Hypnosis is a well-studied therapeutic modality with a substantial evidence base. This page explains what it is, who it helps, what to expect in a session, and how to get started — honestly, without mystification.
Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that uses focused attention, relaxed concentration, and directed suggestion to influence perception, behavior, and physiological response. It is practiced by licensed clinicians and supported by decades of peer-reviewed research.
The underlying mechanism involves the neuroscience of expectation, top-down regulation, and neuroplasticity. Hypnotic analgesia, for example, has been studied in randomized controlled trials and shown to produce measurable changes in pain perception — including changes visible on functional brain imaging.
Clinical hypnosis is not passive. You are alert, in control, and fully aware throughout. It is better understood as a form of highly focused cognitive engagement than as anything resembling unconsciousness or "trance."
Healthy skepticism is a reasonable starting point. Stage hypnosis, television portrayals, and wellness marketing have created a distorted picture of what clinical hypnosis actually is. The science is less dramatic and more interesting: hypnosis is a real, measurable phenomenon with a specific neurobiological basis and a meaningful clinical evidence base. You do not need to believe in it for it to be useful — you need only to be willing to engage with the process.
Erin is trained by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis in hypnosis as applied to pediatric gastroenterology conditions, obesity, and binge eating disorder.
Pain management — chronic pain, procedural pain, headache, and IBS have all shown meaningful response in controlled trials.
Anxiety and anticipatory anxiety — especially in medical contexts such as procedures, surgery, and cancer care.
Behavioral change — smoking cessation, sleep, and habit modification with stronger outcomes when combined with other approaches.
Symptom regulation in GI conditions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome, where gut-directed hypnotherapy has robust trial support.
Erin sees patients ages 4 through 26 — from young children to college-age adults. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend sessions with younger children.
Clinical hypnosis is most effective for patients who are willing to practice between sessions and open to a mind-body approach. It is particularly well-suited for conditions where the nervous system, gut, and brain are in conversation — which is most of what Erin treats.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend sessions with younger children (typically under age 10) and are encouraged to be involved in reinforcing self-practice at home.
The intake consultation is designed to assess fit honestly. If hypnosis is not the right approach for you or your child, Erin will say so and help you identify what might be. There is no pressure to proceed.
Clinical hypnosis is a complement to — not a substitute for — appropriate medical care. As a physician, Erin reviews your full clinical picture and coordinates with other providers when needed.
Sessions are structured, collaborative, and grounded in clinical conversation.
A 30-minute conversation to understand your goals, history, and whether clinical hypnosis is the right fit. No commitment required.
60–75 minutes. We review your goals, discuss what hypnosis involves, and conduct your first formal session together.
Most clinical goals benefit from 4–8 sessions. Frequency is tailored to the presenting issue and your schedule.
You'll receive recordings and techniques to use between sessions. Consistent self-practice significantly improves outcomes.
The intake consultation is a 30-minute conversation — no commitment required. We'll discuss what you're looking to address, whether hypnosis is the right fit, and what working together might look like.
Within 2 business days
Currently self-pay only. Superbills available on request.