1. Beach Hypnosis (Megan)
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight loss, phobia elimination, anxiety reduction, stress management, fear elimination, depression support, insomnia treatment, confidence building
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, vaping, overeating, phobias (heights, bridges, tunnels, highways, flying), anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, fears, driving anxiety
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, phone and remote sessions for clients outside the area, customized treatment plans, follow-up support
Background: Megan is a licensed and certified clinical hypnotherapist who has been helping people since 1990. She is a member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). The practice has been serving Hampton Roads, as well as clients nationally and internationally, since 2003. The Virginia Beach Award Program recognized her with the Best Hypnotherapist Award two years in a row. Three Best Rated Award Program has listed her practice with an overall 99% success rate.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Contact: (757) 577-2002 (call or text) | https://beachhypno.com
Session Info: Appointments only, no walk-ins. Sessions available for local clients and remote clients via telephone. Application required before scheduling sessions. Practice supports various charitable organizations including animal shelters, homeless shelters, and veteran organizations.
2. Virginia Hypnosis (Jason Linett)
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight loss, stress management, phobia elimination, anxiety reduction, sports performance, test anxiety, confidence building, habit change
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight issues, stress, anxiety, phobias, fears, performance anxiety, habit disorders, confidence issues, motivation challenges
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques, hypnosis certification training, business development training for hypnotists, online training programs, group workshops
Background: Jason Linett holds multiple certifications including Certified Professional Hypnotist with ICBCH (International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists), Master Practitioner of NLP with NFNLP (National Federation of Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Board Certified Hypnotist (BCH) with NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists), Certified Hypnotherapist with IMDHA (International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association), Certified Hypnotherapist with IACT (International Association of Counselors and Therapists), and Certified Hypnotist with ABH (Atlantic Board of Hypnosis). He is an approved instructor for ICBCH, NGH, and NFNLP and is co-partner instructor of the ICBCH Train-the-Trainer program.
Location: Virginia Beach/Northern Virginia area
Contact: https://virginiahypnosis.com
Session Info: Services available for over a dozen years. Featured in various media appearances, interviews, articles, and awards. Also operates Hypnotic Business Systems, an online community for hypnosis practitioners.
3. Clayton Hypnosis Clinic
Specialization: Smoking cessation, fear elimination, weight management (mind and body approach), life purpose awareness, past life regression, standard hypnotherapy sessions
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, fears, phobias, weight issues, stress, anxiety, life purpose questions, past memories
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, free initial consultation, standard hypnotherapy sessions, past life regression therapy, life purpose awareness sessions
Background: Clayton Hypnosis Clinic has been recognized by Three Best Rated Award Program with high inspection points (116/120). The clinic offers a comprehensive approach to hypnotherapy addressing both behavioral and deeper awareness issues.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Contact: https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-virginia-beach-va
Session Info: Free consultation available. Specializes in smoking cessation, fear elimination, and weight management using a mind and body approach.
4. Marie Griffen Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Therapeutic hypnosis, guided imagery, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), mindfulness training, personal improvement, behavioral change
Conditions Addressed: Stress, anxiety, unwanted behaviors, emotional patterns, self-image issues, negative beliefs, habit disorders, emotional responses
Services Offered: Private one-on-one sessions (55, 90, or 120 minutes), in-person sessions, Skype sessions, phone sessions, customized treatment plans
Background: Marie Griffen focuses on the therapeutic use of hypnosis, imagery, and mindfulness to assist clients in achieving personal improvement goals and addressing urgent needs for healthier life paths. Her approach emphasizes homeostasis versus neuroplasticity concepts and accessing the subconscious mind for lasting behavioral changes.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Contact: https://mariegriffenhypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Private sessions available in 55, 90, or 120-minute lengths. Sessions can be conducted in-person or via Skype or phone. Focus on creating lasting change through neurological shifts.
5. Hypno Health Solutions (Cathie Cazimi)
Specialization: Hypnosis, energy healing, transformation support, obstacle removal, positive life change facilitation
Conditions Addressed: Stress, anxiety, unwanted habits, emotional blocks, life obstacles, personal transformation needs
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, energy healing sessions, safe and advanced hypnosis techniques, transformation guidance
Background: Cathie Cazimi, MHt., SGM, is a Master Hypnotherapist with 30 years of experience in energy work and hypnotic altered states of consciousness. She earned her certification as a Master Hypnotherapist in 2008 from the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA).
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia area
Contact: https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-virginia-beach-va
Session Info: Focus on safe, ethical, and efficient hypnosis techniques. Energy healing combined with hypnotherapy for holistic approach to transformation.
Hypnosis Regulations in Virginia
Virginia does not have specific state licensing requirements for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. The state does not maintain a registration or certification requirement for hypnosis practitioners.
Virginia Code Section 54.1-3600 defines the practice of clinical psychology to include hypnosis when used for diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders. This statute functions as a titling act that outlines what licensed psychologists can do, rather than restricting hypnosis practice exclusively to licensed professionals.
Hypnotherapy for vocational and avocational self-improvement (such as smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, and habit control) is distinct from the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. The Virginia laws do not restrict hypnotherapy solely to licensed psychologists when used for non-clinical self-improvement purposes.
Research has not revealed any known legal cases in Virginia where someone has faced legal action solely for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Many unlicensed individuals advertise and provide hypnotherapy services in Virginia.
General business laws apply to hypnotherapy practices in Virginia, including consumer protection laws and truth in advertising regulations. Practitioners should not claim to diagnose, treat, or cure medical or mental health conditions unless appropriately licensed.
Certification through recognized national organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), or the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH) is voluntary but recommended for professional credibility and ethical practice.
Licensed healthcare professionals in Virginia (psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, physicians) may incorporate hypnosis into their scope of practice consistent with their professional licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Virginia require hypnotists to be licensed or registered?
A: Virginia does not require hypnotists or hypnotherapists to obtain a state license or register with any state agency. Unlike states such as Washington and Connecticut that mandate registration, Virginia allows hypnosis practitioners to operate without specific state credentials. However, practitioners should hold certifications from recognized national organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) or the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). Licensed mental health professionals in Virginia who use hypnosis as part of their practice are regulated by their respective licensing boards (Board of Psychology, Board of Counseling).
Q: Will my insurance cover hypnotherapy sessions in Virginia Beach?
A: Insurance coverage for hypnotherapy in Virginia varies by policy. If hypnotherapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional (such as an LCSW, LPC, or psychologist) as part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed condition, some insurance plans may provide coverage. Most consulting hypnotists who are not licensed healthcare providers operate on a cash-pay basis. Contact your insurance company to inquire about coverage, required provider credentials, and whether a referral is needed. Some practitioners accept Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments.
Q: What is the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist in Virginia?
A: The terms hypnotist and hypnotherapist are often used interchangeably in Virginia, though some practitioners make distinctions. A hypnotist typically refers to someone who induces hypnotic trance, which may include stage or entertainment hypnosis. A hypnotherapist usually refers to someone who uses hypnosis for therapeutic purposes such as behavior change, stress reduction, or habit elimination. In Virginia, neither term is legally protected, so the credentials and training of the practitioner matter more than the title. Look for certifications from recognized organizations and ask about specific training and experience.
Q: Can I receive hypnotherapy remotely from Virginia Beach practitioners?
A: Yes, many Virginia Beach hypnotherapists offer remote sessions via telephone, video conferencing (such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime), or specialized telehealth platforms. Remote hypnotherapy has become increasingly common and can be effective for many issues including smoking cessation, stress reduction, and anxiety management. Some practitioners work with clients nationally and internationally through remote sessions. When seeking remote services, ensure the practitioner has experience conducting virtual sessions and inquire about their technology setup and privacy protocols.
Q: How do I find a qualified hypnotherapist in the Hampton Roads area?
A: To find a qualified hypnotherapist in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region, start by checking the directories of national certification organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (ngh.net), the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, or the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists. The Psychology Today therapist directory filtered for hypnotherapy in Virginia Beach lists licensed mental health professionals who incorporate hypnosis. Ask potential practitioners about their training hours, certifications, years of experience, and areas of specialization. Request a free consultation when offered to assess compatibility.