Welcome!

My Training and Journey: A Deeper Look

Thank you for wanting to know more about my background and the training that shapes the work I do. I believe understanding the foundation behind your transformation journey can add an extra layer of confidence and connection.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to study with some incredible teachers and mentors whose wisdom continues to shape my work:

Academic Foundation in Transformative Learning

I hold a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on adult transformative learning as developed by Jack Mezirow. His theory centers on helping adults experience a fundamental shift in perspective—leading to new beliefs, values, or actions. This framework underpins much of my work: supporting clients through meaningful internal change that extends into real-world transformation. My Bachelor’s degree is in Human Development, which contributes to my understanding of how all aspects of our wellbeing are dynamic and important, physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

I trained directly under Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of MBSR, and taught mindfulness for 25 years. His secular, science-based approach to mindfulness deeply informs how I work with stress, anxiety, and present-moment awareness.

Hypnotherapy & Transformational Modalities

Modern hypnotists usually receive foundational training and then go on to study advanced techniques in the areas of their interests. My own practice blends several powerful techniques and protocols from leading experts such as:

• Karl Smith’s Kinetic Shift for rapid, energetic transformation

• Certifications with people such as Cheryl and Larry Elman, Karl Smith, Ken Guzzon, Ali Campbell, Eugen Poppa, Katherine Zimmerman, Richard Nongard, Sheila Granger.

Methods

My practice draws from methods such as parts therapy, Elman and Ericksonian Hypnosis, NLP, Hakomi Therapy, Emotional Detox and the Kinetic Shift. I’m certified in Sheila Granger’s approach to weight loss with the Virtual Gastric Band technique and the Ken Guzzo Protocol for deep behavioral change related to smoking cessation.

EFT Lineage

I’m in direct lineage to the late Gary Craig, the founder of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). I learned EFT for hypnotherapists from Katherine Zimmerman, who trained directly with Gary. This connection allows me to integrate tapping with hypnosis to help clients release emotional blocks swiftly and gently.

Integrative Coaching

I became a certified integrative coach through Integrative Lifeworks and Sandra Grace which allows me to offer hypnosis in the context of a coaching model. I believe this rounds out the powerful nature of hypnosis when there’s a series of sessions addressing a specific issue and it’s related goal. Read about my personal experience with this powerful method.

Energy and Healing Work

I’m also a Reiki Master certified by Frans Stiene, an internationally respected teacher who deeply honors the spiritual roots of Reiki. This allows me to incorporate energy healing into sessions, offering support on subtle and energetic levels.

A Lifelong Learner

My personal and professional growth is ongoing. I continue to study, evolve, and refine my practice to bring the most effective, heart-centered support to each client’s journey.

If you’d like to explore how these tools and teachings can support you, I’d love to connect.

– Denise Dempsey