1. Positive Spiral Hypnosis
Specialization: Consulting hypnosis, energy work integration, teen anxiety, chronic illness support, unexplained medical symptoms, goal achievement, personal transformation
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety (especially in teens), chronic illness support, unexplained medical symptoms, personal development challenges, stress, habit modification
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, energy work combined with hypnosis, mp3 recordings for home practice, materials for ongoing client support, free 15-minute consultation for new clients
Background: Dr. Claire de la Varre is a consulting hypnotist and hypnosis instructor. She holds memberships with both the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA). While she works with individuals of all ages, she specializes in assisting teens dealing with anxiety, chronic illness, and unexplained medical symptoms (physician referral may be required for the latter). Her practice takes a comprehensive approach combining hypnosis with energy work.
Location: Durham, NC
Contact: Website for contact | https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-durham-nc
Session Info: Free 15-minute consultation for new clients, mp3 recordings and materials provided, sessions tailored to individual needs
2. Medical Hypnosis Consultants, PLLC
Specialization: Medical hypnosis, clinical hypnotherapy, self-hypnosis instruction, cancer patient support, pain management, healing enhancement, psychotherapy integration
Conditions Addressed: Medical conditions requiring support, pain management, cancer-related stress, general psychotherapy concerns
Services Offered: Clinical hypnosis sessions, self-hypnosis training, general psychotherapy, medical hypnosis workshops, professional training for healthcare providers
Background: Holly Forester-Miller, Ph.D., LCMHC, is President of Medical Hypnosis Consultants, PLLC. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a private practice providing general psychotherapy and hypnosis for almost 40 years. She is a Fellow in The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and has been running workshops and training healthcare professionals in clinical hypnosis for over 30 years. She has been an Approved Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis for ASCH for over 20 years and served as Chair of the ASCH Approved Consultant Committee for 7 years. She has taught for ASCH at National and Regional Workshops. She has lectured internationally on clinical hypnosis in Germany, China, Scotland, India, Malta, Switzerland, Montreal, New Zealand, and Greece.
Location: Durham, NC
Contact: Website | https://www.medicalhypnosisconsultants.org
Session Info: Professional training workshops available, individual clinical sessions, integrated with psychotherapy services
3. Dowdy Psychotherapy, LLC
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, psychotherapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, individual therapy, trauma treatment (AEDP, CISM), cognitive behavioral therapy, pastoral counseling
Conditions Addressed: Marriage issues, relationship concerns, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, individual mental health challenges
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, marriage counseling, couples therapy, individual psychotherapy, pastoral counseling
Background: Orlando Dowdy, DMin, is a clinically trained and board-certified psychotherapist and pastoral counselor. He is licensed and board certified in Texas and North Carolina. His training includes Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Stepping Stones Triple P Positive Parenting Solutions Level 4, Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis. He works with individuals, couples, and families seeking therapy.
Location: Durham, NC
Contact: (919) 975-5892 | https://www.dowdypsychotherapy.com
Session Info: Sessions by appointment, contact form available on website, combined psychotherapy and hypnotherapy approach
4. Jen Catlin Hypnosis and Coaching, M.S., C.Ht
Specialization: Hypnosis coaching, personal transformation, behavioral change, self-improvement, motivation enhancement
Conditions Addressed: Behavioral challenges, motivation issues, personal development needs, habit modification
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, coaching integration, personalized programs
Background: Jen Catlin holds an M.S. degree and is a Certified Hypnotherapist (C.Ht). She offers hypnosis and coaching services in the Durham area.
Location: Durham, NC
Contact: Listed on Yelp directory
Session Info: Individual sessions with coaching integration
5. Young Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Hypnotherapy for various concerns, personal transformation, behavioral modification
Conditions Addressed: Various personal development and behavioral concerns
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions
Background: Young Hypnotherapy is listed among hypnotherapy providers serving the Durham, North Carolina area.
Location: Durham, NC area
Contact: Available through directory listings
Session Info: Sessions available by appointment
Hypnosis Regulations in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have mandatory state licensing or registration requirements specifically for hypnotists or hypnotherapists.
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90 Article 18G defines the practice of psychology, which includes activities such as counseling, psychotherapy, and hypnosis. The North Carolina Psychology Board oversees licensed psychologists. However, the law does not explicitly restrict hypnosis solely to licensed psychologists.
The phrase “application of psychological principles, methods and procedures” used in the psychology practice act is interpreted broadly. It is not reasonable to assume this is exclusively the domain of licensed psychologists, as many professions use basic psychological principles.
Licensed healthcare professionals (psychologists, licensed clinical mental health counselors, licensed clinical social workers) in North Carolina who use hypnosis remain subject to their respective licensing boards. North Carolina licenses clinical mental health counselors under the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
The title “hypnotherapist” or “hypnotist” is not protected under North Carolina state law. Individuals may use these titles without state certification.
The North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis (NCSCH), a component section of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis founded in 1970, notes that in North Carolina, anyone can claim to be a “hypnotherapist” without competency requirements or accountability. NCSCH recommends that consumers choose healthcare providers who are properly trained, licensed, and credentialed in a healthcare field such as medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, psychology, social work, counseling, or nursing.
Research indicates many unlicensed individuals advertise and practice hypnotherapy in North Carolina. There are no widely known legal cases in the state where someone has faced legal action solely for practicing hypnosis.
Standard business regulations apply, including truth in advertising requirements and general business licensing at the local level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does North Carolina require a license to practice hypnosis?
A: North Carolina does not require a specific state license or registration to practice hypnosis or hypnotherapy. There are no mandatory certification requirements for hypnotists under state law. However, the practice of psychology, which can include hypnosis for treating mental and emotional disorders, requires licensing. Non-licensed practitioners can offer hypnosis for self-improvement purposes. The North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis recommends consumers seek practitioners who are licensed healthcare professionals with hypnosis training.
Q: How can I verify a hypnotist’s credentials in Durham?
A: For licensed healthcare professionals who use hypnosis, you can verify credentials through the appropriate North Carolina licensing board (NC Psychology Board, NC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, NC Board of Social Work Examiners). For non-licensed hypnotists, ask about their training institution, certification organization, and hours of training. Check for certifications from recognized bodies such as NGH, IMDHA, ACHE, or ASCH. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis maintains a directory of approved consultants and members. Request references and verify continuing education participation.
Q: Will my health insurance cover hypnotherapy in North Carolina?
A: Most health insurance plans in North Carolina do not cover hypnotherapy provided by non-licensed practitioners. If hypnosis is provided by a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed psychologist, or physician as part of treatment for a diagnosed condition, some plans may provide coverage. Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the provider is in-network. Contact your insurance provider directly to ask about behavioral health coverage. Some practitioners accept HSA or FSA payments.
Q: What training should a hypnotist in North Carolina have?
A: While North Carolina has no minimum training requirements for non-licensed hypnotists, look for practitioners with certification from recognized organizations that require substantial training hours. The American Board of Hypnotherapy and National Guild of Hypnotists typically require 100+ hours of training. The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners requires 200+ hours for clinical hypnotherapist certification. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis provides training for licensed healthcare professionals. Additional credentials such as degrees in psychology, counseling, or related fields indicate additional professional preparation.
Q: Is there a professional organization for clinical hypnosis in North Carolina?
A: Yes, the North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis (NCSCH) is a component section of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) that was founded in 1970. NCSCH is a community of healthcare and mental healthcare providers committed to the competent, effective, and ethical use of clinical hypnosis. The organization provides training with national and internationally respected speakers. Members include professionals licensed in medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, psychology, social work, counseling, and nursing who have received additional training in clinical hypnosis. NCSCH can help consumers find qualified clinical hypnosis practitioners in North Carolina.