In North Carolina, the Psychology Practice Act governs who can provide mental health services, and as a hypnotherapist (not a licensed psychologist or medical provider), I take great care to operate within the law while offering my clients the best possible experience. In this post, I’ll explain how I practice hypnotherapy safely, legally, and ethically —and how you can benefit from hypnosis with confidence and peace of mind.

1. My Training & Professional Background: I bring over 25 years of experience in coaching, training, and hypnotherapy. My expertise includes:

✔ MBA in Non-Profit Arts Management

✔ Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with extensive training in advanced hypnosis techniques

✔ Certified Health & Well-Being Coach from Duke Integrative Medicine

✔ Instructor at the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, training over 160 students per year in ethical hypnotherapy practices

✔ Experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mindfulness, and Breathwork

I integrate scientifically-backed and holistic approaches to help clients make lasting, positive changes in their lives, without crossing into regulated mental health practices.

2. My Scope of Practice: What I Do & Don’t Do:

✔ What I Do: I use hypnosis to help clients with:

✅Habit change (e.g., smoking cessation, reducing sugar cravings)

✅Stress management & relaxation

✅Confidence & self-esteem

✅Enhancing motivation & performance (e.g., sports, academics, public speaking)

✅Improving focus & mental clarity

✅Sleep support

✅Wellness mindset coaching

❌ What I Do NOT Do:

🚫 Diagnose or treat mental health disorders

🚫 Offer psychotherapy or counseling

🚫 Provide medical hypnosis for pain management or other clinical conditions without a doctor’s referral

🚫 Make claims that hypnosis can "cure" medical or psychological conditions

I work within the ethical guidelines of professional hypnotherapy organizations and never misrepresent hypnosis as therapy or medical treatment.

3. Legal Compliance: Staying Within North Carolina Law: The North Carolina Psychology Practice Act protects consumers by ensuring that only licensed professionals provide psychotherapy or mental health treatment. Because hypnosis can be used in both clinical and non-clinical settings, it is essential to

clearly define the scope of my services. To ensure full legal compliance, I:

✔Clearly state that I am a hypnotherapist, NOT a psychologist, counselor, or medical provider.

✔Provide an informed consent form that clients must sign before sessions, acknowledging that Hypnosis is a complementary practice, not a substitute for medical or psychological care. I do not diagnose, treat, or cure medical or mental health conditions. Clients should seek a licensed professional for any mental health or medical concerns.

✔ Use professional language that avoids misleading terms like "therapy" or "treatment" unless working under the supervision of a licensed provider.

By maintaining transparency and adhering to legal and ethical best practices , I ensure a safe and beneficial experience for every client.

4. Ethical Responsibility: When I Refer Clients to Other Professionals: Your safety and well-being are my top priorities. If a potential client presents with concerns that fall outside my scope , I refer them to an appropriate licensed provider.

When I Refer a Client Elsewhere: If they disclose:
🚨A mental health diagnosis (e.g., anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression)

🚨Suicidal thoughts or self-harm history

🚨Severe trauma requiring clinical therapy

🚨A medical condition that requires a doctor’s supervision

In some cases, hypnosis can be a complementary tool in partnership with medical or mental health professionals. If a client is already seeing a licensed therapist or doctor, I require written approval before working with them.

5. My Commitment to Ethics & Best Practices: As a professional hypnotherapist, I follow the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ongoing education to ensure that my clients receive the best possible care.

How I Maintain Professional Standards:

✔Ongoing Training – I stay updated on hypnosis research, ethics, and legal compliance.

✔Professional Memberships – I follow the ethical guidelines of leading hypnotherapy associations.

✔Client-Centered Approach – Every session is tailored to the client’s unique goals while respecting professional boundaries.

✔Confidentiality & Trust – I maintain strict client confidentiality and always act in their best interests.

By adhering to industry best practices, I ensure that hypnosis remains a respected and effective tool for self-improvement and positive change.

6. Legal Disclaimer: To ensure full transparency, here is my official legal disclaimer:

I am a Certified Hypnotherapist and Coach, but I am NOT a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or medical doctor. My services are

not a replacement for medical or mental health care. I do NOT diagnose, treat, or cure medical or psychological conditions. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, I encourage you to seek care from a licensed professional.

Final Thoughts: Ethical & Effective Hypnosis for Positive Change: I take pride in offering safe, ethical, and legally compliant hypnotherapy that helps people unlock their potential and create meaningful, lasting change. If you are looking for a trusted hypnotherapist to help you achieve your personal and professional goals, I’d be blessed and honored to support you.