1. PA Hypnosis Center – Daniel S. Vitchoff
Specialization: Hypnotherapy combined with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and brainwave technology. Creator of “The 33 Method,” a trademarked sports performance technique used with Olympic gold medalists. Focuses on weight management, smoking cessation, anxiety reduction, stress management, and athletic performance enhancement.
Conditions Addressed: Weight management and overeating, smoking addiction, stress and anxiety, sports performance issues, personal advancement challenges, and professional development goals.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, NLP training, mental training and performance coaching, The 33 Method for sports improvement, brainwave technology integration, and customized programs. Offers a 98% success guarantee on programs.
Background: Daniel S. Vitchoff holds MS Ed. (Master of Science in Education) and CHT (Certified Hypnotherapist) credentials. He developed “The 33 Method,” a nationally acclaimed sports improvement technique that is a registered trademark with the U.S. Patent Office. His methods have been featured in local and national news stories and have helped Olympic gold medalists Glenn Eller and Vincent Hancock at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. He has worked with thousands of clients across the United States and is recognized as a leader in the field of hypnosis.
Location: 16085 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15086
Contact: (724) 934-8446 | pittsburghhypnosis.com | https://pahypnosiscenter.com
Session Info: Free in-person and telephone consultations available. All sessions are individualized. Office environment designed for comfort and relaxation. Clients travel from a five-state area and beyond for sessions. Contact for specific pricing and session length information.
2. Everyday Hypnotherapy – Elizabeth Cessna, MS, NBCCH
Specialization: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, a gentle, permissive, and client-respectful form of clinical hypnosis that is positively oriented, future-focused, and non-judgmental. Specializes in anxiety treatment, infertility support, and relationship issues.
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety and stress, fears and phobias, relationship issues, pain management, co-dependency issues, intimacy concerns, infertility-related stress, weight management (uses unique approaches including dark chocolate in sessions), and addressing sexual and romantic issues for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Services Offered: Individual Ericksonian hypnotherapy sessions, EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), fertility counseling, specialized counseling, Skype and telephone sessions for remote clients.
Background: Elizabeth Cessna holds an MS (Master of Science) degree and is Board Certified by the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH). She has been a therapist in private practice for over 35 years. She completed graduate work at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated from the American Hypnosis Training Academy in 2001. Elizabeth has published numerous articles, is a frequent guest speaker locally and regionally, and has taught psychology at local colleges and universities.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (contact for specific address)
Contact: (412) 307-4975 or (412) 366-4929 | everydayhypnotherapy.com | https://everydayhypnotherapy.com
Session Info: One issue can typically be addressed in three sessions. Free 15-minute consultations available. Skype and telephone sessions offered for distance clients. Contact for specific pricing information.
3. Holistic Therapy and Healing LLC – Kevin Bole
Specialization: Board-Certified Hypnotherapy focusing on trauma recovery, chronic pain management, dysautonomia recovery, eating disorders, fears and phobias, anxiety, addiction, and grief work. Approaches hypnotherapy as a tool for neuroplasticity and lasting change.
Conditions Addressed: Trauma and PTSD, chronic pain conditions, dysautonomia, eating disorders, fears and phobias, anxiety, stage fright, addiction, people-pleasing patterns, grief, and various behavioral challenges.
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, trauma-informed hypnosis, neuroplasticity-based change work, and comprehensive therapeutic support for making significant personal breakthroughs.
Background: Kevin Bole is Board-Certified through the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) and certified through the Grace Method Hypnotherapy School. He has additional training and certification in Hypnosis for PTSD and ADHD through the American Hypnosis Association. His personal journey to hypnotherapy began through his own recovery from a debilitating neurological condition, which led to discovering hypnosis as a powerful healing modality.
Location: Cincinnati area (serves Pittsburgh region and offers remote sessions) – Hyde Park neighborhood office
Contact: holistictherapycinci.com | https://www.holistictherapycinci.com
Session Info: Contact for session availability and pricing. Offers a comfortable, sanctuary-like office space. Focus on creating significant breakthroughs in client sessions.
4. UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine – Medical Hypnosis Program
Specialization: Medical hypnosis as part of comprehensive integrative medicine services. Provides hypnosis within a medical setting as an evidence-based complementary treatment integrated with conventional healthcare.
Conditions Addressed: Chronic pain, stress-related conditions, anxiety, and other conditions appropriate for medical hypnosis intervention within a healthcare setting.
Services Offered: Medical hypnosis sessions provided by trained healthcare professionals, integrative medicine consultations, and coordination with other medical treatments and providers.
Background: UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine is part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system, one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States. Medical hypnosis services are provided by credentialed healthcare professionals trained in clinical hypnosis techniques. The program follows evidence-based protocols within a medical framework.
Location: UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine, Shadyside Place, 580 S. Aiken Avenue, Suite 310, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Contact: UPMC | upmc.com/services/integrative-medicine | https://www.upmc.com/services/integrative-medicine/services/medical-hypnosis
Session Info: Services provided within the UPMC healthcare system. May be covered by insurance as part of integrative medicine services. Contact UPMC directly for scheduling, referral requirements, and insurance information.
5. Ivan L Lambert, MA, LPC, ACHT – Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy combined with Positive Psychology and Clean Language techniques. Uses hypnotherapy to address negative experiences that interfere with living authentically, focusing on quality of life improvement and emotional healing.
Conditions Addressed: Emotional blocks preventing personal growth, trauma and past negative experiences, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and challenges related to living from one’s authentic self.
Services Offered: Heart-Centered hypnotherapy sessions, wellness-focused therapy, emotional block resolution, and therapeutic work informed by Positive Psychology and Clean Language methodologies.
Background: Ivan L Lambert holds an MA (Master of Arts) and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Advanced Certified Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist (ACHT). He brings almost 40 years of experience in various life issues and therapeutic work. His approach focuses on helping clients tap into deep internal resources for resolution, wholeness, and health. He works at a soul level using Clean Language techniques.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15202 (contact for specific address)
Contact: (412) 567-3961 | Psychology Today profile available
Session Info: Offers online therapy in addition to in-person sessions. Waitlist may be in effect for new clients. Contact for specific pricing and session availability.
Hypnosis Regulations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is among the states that do not specifically regulate the practice of hypnosis or hypnotherapy through dedicated licensing requirements. However, practitioners should understand how hypnosis practice intersects with existing professional regulations.
Licensing Status: Pennsylvania does not have mandatory state licensing, registration, or certification specifically for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. There is no State Board of Hypnotist Examiners currently operating in Pennsylvania, although legislation has been introduced in the past proposing such regulation. Individuals may practice hypnosis without a state-issued hypnosis license.
Scope of Practice Limitations: While hypnosis itself is unregulated, Pennsylvania strictly regulates the practice of medicine and psychology. Hypnosis practitioners who are not licensed healthcare professionals must avoid activities that constitute the practice of medicine, psychology, or counseling. This includes diagnosing medical or mental health conditions, treating diseases or psychological disorders, or holding oneself out as a psychologist or licensed counselor.
Medical Practice Act Exemptions: Pennsylvania’s Medical Practice Act contains provisions that affect how hypnosis may be practiced. The law specifically excludes hypnosis from the definition of medical practice under certain circumstances, allowing non-medical practitioners to offer hypnosis services that do not involve treating medical conditions.
Title Protection: While Pennsylvania does not specifically regulate hypnotist titles, practitioners must avoid using titles that suggest credentials they do not possess. Using designations like “psychologist,” “licensed professional counselor,” or “doctor” (when referring to clinical practice) without appropriate licensure is prohibited and may constitute practicing without a license.
Professional Certifications: Pennsylvania hypnotists commonly hold voluntary certifications from national organizations including the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH), the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), and the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). While not legally required, these certifications demonstrate professional training.
Health Professional Integration: Licensed healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania, including physicians, psychologists, LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors), and LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), may incorporate hypnosis techniques into their practice. When hypnosis is used by licensed professionals, it falls within their existing scope of practice.
Nursing Considerations: Pennsylvania Administrative Code (§ 21.411) specifically addresses hypnosis in the context of nursing practice, allowing registered nurses to perform hypnosis as part of their general functions under appropriate circumstances.
Advertising Requirements: Pennsylvania consumer protection laws require truthful advertising. Hypnosis practitioners must not make false or misleading claims about their qualifications, the efficacy of hypnosis, or guaranteed outcomes.
Business Compliance: Hypnosis practices in Pennsylvania must comply with general business registration requirements, local zoning ordinances, and applicable taxation laws. Business licenses may be required depending on the municipality.
Insurance Recommendations: While not legally mandated, professional liability insurance is strongly recommended for hypnosis practitioners in Pennsylvania. Many certification organizations offer or require such insurance for their members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find a qualified hypnotist in the Pittsburgh area?
A: Start by checking national certification organization directories such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (ngh.net) or Psychology Today’s hypnotherapy provider listings. Look for practitioners who hold recognized certifications (CH, CHt, NBCCH, CCH) and ask about their specific training hours and areas of specialization. For medical or psychological concerns, consider practitioners who also hold mental health licenses (LPC, LCSW, psychologist) or seek referrals through medical facilities like UPMC’s integrative medicine program. Pittsburgh has numerous practitioners ranging from standalone hypnotists to licensed therapists who incorporate hypnosis into their practice.
Q: Is hypnotherapy covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?
A: Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan. Hypnotherapy provided by a non-licensed hypnotist is generally not covered by health insurance. However, when hypnotherapy is integrated into treatment provided by a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, LPC, LCSW), it may be billed as part of psychotherapy and covered under mental health benefits. UPMC’s medical hypnosis program may have different coverage considerations as part of integrative medicine. Always verify coverage with your specific insurance plan before beginning treatment and ask practitioners about their billing practices.
Q: What is the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist in Pennsylvania?
A: In Pennsylvania, the terms are often used interchangeably since neither is regulated by state law. Generally, “hypnotist” refers to someone trained in hypnosis techniques, while “hypnotherapist” suggests additional training in therapeutic applications. Some practitioners distinguish between consulting hypnotists (who work on motivation, habits, and self-improvement) and clinical hypnotherapists (who work with therapeutic issues, often with medical referrals). Board certification from organizations like NBCCH indicates higher levels of training and clinical focus. Licensed mental health professionals who use hypnosis may describe their approach as “clinical hypnosis” rather than hypnotherapy.
Q: Can hypnosis help with medical conditions in Pennsylvania, and do I need a doctor’s referral?
A: Hypnosis has evidence supporting its use for various conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, stress-related issues, and medical procedure preparation. For non-licensed hypnotists, working on medical conditions typically requires a referral from a licensed healthcare provider. Many ethical practitioners will request such referrals for any therapeutic work. For conditions requiring medical oversight, consider UPMC’s medical hypnosis program or practitioners who are also licensed healthcare providers. Licensed psychologists and other mental health professionals can work with psychological conditions within their scope of practice.
Q: Are there local resources for verifying hypnotist credentials in Pennsylvania?
A: Since Pennsylvania does not maintain a state registry of hypnotists, verification must be done through national certification organizations. The National Guild of Hypnotists maintains a member directory, as does the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (for licensed healthcare providers). The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists can verify NBCCH certification status. For practitioners who are also licensed mental health professionals, you can verify their therapy licenses through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s professional licensing verification portal at pals.pa.gov. The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) also maintains ratings for some hypnotherapy practices in the Pittsburgh area.