1. The Morris Institute (Dr. Morris)
Specialization: Professional hypnotherapy for accelerated healing, growth, and transformation. The Morris Institute has helped thousands of clients achieve dramatic life changes through hypnotherapy.
Conditions Addressed: Stress and anxiety, low self-confidence, smoking cessation, weight management, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, performance enhancement, pain management, painless childbirth, PTSD, phobias and fears, negative habits including overeating, nail-biting, and other unwanted behaviors.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, free hypnotherapy consultations, sessions for adults and children.
Background: Dr. Morris operates The Morris Institute in Riverside, California. The practice emphasizes that hypnotherapy is a scientifically verified and effective technique for addressing emotional and behavioral issues in both adults and children.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: https://www.themorrisinstitute.com
Session Info: Free hypnotherapy consultations available. Contact for session rates and scheduling.
2. Clinical Hypnotherapy Center (Dr. Savo Kosic)
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy and life coaching. Dr. Savo Kosic provides guidance to help clients overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives and create the life they desire.
Conditions Addressed: Various life challenges and obstacles, personal transformation goals, behavioral change.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, Certified Hypnotherapist course ($2,495), Hypnotherapist course without sessions ($995), Deep Transformation Package ($1,499), in-person sessions ($199), Zoom sessions ($99).
Background: Dr. Savo Kosic is an experienced and knowledgeable clinical hypnotherapist who serves as a guide for clients seeking personal transformation.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-riverside-ca
Session Info: In-person sessions at $199. Zoom sessions at $99. Training courses also available for those interested in becoming certified hypnotherapists.
3. Smart Thing King Hypnosis
Specialization: Hypnotherapy for physical, mental, and emotional well-being with a particular focus on athletic performance enhancement. Works with athletes from young aspiring athletes to professionals to help enhance their performance.
Conditions Addressed: Stress, anxiety, depression, athletic performance, mental focus, physical and emotional well-being.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, virtual hypnotherapy via Skype, FaceTime, or phone, personalized recordings for peace of mind, specialized sessions for athletes.
Background: Smart Thing King Hypnosis specializes in helping individuals of all ages improve their well-being by tapping into the power of their minds. The practice has developed expertise in working with athletes at all levels.
Location: Riverside, California (virtual sessions available)
Contact: https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-riverside-ca
Session Info: Virtual hypnotherapy sessions available via Skype, FaceTime, or phone. Personalized recordings provided. Services tailored to individual needs.
4. Twylight Hypnotherapy (Twy James)
Specialization: Hypnotherapy for relieving anxiety, improving relationships, and overcoming fear of public speaking. Twy James focuses on helping clients release stress and depression and reprogram aspects of themselves they want to improve.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, depression, fear of public speaking, relationship issues, personal development goals.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, online live video hypnotherapy sessions, goal achievement hypnosis.
Background: Twy James has over twenty years of experience providing hypnotherapy services. The medical and scientific establishment has approved hypnotherapy since the 1950s, and Twylight Hypnotherapy incorporates established techniques.
Location: Riverside, California (online sessions available)
Contact: https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-riverside-ca
Session Info: In-person and online live video sessions available. Contact for scheduling and rates.
5. Hypnotherapist Victoria
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy focusing on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and helping clients feel refreshed, alert, positive, and focused after sessions.
Conditions Addressed: PTSD, depression, anxiety, emotional challenges, personal transformation.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions with thorough explanation of the process before beginning.
Background: Victoria is a hypnotherapist who takes time to explain the hypnosis process prior to sessions and helps clients feel at ease throughout their experience.
Location: Riverside, California area
Contact: Yelp listing for Hypnotherapist Victoria
Session Info: Sessions include thorough pre-session explanation of the hypnosis process. Contact for rates and availability.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not require a specific state license to practice hypnotherapy or hypnosis. The practice operates within a legal framework established by California Business and Professions Code Section 2908 and Senate Bill 577.
Under California Business and Professions Code Section 2908, persons using hypnotic techniques are exempt from psychology licensing requirements under two specific circumstances. Practitioners may offer hypnotic techniques for vocational or avocational self-improvement as long as they do not offer therapy for emotional or mental disorders. Practitioners may also work under referral from persons licensed to practice medicine, dentistry, or psychology when addressing conditions outside the self-improvement category.
Senate Bill 577 (SB 577) establishes disclosure requirements for complementary and alternative health care practitioners in California. Practitioners who are not licensed as health care providers must provide written disclosure to clients stating that services are not licensed by the state, describing the nature of services provided, explaining the treatment theory upon which services are based, and listing the practitioner’s educational training, experience, and qualifications. Practitioners must obtain written acknowledgment from clients confirming receipt of this information and must maintain copies of acknowledgments for three years.
California law prohibits unlicensed practitioners from diagnosing or treating physical or mental conditions, prescribing or recommending discontinuation of medications, conducting surgery or invasive procedures, administering x-rays, and willfully treating conditions in ways that create risk of harm. Unlicensed practitioners must also disclose in advertising that they are not licensed by the state as healing arts practitioners.
Licensed mental health professionals in California, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), may incorporate hypnosis into their therapeutic practice within their scope of practice. These professionals are regulated by the California Board of Psychology or Board of Behavioral Sciences and must meet educational, examination, and continuing education requirements.
Professional hypnotherapy organizations that provide certification and set ethical standards include the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), and American Hypnosis Association (AHA). The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) in Tarzana is a nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy recognized by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
The California Superior Court held in People v. Cantor (1961) that practicing hypnotism as a curative means could constitute unlicensed practice of medicine. Practitioners should avoid making medical claims and focus on self-improvement applications rather than treatment of medical or psychological conditions.
For Riverside County and the Inland Empire area, practitioners may also have training from various schools and may hold multiple certifications from different organizations. Verification of credentials can be done through the issuing organizations and, for licensed mental health professionals, through the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find a qualified hypnotherapist in Riverside or the Inland Empire?
A: When searching for a qualified hypnotherapist in Riverside or the Inland Empire, look for practitioners who have completed training at recognized institutions and hold current certifications from professional organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, or International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association. Ask about their specific training, years of experience, and areas of specialization. Reputable practitioners will provide you with the written disclosure statement required by California law (SB 577) and will clearly explain their qualifications. Many offer free initial consultations or discovery calls so you can assess fit before committing to sessions. Check online reviews but also ask for references or testimonials from past clients.
Q: Can hypnotherapists in California help with athletic performance?
A: Yes, hypnotherapy for athletic performance is a common application in California and falls within the vocational and avocational self-improvement services that practitioners can legally provide. Some hypnotherapists, such as Smart Thing King Hypnosis in Riverside, specialize in working with athletes at all levels from youth athletes to professionals. Sports hypnosis typically focuses on mental focus, visualization of successful performance, confidence building, overcoming performance anxiety, and developing positive mental patterns. This type of hypnotherapy does not require a referral from a licensed professional since it addresses performance enhancement rather than treatment of medical or psychological conditions.
Q: What is the typical cost for hypnotherapy sessions in Riverside, California?
A: Hypnotherapy session costs in Riverside and the Inland Empire typically range from $99 for virtual sessions to $199 for in-person sessions, based on publicly listed rates from local practitioners. Some practitioners offer package pricing or multi-session discounts. Initial consultations or first sessions may be free or offered at a reduced rate to allow you to determine if hypnotherapy is right for your goals. Intensive programs such as stop-smoking sessions may have higher one-time costs. Training and certification courses for those interested in becoming hypnotherapists range from approximately $995 to $2,495. Always confirm current rates directly with the practitioner as prices may change.
Q: Can a hypnotherapist in California work with children?
A: Hypnotherapists in California can work with children for issues such as attention difficulties, bedwetting, nail-biting, test anxiety, sports performance, and building self-esteem. Parental consent is required for sessions with minors. Some practitioners, like The Morris Institute in Riverside, specifically mention working with children and adults. When seeking hypnotherapy for a child, look for practitioners who have training and experience in pediatric hypnosis techniques. If your child has a diagnosed condition such as ADHD, anxiety disorder, or other mental health issue, it is advisable to work with a licensed mental health professional who incorporates hypnosis or to obtain a referral from your child’s healthcare provider to a hypnotherapist.
Q: Is virtual or online hypnotherapy as effective as in-person sessions in California?
A: Many hypnotherapists report that virtual sessions via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or phone can be as effective as in-person sessions for many applications. Virtual sessions offer convenience for clients who have transportation challenges, busy schedules, or prefer the comfort of their own environment. Several Riverside area practitioners offer virtual sessions, and some report that clients find it easier to relax in familiar surroundings. Virtual sessions typically cost the same or slightly less than in-person sessions. For best results with virtual hypnotherapy, ensure you have a quiet, private space without interruptions, a stable internet connection, comfortable seating, and headphones for better audio quality. Some clients may prefer an initial in-person session to establish rapport before transitioning to virtual follow-up sessions.