PROFESSIONAL RESUME
About Harley Sears
Harley Sears has spent nearly three decades helping people achieve lasting positive change. His credentials include a Diploma in Hypnotherapy from HMI College of Hypnotherapy, a Wellness Counseling Certificate from Cornell University, and a Specialization in Integrative Health and Medicine from the University of Minnesota.
As the developer of Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™, Harley created a technique that harnesses the proven power of the placebo effect to deepen hypnotic outcomes. His case study on chronic arthritis pain illustrates the effectiveness of this approach.
His book, The Magic in Metaphor, became an Amazon #1 bestseller, earned numerous literary awards, and was selected for Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Elite collection, distributed to public libraries throughout North America. His work is regularly featured in popular media, including BBC News, Fast Company, Ask Dr. Drew, and Yahoo Life.
Harley has earned the trust of healthcare and mental health professionals across multiple disciplines. Doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists refer their patients to him, and many are clients themselves. Even fellow hypnotherapists choose him for their own care.
Experience
Hypnotherapist
Private Practice | 2002-Present
- Operate and manage a successful nationwide practice, serving a diverse clientele with a focus on evidence-based hypnotherapy.
- Conduct client assessments, develop individualized plans, and provide ongoing support.
- Established offices in major metropolitan areas across the United States, including Kansas City, New York City, Portland, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills.
Youth Counselor
Ozanam Home for Boys | 1999-2000
- Supervised and ensured the safety of residents in a residential treatment facility.
- Coached youth on essential daily living skills to promote independence and positive behavioral change.
Psychiatric Technician
Willow Crest Hospital | 1998-1999
- Delivered direct patient care and administered therapeutic interventions under nursing supervision.
- Served as Team Leader to psychiatric technicians and acted as a key responder to crisis situations.
Education
Specializations
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy | HMI College of Hypnotherapy
- Wellness Counseling Certificate | Cornell University
- Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization | University of Minnesota
Professional Certificates
- Psychological First Aid | National Center for PTSD
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Motivational Interviewing | Virginia Commonwealth University
Memberships
- American Hypnosis Association
- Society for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies
- eCornell Alumni Group
Innovation
Pioneering Virtual Practice: Early adopter of HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, with a broadcast-quality virtual studio designed by Jesse Kaplan of Jaz Entertainment, a Hollywood family with a three-generation film legacy. Every element, from lighting to camera to acoustics, was chosen to feel less like a video call and more like being in the same room.
Pop-Up Model: I partner with leading healthcare and wellness organizations, making hypnotherapy accessible in trusted community spaces. Partnerships have included Very Well KC, UMKC School of Pharmacy, Broadlawns Medical Center, Portland Therapy Center, and The Wellness Collaborative.
Signature Methodology: Developed Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™, a proprietary method that harnesses the scientifically proven power of the placebo effect to deepen hypnotic outcomes.
Hypnosis Meets AI: Early adopter of emerging technology in hypnosis, including Close Your Eyes, an ambient album blending soothing melodies with hypnotic suggestions to extend the benefits of hypnosis beyond traditional formats.
Creative Works
Case Study: Hypnosis for Chronic Arthritis Foot Pain
Author | 2025 | Read
Documented a case study involving an 80-year-old client with severe arthritic foot pain who achieved lasting pain relief through Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™.
Close Your Eyes
Producer | 2024 | Listen
Produced an ambient album of eight lo-fi tracks designed for relaxation and sleep, blending soothing melodies with hypnotic suggestions.
The Magic in Metaphor
Author | 2023 | Buy
Author of the award-winning book, The Magic in Metaphor, a guide to fostering emotional intelligence in children through storytelling.
Leadership
Ethics & Safety Leader
2003-2016
Former President of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists (2003). Later successfully advocated for the inclusion of client safety and anti-discrimination provisions in the National Guild of Hypnotists Code of Ethics (2016), creating nationwide protections.
National Policy Advocate
2004-2009
Actively worked with a national coalition advocating and supporting the DeWine-Kennedy FDA Amendment, contributing to the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009.
Global Health Exchange
2006
Contributed research on the effectiveness of hypnosis to a presentation on 'Hypnotherapy in Medicine' at Thailand's Ministry of Public Health.
Journal Columnist
2013
Served as a columnist for the National Guild of Hypnotists Journal of Hypnotism.
Volunteer Work
Public Health Ambassador
2021-2023
Served as a Public Health Ambassador to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, working directly with governmental health initiatives to promote community wellbeing and public health education.
Youth Mentor
1998-2016
Served as mentor for at-risk youth in the Army National Guard's Youth Challenge Program and Thunderbird Youth Academy.
Volunteer
2008-2016
Provided support to homeless youth at Passages Youth Center and to users of 7 Cups online crisis platform.
Awards & Recognition
BookLife Elite: Handpicked for this exclusive collection by Publishers Weekly, which distributes titles to public libraries throughout North America.
The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly: Selected as a Quarter Finalist and awarded a 9/10 critical rating by one of the publishing industry's most authoritative review outlets.
IAN Book of the Year Awards: Named a Finalist in the Independent Author Network's 2023 Book of the Year Awards.
Royal Dragonfly Book Award: Awarded 1st Place in the Audiobooks category and Honorable Mention in Psychology.
Wishing Shelf Book Awards: Earned the Red Ribbon Winner distinction.
Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award: Received a five-star review and named a top recommended read for parents and educators.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Honored with the Gold Award for innovation, originality, and impact in writing.
The Golden Wizard Book Prize: Recognized as one of the best works in children's literature.
Amazon #1 Bestseller: Reached the #1 spot on multiple bestseller and new release lists on Amazon.
© 2026 Hypnotherapy with Harley Sears, LLC
Expert Hypnosis, Wherever You Are
Expert Hypnosis, Wherever You Are