Hypnotherapists in Edmonds, WA

Photo of Drue Larson, MA-ABS, CC, ACHt, Counselor
Drue Larson
Counselor, MA-ABS, CC, ACHt
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020
Take your next step. Experience what Counseling and Hypnotherapy can do for you. Life often demands more than we are able to handle on our own. Although we do our best, we may reach a point where we feel emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually adrift; stuck in the past, afraid of the future; unable to resolve our issues or move forward in life. If this sounds familiar, recognizing this is the first step. Reaching out for help starts your journey toward healing and creating the life you desire.
Take your next step. Experience what Counseling and Hypnotherapy can do for you. Life often demands more than we are able to handle on our own. Although we do our best, we may reach a point where we feel emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually adrift; stuck in the past, afraid of the future; unable to resolve our issues or move forward in life. If this sounds familiar, recognizing this is the first step. Reaching out for help starts your journey toward healing and creating the life you desire.
(425) 406-3843 View (425) 406-3843
Photo of Melissa Lozito - Empowering Minds PLLC, DSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Empowering Minds PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98026  (Online Only)
My passion is to empower others to build self-confidence through therapy. Through self-confidence, you can learn how to care for yourself in ways that help you grow using self-compassion and maintain your mental health.
My passion is to empower others to build self-confidence through therapy. Through self-confidence, you can learn how to care for yourself in ways that help you grow using self-compassion and maintain your mental health.
(425) 528-8960 View (425) 528-8960
Photo of Leslie Fleming, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Leslie Fleming
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a unique, holistic approach to transformational healing and growth through a weaving of shamanism, psychotherapy, and coaching. I am direct, compassionate, and intuitive in working with clients, offering deep integrity, fortitude, and over 3 decades of shamanic practice supporting journeys of healing, personal mastery, and authenticity. The transformational work of embodying who you truly are and why you are here is a beautiful, challenging journey of embracing and integrating all of who you are with deep compassion and fierce love. A journey I invite you to take and am honored to support.
I offer a unique, holistic approach to transformational healing and growth through a weaving of shamanism, psychotherapy, and coaching. I am direct, compassionate, and intuitive in working with clients, offering deep integrity, fortitude, and over 3 decades of shamanic practice supporting journeys of healing, personal mastery, and authenticity. The transformational work of embodying who you truly are and why you are here is a beautiful, challenging journey of embracing and integrating all of who you are with deep compassion and fierce love. A journey I invite you to take and am honored to support.
(206) 745-6238 View (206) 745-6238
Photo of Ryan Maher, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Ryan Maher
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a compassionate and non-judging space for individuals to reflect on their experience and explore new ways of being in the world that bring deeper meaning and contentment. If you are feeling unfulfilled, anxious, depressed, or disconnected from the people in your life or your own inner self, therapy offers a meaningful path toward greater self-awareness, joy, and overall satisfaction with life.
I offer a compassionate and non-judging space for individuals to reflect on their experience and explore new ways of being in the world that bring deeper meaning and contentment. If you are feeling unfulfilled, anxious, depressed, or disconnected from the people in your life or your own inner self, therapy offers a meaningful path toward greater self-awareness, joy, and overall satisfaction with life.
(360) 218-0953 View (360) 218-0953

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kristin Whitelaw, PhD, CHT
Kristin Whitelaw
PhD, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
These effective methods include conscious awareness techniques, inner child work, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, guided visualization to heal and connect on the deepest level.
Do you want to live your life as who you truly are rather than who you think you ‘should’ be? Overcome the thoughts that tell you you're not enough, aren’t deserving or that there’s something wrong with you. Release old patterns that take you to the same places, relationships and feelings over and over again. Heal your past, relieve anxiety and fear and feel happier, more peaceful and powerful, more confident and inspired. Feel more deeply connected, - body, mind and spirit. Fulfill your passions, your divine purpose and live the life you are truly meant to live. The power to bring these changes into your life is within you
These effective methods include conscious awareness techniques, inner child work, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, guided visualization to heal and connect on the deepest level.
Do you want to live your life as who you truly are rather than who you think you ‘should’ be? Overcome the thoughts that tell you you're not enough, aren’t deserving or that there’s something wrong with you. Release old patterns that take you to the same places, relationships and feelings over and over again. Heal your past, relieve anxiety and fear and feel happier, more peaceful and powerful, more confident and inspired. Feel more deeply connected, - body, mind and spirit. Fulfill your passions, your divine purpose and live the life you are truly meant to live. The power to bring these changes into your life is within you
(310) 299-8091 View (310) 299-8091
Photo of Amber Birchard - Women's Hypnotherapy & EP Coaching, CHT
Women's Hypnotherapy & EP Coaching
CHT
Verified Verified
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155  (Online Only)
I invite you into Transpersonal Hypnotherapy & Coaching sessions that are emotionally gentle, short term solution-focused, deeply personalized, spiritually led & encouraging.
No matter how much heartbreak you have survived, you can always bounce back & you can become more yourself then you ever were before. The fact that you are on here solidifies that you are already healing, hopeful & ready to return to yourself. You have suffered long enough for real meaning making, you have learned from experience (the greatest teacher) & now it's time to perceive your past as what makes you one of a kind; not what holds you back, or what occupies your mind most. You are here to live fully in your present experience, in accepting love with who you are & powerful feminine drive for who you are becoming.
I invite you into Transpersonal Hypnotherapy & Coaching sessions that are emotionally gentle, short term solution-focused, deeply personalized, spiritually led & encouraging.
No matter how much heartbreak you have survived, you can always bounce back & you can become more yourself then you ever were before. The fact that you are on here solidifies that you are already healing, hopeful & ready to return to yourself. You have suffered long enough for real meaning making, you have learned from experience (the greatest teacher) & now it's time to perceive your past as what makes you one of a kind; not what holds you back, or what occupies your mind most. You are here to live fully in your present experience, in accepting love with who you are & powerful feminine drive for who you are becoming.
(206) 558-5979 View (206) 558-5979
Photo of Kristin Schaaf, PhD, Psychologist
Kristin Schaaf
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Waitlist for new clients
I provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I also do hypnotherapy and psychological evaluations. My theoretical orientation depends on your needs and the type of therapy you are seeking. In order for psychotherapy to be effective, there must be openness and trust, commitment to change, and an attitude of collaboration between client and therapist. Together we will explore the problems that led you into therapy, discuss your past as it is relevant to your present situation, and establish goals for your treatment.
I provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I also do hypnotherapy and psychological evaluations. My theoretical orientation depends on your needs and the type of therapy you are seeking. In order for psychotherapy to be effective, there must be openness and trust, commitment to change, and an attitude of collaboration between client and therapist. Together we will explore the problems that led you into therapy, discuss your past as it is relevant to your present situation, and establish goals for your treatment.
(425) 321-0299 View (425) 321-0299
Photo of Meara Harrington, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Meara Harrington
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Gottman Method, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
Congratulations on taking the first steps to becoming the person you want to be. I believe in empowering people to overcome the difficulties in their lives. My passion is helping clients to overcome barriers to living their best life by bringing out their inner strength, using therapy for insight, self-exploration, healing, and personal growth. My theoretical approach is eclectic and relational. Together we can explore how your personal history and learned habits may influence your emotions, coping patterns, and behaviors,- ultimately affecting your sense of self for the better.
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Gottman Method, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
Congratulations on taking the first steps to becoming the person you want to be. I believe in empowering people to overcome the difficulties in their lives. My passion is helping clients to overcome barriers to living their best life by bringing out their inner strength, using therapy for insight, self-exploration, healing, and personal growth. My theoretical approach is eclectic and relational. Together we can explore how your personal history and learned habits may influence your emotions, coping patterns, and behaviors,- ultimately affecting your sense of self for the better.
(425) 225-3775 View (425) 225-3775
Photo of Brenda Ruttenberg, PhD, Psychologist
Brenda Ruttenberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mill Creek, WA 98012
Use of hypnotherapy, visualization, and art therapy, in addition to, Interpersonal, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Transpersonal and Humanistic techniques.
My clients seek counseling, guidance, support and new skills to resolve issues. We work together to explore personal and family relationships which can include work-related problems and trauma. A deeper understanding results. We work on improving communication skills, perspectives and attitudes. With therapy, self confidence and depressive states show improvement. I specialize in the treatment of depression and mood disorders, anxiety, panic, trauma, PTSD, and chronic health issues in a safe and comfortable environment. I work mainly with adults of all ages and orientations.
Use of hypnotherapy, visualization, and art therapy, in addition to, Interpersonal, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Transpersonal and Humanistic techniques.
My clients seek counseling, guidance, support and new skills to resolve issues. We work together to explore personal and family relationships which can include work-related problems and trauma. A deeper understanding results. We work on improving communication skills, perspectives and attitudes. With therapy, self confidence and depressive states show improvement. I specialize in the treatment of depression and mood disorders, anxiety, panic, trauma, PTSD, and chronic health issues in a safe and comfortable environment. I work mainly with adults of all ages and orientations.
(206) 745-0939 View (206) 745-0939
Photo of Celia Palmer, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Celia Palmer
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Based on my client's needs, I incorporate a variety of techniques including Heart Centered Hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Solution Focused Therapy.
Do you feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward? Are you ready to step into your personal power? I work with adults in individual counseling and transpersonal life coaching to develop the awareness and tools to progress. As a positive working relationship is the foundation for successful work, I focus on building a strong rapport with my client and co-creating the healing experience that will meet my client's goals.
Based on my client's needs, I incorporate a variety of techniques including Heart Centered Hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Solution Focused Therapy.
Do you feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward? Are you ready to step into your personal power? I work with adults in individual counseling and transpersonal life coaching to develop the awareness and tools to progress. As a positive working relationship is the foundation for successful work, I focus on building a strong rapport with my client and co-creating the healing experience that will meet my client's goals.
(425) 654-2647 View (425) 654-2647
Photo of Robin Noel Horrell - Robin Noel - Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Noel - Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98133
I am a licensed clinical social worker skilled at heart-centered hypnotherapy, similar to ego-state therapy.
I am a spiritually-oriented psychotherapist who brings energetic depth and heart-felt attunement to each client. If you struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems with authority, parenting issues, difficulty with intimacy, perfectionism, addictions, feelings of isolation, rage/anger, numbness, or "living like a zombie," I invite you to contact me so you can begin to rekindle and conduct the force of your inner light. I am comfortable with your fullest expression of difficult emotions and will help you to experience yourself as inherently worthy of safety, respect, and intimacy with others.
I am a licensed clinical social worker skilled at heart-centered hypnotherapy, similar to ego-state therapy.
I am a spiritually-oriented psychotherapist who brings energetic depth and heart-felt attunement to each client. If you struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems with authority, parenting issues, difficulty with intimacy, perfectionism, addictions, feelings of isolation, rage/anger, numbness, or "living like a zombie," I invite you to contact me so you can begin to rekindle and conduct the force of your inner light. I am comfortable with your fullest expression of difficult emotions and will help you to experience yourself as inherently worthy of safety, respect, and intimacy with others.
(206) 339-6273 View (206) 339-6273
Photo of Jodie Solberg, CHT, CPRT
Jodie Solberg
CHT, CPRT
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036  (Online Only)
Everyone Needs To Hit The Reset Button At Some Point In Their Life. Hi, I’m Jodie. Individuals and their families come to me when their burnout, anxiety and the effects from trauma are so overwhelming that it’s affecting their health, work and relationships and they are ready for a proven solution NOW. Customizing a program specifically to my clients' individual needs, I combine holistic practices such as hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and somatic release with cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and release past traumas that are keeping unhealthy patterns in place.
Everyone Needs To Hit The Reset Button At Some Point In Their Life. Hi, I’m Jodie. Individuals and their families come to me when their burnout, anxiety and the effects from trauma are so overwhelming that it’s affecting their health, work and relationships and they are ready for a proven solution NOW. Customizing a program specifically to my clients' individual needs, I combine holistic practices such as hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and somatic release with cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and release past traumas that are keeping unhealthy patterns in place.
(425) 368-9782 View (425) 368-9782
Photo of Tina Worthey - Open Heart Open Mind Therapy, SUDPT, HP, Counselor
Open Heart Open Mind Therapy
Counselor, SUDPT, HP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Everett, WA 98204
Hypnotherapy, when delivered as client-centered and individually tailored sessions, has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to bring about desired changes in the shortest period of time.
If we don’t have the tools to address our fear, our grief, our deep hurt - it emerges as depression, anxiety, resentment, hate, chronic pain, or compulsive, habitual patterns. My motto is: “When we apply love to hurt we heal” I listen to your needs with respect and empathy as we explore heart-centered solutions. This approach uses both evidence-based clinical psychological approaches and Spirituality. It is NOT associated with any religion. I also utilize hypnosis, NLP (neuro-linguistic programming, relaxation techniques, and a client-centered to discover and unlock the keys to re-discovery that work for YOU!
Hypnotherapy, when delivered as client-centered and individually tailored sessions, has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to bring about desired changes in the shortest period of time.
If we don’t have the tools to address our fear, our grief, our deep hurt - it emerges as depression, anxiety, resentment, hate, chronic pain, or compulsive, habitual patterns. My motto is: “When we apply love to hurt we heal” I listen to your needs with respect and empathy as we explore heart-centered solutions. This approach uses both evidence-based clinical psychological approaches and Spirituality. It is NOT associated with any religion. I also utilize hypnosis, NLP (neuro-linguistic programming, relaxation techniques, and a client-centered to discover and unlock the keys to re-discovery that work for YOU!
(425) 250-9390 View (425) 250-9390
Photo of Marcie Klevens, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Marcie Klevens
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lynnwood, WA 98036  (Online Only)
I am trained in both EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy, which provide me with excellent tools to help you to discover the deeper meanings of the issues you are currently dealing with. These modalities enable my clients to see the bigger picture and are excellent tools for releasing trauma, desensitizing old pain and triggers and envisioning a new future. Real and lasting change can only happen when you heal the wound at its source, which can sometimes be deep inside the unconscious mind.
I am trained in both EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy, which provide me with excellent tools to help you to discover the deeper meanings of the issues you are currently dealing with. These modalities enable my clients to see the bigger picture and are excellent tools for releasing trauma, desensitizing old pain and triggers and envisioning a new future. Real and lasting change can only happen when you heal the wound at its source, which can sometimes be deep inside the unconscious mind.
(206) 607-2709 View (206) 607-2709
Photo of Tracy Barrett Adams, CHT
Tracy Barrett Adams
CHT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
Why hypnotherapy? Because it is solution oriented, not problem oriented.
Hypnosis creates a natural bridge between mind and body, and it's a proven method for relieving pain, improving sleep, releasing anxiety, and replacing self-sabotage with new choices. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention creating a heightened openness and awareness. This state allows the mind to gently access deep creative resources, and in clinical hypnosis, we can then apply these resources to your goals for change.
Why hypnotherapy? Because it is solution oriented, not problem oriented.
Hypnosis creates a natural bridge between mind and body, and it's a proven method for relieving pain, improving sleep, releasing anxiety, and replacing self-sabotage with new choices. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention creating a heightened openness and awareness. This state allows the mind to gently access deep creative resources, and in clinical hypnosis, we can then apply these resources to your goals for change.
(206) 800-7535 View (206) 800-7535
Photo of Nadia Ahrens, LICSW, ACHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nadia Ahrens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, ACHT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Using a blend of clinical expertise with healing modalities such as hypnotherapy, soul work, and the chakra system, she teaches women how to understand their gifts and release fears so they can live empowered, authentic lives.
Are you ready to move beyond therapy and find your soul's purpose? Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I here?" "Is there a purpose to my life?" You've found the right place. A blend of psychotherapy, soul soaching & hypnotherapy help you heal on a deeper, more profound level, so you can understand your soul's purpose. I'm dedicated to helping women empower, transform and fulfill their lives.
Using a blend of clinical expertise with healing modalities such as hypnotherapy, soul work, and the chakra system, she teaches women how to understand their gifts and release fears so they can live empowered, authentic lives.
Are you ready to move beyond therapy and find your soul's purpose? Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I here?" "Is there a purpose to my life?" You've found the right place. A blend of psychotherapy, soul soaching & hypnotherapy help you heal on a deeper, more profound level, so you can understand your soul's purpose. I'm dedicated to helping women empower, transform and fulfill their lives.
(206) 483-0361 View (206) 483-0361
Photo of Erin C Mullins, MA, ACHt, CSP, LMT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Erin C Mullins
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ACHt, CSP, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bothell, WA 98011
Counseling with me is anchored in deep listening and safe witnessing, conversational processing, and may include somatic processes, transpersonal explorations, parts work, and hypnotherapy when wanted.
Accepting new clients! Life is a complex journey, and we all need skillful support along the way. As a counselor, I am oriented toward your wholeness and uniqueness. I provide individualized care based on your needs and goals. I facilitate the therapeutic process from a place of non-judgment and collaboration, navigating the path to your therapeutic goals while holding space for your long-term vision and purpose. I maintain a therapeutic container that is both strong and soft, held in compassion, activated by my commitment to supporting your development, and nourished by constant attunement to deep listening and skillful practice.
Counseling with me is anchored in deep listening and safe witnessing, conversational processing, and may include somatic processes, transpersonal explorations, parts work, and hypnotherapy when wanted.
Accepting new clients! Life is a complex journey, and we all need skillful support along the way. As a counselor, I am oriented toward your wholeness and uniqueness. I provide individualized care based on your needs and goals. I facilitate the therapeutic process from a place of non-judgment and collaboration, navigating the path to your therapeutic goals while holding space for your long-term vision and purpose. I maintain a therapeutic container that is both strong and soft, held in compassion, activated by my commitment to supporting your development, and nourished by constant attunement to deep listening and skillful practice.
(425) 541-7179 View (425) 541-7179
Photo of Melinda Stone, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Melinda Stone
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I have trained in the use of hypnotherapy, which can be tremendously useful if you are experiencing intrusive traumatic memories, chronic pain, phobias, or if you are hoping to change habits, particularly around losing weight and increasing motivation to exercise and eat a healthier diet.
Good therapy is a gift that you give yourself: a gift of understanding, compassion, and clarity. It can lead to better relationships and the ability to enjoy what is good in life, even when bad things happen. The saying, "What is shareable is bearable," forms the backbone of my philosophy. Being able to talk about what is troubling you can help you deal with stress and relationships. I help individuals process the issues causing them stress and I help couples get to the heart of their issues.
I have trained in the use of hypnotherapy, which can be tremendously useful if you are experiencing intrusive traumatic memories, chronic pain, phobias, or if you are hoping to change habits, particularly around losing weight and increasing motivation to exercise and eat a healthier diet.
Good therapy is a gift that you give yourself: a gift of understanding, compassion, and clarity. It can lead to better relationships and the ability to enjoy what is good in life, even when bad things happen. The saying, "What is shareable is bearable," forms the backbone of my philosophy. Being able to talk about what is troubling you can help you deal with stress and relationships. I help individuals process the issues causing them stress and I help couples get to the heart of their issues.
(206) 745-5807 View (206) 745-5807
Photo of Lynn B Gilman - Lynn Gilman, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, MA, LMHC, CCHT, Counselor
Lynn Gilman, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CCHT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98117
I have a lot of tools in my "tool belt," and use traditional and psychedelic assisted counseling along with other modalities such as hypnotherapy, ancestor work, EFT and mindfulness.
I offer psychedelic microdosing education and support, and journey preparation and integration. Microdosing can help rewire your brain to create new patterns; heal unresolved trauma; heal anxiety and depression; increase creativity and productivity; release emotional blocks; regulate the nervous system, and feel more connected to self and others.
I have a lot of tools in my "tool belt," and use traditional and psychedelic assisted counseling along with other modalities such as hypnotherapy, ancestor work, EFT and mindfulness.
I offer psychedelic microdosing education and support, and journey preparation and integration. Microdosing can help rewire your brain to create new patterns; heal unresolved trauma; heal anxiety and depression; increase creativity and productivity; release emotional blocks; regulate the nervous system, and feel more connected to self and others.
(360) 233-8218 View (360) 233-8218
Photo of Kelly Granite Enck, CHT, BA, RRT
Kelly Granite Enck
CHT, BA, RRT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a cutting-edge hypnotherapy technique that helps individuals overcome anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), quit smoking, manage grief, insomnia, lose weight, enhance sports performance, and build confidence. Book your Online or In-Office RRT Therapy Session with Kelly on her website, clicking the "Book Now" button www.DoylestownHypnosis.com.
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a cutting-edge hypnotherapy technique that helps individuals overcome anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), quit smoking, manage grief, insomnia, lose weight, enhance sports performance, and build confidence. Book your Online or In-Office RRT Therapy Session with Kelly on her website, clicking the "Book Now" button www.DoylestownHypnosis.com.
(206) 507-3203 View (206) 507-3203
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.