Find a Hypnotherapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

When 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.

  • Alannah McCarthy-Slimak, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

    Alannah McCarthy-Slimak

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Hypnotherapist

    20525 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116

    Alannah McCarthy-Slimak is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Rocky River, Ohio and has been in practice for 14 years. They treat Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety.

    I use a personalized approach tailored to my client's needs, drawing from CBT, EMDR, Integrative Mental Health, and Hypnotherapy.

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  • Diana Rosen, Counselor

    Diana Rosen

    Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, Hypnotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    7325 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020

    Diana Rosen is a Counselor in Phoenix, Arizona and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Depression, Performance Anxiety, Body Image.

    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.

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  • Daniel Nichols, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Daniel Nichols

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Hypnotherapist

    1400 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Daniel Nichols is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 25 years. They treat Perfectionism, School Concerns, Racial Identity.

    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

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  • Dr. Kathleen Donaghy, Hypnotherapist

    Dr. Kathleen Donaghy

    Hypnotherapist, Psychologist

    26435 North Paso Trail, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

    Dr. Kathleen Donaghy is a Hypnotherapist in Scottsdale, Arizona and has been in practice for 27 years. They treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Physical Stress, Trauma.

    When you live heart first, the world opens up to you in a whole new way.

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  • David Sandrow, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist

    David Sandrow

    Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Hypnotherapist, Certified Trauma Professional, Counselor, Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Neuropsychologist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist

    111 Majorca Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134

    David Sandrow is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist in Coral Gables, Florida. They treat Sexual Assault, Divorce, Women's Issues.

    Helping you find your way, Experts you can trust 20 doctors and therapists (since 1977)

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  • Maridelie Diaz Villanueva, Psychologist

    Maridelie Diaz Villanueva

    Psychologist, Hypnotherapist

    Remote only

    Maridelie Diaz Villanueva is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Sleep Concerns, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Anxiety.

    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.

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What Is a Hypnotherapist?

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.


Types of Hypnotherapy Professionals

Clinical Hypnotherapist

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.

Certified Hypnotherapist

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.

Hypnosis Therapist

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.


Mental Health Conditions Treated with Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

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.

Hypnotherapy for Depression

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.

Hypnotherapy for Trauma

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.

Hypnotherapy for Phobias

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.


Specialized Applications

Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss

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.

Sports Hypnotherapy

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

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.


Benefits of Hypnotherapy

The benefits of hypnotherapy extend beyond symptom relief to include:

  • Non-invasive treatment: Hypnotherapy offers a drug-free approach to mental health care
  • Rapid results: Many clients experience improvements in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy
  • Skill development: Clients learn self-hypnosis techniques for ongoing self-care
  • Holistic approach: Addresses mind-body connections and overall well-being
  • Complementary treatment: Works well alongside other therapeutic approaches
  • Empowerment: Helps clients develop greater self-awareness and control over their responses

Research into clinical hypnosis has seen an improvement in scientific rigor, with increasing evidence supporting its effectiveness for various conditions.


Certification and Training Requirements

National Standards

Professional hypnotherapy organizations maintain certification standards that typically require:

  • At least two hundred (200) hours of instruction from an approved hypnotism school
  • Minimum of 40 hours of approved workshop training
  • Minimum of 20 hours of individualized training/consultation
  • Ongoing continuing education requirements
  • Adherence to professional ethical standards

State-by-State Variations

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.


Finding the Right Hypnotherapist

Credentials to Look For

  • Certification from recognized organizations (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, National Guild of Hypnotists, American Council of Hypnotist Examiners)
  • Relevant educational background in psychology, counseling, or related fields
  • Specialized training in your specific area of concern
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Continuing education participation

Questions to Ask

  • What is your training and certification background?
  • How many years have you been practicing hypnotherapy?
  • Do you have experience treating my specific condition?
  • What can I expect during sessions?
  • How many sessions typically are needed?
  • Do you provide self-hypnosis training?

Online Hypnotherapy Options

Hypnotherapy Online

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:

  • Greater accessibility for those in rural areas
  • Flexibility in scheduling
  • Comfort of receiving treatment from home
  • Reduced travel time and costs

Working with an Online Hypnotherapist

When considering online hypnotherapy:

  • Ensure your hypnotherapist is licensed to practice in your state
  • Verify they have experience with online delivery
  • Confirm you have a private, quiet space for sessions
  • Test technology beforehand to ensure smooth sessions
  • Discuss emergency protocols and local resource referrals

Find care for you

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.

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