1. Beach Hypnosis
Specialization: Fear and phobia elimination (bridges, tunnels, flying, heights, driving), smoking cessation, weight loss, habit modification, anxiety reduction, performance enhancement
Conditions Addressed: Fear of bridges, fear of tunnels, fear of flying, fear of heights, highway driving anxiety, smoking addiction, weight management, general fears and phobias
Services Offered: Individual hypnotherapy sessions, telephone sessions for long-distance clients, appointment-only sessions
Background: Megan is a licensed and certified clinical hypnotherapist who has been helping clients since 1990. She has received the “Best Hypnotherapist Award” from the Virginia Beach Award Program two consecutive years. She was selected by the Virginia Beach Award Program as the 2020 Top Hypnotherapist based on client reviews, history, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost, and general excellence. She is rated “Most Recommended Hypnotherapist” per client reviews and referrals. The practice reports a 99% success rate and has been serving Hampton Roads since 2003.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA (serving Norfolk and Hampton Roads region)
Contact: (757) 577-2002 | https://beachhypno.com
Session Info: By appointment only, no walk-ins, telephone sessions available for distant clients, application form required before sessions
2. Reiki Wellness and Meditation Center
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, habit modification, fear elimination, emotional barrier resolution, stress reduction, life coaching integration, Reiki energy healing
Conditions Addressed: Habits, fears, emotional barriers, stress, lack of focus, personal development challenges
Services Offered: Hypnotherapy and hypnosis sessions, Reiki therapy, life coaching, spiritual guidance, metaphysical counseling
Background: The center is founded by a Life Coach, Reiki Master, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCHt), and Metaphysician. All practitioners at the center have reached the level of Reiki Master and have been trained by the founder. The team has combined experience of more than 30 years in energy management.
Location: Norfolk, VA
Contact: (757) 491-6500 | https://rwmcva.com/norfolk-va-hypnotherapy-and-hypnosis
Session Info: Sessions available by appointment, combined Reiki and hypnotherapy options
3. Thrive Well Services
Specialization: Clinical hypnotherapy, sleep improvement, learning disorders, test anxiety, sports performance, communication issues, chronic pain management, anxiety relief, phobia treatment, smoking cessation, weight loss, habit modification, childbirth preparation (hypnobirth)
Conditions Addressed: Sleep disorders, learning difficulties, test anxiety, sports performance issues, communication challenges, chronic pain, anxiety, phobias, smoking addiction, weight management, bad habits, childbirth preparation
Services Offered: Clinical hypnotherapy sessions, hypnobirth preparation, root cause discovery, positive suggestion therapy
Background: Thrive Well Services provides clinical hypnotherapy in a calm, therapeutic environment. The practice uses guided relaxation to help clients reach a focused state for therapeutic change. The approach focuses on discovering and removing the cause of problems rather than addressing symptoms through daily talk therapy.
Location: 283 Constitution Drive, 1 Columbia Center, Suite 600, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (serving Norfolk and surrounding areas)
Contact: (757) 781-1488 | https://thrivewellservices.com/hypnotherapy/
Session Info: Sessions by appointment, integrated approach with other wellness services
4. Center for Mind-Body Healing
Specialization: Mind-body hypnosis, traditional counseling integration, family therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, children and adolescent services
Conditions Addressed: Mental health concerns, emotional issues, relationship problems, family dynamics, individual psychological challenges
Services Offered: Mind-body hypnosis sessions, individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, services for children, adolescents, teens, and adults
Background: Center for Mind-Body Healing integrates traditional counseling practices with mind-body hypnosis. The center has assisted numerous patients in achieving positive and long-lasting transformations through the mind-body connection. The center serves individuals in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Norfolk.
Location: Norfolk, VA
Contact: Website for contact information | https://threebestrated.com/hypnotherapy-in-norfolk-va
Session Info: Available for individuals, families, groups, couples, and co-workers
5. Judy Higdon – Intuition Specialist
Specialization: Hypnotherapy, Matrix Energetics Healing, intuitive guidance, spiritual well-being, mental wellness, emotional wellness, physical wellness, life path clarity
Conditions Addressed: Emotional issues, mental blocks, physical wellness concerns, spiritual development needs, life direction confusion
Services Offered: Hypnotherapy sessions, Matrix Energetics Healing sessions, intuitive readings, spiritual guidance, life coaching
Background: Judy Higdon is a certified and licensed hypnotherapist and practitioner of Matrix Energetics Healing with over 30 years of experience in her field. She provides guidance derived from clients’ inner spirit and helps them navigate life situations to realize their true potential and aspirations.
Location: Norfolk, VA
Contact: Available through directory listings
Session Info: Individual sessions focused on personal transformation and goal achievement
Hypnosis Regulations in Virginia
Virginia does not have mandatory state licensing or registration requirements specifically for hypnotists or hypnotherapists.
Virginia Code Section 54.1-3600 defines the practice of clinical psychology, which includes using hypnosis for diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders. This can involve counseling, psychotherapy, and other psychological interventions. However, the laws do not explicitly restrict hypnotherapy solely to licensed psychologists.
Hypnotherapy for vocational and avocational self-improvement is distinct from the practice of clinical psychology. Non-licensed practitioners may offer hypnosis services for purposes such as stress reduction, habit modification, performance enhancement, smoking cessation, and weight management.
The title “hypnotherapist” or “hypnotist” is not protected under Virginia state law. Individuals may use these titles without state certification.
Licensed healthcare professionals (physicians, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors) who use hypnosis remain subject to their respective licensing boards and the Virginia Board of Counseling.
Research indicates many unlicensed individuals advertise and practice hypnotherapy in Virginia. As of available research, there are no known legal cases in Virginia where someone has faced legal action solely for practicing hypnosis or hypnotherapy.
Standard business regulations apply, including truth in advertising requirements and general business licensing at the local level.
Practitioners should not diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions without appropriate licensure. Maintaining referral relationships with licensed healthcare providers is recommended for clients with diagnosed conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Virginia require a license to practice hypnosis?
A: Virginia does not require a specific state license or registration to practice hypnosis or hypnotherapy. The state has no mandatory certification requirements for hypnotists. However, practitioners who diagnose and treat mental or emotional disorders must be licensed as psychologists or other qualified healthcare professionals. Non-licensed practitioners can offer hypnosis for self-improvement purposes such as smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, and performance enhancement.
Q: How can I verify a hypnotist’s credentials in Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
A: Ask practitioners directly about their training, certification organization, and continuing education. Look for certifications from recognized bodies such as NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists), IMDHA (International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association), ACHE (American Council of Hypnotist Examiners), ABH (American Board of Hypnotherapy), or ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis). You can contact these organizations to verify membership. For practitioners who are also licensed counselors or psychologists, verify their license through the Virginia Board of Counseling or Virginia Board of Psychology.
Q: Will my health insurance cover hypnotherapy in Virginia?
A: Most health insurance plans in Virginia do not cover hypnotherapy provided by non-licensed practitioners. If hypnosis is provided by a licensed healthcare professional (such as a licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, or licensed psychologist) as part of treatment for a diagnosed condition, some plans may provide partial coverage. The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) covers clinical hypnosis for veterans when deemed clinically necessary and provided by appropriately credentialed providers. Contact your specific insurance provider to inquire about behavioral health coverage that includes hypnosis.
Q: What is the difference between clinical hypnotherapy and consulting hypnosis in Virginia?
A: In Virginia, clinical hypnotherapy typically refers to hypnosis used by licensed healthcare professionals (psychologists, counselors, social workers) for treating diagnosed mental or emotional conditions. Clinical hypnotherapists work within their professional scope of practice and are regulated by their respective licensing boards. Consulting hypnosis or vocational hypnosis refers to services provided by non-licensed practitioners for self-improvement purposes such as habit change, motivation, stress management, and performance enhancement. While both use hypnosis techniques, the scope and regulatory framework differ based on the practitioner’s credentials and the nature of the issues addressed.
Q: Are there professional associations for hypnotists in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area?
A: Practitioners in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area may be members of national organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), or American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH). Virginia has component sections of some national organizations. The Virginia Society of Clinical Hypnosis is affiliated with ASCH and provides training and networking for licensed healthcare professionals who use clinical hypnosis. When selecting a practitioner, ask about their professional affiliations and whether they participate in continuing education through these organizations.