BIOGRAPHY

Harley Sears

My professional journey began over 27 years ago as a Mental Health Specialist at a psychiatric hospital, evolving into a successful hypnotherapy practice that has helped thousands of people overcome personal challenges. I hold 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.

Through my award-winning book The Magic in Metaphor, I've demonstrated how storytelling creates profound emotional shifts, using carefully crafted metaphors to help children reframe challenges and discover new perspectives. I also produced Close Your Eyes, a collection of sleep music that weaves hypnotic suggestions into lo-fi compositions. Most significantly, I've developed Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™, my signature method that harnesses the scientifically-proven power of the placebo effect to amplify hypnotic outcomes, essentially helping clients activate their own "internal pharmacy" for healing and change.

I offer video sessions by Zoom—without losing the human connection that makes hypnosis so effective. As a visiting practitioner, I also partner with luxury cruise lines, hotels, resorts, spas, and hospitals to bring in-person hypnotherapy directly to their guests and employees. If you have questions, you may contact me at (913) 999-5819 or hypnosis@harleysears.com.
Cornell University, Hypnosis Motivation Institute, HMI College of Hypnotherapy

Experience

Hypnotherapist
Private Practice
2002 - Present
Youth Counselor
Ozanam Home for Boys
1999 - 2000
Psychiatric Technician
Willow Crest Hospital
1998 - 1999

Education

Diploma in Hypnotherapy
HMI College of Hypnotherapy
Wellness Counseling Certificate
Cornell University
Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization
University of Minnesota

Advanced Training

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Motivational Interviewing
Virginia Commonwealth University

Associations

American Hypnosis Association
Member
Society for Interdisciplinary
Placebo Studies
Member
eCornell Alumni Group
Member

Published Works

Placebo-Enhanced Hypnotic Intervention™
Book (Coming 2026)
Author
Hypnotic Relaxation
Audio Program (Coming 2025)
Producer, Presenter
Close Your Eyes
Music Album (2024)
Writer, Producer
The Magic In Metaphor
Book (2023)
Author

Awards and Recognition

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 (Quarter Finalist)
Wishing Shelf Book Awards (Red Ribbon)
Recognition
Amazon #1 New Release & Best Seller List
BookLife Elite by Publishers Weekly
Readers' Favorite Five Stars
Reader Views Five-Star Review

Community Engagement

Organizational Leadership
Served as President of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists
Ethics Development
Contributed to National Guild of Hypnotists Code of Ethics by authoring client safety and anti-discrimination provisions
Professional Journals
Served as columnist for National Guild of Hypnotists Journal of Hypnotism
Wellness Consultant
Delivered hypnotherapy services to medical staff at Broadlawns Medical Center as part of their hospital wellness program
Team Leader
Oversaw team of psychiatric technicians in daily patient care and hospital operations | Owned and oversaw integrative health center providing comprehensive wellness services
Visiting Practitioner
Partners with cruise lines, hotels, resorts, spas, and hospitals to bring in-person hypnotherapy to their guests and employees
Media Outreach
Regular expert commentary promoting public awareness and education about hypnosis and wellness practices
Academic Wellness
Provided stress management services to students at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy
Guest Speaker
Served as guest speaker on wellness business topics at several colleges and universities
Youth Mentor
Served as mentor for at-risk youth in the Army National Guard's Youth Challenge Program
Volunteer Support
Volunteered with Passages Youth Center serving homeless teens | Provided emotional support for 7 Cups crisis line

(913) 999-5819 | hypnosis@harleysears.com
Beverly Hills | Kansas City | New York City
© 2002-2025 Harley Sears