Hypnotherapists in Oakland, CA

John Connors McConville
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have a number of tools I use in my work: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Somatic Interventions, Post Induction Therapy, & Interplay to develop creativity.
I work with people who face challenges that often arise in the second half of life such as, the trauma of illness & death, caring for aging parents, loss of satisfaction or sense of meaning in relationships and work, loss of a job, isolation, and loneliness. These challenges can often be baffling and carry symptoms of depression, fear and anxiety. The rational mind may understand what is going on but somehow the emotional and physical body can't always take solace in rational solutions.
I have a number of tools I use in my work: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Somatic Interventions, Post Induction Therapy, & Interplay to develop creativity.
I work with people who face challenges that often arise in the second half of life such as, the trauma of illness & death, caring for aging parents, loss of satisfaction or sense of meaning in relationships and work, loss of a job, isolation, and loneliness. These challenges can often be baffling and carry symptoms of depression, fear and anxiety. The rational mind may understand what is going on but somehow the emotional and physical body can't always take solace in rational solutions.

I teach Mindfulness, use Internal Family Systems Approach (IFS), EMDR and Hypnotherapy, and the Polyvagal theory.
I like to develop warm and trusting relationships with my clients. As we work together we will identify the parts of yourself that you developed to cope as a child. We will understand why they developed, how they have helped you and how YOU can be in charge to fortify your Self.
I teach Mindfulness, use Internal Family Systems Approach (IFS), EMDR and Hypnotherapy, and the Polyvagal theory.
I like to develop warm and trusting relationships with my clients. As we work together we will identify the parts of yourself that you developed to cope as a child. We will understand why they developed, how they have helped you and how YOU can be in charge to fortify your Self.

Pursued additional training in: Yoga, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, and Clinical Herbalism.
Lauren Chester (she/they) is a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC) who is passionate about cultivating environments where people can practice sharing their whole selves. Lauren believes in the process of art as a conduit for communication and expression and is passionate about the use of art to encourage meaningful conversations. Lauren’s practice of Art Therapy has been heavily influenced by the Disability Justice and Healing Justice movements and is non-hierarchical, co-creative, and gender-affirming.
Pursued additional training in: Yoga, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, and Clinical Herbalism.
Lauren Chester (she/they) is a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC) who is passionate about cultivating environments where people can practice sharing their whole selves. Lauren believes in the process of art as a conduit for communication and expression and is passionate about the use of art to encourage meaningful conversations. Lauren’s practice of Art Therapy has been heavily influenced by the Disability Justice and Healing Justice movements and is non-hierarchical, co-creative, and gender-affirming.

I am a Psychodynamic Psychologist and do Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Certified Health Psychology.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
I am a Psychodynamic Psychologist and do Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Certified Health Psychology.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.

I am licensed in California, NewYork and Florida and also certified in working with trauma, depression, anxiety and hypnotherapy.
As a Professional BIPOC woman, you are navigating unique challenges in the workplace and in your personal life. Whether it is Corporate America or other professional settings, you're dealing with workplace micro-aggressions, feelings of imposter syndrome, overwork and the push and pull of personal and professional roles and choices.
You may also be affected by complex post traumatic stress disorder, racialized or intergenerational trauma as you try to find balance in your life. Challenges such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder or interpersonal conflicts may emerge as symptoms of deeper issues that need to be healed
I am licensed in California, NewYork and Florida and also certified in working with trauma, depression, anxiety and hypnotherapy.
As a Professional BIPOC woman, you are navigating unique challenges in the workplace and in your personal life. Whether it is Corporate America or other professional settings, you're dealing with workplace micro-aggressions, feelings of imposter syndrome, overwork and the push and pull of personal and professional roles and choices.
You may also be affected by complex post traumatic stress disorder, racialized or intergenerational trauma as you try to find balance in your life. Challenges such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder or interpersonal conflicts may emerge as symptoms of deeper issues that need to be healed

Genna Brodsky Chase
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CCHt
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Here are some methods I use: Psychodynamic (tracing childhood experiences to current concerns/dilemmas), Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, somatic (of the body) based, Bilateral Stimulation, Neurolinguistic Programing, Emotional Freedom Technique (or Tapping) , psycho-education, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Lifespan Integration.
Are you interested in holistic therapy? As your guide, I will follow your lead and listen to your signs of readiness towards change and self actualization, while gently providing direction. I'm here to shine light on healing from emotional wounds and harmful patterns, empower you to create changes you want to feel and see, transmute your pain, and learn what safety within yourself and w/others can feel like. We all need guidance in this human life. With me, you will learn to integrate your wholeness, and remember your blueprint of wellness. Imagine what it might be like to feel more free!
Here are some methods I use: Psychodynamic (tracing childhood experiences to current concerns/dilemmas), Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, somatic (of the body) based, Bilateral Stimulation, Neurolinguistic Programing, Emotional Freedom Technique (or Tapping) , psycho-education, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Lifespan Integration.
Are you interested in holistic therapy? As your guide, I will follow your lead and listen to your signs of readiness towards change and self actualization, while gently providing direction. I'm here to shine light on healing from emotional wounds and harmful patterns, empower you to create changes you want to feel and see, transmute your pain, and learn what safety within yourself and w/others can feel like. We all need guidance in this human life. With me, you will learn to integrate your wholeness, and remember your blueprint of wellness. Imagine what it might be like to feel more free!

Maria Alejandra Acuna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (to explore how "what we tell ourselves" shapes how we feel and what we do) and hypnotherapy (to help you achieve deep relaxation to reinforce your change goals).
Hi, I’m Dr. Alejandra Acuña. I'm here to help you find relief, heal, grow, and achieve your goals. You’re a high-achieving professional who’s deeply committed to your work, yet you find yourself exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to set boundaries. You feel the weight of stress, unprocessed trauma, and self-doubt, and no matter how much you give, it never feels like enough. You want to reclaim your energy, set healthy boundaries, heal from past experiences, and step into the life you truly want. Email me to get started. You can find me as a provider on Headway, Grow, and Rula online platforms that connect you to therapy.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (to explore how "what we tell ourselves" shapes how we feel and what we do) and hypnotherapy (to help you achieve deep relaxation to reinforce your change goals).
Hi, I’m Dr. Alejandra Acuña. I'm here to help you find relief, heal, grow, and achieve your goals. You’re a high-achieving professional who’s deeply committed to your work, yet you find yourself exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to set boundaries. You feel the weight of stress, unprocessed trauma, and self-doubt, and no matter how much you give, it never feels like enough. You want to reclaim your energy, set healthy boundaries, heal from past experiences, and step into the life you truly want. Email me to get started. You can find me as a provider on Headway, Grow, and Rula online platforms that connect you to therapy.

Hypnotherapy provides clients the ability to explore issues from a deep relaxed state, to find relief from life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
My intention is to create a comfortable, safe space for clients to explore, heal and grow. I have years of experience helping individuals in crisis due to a wide variety of life's challenges and traumas. I help those of you who suffer from physical pain, anxiety, depression, emotional crisis, stress, trauma, PTSD and many other common symptoms . My approach is tailoring my experience and skills in a compassionate, honest and direct manner, to facilitate your experience to balance, self-acceptance and wholeness.
Hypnotherapy provides clients the ability to explore issues from a deep relaxed state, to find relief from life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
My intention is to create a comfortable, safe space for clients to explore, heal and grow. I have years of experience helping individuals in crisis due to a wide variety of life's challenges and traumas. I help those of you who suffer from physical pain, anxiety, depression, emotional crisis, stress, trauma, PTSD and many other common symptoms . My approach is tailoring my experience and skills in a compassionate, honest and direct manner, to facilitate your experience to balance, self-acceptance and wholeness.

I work with hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation as well as mindful self-compassion and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
If you are suffering with food & body image issues, issues of self-esteem & self-worth, relationship issues or dealing with trauma, I can help you. There are so many women who feel as though they are not enough. They believe that they somehow have to be better, look different, lose weight, be a whole different person to have a good relationship and a happy life. They beat themselves up constantly and are always trying to change. Do you understand this feeling? If so, I can help you have a loving relationship with yourself and settle into who you really are.
I work with hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation as well as mindful self-compassion and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
If you are suffering with food & body image issues, issues of self-esteem & self-worth, relationship issues or dealing with trauma, I can help you. There are so many women who feel as though they are not enough. They believe that they somehow have to be better, look different, lose weight, be a whole different person to have a good relationship and a happy life. They beat themselves up constantly and are always trying to change. Do you understand this feeling? If so, I can help you have a loving relationship with yourself and settle into who you really are.

I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR, EFT, and Hypnotherapy.
You are ready for healing and change and have taken the courageous first step by seeking therapy! Past trauma and life transitions have led you to this point, and you realize it is time to heal, release and move forward into the life you want to live. Let's explore new coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision and I am here to assist you in accessing your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.
I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR, EFT, and Hypnotherapy.
You are ready for healing and change and have taken the courageous first step by seeking therapy! Past trauma and life transitions have led you to this point, and you realize it is time to heal, release and move forward into the life you want to live. Let's explore new coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision and I am here to assist you in accessing your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.

I additionally utilize hypnotherapy, ego state therapy, CBT and with children Play Therapy.
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
I additionally utilize hypnotherapy, ego state therapy, CBT and with children Play Therapy.
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
Meet Our HypnoTherapy

I am also certified in Hypnotherapy and have completed additional training in EMDR and Stress Reduction Training.
Who Should Help the Very Special You?
Interview several therapists either in person or by phone. Ask them how they've helped other people. Ask them how they will approach your specific needs. A Little Bit About Me! My life's work is dedicated to guiding individuals towards personal transformation and fulfillment of their ultimate potential. The most important thing is today.
Are you unhappy today and hoping tomorrow will be better?
Only you can make the changes today that will make you happy tomorrow - don't wait.
I am also certified in Hypnotherapy and have completed additional training in EMDR and Stress Reduction Training.
Who Should Help the Very Special You?
Interview several therapists either in person or by phone. Ask them how they've helped other people. Ask them how they will approach your specific needs. A Little Bit About Me! My life's work is dedicated to guiding individuals towards personal transformation and fulfillment of their ultimate potential. The most important thing is today.
Are you unhappy today and hoping tomorrow will be better?
Only you can make the changes today that will make you happy tomorrow - don't wait.

I utilize hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and looking at our beliefs/thoughts as methods to help gain clarity.
Hi, I am an experienced therapist with over 25 years of working with individuals, groups, couples and families. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, fear, sadness, anger, or confusion, and the serenity and peace in your life is being compromised, I have experience helping people work through and understand these emotions. You can come out on the other side. I believe that everyone is wise and has their own solutions within themselves. I am dedicated to helping you find your solutions and your inner wisdom, so that you can live your life with joy, peace and serenity.
I utilize hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and looking at our beliefs/thoughts as methods to help gain clarity.
Hi, I am an experienced therapist with over 25 years of working with individuals, groups, couples and families. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, fear, sadness, anger, or confusion, and the serenity and peace in your life is being compromised, I have experience helping people work through and understand these emotions. You can come out on the other side. I believe that everyone is wise and has their own solutions within themselves. I am dedicated to helping you find your solutions and your inner wisdom, so that you can live your life with joy, peace and serenity.

Update 2/12/25. I am only taking virtual clients and I have one in person slot Fridays at 3 pm every other week. Hello. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you.
Update 2/12/25. I am only taking virtual clients and I have one in person slot Fridays at 3 pm every other week. Hello. If you find yourself in a difficult place in life and need extra support then you have come to the right place. I specialize in helping individuals seeking to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have training in numerous modalities of therapy and I am committed to finding the one that works for you.

Joan A Pezanoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a warm and caring human being with a clear understanding that therapy is not a "one size fits all" process. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, couple and family and will work with you to develop a plan that makes sense to you and addresses the realities of your life. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, alleviate undesirable symptoms, bring more purpose and fulfillment to your life, rid yourself of unwanted behaviors, or experience more joy in your life, I can help you achieve these goals. Experienced in working with the LGBTQ community.
I am a warm and caring human being with a clear understanding that therapy is not a "one size fits all" process. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, couple and family and will work with you to develop a plan that makes sense to you and addresses the realities of your life. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, alleviate undesirable symptoms, bring more purpose and fulfillment to your life, rid yourself of unwanted behaviors, or experience more joy in your life, I can help you achieve these goals. Experienced in working with the LGBTQ community.

I specialize in working with couples who want to heal from past experiences, improve communication, understand each other, develop a deeper bond, and balance freedom with connection. With an attachment lens, we address topics such as sex, gender, culture, health, spirituality, monogamy, polyamory, childhood trauma, and psychedelic integration. I help you reshape the way you respond to yourself and your partner around painful experiences. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help explore the truth of your experience in order to heal and embrace life's challenges.
I specialize in working with couples who want to heal from past experiences, improve communication, understand each other, develop a deeper bond, and balance freedom with connection. With an attachment lens, we address topics such as sex, gender, culture, health, spirituality, monogamy, polyamory, childhood trauma, and psychedelic integration. I help you reshape the way you respond to yourself and your partner around painful experiences. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help explore the truth of your experience in order to heal and embrace life's challenges.

I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.

The Marsh Clinics® (TMC) offer psychotherapy for everyone, but especially for those who are underserved and have been marginalized. Our aim is to reduce the level of stigma around mental health and offer telehealth therapy for an entry point, but also face to face therapy. We are dedicated to transforming individuals, transforming communities.
The Marsh Clinics® (TMC) offer psychotherapy for everyone, but especially for those who are underserved and have been marginalized. Our aim is to reduce the level of stigma around mental health and offer telehealth therapy for an entry point, but also face to face therapy. We are dedicated to transforming individuals, transforming communities.

In 30 years experience serving diverse population, I have developed compassioon for client issues. I invite you to bring your experiences and your pain. I work most effectively with clients open to alternative modalities, and who have a spiritual practice that opens into deeper realms. I believe the body holds secrets and trapped emotions which can cause physical pain. Body knows things conscious mind barely glimpses. Our work together will involved body, mind and soul. I can guide you into light or deep regression for insight and healing.
In 30 years experience serving diverse population, I have developed compassioon for client issues. I invite you to bring your experiences and your pain. I work most effectively with clients open to alternative modalities, and who have a spiritual practice that opens into deeper realms. I believe the body holds secrets and trapped emotions which can cause physical pain. Body knows things conscious mind barely glimpses. Our work together will involved body, mind and soul. I can guide you into light or deep regression for insight and healing.

Life can feel like a labyrinth sometimes—overwhelming, disorienting, or just… off. Maybe you're carrying the weight of grief, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling restless, disconnected, or stuck; wondering why the spark that once lit you up feels dim. Or perhaps it’s something subtler—a quiet, persistent whisper inside telling you there’s something more to life, even if you’re not sure what that is. Stepping onto the journey of self-exploration requires skills, commitment, focus and intention. You don't have to do it alone. I can witness, support, guide and accompany you along the path.
Life can feel like a labyrinth sometimes—overwhelming, disorienting, or just… off. Maybe you're carrying the weight of grief, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling restless, disconnected, or stuck; wondering why the spark that once lit you up feels dim. Or perhaps it’s something subtler—a quiet, persistent whisper inside telling you there’s something more to life, even if you’re not sure what that is. Stepping onto the journey of self-exploration requires skills, commitment, focus and intention. You don't have to do it alone. I can witness, support, guide and accompany you along the path.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby HypnoTherapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- El Cerrito
- Lafayette
- Pleasant Hill
- Richmond
- San Francisco
- San Ramon
- Sausalito
- Walnut Creek
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.