1. Philly Hypnosis Performance – Todd Stofka
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, neuro-medical hypnotherapy, weight loss, smoking cessation, test anxiety, sports performance, business performance, NLP, life coaching, executive coaching
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, smoking, test anxiety, performance anxiety, fears, stress, procrastination, bad habits, public speaking fear, fear of flying, creative blocks, sports performance issues
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, Hypnosis and NLP training programs, custom private 1-on-1 hypnosis classes, video hypnosis training, hypnosis downloads and CDs, Skype/webcam hypnosis, phone hypnosis sessions, corporate wellness programs, live seminars
Background: Todd Stofka is described as Pennsylvania’s foremost physician-referred hypnotherapist. The practice combines Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Psychology (NLP), Aikido, Jujitsu, and Life Coaching methodologies. The Stofka Method of NLP and Hypnosis application is used for personal and corporate excellence. Todd has appeared on WRNB radio demonstrating hypnosis techniques.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Tri-State area (serving MD, PA, NYC, CT, DE, Washington DC, VA, and NJ)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.thebestweightlosssolution.com
Session Info: Smoking cessation programs advertise becoming a non-smoker in as fast as one session with minimal withdrawal or cravings. Test Takers Guide program available for test anxiety. In-person and remote sessions offered.
2. Dr. Steven Rosenberg – Quit It Now
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress relief, business coaching, sports motivation
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight issues, stress, performance issues, sports motivation blocks, habit challenges
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, customized hypnotherapy programs, take-home resources for reinforcement
Background: Dr. Steven Rosenberg has been practicing hypnotherapy for over 30 years and has helped tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents lose weight, quit smoking, and achieve other healthy goals. He is Philadelphia’s foremost hypnotist and has made multiple TV and news appearances discussing hypnosis and its benefits. Client testimonials include successful smoking cessation after 22 years of smoking and major athletic performance improvements.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contact: Available through website | https://quititnow.com
Session Info: Sessions include subconscious reinforcement techniques. Client testimonials highlight that suggestions continue working after sessions end. Programs available for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, business coaching, and sports motivation.
3. Hypnosis Philadelphia Clinic – Michelle Judge
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, weight loss, smoking cessation, anxiety management, fear and phobia elimination, habit change, pain management
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, smoking, vaping, anxiety, fears, phobias, bad habits, stress, pain, limiting beliefs
Services Offered: Individual sessions, group seminars for smoking cessation and weight loss, virtual sessions, consultations with existing therapists, personalized hypnosis programs, corporate wellness programs for organizations with 5+ employees
Background: Michelle Judge is a Board Certified professional hypnotist. She offers targeted solutions for weight loss, smoking cessation, and anxiety management. Virtual hypnosis sessions are offered as equally effective as in-person sessions. The practice has helped people across the country release limiting beliefs through the power of the subconscious mind.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contact: Available through website | https://hypnosisphiladelphiaclinic.com
Session Info: Free consultations available. Virtual sessions offered nationwide. Group workshops and corporate programs available for organizations with more than 5 employees. Personalized plans of action developed for each client.
4. Tony Longobardi – Board Certified Hypnotist
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress management, confidence building, yoga and meditation integration
Conditions Addressed: Smoking, weight issues, stress, lack of confidence, fears, anxiety, unwanted habits
Services Offered: Individual hypnosis sessions, introductory sessions, Zoom and phone sessions, visualization techniques training, self-hypnosis instruction
Background: Tony Longobardi is a Board Certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotists, a Certified Weight Loss Specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a Registered Yoga Teacher, a Certified Yoga Life Coach, and a Meditation Facilitator. He has taught self-hypnosis classes at Owen J. Roberts High School and Community Education. He combines his mind-body approach from yoga with clinical hypnosis techniques. Client testimonials include 6+ years smoke-free and weight loss success.
Location: 843 Valley Forge Rd #6, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (near corner of Rt. 23 and Whitehorse Road, serving Chester Springs, Collegeville, Kimberton, Lansdale, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, Paoli, Coatesville, Downingtown, Malvern, West Chester, Gilbertsville, and Philadelphia)
Contact: (610) 659-0526 | https://hypnosisbytony.com
Session Info: Introductory Session to Stop Smoking: $99 (1 hour). Stop Smoking program is 3 sessions following introductory session. Hypnosis via Zoom or phone available for remote sessions. Health Savings Account (HSA) cards accepted. Invoices provided for insurance reimbursement claims.
5. Plymouth Hypnosis / Summer Kingcaid
Specialization: Clinical hypnosis, weight loss, smoking cessation, vaping cessation, stress and anxiety reduction, fear and phobia elimination, pain management, sleep improvement, sports performance, alcohol abuse reduction
Conditions Addressed: Weight issues, smoking, vaping, stress, anxiety, fears, phobias, depression, grief and loss, pain, insomnia, driving fear, alcohol dependence
Services Offered: Individual sessions, virtual consultations, virtual hypnotherapy sessions, group seminars for smoking cessation and vaping cessation, programs for stress and anxiety reduction, focus and concentration programs, gift certificates
Background: Summer Kingcaid is a Certified Hypnotist at Plymouth Hypnosis with offices in New York City NYC, Philadelphia, and Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. The practice specializes in clinical hypnosis for positive change and mental well-being, helping clients who have tried and failed other methods for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress reduction, or overcoming fears and phobias.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania (also NYC office)
Contact: (610) 616-5855 | https://plymouthhypnosis.net
Session Info: 45-minute hypnosis screening consultation available to answer questions and evaluate if hypnosis is appropriate. Virtual consultations and hypnotherapy sessions available for those unable to travel. Group seminars available including Stop Smoking/Quit Vaping programs and programs for Focus and Concentration. Gift certificates available.
Hypnosis Regulations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have specific laws or regulations that limit or restrict the practice of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania in the same way that accountants, medical doctors, or social workers are licensed.
Pennsylvania does exclude hypnosis from the definition of medicine, meaning that practicing hypnosis alone does not constitute practicing medicine without a license under state medical practice laws.
While there is no state licensing requirement, practitioners must be careful in how they advertise and represent their services to avoid confusion with licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, or healthcare professionals. Using terminology that implies treatment of mental or emotional disorders without appropriate healthcare licensure could create legal issues.
There is no State Board of Hypnotist Examiners in Pennsylvania, although legislative proposals for such regulation have been introduced historically. These proposals would have required licensure, examination, continuing education, and oversight by a state board, but they have not been enacted into law.
Licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, may incorporate hypnosis into their practice within their professional scope. Registered nurses are specifically allowed to perform hypnosis under Pennsylvania nursing regulations (49 Pa. Code Section 21.411).
The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists and professional organizations like the National Guild of Hypnotists provide voluntary certification for practitioners in Pennsylvania. These credentials demonstrate professional training and adherence to ethical standards but are not legally required.
Practitioners in Pennsylvania should obtain professional liability insurance and provide clear disclosure to clients about their training, credentials, and the nature of services offered. The use of informed consent documents and clear boundaries about scope of practice is recommended as protective measures.
In the United States, there is no accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in hypnosis or hypnotherapy from legitimately accredited academic institutions. Titles such as “Doctorate of Clinical Hypnotherapy” (DCH) are typically certificates from non-accredited programs and should be evaluated with appropriate skepticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypnosis regulated in Pennsylvania?
No, Pennsylvania does not regulate hypnosis as a licensed profession. There are no specific state laws restricting the practice of hypnosis or hypnotherapy, and no State Board of Hypnotist Examiners exists. Anyone can legally practice hypnosis in Pennsylvania, provided they do not represent themselves as licensed healthcare professionals or claim to treat medical or psychological conditions requiring licensure. Practitioners should provide clear disclosure about their training and the nature of their services.
How can I verify a Pennsylvania hypnotist’s credentials?
Since Pennsylvania does not license hypnotists, verification relies on professional organization certifications. Check for membership and certification through organizations such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) at ngh.net, the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, or the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). Request copies of certificates directly from practitioners. Be cautious of impressive-sounding titles and initials that may not represent meaningful qualifications. Ask about actual training hours, accreditation of training schools, and years of active practice experience.
What should I look for when choosing a hypnotist in Philadelphia?
Look for practitioners with verifiable certification from recognized organizations (NGH, IACT, IMDHA), substantial training hours (typically 100+ hours from reputable programs), years of active practice experience, specialization relevant to your specific needs, clear communication about scope of practice and limitations, professional liability insurance, and willingness to provide client references or testimonials. Be wary of practitioners who promise guaranteed results, claim to cure medical conditions, or use excessive impressive-sounding titles. Many reputable practitioners offer free initial consultations.
Is hypnosis covered by insurance in Pennsylvania?
Hypnosis services provided by non-licensed practitioners are generally not covered by health insurance. However, if your insurance plan offers reimbursement for completing smoking cessation or weight loss programs, you may be able to submit invoices for reimbursement. Health Savings Account (HSA) cards are accepted by some practitioners. Sessions provided by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs) who incorporate hypnosis into their treatment may be eligible for insurance coverage depending on your plan and the diagnosis being treated. Contact your insurance provider for specific coverage information.
What is the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there is no legal distinction between the terms since hypnosis is not regulated. However, professional organizations recommend using specific terminology. “Hypnotist” or “Consulting Hypnotist” typically refers to someone certified to provide hypnosis for self-improvement, habit change, and motivation. “Hypnotherapist” suggests therapeutic treatment and is more appropriately used by licensed mental health professionals who incorporate hypnosis into clinical practice. Non-licensed practitioners are generally advised to avoid terms like “therapy,” “therapist,” or “treatment” to clearly distinguish their services from licensed healthcare.