The use of hypnosis and guided imagery to treat pain and anxiety is both an art and a science. Hypnosis and imagery similarly use the power of the imagination to promote healing. This is an important focus for mental health professionals because, in clinical practice, many people presenting with pain conditions also have anxiety. Self-hypnosis has also been found to be an effective tool in helping clients discover the power they have in their own healing while contributing a means of integrating their learning from hypnosis sessions. 



In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Dr. Maggie Phillips will present research supporting the use of hypnosis and guided imagery in mental health treatment. She will discuss the positive outcomes, including perspectives from neuroscience, that address the impact of hypnosis and imagery on brain function. Dr. Phillips will also describe the link between trauma and pain/anxiety by exploring it from a “root cause” perspective. 



Dr. Phillips will present a variety of interventions drawn from guided imagery and hypnosis, identify different types of hypnotic suggestions, and explore their suitability for different types of individuals in therapy. Dr. Phillips will include experiential opportunities for attendees as well as present case studies to illustrate who benefits most from hypnosis versus guided imagery and in what situations they are most effective when used together.



This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:




  1. Discuss research validating the use of hypnosis and imagery to treat pain and anxiety.

  2. Summarize the connection between pain, trauma, and anxiety. 

  3. Explain three types of hypnotic suggestions and when to apply their use.

  4. Utilize two types of structured imagery effectively.

  5. Demonstrate the basic steps in self-hypnosis. 

  6. Apply a basic protocol that utilizes hypnosis and imagery to treat anxiety and pain. 



If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy.org with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable. 



To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the web conference center using a computer or device (smartphone or tablet with internet access) and calling in to the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via their computer or device. Attendees who are logged in to the event center will be able to see live streaming video and/or document sharing. Alternatively, attendees may dial in to the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions. 



At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in the GoodTherapy.org Member's Area. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start and end codes announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate instantly. 



For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here


Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

Excellent updated and pertinent expanse of information to assist my clients. - MaryAnn L. Haselden, LMHC, CAP

Comprehensive seminar with tons of useful handouts. - Nicole Urdang, MS, NCC, DHM 

Meet the Presenter

Maggie Phillips, PhD

Maggie Phillips, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist in California specializing in the treatment of traumatic stress, dissociative, and pain disorders. Dr. Phillips is particularly interested in the interface of trauma, dissociation, and emotional and physical pain conditions. She is an innovator in mind-body healing and in the treatment of persistent pain and trauma. She is also a leading expert on the treatment of fragmentation and the applications of Ego State Therapy to heal dissociation and self-division often created by trauma. 

Dr. Phillips is a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and co-recipient of its Crasilneck Award for the best writing in the field of hypnosis. She is also a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and a co-recipient of its Cornelia Wilbur Award for contributions to the treatment and study of dissociation. Dr. Phillips has taught at major conferences and has presented countless workshops on pain, Ego State Therapy, Somatic Experiencing®, trauma, hypnosis, EMDR, behavioral medicine, and Energy Psychology in the U.S. and internationally.

Dr. Phillips has developed an online pain self-help program and a pain CD coaching program available at www.reversingchronicpain.com. She has also recorded two pain CD programs, “Hypnosis: The Pain Solution” and “Hypnosis: The Headache Solution,” distributed by www.hypnosisnetwork.com. Her publications include:

To learn more about Dr. Phillips and view her popular monthly webinar and newsletter series, please visit her website at www.maggiephillipsphd.com.

* This page contains at least one affiliate link for the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means GoodTherapy.org receives financial compensation if you make a purchase using an Amazon link.