1. St. Petersburg Hypnosis Center LLC
Specialization: Consulting hypnosis, anxiety and fear reduction, smoking cessation, weight loss, life coaching, holistic approaches
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, overeating, anxiety, fears, phobias, stress, unwanted habits, motivation issues, personal development goals
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, smoking cessation programs, weight loss programs, anxiety management, life coaching, holistic life coaching, virtual sessions via Zoom, free phone consultations
Background: Tamara (Tammy) Shadday is an NGH Consulting Hypnotist and IACT Certified Member. She holds AHA (American Hypnosis Association) Certified Specialist credentials in Anxieties and Fears, Smoking Cessation, and Weight Loss. She is certified by the International Certification Board of Coaches and Hypnotists as a Certified Professional Hypnotist. Additional credentials include Certified Life Coach and Holistic Life Coach certifications. She serves clients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Location: Pinellas Park, FL 33781 (serves St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, Palm Harbor, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County)
Contact: (727) 233-8192, (727) 452-5630 | https://floridahypnotherapy.com | https://stpetersburghypnosiscenter.com | https://tampahypnotist.com
Session Info: Free 1-hour phone consultation available. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 11am to 7pm. Virtual sessions via Zoom for remote clients. Extensive client testimonials available for smoking cessation, weight loss, and anxiety relief. Contact for session rates.
2. Tampa Bay Hypno-Therapy, LLC
Specialization: State licensed psychotherapy with hypnosis integration, pain management, medical hypnosis, phobia treatment, habit modification
Conditions Addressed: Chronic pain, smoking, weight issues, phobias, fears, anxiety, stress, medical condition support
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, pain management hypnosis, medical hypnosis, smoking cessation, weight control programs, phobia treatment, licensed psychotherapy with hypnosis integration
Background: The practitioner is a State Licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of professional experience. The practice combines licensed mental health credentials with specialized hypnotherapy training to offer comprehensive services within Florida’s regulatory framework.
Location: Tampa Bay area (serves St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Gulfport, Seminole, and Tampa)
Contact: https://tampabayhypnotherapy.com
Session Info: Services provided within licensed psychotherapy practice. Contact for consultation and session rates.
3. Butler Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Hypnotherapy services for the St. Petersburg area
Conditions Addressed: Various concerns addressed through hypnotherapy
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions
Background: Serves clients in the St. Petersburg area with hypnotherapy services.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL area
Contact: Contact for practice information
Session Info: Contact for session availability and rates.
4. Christine Bergstrom Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Gentle hypnotherapy approach, first-time client focus, calming sessions
Conditions Addressed: Stress, anxiety, habits, personal concerns suitable for hypnotherapy
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, supportive environment for those new to hypnosis
Background: Christine Bergstrom provides hypnotherapy with attention to creating a calming energy for clients. The practice welcomes those experiencing hypnotherapy for the first time.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL area
Contact: Contact for practice information
Session Info: Contact for consultation and session information.
5. Cheryl Mitchell Hypnotherapist
Specialization: Comfortable hypnotherapy environment, knowledgeable practice
Conditions Addressed: Various concerns addressed through hypnotherapy
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions in a comfortable setting
Background: Cheryl Mitchell provides hypnotherapy services with attention to client comfort. Known for creating a comfortable environment and demonstrating knowledge in hypnotherapy practice.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL area
Contact: Contact for practice information
Session Info: Contact for session availability and rates.
Hypnosis Regulations in Florida
Florida regulates hypnosis under Chapter 485 of the Florida Statutes, known as the “Hypnosis Law,” enacted in 1961. These regulations apply throughout Florida, including St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area.
Therapeutic hypnosis is restricted under Florida law to licensed “practitioners of the healing arts” or persons working under their supervision, direction, or prescription. The healing arts include medicine, surgery, psychiatry, dentistry, osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, podiatry, psychology, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and optometry.
Florida Statute 485.003 establishes that a “qualified person” may practice therapeutic hypnosis when working under the supervision, direction, or prescription of a licensed healing arts practitioner. This referral arrangement allows hypnotists to work with clients on medical, dental, or mental health conditions under appropriate professional oversight.
Florida Statute 490.0141 addresses the right of persons to practice hypnosis “for nontherapeutic purposes.” This provision allows hypnotists to work with clients on self-improvement goals such as stress reduction, relaxation, habit modification, and motivation enhancement without the referral requirement that applies to therapeutic applications.
The distinction between therapeutic and non-therapeutic hypnosis is significant under Florida law but is not precisely defined in the statutes. Generally, therapeutic hypnosis involves addressing medical conditions, dental concerns, or mental health disorders, while non-therapeutic hypnosis focuses on self-improvement and lifestyle enhancement.
Violations of Chapter 485 constitute a second degree misdemeanor. Licensed healing arts practitioners who violate these provisions may face license revocation. However, enforcement has been historically limited, with only two known prosecutions since the law was enacted in 1961.
Licensed mental health professionals in Florida (Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Psychologists) may incorporate hypnosis into their clinical practice within their licensed scope. Some Tampa Bay area practitioners, like Tampa Bay Hypno-Therapy, operate as licensed psychotherapists who integrate hypnosis into their services.
Hypnotists in the St. Petersburg area should work within Florida Statute 485 requirements. For clients with medical or mental health conditions, obtaining appropriate referrals from licensed practitioners ensures compliance with state law. For self-improvement and non-therapeutic applications, hypnotists may work directly with clients.
Professional certification from organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), and American Hypnosis Association (AHA) provides credentialing for practitioners, though Florida does not require specific certification for hypnosis practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials should I look for when choosing a hypnotist in St. Petersburg?
Look for certification from recognized professional organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), or American Hypnosis Association (AHA). For clinical conditions, seek practitioners who either hold Florida state mental health licenses (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist) or who work with referrals from licensed healthcare providers as required by Florida Statute 485. Ask about specific training, years of experience, and specializations relevant to your concerns. The AHA offers specialty certifications in areas like Anxieties and Fears, Smoking Cessation, and Weight Loss.
Does Florida require hypnotists to have a referral from a doctor?
Under Florida’s Hypnosis Law (Chapter 485), therapeutic hypnosis for medical, dental, or mental health conditions requires either a healing arts license or working under referral from a licensed practitioner. For non-therapeutic purposes such as stress reduction, habit modification, relaxation, and motivation enhancement, the referral requirement may not apply. If you want hypnosis to address a diagnosed condition, discuss the appropriate pathway with both the hypnotist and your healthcare provider. Many St. Petersburg hypnotists clarify whether they work with referrals for clinical issues.
Can I use insurance for hypnosis services in St. Petersburg?
Insurance coverage depends on the provider and the nature of services. If hypnosis is provided by a licensed mental health professional (such as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker) as part of treatment for a covered condition, your insurance may provide coverage. Hypnosis from non-licensed practitioners is typically not covered by insurance. Practices like Tampa Bay Hypno-Therapy that operate with state mental health licenses may offer services eligible for insurance. Contact your insurance company to ask about hypnotherapy coverage when provided by licensed professionals.
How can I file a complaint about a hypnotist in Florida?
For hypnotists who hold Florida mental health licenses, file complaints with the Florida Department of Health through their online complaint portal or by calling 1-850-245-4339. For non-licensed hypnotists, complaints about fraudulent business practices can be filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Consumer Services. If you believe a practitioner made false claims about certification, contact the certifying organization (NGH, IACT, AHA) directly. For suspected violations of Florida Statute 485, contact local law enforcement or the State Attorney’s office.
What is the difference between a consulting hypnotist and a licensed hypnotherapist in Florida?
A consulting hypnotist holds certification from professional organizations (NGH, IACT) and typically works with non-therapeutic applications such as stress reduction, habit change, and motivation. Under Florida law, they should obtain referrals from licensed practitioners when addressing clinical conditions. A licensed hypnotherapist in Florida holds a state mental health license (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT) or psychology license and incorporates hypnosis into their licensed clinical practice. Licensed practitioners can diagnose and treat mental health conditions using hypnosis without requiring additional referrals. Both may be qualified professionals, but they operate under different legal frameworks in Florida.