1. Ervin Hypnosis Center
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight management, stress relief, fear reduction, performance improvement, self-hypnosis training
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, weight management challenges, stress and tension, irrational fears and phobias, performance anxiety, lack of motivation, unhealthy habits, pain management
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, group sessions, self-hypnosis instruction, Hypno-Waving/Bilateral Hemispheric Stimulation techniques, customized hypnosis protocols tailored to individual needs
Background: Richard Ervin holds a B.A. in Psychology from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) and an M.A. in Management and Human Relations from Webster College (now Webster University). He is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists as both a Certified Hypnotist and Instructor. Additional certifications include Hypno-Waving/Bilateral Hemispheric Stimulation Practitioner certification obtained in 2014. Founded practice in 2007 after completing certification at Southern Institute of Hypnosis. Previously retired from Federal Express before pursuing hypnosis professionally.
Location: 2865 Summer Oaks Dr, Suite 100, Bartlett, TN 38134
Contact: (901) 826-4389 | [email protected] | https://www.ervinhypnosiscenter.com
Session Info: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Individual sessions with personalized attention. Practice serves the greater Memphis metropolitan area including Bartlett and surrounding communities.
2. Cassius and Associates Wellness Services PLLC
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy integrated with psychotherapy, smoking cessation, weight management, sports performance, sexual dysfunction treatment, adolescent behavioral therapy
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, eating disorders, weight management, sexual dysfunctions, phobias, chronic pain, anxiety, stress, performance issues, PTSD, panic attacks, trauma, unwanted habits, concentration difficulties, focus problems, negative behavior patterns
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy, couples counseling, family therapy, adolescent behavioral therapy, group psychotherapy, ADHD testing, study coaching, regression therapy, memory enhancement, Gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, EMDR therapy
Background: Eric Cassius holds MS in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP), and Clinical Hypnotherapist (CHt) credentials. Son of Dr. Joseph Cassius, he continues the family’s clinical practice tradition. Member of the American Counseling Association, Tennessee Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, and International Transactional Analysis Association. Active with the Milton H. Erickson Foundation. Featured on numerous newscasts and MTV documentary “True Life” in 2014. Regular radio host on 87.7 FM Sports every Friday at 2 PM.
Location: 815 Mount Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
Contact: (901) 685-5491 | (901) 654-0078 | https://www.cassiusandassociates.com
Session Info: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Free 15-minute consultation available. Both in-person and online sessions offered. Session fees range from $100 to $150. Accepts insurance from multiple providers.
3. Memphis Hypnosis (Ethridge and Associates, LLC)
Specialization: Smoking cessation hypnosis, performance coaching, life coaching, communication consulting, NLP-based techniques, Time Line Therapy
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, nicotine dependency, anxiety, stress, confidence issues, relationship communication problems, self-esteem challenges, insomnia, behavioral patterns
Services Offered: Specialized Stop Smoking Hypnosis Program with lifetime guarantee, individual hypnotherapy sessions, couples coaching, pre-marital counseling, NLP coaching, Time Line Therapy, group stop-smoking sessions, phone and Zoom sessions, custom hypnosis recordings
Background: Dr. Steven Ethridge holds Ph.D. in Christian Ministry, Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies, Conflict Management, and Christian Mediation, Master of Arts in Communication, and Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Certified Master Trainer and Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy Techniques, Certified Instructor of Hypnotherapy and Master Hypnotist through American Board of Hypnotherapy, Consulting Hypnotist through National Guild of Hypnotists, Certified NLP Trainer and NLP Coach Trainer through American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Over 40 years of communication consulting and coaching experience.
Location: Cordova, TN area (Greater Memphis). Multiple clinic locations available.
Contact: https://memphishypnosis.net | https://www.ethridge.com
Session Info: Specialized Stop Smoking Program includes 100% Satisfaction Lifetime Guarantee. If client returns to smoking after completing first session, additional sessions provided at no charge (up to two sessions per month). Free 30-minute phone consultations available. Both in-person and online sessions via Zoom offered. Group stop-smoking sessions offered throughout the year at no extra cost. Services available internationally via video conferencing.
4. Sandra Anne Hobson, MS, LPC
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy integrated with mental health counseling, trauma therapy, chronic pain management, PTSD treatment, phobia treatment
Conditions Addressed: PTSD, trauma, phobias, panic attacks, chronic pain, unwanted habits, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation
Services Offered: Clinical mental health counseling, individual hypnotherapy, couples therapy, family therapy, National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (Fellow) services, eclectic therapeutic approaches customized to individual needs
Background: Sandra Anne Hobson holds MS degree, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, and National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (Fellow) designation. University professor background combined with clinical practice experience. Provides both hypnotherapy and individual counseling with extensive success treating trauma, phobias, panic attacks, and habit modification.
Location: Memphis, TN 38117
Contact: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tn/memphis?category=hypnotherapy
Session Info: Interventions customized to individual needs. Practice bridges academic theory with practical clinical application. Eclectic approach combining multiple therapeutic modalities with hypnotherapy.
5. Dawn Casey-Chiles, LCSW, ACHT
Specialization: Trauma therapy, EMDR, breath-work, sound and energy healing, hypnosis, past life regression therapy, Reiki, dreamwork
Conditions Addressed: Trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, neurodiversity-related challenges, addiction, relationship and family issues, ancestral patterns, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief
Services Offered: Hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, EMDR, breath-work sessions, meditation guidance, sound healing, energy healing, past life regression therapy, Reiki, dreamwork, consulting, mind-body-spirit integrative approach
Background: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Advanced Certified Hypnotherapist (ACHT) credentials. Specializes in integrative blend of therapeutic conversation and holistic practices. Clinical focus includes emotional regulation, neurodiversity, trauma, addiction, relationship and family dynamics, ancestral imprints, and life transitions.
Location: Memphis, TN
Contact: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tn/memphis?category=hypnotherapy
Session Info: Offers mind-body-spirit approach designed to support meaningful, lasting change. Healing approach begins with calming the body and soothing the nervous system. Works with releasing old patterns and stagnant beliefs.
Hypnosis Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee does not have specific state licensing requirements for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. The practice of hypnosis is not explicitly regulated under a dedicated hypnotherapy act.
Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 11 governs the practice of psychology. The scope of practice for psychologists may include hypnosis when performed by licensed psychologists within their authorized scope. Licensed psychologists in Tennessee must limit their practices to techniques for which they have formal education, professional training, and supervised experience.
The Tennessee Compiled Rules and Regulations Section 1180-02-.01 addresses the scope of practice for psychologists, which is prescribed by Tennessee Code Annotated and related rules.
Tennessee appears in the list of states that do not specifically regulate the practice of hypnosis according to multiple professional hypnosis organizations. Many unlicensed individuals advertise hypnotherapy services in Tennessee without facing legal action for practicing hypnosis alone.
A 1992 Tennessee bill (HB 0168) proposed creating a registration system for hypnotherapists, defining “General Hypnotherapy” as assistance to clients in recreational, vocational, avocational, educational, stress management, or self-improvement goals not focused on medical or mental health disorders. This bill does not appear to have been enacted into law.
Licensed mental health professionals in Tennessee, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), may incorporate hypnotherapy into their practice if they have appropriate training.
The Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Pastoral Therapists oversees these mental health professions.
Practitioners are advised to avoid diagnosing medical or psychological conditions, to refrain from treating mental health disorders without appropriate licensure, and to maintain clear boundaries between vocational hypnosis services and clinical mental health treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is hypnosis regulated by the state of Tennessee?
A: Tennessee does not have specific state regulations or licensing requirements for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. Hypnosis is not regulated under a dedicated hypnotherapy practice act. However, when hypnosis is used as part of psychological services or mental health treatment, it falls under the jurisdiction of the respective licensing boards such as the Board of Examiners in Psychology or the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Non-licensed hypnotists may practice in Tennessee for vocational and self-improvement purposes without state registration.
Q: How can I verify a hypnotist’s credentials in Memphis?
A: For hypnotists who hold mental health licenses, you can verify their credentials through the Tennessee Department of Health online license verification system. Licensed Professional Counselors can be verified through the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Pastoral Therapists. For hypnotists with certifications from professional organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH), or International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), contact these organizations directly to confirm current membership and certification status.
Q: Does health insurance cover hypnotherapy in Tennessee?
A: Health insurance coverage for hypnotherapy in Tennessee depends on the provider’s credentials and the specific insurance policy. Hypnotherapy provided by licensed mental health professionals such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), or psychologists may be covered when billed as part of mental health treatment for a covered condition. Services from non-licensed hypnotists are typically not covered by health insurance. Contact your insurance company directly to determine coverage specifics and whether pre-authorization is required.
Q: What training should I look for in a Memphis hypnotist?
A: When evaluating hypnotists in Memphis, consider practitioners who have completed training from recognized institutions or certification programs. Look for certifications from organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH), International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), or the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). If you are seeking help for clinical issues, consider practitioners who also hold mental health licenses (LPC, LCSW, psychologist) ensuring they can provide integrated treatment. Ask about their specific training hours, specializations, and experience with your particular concern.
Q: Can hypnotists in Memphis help with medical conditions?
A: Hypnotists in Tennessee who are not licensed healthcare providers should not diagnose or treat medical conditions. However, hypnosis can be used as a complementary approach for stress management, relaxation, and habit modification alongside medical treatment. Licensed mental health professionals who incorporate hypnotherapy may address psychological aspects of medical conditions within their scope of practice. For medical concerns, seek evaluation from appropriate healthcare providers first, and hypnotherapy can serve as an adjunct to conventional treatment when appropriate. Many hypnotists work alongside physicians and can accept referrals for specific concerns.