Hypnotherapists in Stearns County, MN

Photo of Coy Robert Osgood, ICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Coy Robert Osgood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Sartell, MN 56377  (Online Only)
I am a well seasoned trauma therapist, with a masters degree in clinical social work from Eastern Washington University. I am a spiritual coach, a life coach, a QHHT practitioner, and a hypnotherapist. I also assist clients to clear traumas from other lives. Trauma can be the cause of today's health issues. I am a certified EMDR practitioner and use an EMDR based therapy for those with trauma issues. My practice is based online. I am not connected to any insurances. My fee is one hundred fifty for an hourly session. I specialize in all types of trauma, including trauma from narcissistic abuse .
I am a well seasoned trauma therapist, with a masters degree in clinical social work from Eastern Washington University. I am a spiritual coach, a life coach, a QHHT practitioner, and a hypnotherapist. I also assist clients to clear traumas from other lives. Trauma can be the cause of today's health issues. I am a certified EMDR practitioner and use an EMDR based therapy for those with trauma issues. My practice is based online. I am not connected to any insurances. My fee is one hundred fifty for an hourly session. I specialize in all types of trauma, including trauma from narcissistic abuse .
(320) 345-3332 View (320) 345-3332
Photo of Jill Kuca - Jill Kuca- Gottman Couples, Family, Individual, LPC, Gottman, SIP, CCHt, MDiv, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jill Kuca- Gottman Couples, Family, Individual
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, Gottman, SIP, CCHt, MDiv
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
Stuck? Alone? Why do I do the things I don't want to do, and don't do the things I want to do? Struggling to trust or feel worthy of love? Failed attempts to connect on repeat and overwhelming you? Tired of fighting with no resolution? Dealing with past relational trauma you can't break free from? I am here to help you better connect with others, and even with your own sense of self, even your spirituality if you desire. Find your authentic self and discover you can love that person, and, you are worth being loved. I am here. Lets journey together.
Stuck? Alone? Why do I do the things I don't want to do, and don't do the things I want to do? Struggling to trust or feel worthy of love? Failed attempts to connect on repeat and overwhelming you? Tired of fighting with no resolution? Dealing with past relational trauma you can't break free from? I am here to help you better connect with others, and even with your own sense of self, even your spirituality if you desire. Find your authentic self and discover you can love that person, and, you are worth being loved. I am here. Lets journey together.
(605) 702-6687 View (605) 702-6687
Photo of Leslie Russell-Martin - True Balance Counseling, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP, RPT-S, Psychologist
True Balance Counseling
Psychologist, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cold Spring, MN 56320
Anxiety? Depression? Just sick and tired of being sick and tired? We get it. Life can be a pain in the .....well.... a pain. Sometimes we just have to let it all out. Our team of experienced therapists get it. Trauma? YEP! ADHD? YEP! Military and public service? YEP! Let us help. We can offer you an alternative, non- doctory, take of your shoes and be comfy, place to let it all start to heal. We work with children, adults, couples, and families. Let us help you, help yourself.
Anxiety? Depression? Just sick and tired of being sick and tired? We get it. Life can be a pain in the .....well.... a pain. Sometimes we just have to let it all out. Our team of experienced therapists get it. Trauma? YEP! ADHD? YEP! Military and public service? YEP! Let us help. We can offer you an alternative, non- doctory, take of your shoes and be comfy, place to let it all start to heal. We work with children, adults, couples, and families. Let us help you, help yourself.
(320) 632-5524 View (320) 632-5524
Photo of Claudia Petcu, MSW, LPsy, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claudia Petcu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LPsy, LGSW
Verified Verified
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
(612) 712-5203 View (612) 712-5203

Online Therapists

Photo of Joseph Lundsten, MA, LPCC
Joseph Lundsten
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55118
I have come to embrace an integrative approach with individuals and couples that uses psychodynamic therapies, emotionally focused therapy, somatic work, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and Christian spiritual integration.
Currently, I am working with adults and couples with varying concerns including: grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, addiction and substance use, sexual addiction and integrity, faith and spirituality, chronic health issues, OCD and scrupulosity, and relational and family issues.
I have come to embrace an integrative approach with individuals and couples that uses psychodynamic therapies, emotionally focused therapy, somatic work, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and Christian spiritual integration.
Currently, I am working with adults and couples with varying concerns including: grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, addiction and substance use, sexual addiction and integrity, faith and spirituality, chronic health issues, OCD and scrupulosity, and relational and family issues.
(651) 565-6987 View (651) 565-6987
Photo of Jane Gallagher, MA, LADC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Jane Gallagher
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LADC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408  (Online Only)
I use hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, EMDR, mindfulness, and a variety of techniques.
Open for New Clients. Clients seeking therapy can come as they are. It is my goal to have the education and tools to facilitate their process. I work with individual adults, teens, and children in a variety of areas, including mental health therapy, substance use disorder, EMDR trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, quitting smoking, phobias, confidence, and equine-assisted therapy. I have been a life coach and hypnotist for 11 years, substance use disorder counselor for 5 years, and I am a pre-licensed mental health therapist under supervision.
I use hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, EMDR, mindfulness, and a variety of techniques.
Open for New Clients. Clients seeking therapy can come as they are. It is my goal to have the education and tools to facilitate their process. I work with individual adults, teens, and children in a variety of areas, including mental health therapy, substance use disorder, EMDR trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, quitting smoking, phobias, confidence, and equine-assisted therapy. I have been a life coach and hypnotist for 11 years, substance use disorder counselor for 5 years, and I am a pre-licensed mental health therapist under supervision.
(612) 800-8054 View (612) 800-8054
Photo of Karie L Svoboda, MS, CHT, NLP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Karie L Svoboda
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, CHT, NLP
Verified Verified
Brainerd, MN 56401
Hypnotherapy has helped hundreds of my clients from trauma that happened when they are children. If you have had a traumatic experience as a child, have done work with psychotherapy, there may be a part of your mind that is still not healed. Hypnotherapy work can help a client to regress to that part and work through that part's trauma in order to see the healing process through out the client's soul. The regression work with hypnotherapy has helped hundreds of my clients over the past 11 years. This will work for anyone who is interested and it is done in a safe, healthy, calm manner. Please contact today for more information.
Hypnotherapy has helped hundreds of my clients from trauma that happened when they are children. If you have had a traumatic experience as a child, have done work with psychotherapy, there may be a part of your mind that is still not healed. Hypnotherapy work can help a client to regress to that part and work through that part's trauma in order to see the healing process through out the client's soul. The regression work with hypnotherapy has helped hundreds of my clients over the past 11 years. This will work for anyone who is interested and it is done in a safe, healthy, calm manner. Please contact today for more information.
(218) 219-1969 View (218) 219-1969
Photo of Eric J Christopher, MSMFT, CHT, CRT
Eric J Christopher
MSMFT, CHT, CRT
Verified Verified
it has been my passion for the past 24 years, and I have guided over 4,000 spiritual hypnotherapy sessions.
Spiritual Hypnotherapy is a results-oriented therapy that helps you to connect to your inner wisdom beyond the fears and limiting beliefs of your ego. Connecting to this transcendent part of you can help you safely, quickly and effectively uncover and release traumas, fears, anxieties, feelings of inadequacy, or any limiting emotion or belief that has become entrenched in your subconscious mind. Our suffering comes from a past which no longer exists except as trapped energy in your body and subconscious mind. Connecting to your higher consciousness beyond the ego can bring release, relief, clarity, insights and wisdom.
it has been my passion for the past 24 years, and I have guided over 4,000 spiritual hypnotherapy sessions.
Spiritual Hypnotherapy is a results-oriented therapy that helps you to connect to your inner wisdom beyond the fears and limiting beliefs of your ego. Connecting to this transcendent part of you can help you safely, quickly and effectively uncover and release traumas, fears, anxieties, feelings of inadequacy, or any limiting emotion or belief that has become entrenched in your subconscious mind. Our suffering comes from a past which no longer exists except as trapped energy in your body and subconscious mind. Connecting to your higher consciousness beyond the ego can bring release, relief, clarity, insights and wisdom.
(651) 401-4772 View (651) 401-4772
Photo of Enakshi Choudhuri, PhD, LPCC, Counselor
Enakshi Choudhuri
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, certified in trauma modalities such as EMDR, brainspotting and hypnotherapy.
Albert Einstein remarked, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. At various times in our life we find ourselves challenged to do just that as we struggle to make it through the day. Using a strengths-based perspective, I will collaborate with you to understand and confront your unique challenges and empower you to find the inner strength and resources to facilitate positive healing change so you can keep moving forward. I firmly believe that while change is inevitable, being paralyzed by change is not and you have the power to construct your own unique pathway to optimal health and wellness.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, certified in trauma modalities such as EMDR, brainspotting and hypnotherapy.
Albert Einstein remarked, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. At various times in our life we find ourselves challenged to do just that as we struggle to make it through the day. Using a strengths-based perspective, I will collaborate with you to understand and confront your unique challenges and empower you to find the inner strength and resources to facilitate positive healing change so you can keep moving forward. I firmly believe that while change is inevitable, being paralyzed by change is not and you have the power to construct your own unique pathway to optimal health and wellness.
(612) 361-2877 View (612) 361-2877
Photo of Kristin Volk Funk, MEd, CCH
Kristin Volk Funk
MEd, CCH
Verified Verified
Roseville, MN 55113
As a counselor, life coach, and certified clinical hypnotherapist for over twenty-five years, I utilize talk therapy, hypnotherapy and guided deep meditation for life enhancement and advancement.
Imagine yourself letting go of fears, gaining power, confidence and happiness, releasing sadness and anxiety, losing weight, quitting tobacco, alcohol or other addictions, ending insomnia....in other words, becoming the successful, happy and fulfilled person you desire and deserve to be! Hypnotherapy utilizes the power of your subconscious mind, which is a major portion of your total mind, to create the positive habits and outlook that you consciously want but may have eluded you. Results can be fast and permanent.
As a counselor, life coach, and certified clinical hypnotherapist for over twenty-five years, I utilize talk therapy, hypnotherapy and guided deep meditation for life enhancement and advancement.
Imagine yourself letting go of fears, gaining power, confidence and happiness, releasing sadness and anxiety, losing weight, quitting tobacco, alcohol or other addictions, ending insomnia....in other words, becoming the successful, happy and fulfilled person you desire and deserve to be! Hypnotherapy utilizes the power of your subconscious mind, which is a major portion of your total mind, to create the positive habits and outlook that you consciously want but may have eluded you. Results can be fast and permanent.
(651) 504-3106 View (651) 504-3106
Photo of Jeffrey Jones - Phoenix Mental Health, PLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Phoenix Mental Health, PLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I'm a liberation psychology-informed psychotherapist specializing in existential and narrative therapy, EMDR, and hypnotherapy.
Are you struggling with feeling like an outsider, experiencing abuse or bullying, dealing with anxiety or depression, or working in a toxic environment? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment? Are you seeking validation, understanding, and a way to heal from past traumas? Is your goal to gain tools to cope with life's challenges and feel empowered to make positive changes? If so, seeking therapy is a courageous and important step towards achieving your mental health and well-being.
I'm a liberation psychology-informed psychotherapist specializing in existential and narrative therapy, EMDR, and hypnotherapy.
Are you struggling with feeling like an outsider, experiencing abuse or bullying, dealing with anxiety or depression, or working in a toxic environment? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment? Are you seeking validation, understanding, and a way to heal from past traumas? Is your goal to gain tools to cope with life's challenges and feel empowered to make positive changes? If so, seeking therapy is a courageous and important step towards achieving your mental health and well-being.
(612) 501-6807 View (612) 501-6807
Photo of Lorrie Ogren, MA, LPCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lorrie Ogren
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407  (Online Only)
Adv level EMDR & Brainspotting, Cert in Transpersonal Clinical Hypnotherapy, Holo-dynamic Therapy Cert, Quantum Healing Hypnosis Cert.
I offer a unique blend of alternative therapies combining some of the newest discoveries in neuropsychology, mind-body integration and mindfulness. I do my best to work from a place of intuitive, compassionate, heart based support. Working together, we can explore your issues and uncover the root causes of your suffering using the subconscious, breath-work, mind-body awareness and many other transpersonal therapy methods. I believe therapy is the courageous process of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering the 'greater' self and learning to make conscious choices with compassion and forgiveness.
Adv level EMDR & Brainspotting, Cert in Transpersonal Clinical Hypnotherapy, Holo-dynamic Therapy Cert, Quantum Healing Hypnosis Cert.
I offer a unique blend of alternative therapies combining some of the newest discoveries in neuropsychology, mind-body integration and mindfulness. I do my best to work from a place of intuitive, compassionate, heart based support. Working together, we can explore your issues and uncover the root causes of your suffering using the subconscious, breath-work, mind-body awareness and many other transpersonal therapy methods. I believe therapy is the courageous process of exploring and releasing old wounds, discovering the 'greater' self and learning to make conscious choices with compassion and forgiveness.
(715) 333-3446 View (715) 333-3446
Photo of Donny Hobbs, MA, LMFT, CEC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donny Hobbs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Brighton, MN 55112
I offer Clinical Hypnotherapy which is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational and sleep issues, chronic pain, IBS, smoking cessation, professional and athletic performance issues, fear of flying/public speaking and many additional concerns.
I work with individuals who are impacted by anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. My treatment approach focuses on improving confidence and personal resilience while reducing emotional distress. I also provide counseling for couples and families who are working through relational challenges and life-cycle transitions.I work from a holistic perspective, and my approach is goal driven and solution-focused. Together we identify your goals and ideal outcomes and work through challenges and unhelpful patterns to achieve success. I use accountability coaching to help you achieve your goals and step into the next chapter of life.
I offer Clinical Hypnotherapy which is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational and sleep issues, chronic pain, IBS, smoking cessation, professional and athletic performance issues, fear of flying/public speaking and many additional concerns.
I work with individuals who are impacted by anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. My treatment approach focuses on improving confidence and personal resilience while reducing emotional distress. I also provide counseling for couples and families who are working through relational challenges and life-cycle transitions.I work from a holistic perspective, and my approach is goal driven and solution-focused. Together we identify your goals and ideal outcomes and work through challenges and unhelpful patterns to achieve success. I use accountability coaching to help you achieve your goals and step into the next chapter of life.
(651) 927-8109 View (651) 927-8109
Photo of Jeffrey Brown, MA, LP, Psychologist
Jeffrey Brown
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
My specialties include anxiety, depression, abuse/trauma, behavioral disorders, borderline personality disorder, gambling addiction, hypnotherapy, phobias, sexual identity disorders, chronic illness and schizophrenia.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, abuse/trauma, behavioral disorders, borderline personality disorder, gambling addiction, hypnotherapy, phobias, sexual identity disorders, chronic illness and schizophrenia.
(763) 600-7763 View (763) 600-7763
Photo of Edith Lamboy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Edith Lamboy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408  (Online Only)
I am EMDR trained and also like to use Hypnotherapy/ Guided Meditation as an adjunct to other modalities.
Are you struggling in your relationship to yourself or others? Would you like to feel better about yourself and life in general? Have losses taken the joy out of life? Are you a survivor of traumatic experiences? Would you like to make changes and are unsure where to begin? My approach is collaborative and gentle, tailored to your needs and issues. Let's work together towards reconnecting you to your own inner wisdom! I would love to help you in developing your strengths, internal resources and coping skills for the challenges in your life.
I am EMDR trained and also like to use Hypnotherapy/ Guided Meditation as an adjunct to other modalities.
Are you struggling in your relationship to yourself or others? Would you like to feel better about yourself and life in general? Have losses taken the joy out of life? Are you a survivor of traumatic experiences? Would you like to make changes and are unsure where to begin? My approach is collaborative and gentle, tailored to your needs and issues. Let's work together towards reconnecting you to your own inner wisdom! I would love to help you in developing your strengths, internal resources and coping skills for the challenges in your life.
(612) 260-8755 View (612) 260-8755
Photo of Jamie R Houk, MA, LPCC
Jamie R Houk
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55439
I also have training in hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Do you find yourself in similar patterns or situations? It is helpful to seek out guidance and support from someone unbiased as they have the opportunity to see your story with fresh eyes so that insights may be provided on unhealthy patterns, limiting beliefs, and decisions. It is my goal to assist you on your path so you can have more confidence in managing whatever you may feel is blocking you from moving forward. Many times within therapy it feels like we are just treating the various symptoms that pop up, however, I like to get to the root of it so that true healing can occur.
I also have training in hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Do you find yourself in similar patterns or situations? It is helpful to seek out guidance and support from someone unbiased as they have the opportunity to see your story with fresh eyes so that insights may be provided on unhealthy patterns, limiting beliefs, and decisions. It is my goal to assist you on your path so you can have more confidence in managing whatever you may feel is blocking you from moving forward. Many times within therapy it feels like we are just treating the various symptoms that pop up, however, I like to get to the root of it so that true healing can occur.
(651) 301-8321 View (651) 301-8321
Photo of Christopher B Donahue, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Christopher B Donahue
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55105
I look forward to working with clients to collaborate and support changes they're wanting to make. I have been able to treat individuals with challenging symptoms who may not have been properly diagnosed and subsequently, have not received appropriate treatment. Many of my clients have never learned how to cope with intrusive and sometimes disturbing thoughts. The therapy I provide empowers clients with the skills needed to feel in control of their anxiety, impulsiveness and unhealthy habits. My clients will learn how to manage unwanted thoughts and to abandon coping through rituals, escape and avoidance behaviors.
I look forward to working with clients to collaborate and support changes they're wanting to make. I have been able to treat individuals with challenging symptoms who may not have been properly diagnosed and subsequently, have not received appropriate treatment. Many of my clients have never learned how to cope with intrusive and sometimes disturbing thoughts. The therapy I provide empowers clients with the skills needed to feel in control of their anxiety, impulsiveness and unhealthy habits. My clients will learn how to manage unwanted thoughts and to abandon coping through rituals, escape and avoidance behaviors.
(651) 240-6944 View (651) 240-6944
Photo of Jeffry David Jeanetta-Wark - Center for Integrated Well-Being, Inc., MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Center for Integrated Well-Being, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, MN 55113
With over 30 years in holistic psychotherapy, consulting, and education, I craft interventions to meet your goals while honoring your strengths. I lead training for mental health professionals, retreats, and men's groups. The ethos of my Authentic Manhood Programs is that every man can lead a fulfilling life. I provide tools for personal transformation through group work, individual therapy, and experiential learning. My programs develop mature, responsible manhood by focusing on holistic approaches and honoring each man's journey. Regardless of what led you to me, let's navigate blockages and embrace authentic living together.
With over 30 years in holistic psychotherapy, consulting, and education, I craft interventions to meet your goals while honoring your strengths. I lead training for mental health professionals, retreats, and men's groups. The ethos of my Authentic Manhood Programs is that every man can lead a fulfilling life. I provide tools for personal transformation through group work, individual therapy, and experiential learning. My programs develop mature, responsible manhood by focusing on holistic approaches and honoring each man's journey. Regardless of what led you to me, let's navigate blockages and embrace authentic living together.
(651) 401-8241 View (651) 401-8241
Photo of Lynn M Marrs, L, I, C, S, W, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynn M Marrs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, I, C, S, W
Verified Verified
Maple Grove, MN 55311
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and tap into their inner wisdom in order to deal with the challenges they are facing in their relationships. Whether it is within their family relationships, peer relationships or the relationship with one's self, the healing wisdom resides within. It is my pleasure to accompany you on the journey to unlock this knowledge that will improve the quality of your life and the quality of your relationships with those you love. I see people either in person or virtually.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and tap into their inner wisdom in order to deal with the challenges they are facing in their relationships. Whether it is within their family relationships, peer relationships or the relationship with one's self, the healing wisdom resides within. It is my pleasure to accompany you on the journey to unlock this knowledge that will improve the quality of your life and the quality of your relationships with those you love. I see people either in person or virtually.
(763) 373-9325 View (763) 373-9325
Photo of Brad W Houghton, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Brad W Houghton
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Bloomington, MN 55420
Congratulations on getting this far on your journey. I am going to entertain the idea that you are interested in changing aspects of yourself or your life so that you can move towards a personal goal, life satisfaction or general happiness. You have a child or teen you are worried about. We will work as a team and not keep anyone in therapy any longer than is necessary for the goal(s) to be realized. Please be advised that I expect challenging questions and hard work AND want you to want the same.
Congratulations on getting this far on your journey. I am going to entertain the idea that you are interested in changing aspects of yourself or your life so that you can move towards a personal goal, life satisfaction or general happiness. You have a child or teen you are worried about. We will work as a team and not keep anyone in therapy any longer than is necessary for the goal(s) to be realized. Please be advised that I expect challenging questions and hard work AND want you to want the same.
(612) 429-4035 View (612) 429-4035

See more therapy options for Stearns County

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.