Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025When exploring mental health treatment options, you may encounter hypnotherapy as a therapeutic approach. Understanding what a hypnotherapist does, their qualifications, and how hypnotherapy can address various mental health conditions can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, Hypnotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
7325 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020
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I believe in a holistic, mind, body, spirit, model of therapy. Please know that there is a safe place where you can go and feel free to be yourself.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Hypnotherapist
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I use a personalized approach tailored to my client's needs, drawing from CBT, EMDR, Integrative Mental Health, and Hypnotherapy.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Hypnotherapist
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I welcome and affirm all clients to my practice. I am a dedicated professional with a long history in educational settings. Build confidence/self-esteem
Hypnotherapist, Psychologist
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When you live heart first, the world opens up to you in a whole new way.
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Helping you find your way, Experts you can trust 20 doctors and therapists (since 1977)
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Our mental and emotional health is an essential influence in our daily living, and there are moments when it can get overwhelming. Speak English/Spanish.
Therapy can feel impossible when the world has taught you that your feelings are too much or too weird.
A hypnotherapist is a trained mental health professional who uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to help clients address psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Unlike the dramatic portrayals often seen in entertainment, clinical hypnotherapy is a legitimate, evidence-based treatment approach that induces a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility to facilitate positive change.
During hypnotherapy sessions, clients remain fully aware and in control while experiencing a deeply relaxed state that allows for increased receptivity to therapeutic suggestions. This altered state of consciousness can help bypass conscious resistance and enable more direct access to subconscious patterns and beliefs.
A clinical hypnotherapist typically holds advanced training in both hypnosis techniques and clinical psychology or counseling. These professionals often work in medical settings, private practice, or alongside other healthcare providers to address serious mental health conditions and medical issues.
A certified hypnotherapist has completed formal training programs and obtained certification from recognized hypnotherapy organizations. Certification requirements vary by organization but generally include substantial training hours, supervised practice, and ongoing education requirements.
This term broadly describes professionals who integrate hypnotic techniques into their therapeutic practice. They may be licensed mental health professionals, psychologists, or counselors who have additional specialized training in hypnotherapy methods.
Anxiety disorders are among the most commonly treated conditions with hypnotherapy. Evidence suggests that hypnotherapy may ameliorate anxiety, helping clients develop coping strategies, reduce physical symptoms, and reframe anxious thought patterns. Hypnotherapy can be particularly effective for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders by teaching relaxation techniques and addressing underlying triggers.
While not a standalone treatment for severe depression, hypnotherapy can serve as a valuable complementary approach. Evidence suggests that hypnotherapy may ameliorate depression, helping clients challenge negative thought patterns, improve self-esteem, and develop more positive coping mechanisms. Many clients find hypnotherapy helpful for addressing the sleep disturbances and low motivation often associated with depression.
Trauma-focused hypnotherapy can help individuals process traumatic experiences in a safe, controlled environment. The NCCIH recognizes evidence for the efficacy of hypnosis in the treatment of PTSD, making it a recognized treatment option for trauma survivors. Hypnotherapy can help reduce trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance while facilitating healing and integration.
Phobias and specific fears respond particularly well to hypnotherapy. By accessing the subconscious mind where phobic responses are often rooted, hypnotherapists can help clients gradually desensitize to feared objects or situations, develop new response patterns, and build confidence in facing their fears.
Weight management through hypnotherapy addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of eating habits. Practitioners help clients identify emotional triggers for overeating, develop healthier relationships with food, and strengthen motivation for lifestyle changes. This approach can be particularly effective when combined with traditional nutrition and exercise programs.
Athletes and performers use sports hypnotherapy to enhance performance, manage competition anxiety, and improve mental focus. This specialized application helps individuals visualize success, develop confidence, and overcome performance blocks that may be limiting their potential.
Cognitive hypnotherapy combines traditional hypnotic techniques with cognitive-behavioral approaches, addressing both conscious thought patterns and subconscious beliefs. This integrative method can be particularly effective for complex mental health issues that involve both cognitive and emotional components.
The benefits of hypnotherapy extend beyond symptom relief to include:
Research into clinical hypnosis has seen an improvement in scientific rigor, with increasing evidence supporting its effectiveness for various conditions.
Professional hypnotherapy organizations maintain certification standards that typically require:
Hypnotherapy regulation varies significantly across states. Some states do not regulate the practice of hypnosis, while others have specific licensing requirements. Key considerations include:
Regulated States: Some states require hypnotherapists to hold licenses in psychology, counseling, or medicine before practicing hypnotherapy.
Self-Regulated States: Many states allow hypnotherapy practice with certification from recognized professional organizations.
Unregulated States: Some states have no specific regulations governing hypnotherapy practice.
Before selecting a hypnotherapist, research your state's specific requirements and verify that your chosen practitioner meets appropriate standards.
The rise of telehealth has made hypnotherapy more accessible through online platforms. Virtual sessions can be just as effective as in-person treatment for many conditions, offering advantages such as:
When considering online hypnotherapy:
Hypnotherapy works best as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan. Many clients benefit from combining hypnotherapy with:
Always inform all your healthcare providers about your hypnotherapy treatment to ensure coordinated care.
Your first session typically involves:
Regular sessions usually include:
Treatment frequency varies based on individual needs and conditions. Some clients see weekly sessions initially, while others may benefit from more intensive treatment schedules.
Hypnotherapy costs vary widely depending on:
While some insurance plans may cover hypnotherapy when provided by licensed mental health professionals, coverage varies significantly. Check with your insurance provider about:
Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment option for many mental health conditions, particularly when provided by qualified, certified practitioners. Evidence supports clinical hypnosis for anxiety/stress and numerous other conditions.
Consider hypnotherapy if you:
Take time to research practitioners in your area, verify their credentials, and schedule consultations to find the right fit for your needs. With proper professional guidance, hypnotherapy can be a valuable tool in your mental health journey, offering new pathways to healing and personal growth.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
