Boston Hypnosis is top of the line. I've worked with Brian several times over the years for different things. I would note (for those who might be skeptical) that the first time I worked with Brian, some ten years ago, I wasn't at all sure that hypnosis would do anything for me. But I was living in Boston at the time, had found Boston Hypnosis on Google, and at a loss for what else to try I gave him a shout. To my surprise, our work together was successful in addressing the issue. This outcome fundamentally changed my life for the better, and for which I will always be grateful to Brian. The work has "stuck," too -- i.e. ten years later and I'm still largely free of the issue we worked on together initially. This is a powerful indication for me that I am not just experiencing placebo (if so, I would have expected it to "wear off" after a few weeks or months). In fact, the work we did together seems to have changed how my brain works in long-lasting ways. In recent years, Brian and I have worked on a variety of other things and he has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism, insight, and skill in his work with me. He's also a heck of a nice guy and versatile in the range of things he can assist with. Strongly recommended. read more

With Brian's help I changed my life for the better in major ways. I would highly recommend working with him.

In only two sessions, Brian helped me beat a lifelong sugar addiction. One year in, the results have been fantastic - a fully sugar-free lifestyle, dropped 20 lbs, feel great, and no longer waste any mental energy trying to manage the problem. Highly recommend Brian to anyone ready to (and needing to) make a major change. read more

Brian Mahoney is one of the most fascinating, interesting and insightful people I've ever encountered. He is a witty wizard of wisdom and a powerful procurer of prospective change. I thought I was just signing up for hypnosis but that was actually just a small part of what I found so valuable about our sessions. He pulls from so many different unconventional schools of thought and such a diverse range of techniques. I felt transformed by our work and was given clarity about my problem that no one else was able to provide me. I could not more highly recommend working with Brian. It will be one of the best investments you ever make in yourself. Brian is fully committed to your complete healing and transformation and is wildly effective at delivering the results he promises. He is equally personable and professional and was a complete joy to work with. read more

Brian deeply cares about clients and uses his remarkable intuitive gift to get his clients results. If you want to address the root cause of your negative pattern (mine was insomnia), Brian will help you improve quickly and will patiently stick with you until the problem is under control. When I found Brian, I was a Harvard student experiencing severe sleep issues that left me feeling run-down most days. I was doing all the right things--sleep hygiene, meditation, counseling, exercise--but the problem persisted. I did not want to take sleeping pills, because the research indicates these cause dependency and make insomnia worse. I saw immediate improvement when I started working with Brian. In my case, Brian used a range of tools including hypnosis, guided visualizations, homework assignments, and coaching. Brian is incredibly insightful and experienced, and he seems to understand exactly what's needed to achieve results. I find Brian's methods work equally well in person or over videoconference. Without Brian, taking the bar exam would have been a miserable experience. I credit him for helping me pass the exam by getting the sleep I needed to retain all the information. I would recommend Brian to anyone who is willing to keep an open mind, to put in some time and mental effort, to be honest with themselves, and to trust the process. In my experience, Brian is an expert at helping people develop tools to live their lives with greater freedom and less anxiety. read more

Brian is tenacious, patient and highly professional. He tells you exactly what you need to hear and will shine a light on a different path to the beaten one you are stuck on, but it is entirely up to you to choose to take it. It's not easy and only you can do this work for yourself. Brian is an extremely skilled guide and will show you exactly where to keep your focus in order to achieve your personal goals and objectives, time and again. Besides that, he's a wonderful conversationalist and someone you could easily have a pint with. Thank you, Brian! Namaste read more

I feel like no one understands the specific complexities of how my brain works more so than Brian Mahoney does. He has a way of reframing the way my brain is thinking about something that works to sort of instantly lift the suffering my own thoughts are causing me. It's almost like the accuracy and insight of the reframe just immediately undoes the problematic stories (and subsequent feelings they cause) that my brain is convincing me off. Brian is the best kind of "teacher" in that he has an endless storehouse of anecdotes, examples, and stories that work to make accessible (and profoundly clear) any possible dynamic that is going on in your thinking that is creating your distress. He is also a perfect combo of professional and personable. Brian is a true expert at the kind of work he does. I have seen him for more than one issue, and he is always able to provide very specific and tailor-made insight into the nuances of what my brain is doing to cause the problem, which then acts as a doorway for me to feel freedom and relief. Highly highly highly recommend. read more

I first met with Brian Mahoney at Boston Hypnosis because decades-old problems resisted all traditional solutions and had become too much for me to bear. The results of my work with Brian have been miraculous. With Brian's assistance, I have been able to resolve issues dating back to my childhood. They exhibited themselves in deeply ingrained behaviors that I just couldn't seem to change, despite years working on them with a therapist. Hypnotherapy helped me to relax and focus on these issues in new and significant ways which led to the change I so desperately desired. Through hypnotherapy, I moved beyond merely understanding the root of my problems to actually resolving them. From the beginning, my experience with Brian was extraordinary. The work wasn't easy. It often required very emotional effort and could be grueling, but the results have been phenomenal. I have not experienced a "relapse" of my unwanted negative behavior in over two years. This was not an overnight transformation. Truthfully, it felt at times as though my problems were totally intractable, but Brian was always extremely patient, flexible, and tenacious. He would not let me give up on myself. Having experienced success with hypnotherapy, I believe in the method, but I think that, like all forms of therapy, a lot depends upon the practitioner. Brian is a singularly skilled practitioner. The depth of his knowledge and understanding is exceptional. He is kind, trustworthy, patient, insightful, compassionate, creative, and very professional. He always treated me with incredible care and consideration. I have profound admiration for him as a professional and great affection for him as a person. I went into this work wondering whether I could trust Brian with my most painful experiences. I quickly knew that I could. I also worried whether change was even possible after years of seemingly immutable behavior. The answer has been an emphatic "yes." In my experience, Brian is a miracle worker and I recommend him without reservation to anyone looking to find a lasting solution to a problem. Five stars on Yelp means "Whohoo! As good as it gets. Truer words were never spoken. read more

I worked with Brian for about 4 months. His skillset and ability to communicate effectively were top of the line. I left his office every week feeling recharged and was able to really improve my mindset in a variety of different situations. Brian gave me the control to get to my own resolutions. He was there to guide, and to help explore -- but in the end, Brian helped me realize that I was able to come to the changes I needed myself. The word empowering comes to mind. Working with Brian is different. It's results oriented. It takes effort on your end. But rest assured, if you give him your trust he will guide you to where you want to be. Bonus: He's also just an all around awesome guy to talk to and learn from. read more

If you are tired of never-ending sessions with your therapist that seem to lead nowhere other than to a deeper level of a co-dependent bond and an empty wallet, see Brian. Brian will listen to your story and help set a realistic goal of achieving a positive outcome. He will charge you a flat fee that is SO competitive compared to other therapists in town. The best part there is no preset amount of sessions. He will take as much time with you as needed. That gave me a great level of comfort that if it took longer than expected to resolve my issue, I would not have had to come up with additional money. This factor also gave me confidence in Brian's expertise. What a refreshing concept for a therapy?! I was tired of discussing why and at what point of my life I developed the issue I had with the therapist I had been seeing before Brian. It seems to me that most therapists focus their time on this part of the issue but never get you to a level of actually overcoming the issue. I have also started feeling that the more I talked about my issue, the more I knew about the roots of it, the more discouraged I felt of ever resolving it. Brian's sessions can be intense. It is not a spa salon, for sure. You need to do your part of the work. Brian is extremely committed to succeeding together with the client. He won't be looking at the clock and finishing the session just when you feel you are so close to a breakthrough. He will finish the session only when you clear at least one layer of the issue and some progress has been made. It is an amazing experience walking out of his office, half-dizzy from all the work that has been done but happy with tangible results. I can't recommend Brian enough. Being able to live my life free of the issue I have carried with me for so many years is an incredible feeling. Don't waste your time on seeing therapists that stay away from setting tangible milestones in your treatment. If you are struggling with an issue and need help, do yourself a favor and see Brian. read more

Brian is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. When a session starts he gives you total, undivided attention, and works persistently to get you towards your goal. He doesn't get frustrated, he doesn't get bored, just works on your behalf the entire time. I found Brian's approach both firm and compassionate. I can also say that he helped me immensely. The whole process was very interesting and a bit unusual - but I was an engaged participant in every step of the process - Brian's guidance was firm, but he always respected my limits. I can strongly recommend Brian to anyone looking to work through an issue - his work is precise and effective - a rare find in this world. read more

Perfection. Brian is simply the best you'll ever find. If you come to him with a problem, he'll find the best solution as quickly and efficiently as possible. He simply does whatever it takes to improve your life. Personally I believe this is the exact way it should be done. The current standard is to pay a psychologist/psychiatrist/hypnotist for endless sessions that never really seem to go anywhere. Instead, Brian has set up a system that is focused on results and success. He'll not only help you reach your goal as efficiently as possible, but will also take action to help in any related area of your life that's within his ability. Although I will warn that if you don't want to change yourself or aren't willing to put in the work, no one will be able to help you - not even Brian. However if you do want change and will put in the work, Brian is the man you want to hire. Brian is a professional, easy-going, brilliant, all around great guy who will commit himself to helping you in any and every way he can. read more

I know it's boring seeing nothing but 5 star reviews on this page, but honestly it's really hard to rate Brian lower. If you have a problem that you are ready to get over, Brian will help you do that. I can't recommend him enough, I came to him with an issue that I've been dealing with for over a decade, and it was almost completely resolved within 2 months. Somewhere in that time he also managed to help me with general anxiety. Well worth the time and money. read more

Since starting hypnotherapy, for most, feels riskier than eating out, I thought I'll write a detailed (and lengthy) review for this one. I hope it helps. Here is my story. I had a problem with overeating. I wasn't overweight, but certainly on my way there--and, despite being otherwise strong willed, I couldn't stay on a diet. I was also a beer drinker, in part because beer is awesome, but mainly because beer tended to alleviate my terribly strong, chronic migraines. So, eating and migraines. I read some stuff about hypnotherapy, found Brian's website and called him. At first, I was somewhat annoyed. I thought hypnosis will be the easy way: he'll put me in trance and tell me to stop eating. Instead, we kept talking about me and my problems, over the phone and during the entire first meeting. Wasn't hypnosis supposed to 'reprogram' me quickly and effectively, unlike never ending psychotherapy? But when Brian finally hypnotized me (btw, a process much less ritualized and absurd than what I expected it to be), he was able to use all this information to make me follow a particular anxiety of mine back to its origins. I travelled back to an event I didn't consciously remember, and he spent over an hour guiding me in 'fixing' this harmful memory. If that sounds unimpressive or primitively Freudian, let me just say that I, a proficient skeptic, left his office a different person. It felt as if a loose part inside me was suddenly fixed; something clicked back in, a missing piece was found. You can insert any cheesy metaphor of that sort here, and they will all feel right, because I did suddenly become calmer and happier. My bike was easier to ride and Boston didn't feel that cold. As we went on, I kept feeling better and more stable. And then the best thing happened: my migraines disappeared. They really did. I still can't get over it. It felt like a miracle after years of taking prescribed pain medication and structuring my life around my attacks. Seriously, my migraines were so bad that once my partner had to locate my phone via Friend Tracker and drive to get me from Harvard square, where I was lying on a bench, unable to speak or see. So, all this was good, but I kept overeating. I didn't particularly care anymore, since so many other issues were helped--I wanted to end the therapy and enjoy my now pain-free life. But Brian is very goal-oriented; he wasn't satisfied. He offered me a complimentary session, worked on me with twice the commitment, and, in all seriousness, managed to make this issue much, much better. I suspect that one more session would be ideal, but I had to leave the US. I certainly will try to see him again when I come back, but here I am, writing this review from Poland, the land of beer and pierogi, not having either. To sum up, Brian is pretty great. He only takes on those clients he believes he can help (instead of treating a good friend of mine, who called him on my recommendation, he suggested that she should see another therapist, who might be a better fit for her). He's pragmatic, very down to earth. He's not mystifying his craft; in fact he somehow makes hypnosis seem more 'normal' than regular therapy. He was pleasant to be around, not once made me feel ashamed, weird or unsafe. He had enough confidence to make me trust him and his abilities, but not so much that he seemed like a jerk. At times he was a little harsh, but I never felt it was inappropriate--it was always well-measured and effective. He was willing to change strategies if something wasn't working, and he had to be flexible with me, because I'm generally resistant and argumentative. He seemed to be genuinely concerned about the outcome. And he takes a good care of his plants. End of rant. read more

Not a fan. I paid about 1500.00 out of pocket for hypnosis with no results. I did appreciate Brian's calm nature, but the hypnosis did not work. I found out through an experienced, licensed PhD counselor that I had PTSD and how I can treat it. This was uncovered in 2-3 visits and my insurance covered the cost. I would not recommend paying out of pocket for services that might not work at all. read more

Brian's treatment is invaluable. Before I went to him for help, I had been suffering with an issue for nearly five years. Within just a few sessions, Brian helped me get over my problem. Brian was very understanding and dedicated in helping me. He has had extensive training in his field and knows what he's doing. I'm also reassured that if the problem ever resurfaces, his door is always open. I highly recommend Brian Mahoney for anyone who wants fast and effective results. read more

Brian is fantastic. I was not sure what to expect, as I am a very skeptical person, and don't open up very easy, but I was highly impressed after the first session. He took his time (as long as you need) to fully understand the situation, he is very kind and genuinely cares about his clients. He can be very direct too, and the sessions can be intense as you go deep into your situation. When I went to see Brian, I was dealing with high levels of stress at work, emotional issues + and a cycle of Cluster headaches (not a great combination). During the sessions we went through a lot of old memories and experiences, then I was given some homework! Brian is not a magician, but his stuff truly works If you are willing to put an effort. Brian provided me with great advice and skills that I can use in everyday situations. I was able to let go stuff that I was no able to control and focus on what I can control. I was even able to reach a new level of relaxation that still helps me with my cluster headaches. I had my sessions more than a year ago, but recently I called Brian to ask for advice, and he was very diligent in responding! Brian once again provided me with great advice. I am very thankful I found Brian, he is making a positive difference in people's lives - Gracias Brian! read more

Just one session was helpful to me (that's probably not true for everyone!). I tried this as an alternative to regular therapy and am glad I did. Brian is very sincere and caring. I was actually suspect that I couldn't find anything but fantastic reviews about him online, but it turns out there's a good reason for that! read more

Brian is the most caring and creative therapist I've ever worked with. During a difficult time in my life, he pulled me out of the darkness and helped me find hope again. After a few sessions, I was sleeping again (after months of insomnia), which got everything headed in a better direction. He helped me to heal a problem that I'd been dealing with for almost 5 years. Instead of countless tests and diagnoses, I finally started making progress. Using his techniques, I was able to start visualizing and communicating with the thing that (I thought) was causing me so much distress. Brian taught me so many skills that I can use for the rest of my life, helping me to better understand my own imagination and heart. Instead of labeling me and throwing me in a bucket, he was incredibly compassionate and took the time to truly understand what I was going through. Also, his sessions last as long as you need. I never once saw him glance at a clock or ask me to wrap things up. He genuinely wanted to spend all the time necessary to help me. I am so grateful to Brian and cannot recommend him highly enough. read more

I saw Brian in the summer of 2009 for an ocd related issue that had been bothering me for years, and then I saw him again in the summer of 2010 for a couple of other issues, which were causing a severe physical problem, and was extremely serious. Both times that I saw Brian worked. The treatment also consisted of coaching, homework assignments, such as reading books that were tailored to getting over my issues. Most importantly however, at the end of both '09&'10 treatments, I remember Brian more than subtly implying the importance of exercise, physical fitness. Now, after having lost nearly 50 lbs, due to a passion for Stott Pilates, I now understand what Brian was really saying--so, if Brian says the same subtle cue to you, it's imperative that you take his advice into serious consideration, and find an exercise program that works: It will make all the difference, will compliment the treatment, and you will be all the better for it. My own input would be to follow Brian's treatment up with Stott Pilates, regular easy cardio exercise. I did Yoga for a year, but the spiritual mumbo jumbo and the overall atmosphere of whininess was too much--so get with a good Stott Pilates studio. Also, If you are considering going to Brian, I would strongly suggest NOT reading anything about hypnosis, or NLP, as it may be a distraction, cause unnecessary skepticism. Just let Brian do his thing: it will work! read more

I am so thankful to have met Brian. I met him when I was at a crossroads, I believed that I either needed to leave the workforce or start medicating for my social anxiety issues. Years of psychotherapy helped me to understand my issues surrounding anxiety and fear of failure, but did nothing to help solve my problems and I would frequently feel worse after my weekly sessions from the consistently negative focus. After some research, I decided that Brian would be my last stop before moving to a more drastic approach. I reached out to him and had a long phone conversation about my issues, what I was trying to accomplish and if he could help me. I immediately liked his fee structure as I felt that paying him a flat fee upfront would incentivize him to provide me with the tools to reach my goals, as opposed to establishing a long-term relationship of paying per visit potentially indefinitely, and I was was excited to switch to a solutions based approach. I knew from the first conversation with Brian that he cared about me conquering these issues whether it was with him or elsewhere and I am so happy that I decided with work with him and made the investment in myself. It has been a lot of work, but he gave me the tools the move on with my life and I now laugh about situations I previously found terrifying. I couldn't recommend him more highly. read more

I had a problem which I was not able to handle myself. I really had a hard time dealing with it. I heard many good things about Brian and read lots of review articles (not only on Yelp) before committing for a treatment plan. I am very glad I did that. Brian, to start with, is very patient and listens to you. He is very good and is definitely a welcome change to conventional medicine and therapy. Brian helped me learn a lot about my problem. By knowing the cause I was able to have a better handle on it. Then he made me realize the root causes of these problems and worked on it. I would definitely recommend this place for people who want to try out new treatment and ready to work towards it. read more

Calling Brian was the best phone call I ever made. I had been struggling with food related issues due to anxiety for years. I had done "traditional" therapy and tried every diet there was, in the process losing a lot of confidence I would ever get a handle on it. I called Brian at the point of feeling I had nothing left to lose. Right from our first conversation all my preconceived notions of hypnosis were shattered. Brian took the time to have a meaningful discussion about what I was struggling with and what my ultimate goal was. He asked very thoughtful, insightful questions to not only understand what I seeking but to also see if I would be someone he felt he could work with. During our first session he was very clear about the process, what to expect, what not to expect, and dispelled any fears or anxiety I had about working with him. Brian puts you at ease which is good because this process is not easy. He doesn't wave a pocket watch and make you feel sleepy while suggesting that you no longer like cake. While that would have been easy and solved a bunch of problems, the process is much deeper than that and has many more positive results than I expected. You have to do a lot of work and come face to face with things you may have "swept under the rug" for years but in the end it's very cathartic. Brian is very adept at listening to you and filtering out the important questions. He will guide you to the areas that need to be explored that you didn't even realize were there. His process is both supportive and pragmatic and he will work with you until you reach your goal. Working with him was the first time I felt optimistic I could get a handle on my issues and the outcome has been nothing short of fantastic. I not only feel that I have much more control over my behavior around food, I also feel control over my anxiety which has plagued me for much longer. It has been a gradual change but very organic. My friends and family have also noticed a change; I am much more centered, and a lot thinner. I really can not recommend Brian enough. It really was the best phone call I ever made. read more

I called Brian after struggling with anxiety for the past few years. I tried a couple of cognitive behavioral therapists, and while helpful, my anxiety was still present in my daily life. I was really nervous and - surprise - anxious about meeting with him as I had no idea what to expect. It is hard to explain what Brian does but whenever I think about my sessions with him, I think of it as "the best thing I have ever done for myself." There is no other way to describe it. The only downside I would say to his practice, and all therapy really, is that the appointments are very long and during the day and I have a job that is difficult to get away from. Some of my anxiety is still present, however I now have the tools to manage it and can understand exactly where it is coming from. Brian gave me the knowledge I need to be able to tackle my anxieties and that knowledge is invaluable. I am a stronger and more confident person than I have been in years. read more

I am a successful person but had my share of personal baggage and challenges I wanted to resolve. Attracted to the very positive reviews, I had an excellent initial call with Brian but, initially, thought the price of $2,700 upfront was more than I wanted to spend. Still, I felt Brian truly helped me just from the initial phone interview so I decided to move forward. I am profoundly amazed. Brian has exceeded all of my expectations. He is worth every single penny and, knowing what I now know, I would gladly pay double. He has helped me erase bad habits, feel comfortable in my own skin, while positively positioning all my energies towards my pursuit of happiness, success, fulfillment, etc. You have to want to make positive changes in your life and go in open and ready to participate, but the rewards are life altering exceptionally positive. Brian gets the fullest endorsement I can possibly give, and I hope to those who read this, you will follow my path and move forward with Brian. You will not be disappointed. read more

I went to Brian for my fear of flying, not knowing how it would work at all. My fear of flying was quite bad- it didn't stop me traveling if a plane was absolutely necessary but if there was another way I would do it, like 30 hour drives on vacation rather than 4 hour flights, and when I was on a flight I was crying and panicking the whole way! I seen Brian ~3 times and I am 90% happier when flying. I can't believe it worked- and it wasn't magic. It was like everything he said made sense and was logical. As well as this, somehow, I feel better about other things in my life, that I didn't really have a problem with but my outlook about somethings has improved. And apart from all that, Brian is just a really nice man, (with a nice voice!), he doesn't want to find out your personal information, he really just wants to help, and he does. The hypnotherapy, which felt more like therapy, has really improved my life, and I feel safer knowing that if I ever felt bad about flying again, I could talk to Brian. I would totally recommend him and believe he could help with any issue. read more

If you are questioning it for whatever reason, call right away. Brian changed my life. I had panic attacks and anxiety for years and haven't had once since our sessions. I cannot recommend this therapy any higher. You won't regret it. read more

I went to Brian in a state of utter frailty and vulnerability. He took that state and made it worse. He was cruel. He was unprofessional. He was so ill informed and incompetent it was scary. I finally saw an actual doctor and was correctly diagnosed and treated for PTSD. After each session with Brian I felt worse and worse, not a place you want to be when you are already holding on by a thread. I would like to spare anyone else thinking he might be the answer. read more

I sent an email to Brian explaining my situation and pleading for help. Unfortunately, after about a month, I have not received any followup emails or phone calls. Very disappointing since based on the reviews posted here, I was very enthusiastic about finding someone who can help me address my anxiety problems, which are almost debilitating. read more