1. Central Valley Hypnosis (Shaymus Banks)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy for addictions, weight loss, stress reduction, motivation, confidence building, anxiety, and couples issues.
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, alcoholism, drug addiction, social media addiction, overeating and weight issues, stress, anxiety, motivation problems, confidence issues, past relationships, moving beyond abuse, fear of flying, couples issues, past life regression.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, video conferencing sessions, phone consultations, MP3 recordings for home reinforcement, couples hypnotherapy.
Background: Shaymus Banks is a Certified Master Hypnotherapist who holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He formerly served the State of California as a Disability Hearing Officer. He has personal experience using self-hypnosis to overcome alcoholism, lose 30 pounds, and eliminate unhealthy anger patterns. He established Central Valley Hypnosis in 2016 and serves the greater Central Valley including Sanger, Madera, Kerman, Selma, Clovis, Lemoore, Kingsburg, Tulare, Visalia, Merced, Fowler, Mendota, Hanford, Porterville, and Chowchilla.
Location: 5528 N Palm Ave, Suite 115, Fresno, CA 93704
Contact: (559) 854-3251 | https://cvhypnosis.com
Session Info: Multiple session programs available. Hours Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot available. Gender-neutral restrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Open to all.
2. Stop Smoking and Better Me Fresno (Jennifer)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy specializing in smoking cessation (including vaping), trauma release, weight management, and spiritual counseling using proprietary Power Trio Healing/Hypnotherapy method.
Conditions Addressed: Smoking and vaping addiction, trauma, weight issues, stress, anxiety, various behavioral and emotional challenges.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions (in-person and fully online), stop smoking in one session programs, trauma release sessions, weight release programs, spiritual counseling, coaching.
Background: Jennifer is a Certified Hypnotherapist who developed the proprietary Power Trio Healing/Hypnotherapy method which aligns the conscious mind, body, and subconscious mind. She is trained through recognized certification programs and offers Christian-focused hypnotherapy sessions upon request.
Location: Fresno, California (also serves clients worldwide online)
Contact: https://www.bettermefresno.com
Session Info: In-person sessions in Fresno and fully online sessions available worldwide. Stop smoking programs designed for completion in one session. Christian-focused sessions available upon request. Release of liability and client information forms required.
3. Macy’s Hypnosis and Success Coaching (Dr. Jim Macy)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy for subconscious reprogramming, PTSD, childhood trauma, stroke recovery support, cancer patient support, and connected mind development.
Conditions Addressed: PTSD, childhood trauma, stroke recovery support, cancer patient support, memories and perceptions affecting life direction, fears, limiting beliefs, subconscious blocks.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, success coaching, life direction guidance, subconscious mind work.
Background: Dr. Jim Macy is a Master NLP Practitioner and Certified Life Coach. He is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). He specializes in helping clients harness the power of their subconscious mind for behavior change and life improvement.
Location: Fresno, California
Contact: (559) 285-0784 | https://www.macys-hypnosis.com
Session Info: Sessions focus on subconscious reprogramming for lasting change. Specializes in trauma and medical support applications.
4. Translated Soul, LLC (Cindy Fedele)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy combined with energy work and intuitive awareness for pattern release and wellness.
Conditions Addressed: Old patterns, energy blocks, obstacles to personal growth, stress, emotional issues, wellness goals.
Services Offered: Hypnotherapy sessions, Reiki energy healing, intuitive awareness work, combination sessions using multiple modalities.
Background: Cindy Fedele is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCHT) and Master Hypnotic Coach trained through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) and the Sacramento School of Hypnotherapy. She studied at Magdalen University for Energy Work and attended Psychic Reading School for Practitioners. Her complementary training creates an integrated approach combining hypnotherapy, Reiki, and intuitive work.
Location: Fresno, California area
Contact: Available through Yelp and local directories
Session Info: Sessions combine multiple healing modalities for comprehensive approach to wellness and pattern change.
5. Blair Marriage and Family Therapy
Specialization: Licensed psychotherapy practice incorporating hypnotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for trauma healing.
Conditions Addressed: Trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, childhood experiences affecting adult life.
Services Offered: Therapy services for adults, couples, and children, hypnotherapy integrated with licensed psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, initial phone call screening, assessment and treatment planning, ongoing therapy sessions, telehealth and in-person options throughout California.
Background: Blair Marriage and Family Therapy is operated by licensed mental health professionals who incorporate hypnotherapy into their clinical practice. Practitioners are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in the state of California with specialized training in hypnotherapy and IFS.
Location: Fresno, California (telehealth available statewide)
Contact: Available through Psychology Today directory
Session Info: Licensed therapy services available via telehealth to anyone located in California and in-person in Fresno area. Insurance may apply for licensed mental health services. Phone screening and initial assessment precede ongoing therapy.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not require a license specifically to practice hypnotherapy or hypnosis. The regulation of hypnotherapy in California is governed primarily by California Business and Professions Code Section 2908, which provides exemptions for hypnosis practitioners from psychology licensing requirements under specific conditions.
Under Section 2908, persons utilizing hypnotic techniques may practice legally in California if they offer avocational or vocational self-improvement and do not offer therapy for emotional or mental disorders. The exemption also covers persons using hypnotic techniques by referral from persons licensed to practice medicine, dentistry, or psychology.
Hypnotherapists in California may legally work on issues such as smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, confidence building, motivation, sports performance, habit change, and general self-improvement. They may not diagnose or treat mental disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) unless they are licensed mental health professionals.
California Business and Professions Code Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6 establish the Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practice framework, allowing unlicensed practitioners to offer services that do not require medical training and credentials, provided they comply with consumer protection disclosure requirements.
Required disclosures for California hypnotherapists include a clear statement that the practitioner is not a licensed physician, psychologist, or other healthcare professional (unless they hold such licenses), that hypnotherapy is complementary to and not a substitute for licensed medical or psychological services, and information about the nature of services provided.
Licensed healthcare professionals in California, including psychologists (regulated by the California Board of Psychology), marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional clinical counselors (regulated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences), may incorporate hypnosis into their licensed practices within their scope of practice.
California does not mandate specific educational hours for non-licensed hypnotherapists, though voluntary certification through organizations like ACHE, NGH, or HMI demonstrates professional training. Practitioners should maintain professional liability insurance and comply with general business regulations and truth in advertising requirements.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs handles complaints about deceptive business practices. For licensed practitioners, complaints go to the appropriate licensing board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a license to practice hypnotherapy in California?
A: California does not require a specific state license to practice hypnotherapy. Under California Business and Professions Code Section 2908, persons using hypnotic techniques for avocational or vocational self-improvement who do not treat emotional or mental disorders may practice without a psychology license. However, hypnotherapists must comply with disclosure requirements, avoid making medical or psychological treatment claims, and may not use titles suggesting they are licensed psychologists. Practitioners treating mental disorders must be licensed mental health professionals or work under referral from licensed practitioners.
Q: How can I verify a Fresno hypnotherapist’s credentials?
A: Request information about the practitioner’s training school and certification. Common certifying bodies include the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI, which is nationally accredited), American Hypnosis Association (AHA), and International Board of Hypnotherapy (IBH). You can verify certifications directly with these organizations using the practitioner’s certification number. For practitioners who are also licensed mental health professionals, verify their license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs license verification website.
Q: Does health insurance cover hypnotherapy in California?
A: Insurance coverage for hypnotherapy varies significantly. Non-licensed hypnotherapy services are generally not covered by health insurance. However, if hypnosis is provided as part of treatment by a licensed psychologist, LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC, it may be covered under behavioral health benefits depending on your specific insurance plan and diagnosis. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage. HSA and FSA funds may be usable for hypnotherapy with appropriate documentation, and the IRS has allowed hypnotherapy for smoking cessation and weight loss as deductible medical expenses in some cases.
Q: What disclosures should a California hypnotherapist provide?
A: Under California law, hypnotherapists should provide clients with written disclosures stating that the practitioner is not licensed by the State of California as a healing arts practitioner (unless they hold such a license), that hypnotherapy services are not licensed by the state, that hypnotherapy is complementary to and not a substitute for licensed medical or psychological treatment, and information about the practitioner’s education and training. Clients should also be informed of fees, session policies, and their right to discontinue services at any time.
Q: Where can I file a complaint about a hypnotherapist in Fresno?
A: For non-licensed hypnotherapists, complaints about fraudulent advertising, deceptive practices, or consumer protection violations can be filed with the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210 or through the California Attorney General’s Office. If the practitioner is certified through organizations like ACHE, NGH, or HMI, you can file ethics complaints with those certifying bodies. If the hypnotherapist is also a licensed mental health professional (LMFT, LPCC, LCSW), complaints can be filed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For licensed psychologists, complaints go to the California Board of Psychology.