Hypnotism
A Gentle Gateway to Healing: Where Belief Meets Embodiment
At Crown of Hope Counseling, we believe that healing begins when the body and mind are invited into alignment. Hypnotism is one such invitation—a clinically supported, deeply relaxing state where the subconscious becomes a partner in transformation.
As a certified consulting hypnotist, Dr. Nici Richardson-McFarland offers a compassionate, grounded approach that honors the whole person. This is not about control or spectacle. It’s about collaboration. About helping you work with yourself, rather than against.
Hypnotism is not magic. It’s the art of deep listening—to your body, your beliefs, and your capacity to heal.
What Is Hypnotism?
Hypnotism is a natural, focused state of awareness—similar to the feeling of being absorbed in a good book or lost in thought during a long drive. In this advanced state of relaxation, the mind becomes more receptive to suggestion, allowing you to access inner resources, shift patterns, and reinforce desired outcomes.
It is not sleep. It is not unconsciousness. You remain aware, in control, and able to respond. What changes is your level of focus, your openness to new possibilities, and your ability to engage the subconscious mind in service of healing.
What Hypnotism Is Not
Let’s clear the air:
It is not mind control: you cannot be made to do anything against your will
It is not a loss of consciousness: you remain aware and able to choose
It is not a quick fix: it is a process that works best when integrated with intention and care
Hypnotism is a tool. A doorway. A gentle nudge toward the healing you already carry within.
Clinical Applications of Hypnotism
Hypnotism is supported by research and clinical practice across a wide range of concerns. At Crown of Hope, we offer hypnotism as part of a holistic therapeutic plan, tailored to your needs and goals.
We support:
Pain Reduction: Chronic pain, migraines, and procedural discomfort
Anxiety Relief: Test anxiety, performance anxiety, and general stress
Smoking Cessation: Supporting behavioral change and belief reinforcement
Sleep Support: Insomnia, racing thoughts, and nighttime anxiety
Grief & Trauma: Gentle processing and emotional regulation
Confidence Building: Public speaking, decision-making, and self-trust
Habit Change: Nail biting, overeating, procrastination, and moreEach session is customized to reflect your values, your goals, and your readiness. Hypnotism is never imposed—it is invited.
A Visual Metaphor: The Deep Well
We see hypnotism as a journey to the deep well within you—the place where belief, memory, and possibility reside. Many people live at the surface, reacting to stress and habit. Hypnotism invites you to descend gently, to draw from that well, and to return with something nourishing. You are not empty. You are deep. And your healing begins when you remember what you carry.
What You Can Expect
A safe, relaxed environment where you are fully in control
A certified consulting hypnotist who listens deeply and tailors each session
A collaborative process that integrates your goals and values
A gentle induction into a focused, receptive state
Guided imagery, affirmations, and suggestions aligned with your healing
Integration support to help you apply insights and changes in daily life
Sessions may be offered as stand-alone support or integrated into ongoing therapy. We will always discuss your comfort, readiness, and desired outcomes before beginning.
Who Might Benefit
Hypnotism is appropriate for adults and young adults seeking:
Relief from chronic stress or pain
Support in changing habits or behaviors
A deeper connection to their inner wisdom
A gentle, non-invasive approach to healing
Integration of mind-body-spirit in their therapeutic journey
Whether you are curious, skeptical, or ready to begin, we welcome your questions and honor your pace.
Our Clinical & Spiritual Integration
At Crown of Hope, we do not separate the clinical from the spiritual. We believe that healing is holistic and that hypnotism can be a sacred tool when offered with integrity and care.
We integrate hypnotism with:
Trauma-informed counseling
Somatic awareness and regulation
Spiritual reflection and imagery (if desired)
Narrative exploration and belief re-authoring
A posture of radical hospitality and grace
You are never rushed. You are never reduced. You are invited to explore what healing might look like when your body and mind are aligned in belief.
A Final Word
Hypnotism is not about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more fully yourself. At Crown of Hope, we believe that your body is wise. That your mind is powerful. And that when they are invited to collaborate, healing becomes not just possible—but personal. You are welcome here. You are safe here. You are capable of change.