Hypnotherapists in Oakland, CA
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
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 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.
Not currently taking new clients. 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.
Not currently taking new clients. 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.
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 primarily work with clients who are dealing with issues of anxiety, trauma, mood, or relationship. Additionally, my work with children encompasses the full range of any difficulty children may be dealing with. Just.
I primarily work with clients who are dealing with issues of anxiety, trauma, mood, or relationship. Additionally, my work with children encompasses the full range of any difficulty children may be dealing with. Just.
A woman walked through a forest every day and saw nothing new. Until one day, she dropped a coin and knelt to search for it… She saw 25 species of moss, 3 ants holding a beetle funeral and a leaf shaped like an elephant ear. She hadn’t changed the forest. She had changed how she was looking. If you are feeling stuck, confused and tired of repetitive cycles and think that you could benefit from a different lens and are ready for an embodied shift in attitude, I can witness, support, guide, explore & walk alongside you so you can honor and leave behind what no longer works and develop a mindset that is more aligned with who you are.
A woman walked through a forest every day and saw nothing new. Until one day, she dropped a coin and knelt to search for it… She saw 25 species of moss, 3 ants holding a beetle funeral and a leaf shaped like an elephant ear. She hadn’t changed the forest. She had changed how she was looking. If you are feeling stuck, confused and tired of repetitive cycles and think that you could benefit from a different lens and are ready for an embodied shift in attitude, I can witness, support, guide, explore & walk alongside you so you can honor and leave behind what no longer works and develop a mindset that is more aligned with who you are.
My ideal clients are often the clients other therapists say are "Too much" for various reasons. They want a therapist who is direct, transparent and collaborative with their healing process. I have well over 20 years experience with adults, teens couples, and poly groups. I've led grief groups for suicide, managed programs for individuals struggling with severe mental illness, and have become an expert in clinically working with emerging adults, trans/ nonbinary, plural/ DID, and other neurodivergence. I am a certified sensorimotor psychotherapist and weave that in with my work.
My ideal clients are often the clients other therapists say are "Too much" for various reasons. They want a therapist who is direct, transparent and collaborative with their healing process. I have well over 20 years experience with adults, teens couples, and poly groups. I've led grief groups for suicide, managed programs for individuals struggling with severe mental illness, and have become an expert in clinically working with emerging adults, trans/ nonbinary, plural/ DID, and other neurodivergence. I am a certified sensorimotor psychotherapist and weave that in with my work.
John Connors McConville
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, MA, LMFT
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.
If you have endured loss, abuse, neglect, sexual assault, betrayal, natural disaster, war, or another harmful experience that feels too much to bear, there are tools that can help you heal. Trauma can impact your thoughts, mood, attention & relationships. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma and work in a way that is informed by the biology of our trauma responses. While we focus on deep healing in your nervous system, I celebrate that you are much more than a brain and bundle of nerves! I welcome working with people of all backgrounds & identities and welcome you bringing your full self (or selves) to our work together.
If you have endured loss, abuse, neglect, sexual assault, betrayal, natural disaster, war, or another harmful experience that feels too much to bear, there are tools that can help you heal. Trauma can impact your thoughts, mood, attention & relationships. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma and work in a way that is informed by the biology of our trauma responses. While we focus on deep healing in your nervous system, I celebrate that you are much more than a brain and bundle of nerves! I welcome working with people of all backgrounds & identities and welcome you bringing your full self (or selves) to our work together.
As a Sex & Relationship Therapist, I come from a person-centered, open-minded, sex-positive, trauma-informed, attachment-oriented, and multi-cultural perspective, to support my clients in creating a healthy, satisfying, and empowered sexuality and relationship with oneself and others. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and partners struggling with relationship & attachment issues, communication challenges, low libido/sex drive, differing/mismatched desires, and erectile/orgasm issues. I work with diverse populations from various races, cultures, identities and lifestyle choices.
As a Sex & Relationship Therapist, I come from a person-centered, open-minded, sex-positive, trauma-informed, attachment-oriented, and multi-cultural perspective, to support my clients in creating a healthy, satisfying, and empowered sexuality and relationship with oneself and others. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and partners struggling with relationship & attachment issues, communication challenges, low libido/sex drive, differing/mismatched desires, and erectile/orgasm issues. I work with diverse populations from various races, cultures, identities and lifestyle choices.
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.
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.
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.
It’s 8 p.m., and you’re just leaving the office – again. You’re tired of being the last one in the building while still feeling like you have to prove yourself. It’s exhausting. The pressure builds every day: the subtle racial dynamics, the comments you swallow, the worry that any misstep will confirm what others already assume. You push harder, work weekends, scroll late into the night, and call it “rest.” Your body protests with tension in your chest and stomach each morning, yet you keep going. At home, you snap without meaning to, then drown in guilt. You’re running on fumes, wondering how long you can keep this pace.
It’s 8 p.m., and you’re just leaving the office – again. You’re tired of being the last one in the building while still feeling like you have to prove yourself. It’s exhausting. The pressure builds every day: the subtle racial dynamics, the comments you swallow, the worry that any misstep will confirm what others already assume. You push harder, work weekends, scroll late into the night, and call it “rest.” Your body protests with tension in your chest and stomach each morning, yet you keep going. At home, you snap without meaning to, then drown in guilt. You’re running on fumes, wondering how long you can keep this pace.
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.
I use somatic and sensory-based practices, including Brainspotting, sound therapy, aromatherapy, and principles of hypnotherapy, to help clients regulate their nervous systems and gain insight.
I bring both professional and personal experience to my work as a therapist. Having a bipolar diagnosis has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating the institutional and often stigmatized aspects of mental health and the impact on day-to-day life. This lived experience allows me to approach therapy with empathy, a genuine curiosity and appreciation for each client’s journey.
I’ve worked in psychiatric residential treatment, addiction medicine, youth detention and family practice settings. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support clients through a wide range of personal challenges and goals.
I use somatic and sensory-based practices, including Brainspotting, sound therapy, aromatherapy, and principles of hypnotherapy, to help clients regulate their nervous systems and gain insight.
I bring both professional and personal experience to my work as a therapist. Having a bipolar diagnosis has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating the institutional and often stigmatized aspects of mental health and the impact on day-to-day life. This lived experience allows me to approach therapy with empathy, a genuine curiosity and appreciation for each client’s journey.
I’ve worked in psychiatric residential treatment, addiction medicine, youth detention and family practice settings. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support clients through a wide range of personal challenges and goals.
Life transitions, such as childbirth, parenting, divorce, and stepfamilies can be challenging. I have 30 years experience applying an integrative approach based on family systems research, psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, and hypnosis. I am a pioneer in perinatal psychology. www.Petersonchildbirthmethod.com describes my work with women and their partners preparing for birth and motherhood for the first time, or after previous loss or birth trauma. I also treat individuals for depression and anxiety and am skilled as a life coach.
Life transitions, such as childbirth, parenting, divorce, and stepfamilies can be challenging. I have 30 years experience applying an integrative approach based on family systems research, psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, and hypnosis. I am a pioneer in perinatal psychology. www.Petersonchildbirthmethod.com describes my work with women and their partners preparing for birth and motherhood for the first time, or after previous loss or birth trauma. I also treat individuals for depression and anxiety and am skilled as a life coach.
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
Everyone deserves support– life can be overwhelming. Our sessions provide a safe, encouraging space for you to slow down and focus on what’s important. As an advocate for you, your family, or your child, we create solutions that help you find healing.
I utilize evidence-based modalities and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, and Hypnotherapy.
The people I work with transform emotional chaos into clarity, calm, and care. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to uncover their strengths and find effective solutions. I work with individuals from all walks of life—couples, children, teens, and families—helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, ADHD, grief, LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and more. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing and growth, I invite you to book an appointment and begin your journey today.
I utilize evidence-based modalities and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, and Hypnotherapy.
The people I work with transform emotional chaos into clarity, calm, and care. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to uncover their strengths and find effective solutions. I work with individuals from all walks of life—couples, children, teens, and families—helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, ADHD, grief, LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and more. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing and growth, I invite you to book an appointment and begin your journey today.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby HypnoTherapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Danville
- Hayward
- 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.


