considered finding a therapist for a while, wondering whether it's worth the risk. Are you struggling with physical symptoms, feelings or behaviors you don't particularly like, but can't seem to control? Have you found it difficult to make changes in your life, although you have tried many times on your own? Are you dissatisfied with how your relationships are going? Perhaps you wish you could be a more effective parent? Or maybe you already know there is "stuff" you haven't wanted to touch on your own, but it's not going away......., and you are ready to invest in healing whatever hurts? Then therapy can help.
Whether we'll use psychodynamically oriented or cognitive behavioral talk therapy, sand play or art, guided imagery, hypnotherapy or mindfulness meditation, there are many therapeutic ways to ameliorate challenging symptoms, to explore underlying issues, and to integrate new, constructive ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving into your daily life.
You may have considered finding a therapist for a while, wondering whether it's worth the risk. Are you struggling with physical symptoms, feelings or behaviors you don't particularly like, but can't seem to control? Have you found it difficult to make changes in your life, although you have tried many times on your own? Are you dissatisfied with how your relationships are going? Perhaps you wish you could be a more effective parent? Or maybe you already know there is "stuff" you haven't wanted to touch on your own, but it's not going away......., and you are ready to invest in healing whatever hurts? Then therapy can help.
(484) 265-9786 View (484) 265-9786
Photo of Sherry Goldman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sherry Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19146  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, and worry are making you miserable and keeping you up at night. Nothing you have tried is helping, and you've tried everything. There's never enough time to get it all done, and the pressure never ends. You’re at your wits ends. When you play it forward you only see things getting worse. The unavoidable consequences to your relationships and family, your work, and your health are constant lurking threats. You keep your stress buried inside because you don’t know what else to do. Everyone thinks you have it all figured out. But the truth is you feel lost. You've worked too hard to feel so unhappy.
Anxiety, depression, and worry are making you miserable and keeping you up at night. Nothing you have tried is helping, and you've tried everything. There's never enough time to get it all done, and the pressure never ends. You’re at your wits ends. When you play it forward you only see things getting worse. The unavoidable consequences to your relationships and family, your work, and your health are constant lurking threats. You keep your stress buried inside because you don’t know what else to do. Everyone thinks you have it all figured out. But the truth is you feel lost. You've worked too hard to feel so unhappy.
(267) 699-7404 View (267) 699-7404
Photo of Samaria Williams, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samaria Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
I genuinely love people and the beautiful human spirit in each of us. I honor the courage it takes to keep getting up no matter how many times life knocks you down. If you are ready to move from a state of survival to a state of thriving, I am here to be your guide. My childhood was complex and turbulent and healing from the impact of trauma has been the greatest work of my life. My hope is to help you understand the transformative power of the human spirit. You have more personal power than you could ever imagine and it can be used with intention to create the result you desire in your life.
I genuinely love people and the beautiful human spirit in each of us. I honor the courage it takes to keep getting up no matter how many times life knocks you down. If you are ready to move from a state of survival to a state of thriving, I am here to be your guide. My childhood was complex and turbulent and healing from the impact of trauma has been the greatest work of my life. My hope is to help you understand the transformative power of the human spirit. You have more personal power than you could ever imagine and it can be used with intention to create the result you desire in your life.
(267) 578-7421 View (267) 578-7421
Photo of JoAnne M Hanson - New Beginnings Holistic Therapies, Inc, MS, LMFT
New Beginnings Holistic Therapies, Inc
MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Are you struggling to find peace? Do you feel destined for more? I believe that each of us is born with a life purpose and when we are not in alignment with that energy we can feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain, and even depressed. Together, we will explore the past, examine the present, and manifest a future that you’ve always desired. A few simple shifts in your awareness is often all that is needed to change your perception and heal the parts of your life that you are presently struggling with. I will help you obtain clarity, find peace and balance, and discover or awaken parts of yourself that have yet to be explored.
Are you struggling to find peace? Do you feel destined for more? I believe that each of us is born with a life purpose and when we are not in alignment with that energy we can feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain, and even depressed. Together, we will explore the past, examine the present, and manifest a future that you’ve always desired. A few simple shifts in your awareness is often all that is needed to change your perception and heal the parts of your life that you are presently struggling with. I will help you obtain clarity, find peace and balance, and discover or awaken parts of yourself that have yet to be explored.
(267) 930-2791 View (267) 930-2791
Photo of Denise Devoe, MS, CCHt, AADP, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Denise Devoe
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, CCHt, AADP, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, kindness, and respect. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings freely. My eclectic therapeutic style draws from several evidenced-based modalities, including Rogerian, Narrative, Family Systems, and DBT.
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, kindness, and respect. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings freely. My eclectic therapeutic style draws from several evidenced-based modalities, including Rogerian, Narrative, Family Systems, and DBT.
(484) 739-8177 View (484) 739-8177
Alternative Psychotherapy Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, BCPC, BCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147  (Online Only)
Using a brief and cognitive therapy approach, I specialize is working with individuals, couples, marriage counseling, and families for issues of relationship problems, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma informed treatment, decision making, assertiveness skills, adjusting to new situations and the emotions and decisions that come along with it. I am a licensed professional counselor in PA, NJ, and DE and offer evidence-based treatments, clinical supervision for new counselors in obtaining their license, and I am a Board Certified Executive Coach. I also offer consultation within the realm of career, work, and future planning.
Using a brief and cognitive therapy approach, I specialize is working with individuals, couples, marriage counseling, and families for issues of relationship problems, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma informed treatment, decision making, assertiveness skills, adjusting to new situations and the emotions and decisions that come along with it. I am a licensed professional counselor in PA, NJ, and DE and offer evidence-based treatments, clinical supervision for new counselors in obtaining their license, and I am a Board Certified Executive Coach. I also offer consultation within the realm of career, work, and future planning.
(215) 664-2227 View (215) 664-2227
Photo of Nancy Roth, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nancy Roth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I believe that everyone has strengths--and that everyone encounters challenges. During difficult times, I can help you find new ways of understanding what's happening, additional resources for support and enhanced coping skills that build on your existing strengths. I work primarily with adults, individually, in couples or as families.
I believe that everyone has strengths--and that everyone encounters challenges. During difficult times, I can help you find new ways of understanding what's happening, additional resources for support and enhanced coping skills that build on your existing strengths. I work primarily with adults, individually, in couples or as families.
(215) 703-8849 View (215) 703-8849
Photo of Bonnie Carpenter, EdD, Psychologist
Bonnie Carpenter
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147
People come to treatment for a variety of reasons.I view each person as unique and strive to assist individuals to overcome challenges and meet the goals that are important in their lives. As we work to let go of behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are not useful in the present, new healthier patterns can emerge and be adopted. Treatment is always focused on achieving a greater sense of comfort and satisfaction, psychologically, emotionally physically and spiritually.
People come to treatment for a variety of reasons.I view each person as unique and strive to assist individuals to overcome challenges and meet the goals that are important in their lives. As we work to let go of behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are not useful in the present, new healthier patterns can emerge and be adopted. Treatment is always focused on achieving a greater sense of comfort and satisfaction, psychologically, emotionally physically and spiritually.
(215) 995-4087 View (215) 995-4087

See more therapy options for Philadelphia

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.