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 and a Wellness Counseling Certificate from Cornell University. He is currently completing a MicroBachelors Program in Neuroscience through Harvard University.
His Cornell training centered on client-directed coaching and motivational interviewing, skills he uses to help clients set goals that are specific, realistic, and rooted in what truly motivates them. That groundwork makes the hypnotic work that follows even more effective.
Perhaps the strongest signal of trust comes from healthcare and mental health professionals: doctors, nurses, and counselors refer their patients to him, many become clients themselves, and even fellow hypnotherapists choose him for their own care.
His book, The Magic in Metaphor, became an Amazon bestseller, earned multiple literary awards including first-place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, and was selected for Publishers Weekly's BookLife Elite collection. His work is regularly mentioned in popular media, including BBC News, Fast Company, Ask Dr. Drew, and Yahoo Life.
Harley is also the developer of Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™, a method that draws on the documented power of the placebo effect to strengthen hypnotic outcomes. His case study on chronic arthritis pain reports measurable results from this approach.
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.
- Built and operated physical offices in major metropolitan areas, including Beverly Hills, New York City, San Francisco, Portland, and Kansas City before transitioning to a nationwide virtual practice.
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 was a key responder to crisis situations.
Credentials
Specializations
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy | HMI College of Hypnotherapy
- Wellness Counseling Certificate | Cornell University
- MicroBachelors in Introduction to Neuroscience (in progress) | Harvard University
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
- The Hemingway Community
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: As an Integrative Care Partner, Harley brings hypnotherapy directly into trusted wellness spaces. Locations have included Very Well KC, UMKC School of Pharmacy, Broadlawns Medical Center, Therapia Psychotherapy Group, 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.
Creative Works
Case Study: Hypnosis for Chronic Arthritis Pain
Author | 2025
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
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
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. Later successfully advocated for the inclusion of client safety and anti-discrimination provisions in the National Guild of Hypnotists Code of Ethics, creating nationwide protections.
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.
