1. Charlotte Hypnosis (Kathryn Shearer)
Specialization: Stress management, anxiety relief, fear elimination, smoking cessation, weight management, performance anxiety, biofeedback integration
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, fear of flying, fear of bridges, smoking, weight issues, performance anxiety, stage fright, emotional challenges, life transitions
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions primarily by telephone, biofeedback services, customized treatment plans, mental programming techniques, follow-up support
Background: Kathryn Shearer has operated Charlotte Hypnosis for over 31 years in the Charlotte, NC area. She combines hypnotherapy with biofeedback technology for comprehensive stress management. Established reputation for helping clients with anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and major life challenges.
Location: Charlotte, NC area (primarily telephone sessions after 31 years of in-person practice)
Contact: (704) 968-8890 | https://charlottehypnosis.com
Session Info: Sessions conducted primarily by telephone for convenience. Free consultation available to discuss concerns and treatment approach. Contact for pricing information. Typically clients report significant results within first few sessions.
2. The Mental Edge LLC (Kathy Lindert, CHt)
Specialization: Smoking cessation, weight loss, fear elimination, public speaking anxiety, confidence building, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), hypnosis training
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, overeating, fears, phobias, panic attacks, public speaking anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, sleep issues, concentration problems, test anxiety, motivation issues
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, NLP techniques, EFT (tapping), confidence building programs, self-hypnosis training, hypnotist certification training courses
Background: Kathy Lindert is a Certified North Carolina Hypnotist, hypnosis coach, author, and motivational speaker with over 18 years of experience helping clients achieve their goals. She holds Advanced Certified Hypnotist certification from The Hypnosis School of New Jersey and Certified Train the Trainer credentials. She personally used hypnosis to quit smoking, lose weight, and overcome panic attacks, bringing firsthand experience to her practice.
Location: Charlotte, NC area (contact for specific address)
Contact: (704) 769-3400 | https://www.mentaledgellc.com
Session Info: Individual appointments available. Training classes for those wanting to become certified hypnotists. Contact for consultation and pricing. Combination of hypnosis, NLP, and EFT techniques offered depending on client needs.
3. Inner Song Hypnosis (Melanie and Paige)
Specialization: Clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy, anxiety and depression relief, childhood trauma recovery, confidence building, past life regression, spirit guide connection
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, emotional blocks, limiting beliefs, confidence issues, personal development challenges, spiritual questions, past life curiosity
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, clinical hypnotherapy, spiritual hypnotherapy, past life regression, personal development programs
Background: Melanie is a Master Hypnotherapist certified with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). She transitioned from a career as a civil engineer to pursue hypnotherapy after discovering its transformative power in Charlotte. Paige is also a certified Master Hypnotherapist with IACT and a Past Life Regressionist. Both specialize in helping clients realize their full potential and transform their lives.
Location: Charlotte, NC (contact for specific address)
Contact: Via website | https://www.innersonghypnosis.com
Session Info: Individual sessions available. Specializes in both clinical applications and spiritual exploration. Contact for consultation and pricing information. Approach centers on the belief that everything needed for success is already within the client.
4. Jennifer Thompson Hypnotherapy, LLC
Specialization: Clinical and interpersonal hypnotherapy, relationship improvement, habit modification, fear and phobia resolution, self-esteem enhancement, NLP integration
Conditions Addressed: Unwanted habits, fears, phobias, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, behavioral patterns, emotional blocks, life dissatisfaction
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, NLP techniques, interpersonal hypnotherapy, consultation services, personalized treatment plans
Background: Jennifer Thompson is a Certified Clinical and Interpersonal Hypnotherapist who received over 530 hours of training from The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy (the first state-licensed school of hypnotherapy in Florida). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Meredith College. Active member of IAIH (International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists) and ACHE (American Council of Hypnotist Examiners).
Location: Charlotte, NC 28210
Contact: (980) 255-5638 | https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jennifer-thompson-hypnotherapy-llc-charlotte-nc/221595
Session Info: Individual sessions for clients willing and ready to create profound change. Contact by phone or email for appointment scheduling. Offers assistance with relationship improvement, habit change, fear elimination, and creating a fulfilling life.
5. Montgomery Counseling Group – Clinical Hypnosis
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis integrated with psychotherapy, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, stress management, CBIT for Tourette’s Syndrome, mindfulness integration
Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, trauma, stress, chronic pain, fears, phobias, Tourette’s Syndrome (tics), insomnia, IBS, hot flashes, headaches, smoking, relationship issues
Services Offered: Clinical hypnosis as primary or adjunct treatment, psychotherapy integration, meditation and biofeedback, mindfulness-based stress reduction, CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics), couples therapy
Background: Montgomery Counseling Group offers clinical hypnosis through licensed mental health professionals. John Burns is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with training in clinical hypnosis. The practice uses proven, research-based approaches including over 37 years of clinical hypnosis experience, 38 years of meditation and biofeedback, and 25 years of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Certified in CBIT for Tourette’s Syndrome for 6 years.
Location: Charlotte, NC (contact for specific address)
Contact: Via website | https://montgomerycg.net/clinical-hypnosis/
Session Info: Free consultation offered. Session length varies depending on the person and condition. Roughly 70% of the population can benefit from hypnosis. Young children are particularly good candidates. Services integrate hypnosis with licensed mental health treatment.
Hypnosis Regulations in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have specific laws or regulations governing the practice of hypnotherapy. There is no state licensing requirement specifically for hypnotists, and individuals who wish to practice hypnotherapy are not required to obtain a specific state certification.
However, practitioners must operate within the bounds of general consumer protection laws. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 90, Article 18G addresses the practice of psychology, which includes activities such as counseling, psychotherapy, and hypnosis. Licensed psychologists in North Carolina must meet specific educational and examination requirements through the North Carolina Psychology Board.
While the law does not explicitly restrict hypnosis solely to licensed psychologists, hypnosis used for diagnostic, treatment, or other psychotherapeutic purposes falls within the practice of psychology under N.C.G.S. 90-270.13. The phrase “the application of psychological principles, methods and procedures” is broadly defined but cannot reasonably be interpreted to exclusively reserve hypnosis for licensed psychologists, as many professions use basic psychological principles.
The North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis (NCSCH), a component of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), recommends that individuals seeking hypnosis services choose healthcare providers who are properly trained, licensed, and credentialed. They note that in North Carolina, anyone can claim to be a “hypnotherapist” as there are no competency requirements or accountability standards enforced by the state.
For practitioners not licensed in healthcare fields, North Carolina consumer protection laws require honest advertising and prohibit fraudulent or deceptive practices. Hypnotists should avoid making claims to treat medical or mental health conditions and should clearly communicate their qualifications and scope of practice.
Professional organizations such as NGH, IACT, ACHE, and ASCH provide voluntary certifications and ethical guidelines for hypnotherapists. Licensed mental health professionals in North Carolina who incorporate hypnosis into their practice are regulated by their respective licensing boards (North Carolina Psychology Board, North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does North Carolina require a license to practice hypnosis?
A: North Carolina does not have a specific license for hypnotists or hypnotherapists. There are no state competency requirements or mandatory registration. Anyone can legally practice hypnosis for non-therapeutic purposes such as motivation, habit modification, stress reduction, and self-improvement. However, hypnosis used for diagnostic or psychotherapeutic purposes may fall under the practice of psychology, which requires licensure. The North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis recommends seeking practitioners who are licensed healthcare professionals with additional hypnosis training.
Q: How can I verify a Charlotte hypnotist’s credentials?
A: Since North Carolina does not license hypnotists, verification involves checking credentials through certifying organizations. For IACT (International Association of Counselors and Therapists) members, verify through their organization. For NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists) certification, check at ngh.net. For ACHE members, contact hypnotistexaminers.org. If the practitioner is a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, LCMHC, LCSW), verify their North Carolina license through the appropriate board: ncpsychologyboard.org for psychologists or ncblcmhc.org for licensed counselors. Always ask about training hours, years of experience, and areas of specialization.
Q: Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance in North Carolina?
A: Hypnotherapy from non-licensed practitioners is generally not covered by health insurance. However, when hypnosis is provided by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers) as part of mental health treatment, sessions may be covered depending on your insurance plan and diagnosis codes used. Contact your insurance provider to verify behavioral health coverage. FSA and HSA accounts may allow reimbursement for hypnotherapy expenses. Some practitioners offer sliding scale fees or payment plans.
Q: What should I consider when choosing between a licensed therapist and a consulting hypnotist in Charlotte?
A: Choose a licensed mental health professional who uses hypnosis if you have a diagnosed mental health condition, are dealing with trauma or PTSD, need insurance coverage, or want hypnosis integrated with psychotherapy. Choose a consulting hypnotist for habit changes like smoking cessation or weight management, motivation, performance enhancement, stress reduction, or general self-improvement without underlying mental health concerns. For medical conditions such as chronic pain or IBS, consider a practitioner who works collaboratively with your healthcare providers. Many Charlotte practitioners offer free consultations to help determine the appropriate approach for your situation.
Q: What organizations provide hypnosis certification recognized in North Carolina?
A: While North Carolina does not require certification, several national organizations provide recognized credentials. The National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) is the largest hypnosis organization offering certification. The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) provides certification for those completing 200+ hours of training. The International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) certifies hypnotherapists. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) provides training specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) is the only nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy. Look for practitioners who maintain current certification and complete continuing education requirements through these organizations.