1. New Beginnings Healing Center
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, life coaching, weight management, smoking cessation, memory improvement, stress management, test anxiety, sports performance, PTSD resolution, anxiety reduction
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, overeating, addictions, low self-esteem, insomnia, sports performance issues, confidence concerns, unwanted habits, stroke recovery, headaches, tension, anxiety, panic, motivation issues
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, group hypnotherapy, life coaching, regression hypnosis, Amethyst BioMat sessions, Reiki, chakra balancing, holistic wellness consultations
Background: Virginia Ulch, MA, CHT has been a clinical hypnotherapist since 2001. She holds a Master’s degree and maintains certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist (CHT). Virginia also works as a school counselor and added hypnotherapy to expand her ability to help clients on a deeper level. She provides services to both adults and children.
Location: Toledo, Ohio (Holland area)
Contact: (419) 861-7786 | https://www.nbhctoledo.com
Session Info: Hypnosis for Weight Loss or Smoking at $75 per session. Regression Hypnosis at $95 per session. Life Coaching at $65 per session. Smoking cessation specials available when bringing a friend for an additional $5 off per person.
2. Hypnosis Works Ohio
Specialization: Consulting hypnosis, addiction relapse prevention, stress and anxiety management, smoking cessation, weight reduction, diabetes management, Hypno-Band virtual lap band weight reduction
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight gain, stress, anxiety, addictions, relapse prevention, diabetes-related behavioral issues, unhealthy habits
Services Offered: Individual private sessions, solution-focused hypnosis, online sessions via Skype or FaceTime, free 30-minute phone consultations, holistic mind-body approach
Background: George Mezinko is a Certified Consulting Hypnotist and Certified Addiction Relapse Specialist with over thirty years of experience in the Toledo and Northwest Ohio area. He has been practicing hypnotherapy since 2010 at his current location. George is focused on educating clients on using hypnosis to create a healthier body, mind, and spirit.
Location: 1685 Lance Pointe Drive, Maumee, OH 43537
Contact: (419) 891-2181 | https://www.hypnosisworksohio.com
Session Info: Private sessions available. Free 30-minute phone consultations offered. Online sessions available via Skype or FaceTime for remote clients.
3. Withinsight Counseling and Hypnotherapy, LLC
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, couples therapy, pain reduction, relationship therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, women’s issues, OCD spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD in adults, grief, difficulties in adolescence, emotional pain
Services Offered: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, EMDR therapy, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness training, CBT, relaxation skills training, interpersonal therapy
Background: Vikki Gardner, MA, LPCC-S, CHt is a supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University specializing in mental health counseling. She holds certification from The Wellness Institute as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and is licensed by the State of Ohio (License E3755).
Location: 5800 Monroe Street, Suite B-4, Sylvania, OH 43560 (also serves Toledo and Ann Arbor, MI)
Contact: (419) 419-0228 | (419) 450-2170 | [email protected] | https://www.vikkigardner.com
Session Info: Insurance verification available. Offers both in-person and telehealth services. Contact office to verify insurance coverage and discuss fees.
4. Hypnosis Transforms
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, stress reduction, weight loss and reduction, habit modification, performance enhancement, subconscious mind work
Conditions Addressed: Stress, weight issues, unwanted behaviors, habit patterns, performance concerns, negative thought patterns
Services Offered: Individual private sessions, customized treatment plans, Skype consultation sessions, IMDHA-certified hypnotherapy protocols
Background: M. Joy MacLeod, C.Ht. is a Clinical Hypnotherapist certified by the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). The practice was formerly known as Hypnotherapy Associates of Northwest Ohio. MarLynn JOY MacLeod specializes in helping clients access their inner resources and subconscious mind to remove unwanted behaviors.
Location: 8010 Hill Avenue, Holland, OH 43528 (serving Toledo, Maumee, and Perrysburg area)
Contact: https://www.hypnosistransforms.com
Session Info: All sessions are private, individual, and confidential. Skype sessions available for remote clients. Customized treatment plans developed collaboratively with clients.
5. Chris Holderman, CHt
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, kinesiology, smoking cessation, stress release, mind-body integration, holistic healing
Conditions Addressed: Smoking addiction, stress, emotional tension, physical tension, behavioral blocks, imbalances affecting well-being
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, kinesiology sessions, combined hypnotherapy and kinesiology treatments, customized holistic treatment plans
Background: Chris Holderman is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CHt) with more than 20 years of experience as a hypnotherapist and kinesiologist. He combines hypnotherapy with Professional Kinesiology Practice to address both mind and body in the healing process, providing insights into how the body holds onto stress, emotions, and physical tension.
Location: Toledo, Ohio area
Contact: https://www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com
Session Info: Consultation available. Combines kinesiology with hypnotherapy for comprehensive treatment approach. Sessions can be scheduled after initial consultation.
Hypnosis Regulations in Ohio
Ohio does not have state-level licensing requirements specifically for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. The practice of hypnosis operates within a regulatory framework that distinguishes between therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications.
The State Medical Board of Ohio maintains that hypnosis for medical purposes (examination or therapy) can only be used by licensed doctors of osteopathy, podiatry, or medicine, or by licensees of other Ohio regulatory agencies allowed to grant such privileges.
The State Board of Psychology (Ohio Administrative Code Section 4732-5-01B) has judged certain procedures as serious hazards to mental health that may only be performed by licensed psychologists. These procedures include “hypnotic techniques for diagnostic, treatment or other psychotherapeutic purposes.”
Hypnotherapy for vocational and avocational self-improvement is generally considered different from assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or amelioration of psychological problems or emotional/mental disorders as defined under Ohio Revised Code 4732.01.
Many unlicensed individuals practice hypnotherapy in Ohio for self-improvement purposes such as smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, and motivation enhancement. The State Counselor and Social Worker Board regulates the use of the title “Counselor,” but hypnotists may use titles such as “Advisor” or “Consultant.”
Practitioners working with pain management or medical-related issues may need to obtain a medical referral from an appropriate licensed professional. There have been no widely publicized legal cases in Ohio where someone faced legal action solely for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy for self-improvement purposes.
Professional certifications from recognized bodies such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), or the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) are voluntary but demonstrate professional training and adherence to ethical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ohio require hypnotists to obtain a state license before practicing?
A: Ohio does not have a specific state license for hypnotists. The practice is largely unregulated at the state level for non-therapeutic self-improvement purposes. However, hypnosis used for diagnostic, treatment, or psychotherapeutic purposes falls under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Psychology and requires appropriate licensure. Hypnotists focusing on vocational and avocational self-improvement such as smoking cessation, weight management, and stress reduction can practice without a state license but should maintain certifications from recognized professional organizations.
Q: How can I verify if a hypnotist in Toledo has proper credentials?
A: You can verify a hypnotist’s credentials by contacting the certifying organization directly. Common certifying bodies include the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) at ngh.net, the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). For hypnotists who also hold mental health licenses such as LPCC or LISW, you can verify their license through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board or the State Board of Psychology at psychology.ohio.gov.
Q: Does health insurance cover hypnotherapy sessions in Ohio?
A: Health insurance coverage for hypnotherapy in Ohio varies significantly by insurance plan and provider. Hypnotherapy is more likely to be covered when provided by a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or licensed clinical social worker as part of an overall treatment plan. Standalone hypnotherapy sessions provided by non-licensed hypnotists are typically not covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage and whether a specific provider is in-network.
Q: What conditions require a medical referral before seeing a hypnotist in Ohio?
A: Medical referrals are generally recommended or required for hypnosis addressing medical conditions, pain management, chronic health issues, or any condition that has been diagnosed by a medical professional. Conditions that may require referral include chronic pain, medically diagnosed anxiety or depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and any condition involving physical symptoms. Ethical hypnotists will request appropriate referrals when working with medical or psychological conditions and will not diagnose or treat medical conditions without proper collaboration with licensed healthcare providers.
Q: What should I expect during a first hypnosis session in Toledo?
A: A first hypnosis session in Toledo typically begins with a consultation or screening, which many practitioners offer free of charge. During this initial meeting, the hypnotist will discuss your goals, explain the hypnotic process, answer questions, and evaluate whether hypnosis is appropriate for your situation. The actual hypnosis portion involves guided relaxation techniques to achieve a focused state of awareness, followed by positive suggestions tailored to your specific goals. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, and you remain aware and in control throughout. Many practitioners provide audio recordings for reinforcement between sessions.