1. San Diego Hypnosis Clinic
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, smoking cessation, weight management, anxiety reduction, stress relief, habit modification, trauma recovery
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, overeating, anxiety, stress, trauma, phobias, unwanted habits, self-esteem issues, performance concerns
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, group programs, ACHE-certified clinical hypnosis, free consultations, multiple certified hypnotherapists on staff
Background: Founded in 1989 by Diane Edwards, this clinic has over 30 years of experience serving the San Diego region including Chula Vista. Diane Edwards is a Master Hypnotherapist certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). The clinic employs multiple certified hypnotherapists including Olga Villarreal (NLP and EFT certified, bilingual English/Spanish), Meredith Osetek (specializing in all ages, trauma, and anxiety), and Alexie Lekkos (focusing on limiting beliefs and childhood trauma).
Location: San Diego, CA (serves Chula Vista, Coronado, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Escondido)
Contact: https://sandiegohypnosisclinic.com
Session Info: Free consultations available. Multiple practitioners available to match client needs. Bilingual services (English/Spanish) offered. Contact for current session rates.
2. Advanced Hypnotherapy
Specialization: Mind-body hypnotherapy, hypno-anesthesia, pain management, anxiety reduction, NLP techniques, clinical hypnosis training
Conditions Addressed: Chronic pain, anxiety, stress, phobias, habits, performance issues, medical procedure support, childbirth preparation
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy, hypno-anesthesia services, NLP sessions, virtual sessions, professional hypnosis training and certification
Background: Lynn Whitmire is a certified Mind-Body Hypnotherapist and Registered Hypno-anesthesia Therapist. She is an IACT Certified Master Trainer and NLP certified practitioner approved by Richard Bandler. She holds memberships in IMDHA, IACT, ABH, IHF, and NGH. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of clients served, she received the City Beat Magazine Spectrum Award from 2015 through 2019. She also provides professional training for aspiring hypnotherapists.
Location: Pacific Beach (near La Jolla), San Diego, CA (serves Chula Vista and greater San Diego)
Contact: https://advancedhypnotherapyonline.com
Session Info: Virtual sessions available for remote clients. Professional certification training offered. Contact for session rates and training program information.
3. Bridges Hypnosis Center
Specialization: NGH Board Certified hypnotherapy, Ericksonian hypnosis, complementary medical hypnosis, NLP practice, hypnosis instructor training
Conditions Addressed: Stress, anxiety, phobias, habits, pain, medical condition support, performance enhancement, personal development
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, Ericksonian techniques, complementary medical hypnosis, NLP sessions, hypnosis certification courses
Background: John Bridges is an NGH Board Certified Hypnotherapist (BCH) and Certified Instructor (CI). He holds certifications in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Complementary Medical Hypnosis, and is an NLP Practitioner. With 25 years of clinical experience, he founded the clinic in 2001. He is recognized among the top 500 hypnotists worldwide by the National Guild of Hypnotists. His training includes work with Arthur Leidecker, Dr. C. Scott Giles, Dr. Shawn Brookehouse, Don Mottin, Kevin Hogan, and Roy Hunter.
Location: San Marcos, CA (North County San Diego, serves Chula Vista area)
Contact: https://bridgeshypnosis.com
Session Info: Contact for consultation and session rates. Hypnosis certification courses available for professionals.
4. Alpha Mind Hypnosis
Specialization: Consulting hypnosis, NLP techniques, executive coaching integration, personal transformation, habit modification
Conditions Addressed: Stress, unwanted habits, limiting beliefs, performance blocks, personal development goals, career challenges
Services Offered: Individual consulting hypnosis, NLP sessions, Skype virtual sessions, executive coaching integration, personal development programs
Background: Elena Mosaner (Beloff) is an NGH Certified Consulting Hypnotist and Master NLP Practitioner. She holds a Bachelor of Science from New School University and a Master of Science in Executive Coaching from the University of Texas. With over 10 years of clinical hypnosis experience, she integrates executive coaching principles with hypnosis techniques.
Location: Serves San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chula Vista areas
Contact: https://alphamindhypnosis.com
Session Info: Virtual sessions via Skype available for clients throughout California. Contact for scheduling and rates.
5. San Diego Hypnosis (Marla Brucker)
Specialization: Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy, hypnosis certification training, clinical hypnotherapy education, supervised clinical internship
Conditions Addressed: Various conditions through trained practitioners, anxiety, habits, stress, performance issues
Services Offered: Comprehensive hypnotherapy certification program (300 hours), supervised clinical internship, cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy training, individual sessions
Background: Marla Brucker operates a comprehensive hypnosis training program that includes 300 hours of certification education and supervised clinical internship. The program focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy approaches. Graduates of the program provide services throughout the San Diego region.
Location: San Diego, CA (serves Chula Vista and surrounding areas)
Contact: https://sandiegohypnosis.com
Session Info: 300-hour certification program includes supervised clinical work. Contact for information about both training programs and individual client services.
Hypnosis Regulations in California
California does not require state licensing specifically for the practice of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. However, practitioners must comply with specific disclosure requirements and practice limitations.
California Business and Professions Code Section 2908 exempts “persons using hypnotic techniques” from psychology licensing requirements when working for “vocational or avocational self-improvement” and not treating “emotional or mental disorders.” This means non-licensed hypnotists can help clients with goals like smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, confidence building, and motivation enhancement.
Senate Bill SB-577 establishes disclosure requirements for complementary and alternative health practitioners, including hypnotists. Practitioners must provide written disclosure to clients that includes a statement that services are not licensed by the state, the nature of services to be provided, the practitioner’s treatment theory, and the practitioner’s education, training, and experience qualifications. Clients must sign a written acknowledgement, and practitioners must maintain these signed acknowledgements for three years.
Advertising for hypnosis services by non-licensed practitioners must include a statement that the practitioner is “not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner.” This requirement ensures consumers understand the regulatory status of the services offered.
Hypnotists can work under referral from licensed physicians, dentists, or psychologists for conditions that would otherwise require licensing. This referral arrangement allows hypnotists to work with clients on issues such as pain management, dental anxiety, or psychological conditions when supervised by appropriate professionals.
Licensed mental health professionals in California (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and Psychologists) may incorporate hypnosis into their clinical practice within their established scope of practice.
California law prohibits non-licensed practitioners from diagnosing, treating, or claiming to cure medical or psychological conditions. Hypnotists should avoid language that implies medical treatment, use of medical terminology, or claims of therapeutic outcomes for clinical conditions unless working under appropriate referral arrangements.
The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE), based in California, provides certification and maintains ethical standards for hypnotherapists. Many California practitioners hold ACHE certification in addition to certifications from national organizations like NGH.
Frequently Asked Questions
What written disclosures should a Chula Vista hypnotist provide before services?
Under California’s SB-577, hypnotists must provide you with written disclosure before beginning services. This disclosure must state that their services are not licensed by the state of California, describe the nature of services being provided, explain their treatment approach or theory, and list their education, training, and experience. You must sign a written acknowledgement that you received and understand this information. If a hypnotist does not provide these disclosures, ask for them before proceeding with services.
Can a hypnotist in California help me with a medical condition?
Non-licensed hypnotists in California can help with self-improvement goals like stress reduction, relaxation, habit change, and motivation. For medical conditions such as chronic pain, preparation for surgery, or symptoms related to diagnosed health issues, the hypnotist should work under referral from your physician. Some hypnotists have established relationships with medical providers for referral arrangements. If you have a specific medical condition, discuss the appropriate approach with both your doctor and the hypnotist.
How do I verify a hypnotist’s credentials in California?
Ask to see certification documents and verify them with the issuing organization. For National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) certification, contact NGH directly. For American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) certification, contact ACHE. Check that the practitioner has provided the required SB-577 disclosures and that their advertising includes the required statement about not being licensed by the state. If the hypnotist claims additional professional licenses (such as LMFT or psychologist), verify those with the appropriate California licensing board.
Does California require specific training hours for hypnotists?
California does not mandate specific training hours for hypnotists at the state level. However, certification organizations have their own requirements. NGH certification typically requires completion of an approved training program (usually 100+ hours). ACHE offers various certification levels with different hour requirements. When choosing a hypnotist, ask about their specific training hours, where they trained, and what continuing education they pursue. More comprehensive training programs often produce practitioners with broader skill sets.
What is the difference between a hypnotist and a licensed therapist who uses hypnosis in California?
A hypnotist without a mental health license can help you with self-improvement goals like habit change, stress reduction, confidence building, and motivation under California’s exemption for vocational and avocational improvement. A licensed therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Psychologist) who uses hypnosis can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, work with clinical disorders, and incorporate hypnosis as part of therapeutic treatment. If you have diagnosed anxiety, depression, trauma, or other clinical conditions, a licensed professional who uses hypnosis may be more appropriate for your needs.