About Harley
Harley Sears has spent 28 years helping people achieve lasting positive change. With credentials from HMI College of Hypnotherapy, Cornell University's Wellness Counseling program, and the University of Minnesota's Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization, he has built a nationwide practice that serves as a model for the delivery of modern hypnosis.
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 provides measurable evidence of the method's efficacy. As former President of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists, he successfully advocated for client safety and anti-discrimination provisions in the organization's Code of Ethics, creating lasting protections that benefit clients nationwide.
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 the U.S. and Canada. His expertise regularly earns mentions 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 hypnotherapy can be a credible adjunct to traditional 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.
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.
Mental Health Specialist
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
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 human-centered artificial technologies and 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
Case Study: Hypnosis for Chronic Arthritis Foot 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.
Featured Media
Contributor | 2002-Present
BBC News, Fast Company, Yahoo! Life, Reader's Digest, Ask Dr. Drew, Entertainment Tonight, Bustle, Publishers Weekly, MSN News, Monster, The Journal of Hypnotism, The Healthy, Essence & Style, and many others.
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.
Hypnosis in Kansas City and Nationwide