1. Indy Hypnosis Center – Tim Shurr
Specialization: Performance hypnosis, executive coaching, anxiety treatment, habit modification, confidence building, weight loss, smoking cessation, PTSD treatment (One Belief Away method), business and relationship transformation
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, self-doubt, stress, overwhelm, bad habits, confidence issues, PTSD (especially for veterans), weight issues, smoking addiction, relationship challenges, professional performance blocks
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, executive coaching, on-demand brain-training programs, free 15-minute consultations, books and self-help programs
Background: Tim Shurr has 36 years of experience with over 16,000 sessions completed. He holds advanced degrees in Psychology, Hypnotherapy, and NLP. Tim is a bestselling author of 5 books including “Get Out Of Your Way” and “One Belief Away.” He is the producer of the One Final Mission documentary that helps veterans triumph over PTSD using OBA Hypnosis. His awards include IMDHA Hypnotist of the Year, Ormond McGill Award (Best of the Best), and IMDHA President’s Award. The American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association have approved hypnosis for the applications offered at the center.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (contact for specific office address)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.indyhypnosis.com
Session Info: Free 15-minute consultation available, individual sessions, on-demand programs available at affordable rates, books and resources available for self-guided work
2. Hypnosis Clinic of Indiana – Dr. Cynthia Connell Davis
Specialization: Weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, clinical hypnotherapy
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, smoking addiction, stress, general wellness concerns
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions
Background: Dr. Cynthia Connell Davis holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame (1976), M.A. from Northwestern University (1971), and B.A. from Indiana University (1968, Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa). She is a Certified Hypnotherapist with certification from the Dove Star Massage and Hypnotherapy School (1995) and holds a License as Clinical Hypnotherapist from the Indiana Health Profession Bureau (2001). She is a retired university professor who has practiced hypnosis for 28 years. Her memberships include the Indiana Health Professions Bureau and the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). Dr. Davis became interested in hypnotherapy when she witnessed the powerful effects of the practice in people’s lives.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (contact for exact address)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.hypnosisindiana.com
Session Info: Sessions by appointment
3. Hoosier Hypnosis
Specialization: Anxiety reduction, energy improvement, health improvement, personal development, comprehensive hypnotherapy
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, low energy, health concerns, personal growth challenges, various behavioral and emotional issues
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, virtual hypnosis sessions, multiple office locations for convenience
Background: Hoosier Hypnosis operates with the goal of meeting clients wherever is most convenient for them. They offer both in-person sessions at their Indianapolis offices and virtual sessions from the comfort of clients’ homes. Client reviews describe significant decreases in anxiety, improved energy, and better overall health after just a few sessions. Clients have found that combining hypnosis with traditional therapy enhances the effectiveness of both approaches.
Location: Two main offices in Indianapolis: Downtown office at Capital Center South Tower, 16th Floor; North Side office at 450 E 96th St, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (Parkwood Building 3, 5th Floor)
Contact: Call, text, or web chat available through website | https://hoosierhypnosis.com
Session Info: In-office sessions at downtown or north side locations, virtual sessions available, flexible scheduling
4. Indiana Integrative Hypnosis – Cathy Boone-Black
Specialization: Anxiety and stress relief, NLP, Faster EFT, essential oils integration, relaxation techniques, childbirth preparation, surgical preparation, headache relief, insomnia treatment
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, headaches, insomnia, childbirth preparation needs, surgical preparation, overall wellness and balance
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, NLP sessions, Faster EFT, essential oil therapy, relaxation training, Emotion Code work
Background: Cathy Boone-Black is a certified hypnotist, NLP practitioner, essential oil practitioner, and Faster EFT practitioner. She is a member of the Emotion Code, International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), and National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). Cathy specializes in using various relaxation techniques to address symptoms of anxiety and stress. She guides clients to achieve deep relaxation, releasing stress-related symptoms and bringing their bodies back into balance. She has been recognized by Three Best Rated as one of the top hypnotherapy providers in Indianapolis.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (contact for exact address)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.indianaintegrativehypnosis.com
Session Info: Sessions by appointment, multiple therapeutic modalities available
5. Meridian Peak Hypnosis
Specialization: Anxiety relief, depression relief, self-improvement, health improvement, confidence improvement, relationship improvement, habit change, weight loss, smoking cessation, insomnia relief, professional improvement, life and business coaching
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, depression, confidence issues, relationship difficulties, unwanted habits, weight issues, smoking addiction, insomnia, professional challenges
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, life coaching, business coaching, 24/7 online scheduling
Background: Meridian Peak Hypnosis offers hypnosis, hypnotherapy, life and business coaching to Indianapolis residents. According to cited research from American Health Magazine, hypnosis and hypnotherapy have a 93% success rate compared with lower results from other therapy methods requiring more sessions. The practice commonly works with clients who have been in counseling for extended periods, with statistics showing most clients find solutions after 4-6 hypnosis sessions. Resources provided include links to the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and educational information about hypnosis.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (contact for exact address)
Contact: Available through website, 24/7 online scheduling | https://www.meridianpeakhypnosis.com
Session Info: Sessions by appointment, online scheduling available 24/7, typical improvement seen in 4-6 sessions
Hypnosis Regulations in Indiana
Indiana has a unique regulatory history regarding hypnosis practice. In 2010, the state repealed its hypnotist certification laws, significantly changing the regulatory landscape.
Regulatory History: Prior to July 1, 2010, Indiana maintained one of the more stringent certification schemes for hypnotists and hypnotherapists in the United States. The Indiana Hypnotist Committee reviewed certification applications while the Indiana Medical Licensing Board regulated the practice of hypnotism. Under the previous system, it was extremely difficult to become certified and legally practice hypnosis in Indiana.
2010 Legislative Change: Senate Bill 0356 was passed into law in 2010, which among many provisions, repealed the hypnotist and hypnotherapist certification laws and regulations in Indiana as of July 1, 2010. This made it significantly easier to practice hypnosis in the state without state certification.
Current Status: Indiana is now categorized among states that do not specifically regulate the practice of hypnosis. There is no mandatory state registration or licensing requirement for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. As of 2024, approximately 48 hypnotherapists are estimated to be practicing and advertising in Indiana.
Legal Considerations: While specific hypnosis licensing was repealed, general business laws still apply, including truth in advertising and unfair business practices regulations. Practitioners should avoid making claims that would constitute the practice of medicine or psychology without appropriate licensure.
Health Professional Integration: Licensed health and mental health professionals (psychologists, physicians, licensed mental health counselors, social workers) may incorporate hypnosis into their practice within their authorized scope. These professionals are regulated by their respective licensing boards.
Professional Standards: In the absence of state regulation, professional organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), and International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA) provide certification standards, codes of ethics, and professional accountability for practitioners.
Advertising Guidelines: Although not state-mandated, practitioners are advised to avoid language implying they can diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure medical or psychological conditions unless appropriately licensed. Clear disclosure of credentials and the non-medical nature of services is considered standard professional practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is hypnosis regulated by the state of Indiana?
A: Indiana repealed its hypnotist and hypnotherapist certification laws in 2010 through Senate Bill 0356, effective July 1, 2010. Prior to this change, Indiana had strict certification requirements administered by the Indiana Hypnotist Committee and Indiana Medical Licensing Board. Currently, Indiana does not require state licensing or registration specifically for hypnotists, placing it among states without specific hypnosis regulations. However, general business laws and consumer protection regulations still apply to hypnosis practices.
Q: How can I verify a hypnotist’s credentials in Indianapolis?
A: Since Indiana no longer maintains state certification for hypnotists, verification should focus on national certification organizations. Check the practitioner’s membership with organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), or International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). Some practitioners may have obtained certification under Indiana’s previous system before 2010 through the Indiana Health Professions Bureau. Awards and recognition from these organizations or consumer rating services (like Three Best Rated) can provide additional verification. If the hypnotist holds mental health licenses (LMHC, LCSW, PhD, HSPP), these can be verified through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
Q: Does health insurance cover hypnosis sessions in Indianapolis?
A: Most health insurance plans do not cover hypnosis services provided by non-licensed practitioners. However, if hypnosis is provided by a licensed mental health professional (such as an LMHC, LCSW, or psychologist) as part of psychotherapy, it may be covered under mental health benefits depending on the specific insurance plan. Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to determine coverage. Many Indianapolis hypnotists operate on a cash-pay basis, with some offering package pricing, free consultations, and self-help resources at lower price points.
Q: What training and certification do Indianapolis hypnotists typically hold?
A: Indianapolis hypnotists typically hold certifications from national professional organizations since Indiana no longer requires state certification. Common certifications include Certified Hypnotist or Certified Hypnotherapist (CH, CHt) from NGH, certification through IACT, ACHE, or IMDHA. Some practitioners hold advanced certifications such as Board Certified Hypnotist (BCH) from NGH. Dr. Cynthia Connell Davis at Hypnosis Clinic of Indiana previously obtained certification under Indiana’s former system before 2010. Training hours vary by organization but typically range from 100-500+ hours of instruction. Some practitioners hold additional credentials in NLP, EFT, coaching, or hold advanced degrees in psychology or related fields.
Q: What conditions can hypnotists legally address in Indianapolis?
A: Indiana hypnotists who are not also licensed health professionals typically work on self-improvement goals, habit modification (such as smoking cessation and weight management), stress management, performance enhancement (sports, academic, professional), relaxation, motivation, confidence building, and general personal development. They should not diagnose, treat, or claim to cure medical conditions, mental disorders, or psychological pathology without appropriate licensure. Licensed mental health professionals (LMHC, LCSW, psychologists) who incorporate hypnosis into their practice may address conditions within their licensed scope. For mental health diagnoses or medical conditions, referral to or collaboration with appropriately licensed professionals is advisable.