About Harley
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 developer of Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™, Harley created a technique that harnesses the proven power of the placebo effect to amplify 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 mentioned in popular media, including BBC News, Fast Company, Ask Dr. Drew, Yahoo Life, and more.
By earning endorsements from doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, Harley is helping bridge the gap between complementary and conventional medicine, demonstrating that hypnosis can be a valuable adjunct to traditional care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare and wellness organizations, he has established services nationwide.
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 served 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
Pop-Up Model: I partner with leading healthcare and wellness organizations nationwide, making hypnotherapy accessible in trusted community spaces. Partnerships have included Very Well KC, UMKC School of Pharmacy, Broadlawns Medical Center, Portland Therapy Center, Turner Professional Group, 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 amplify hypnotic outcomes with clients.
Pioneering Virtual Practice: Early adopter of HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, eliminating geographic barriers while maintaining the highest safety and privacy standards.
Hypnosis Meets AI: Embracing emerging technology to create projects such as Close Your Eyes, an ambient album blending soothing melodies with hypnotic suggestions to extend the benefits of hypnosis beyond traditional formats.
Creative Works
Pain Relief: Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™
Presenter | Coming 2026
Produced a guided hypnosis recording for at-home pain relief, using my proprietary Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™ method.
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), 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.
Media Recognition
2002-Present
Expertise in hypnosis has earned mentions in a wide array of local, national, and international media, promoting broader public awareness of hypnotherapy.
Global Health Exchange
2006
Contributed a research summary on the effectiveness of hypnosis to a presentation on "Hypnotherapy in Medicine" delivered at The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand.
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
Literary Awards
Royal Dragonfly Book Award (1st Place), Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, The Golden Wizard Book Prize, PenCraft Book Award, The BookFest Award, Literary Titan Gold Book Award, IAN Book of the Year Awards (Finalist), The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly (Quarter Finalist), Wishing Shelf Book Awards (Red Ribbon).
Recognition
Amazon #1 New Release & Best Seller Lists, BookLife Elite by Publishers Weekly, Readers' Favorite Five Stars, Reader Views Five-Star Review, "Zoom Solopreneur 50" Nominee, a national recognition program honoring America's most innovative solopreneurs.
Hypnosis in Kansas City and Nationwide