Working with Dr. John McGrail was truly one of the best decisions I've ever made. He helped me resolve long-standing issues that many in similar situations are never able to overcome. He did this in just two sessions, with a third session used to reinforce and close the work. The changes were immediate. Beyond his effectiveness, Dr. John is simply a wonderful human being -- kind, sincere, thourough, and deeply present. He made me feel completely comfortable and respected throughout the entire process. There was no judgment, just thoughtful guidance and genuine care. He is a lovely person. I also read his book, The Synthesis Effect, which was incredibly insightful and aligned with the work we did together. It helped me understand why the process works and reinforced everything I experienced during our sessions. If you're looking for someone who is not only highly skilled at what he does but also truly compassionate, I can't recommend Dr. John enough. read more

Working with Dr John has been life-changing. His compassion, wisdom, and willingness to share his own experiences--paired with masterful expertise in hypnosis--have transformed nearly every part of my life. As a combat veteran who carried deep, long-standing wounds and recently faced intense family struggles, I was in a very dark place. In an incredibly short time, Dr John helped me realign my life and release burdens I thought I'd carry forever. I feel lighter, stronger, and more hopeful than I have in years. I'm profoundly grateful -- thank you, Dr John! read more

Dr McGrail is amazing. I have had great results after only two sessions. Don't hesitate to get in touch with him for help with any issues. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. read more

Dr McGrail is absolutely amazing. He works with you on whatever issue you are trying to solve. He intently listens and cares and comes up with different ways to tackle the issue. I highly highly recommend him! He has helped me tremendously read more

John McGrail has been a lifesaver for me. Cycling has always been my outlet and an activity where I found great joy. More recently due to a few close calls with cars I've had issues with descending, a paralyzing fear even when there was no immanent threat, and incredible anxiety. I have battled this issue a few times, but this relapse was by far the worst and I didn't know I'd ever be able to ride my bike like I had in the past. It also concerned me how quickly I deteriorated from the very best version of myself as a cyclist to someone who could hardly navigate down a simple downhill in my own neighborhood. After 4 sessions with Dr. McGrail I've been able to get back to a place where I can enjoy cycling again - and feel like myself. He's also given me tools to keep my mental state in check and continue to improve outside his office. His treatment helped me immensely for a very specific issue, but I can see how it could easily help in many other facets of life (career, personal life, etc). I would highly recommend Dr. McGrail. I was hopeful, but somewhat skeptical at first, but after the first session with John I was a believer in both his ability to fix me and my ability to fix myself. read more

I worked with Dr.McGrail for symptoms of anxiety and depression. He really took the time to get to know me and my specific situation. He made sure to check up on me in between sessions which was very kind of him as well. I would recommend Dr.McGrail to anyone dealing with roadblocks in there life that they can quite get past by themselves. read more

John McGrail really cares about his patients. He truly wants to see them succeed and do well and be well. I can't express how grateful I am for his home and I'll professional and profound his help has been. read more

My experience with Dr. McGrail was great and just as I hoped. I liked that working with him was fast paced, to the point and not prolonging the treatment as many other therapists do. I also read his book before my first session and really gave me a perfect idea of his methods. I really recommend doing this, specially if it's your first time with hypnotherapy. Thank you doctor! read more

The best!! I used to bite my nails all of my life and tried everything and nothing helped to keep me from the awful habit. But after 3 sessions with Dr. McGrail I completely stopped bitting my nails for good! I genuinely never thought this was possible, and I am so grateful for him. read more

After 5 years of struggling with a nicotine addiction I am finally free, all thanks to Dr. McGrail!!! I was a bit nervous going in as I had never tried hypnotherapy before, but Dr. John explained the process to me and his approach was super calming and reassuring. I am both amazed and so grateful for him & his work before him I never thought I could really quit, but here I am! If you are struggling with quitting smoking I urge you to reach out to Dr. McGrail! I truly couldn't be happier with his work or more proud of myself! Update: I have one month free from smoking today and I just wanted to thank Dr. John again!!! A month ago I was stuck thinking I couldn't quit and he really just gave me that final push and I couldn't be more thankful. Dr. John, I'm so grateful for you and your work, & for healthy lungs and an addiction free lifestyle! Thank you! read more

I can not tell you how much Dr Mcgrail helped me. I had tried to quit smoking many times before but the steps he had me take was the nail in the coffin. Thank you so much for giving me the support I needed to finally kick the habit once and for all. read more

I had an extremely positive experience with hypnotherapy to quit smoking. Dr McGrail was professional and personable and such a joy to work with. I quit smoking with zero cravings or urges and felt such positivity from our session. I would definitely recommend Dr McGrail to everyone read more

Dr. McGrail helped me find relief from anxiety that had been developing over time, getting progressively worse. It would trigger during professional and personal moments, and I was losing confidence as a result of it. Dr. McGrail predicted that I would find relief after 6 sessions, and I actually found relief after the very first session. In fact, we completed our work together after 3 sessions, and I feel completely relieved. Those sessions also addressed other imbalances I was having, but hadn't realized. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Dr. McGrail. I had never visited a hypnotherapist before, and any reservations I had were eliminated after my introductory session. read more

Hello, I've known John for about a year now. I'm a professional coach, and he's successfully worked with several of my clients. I've also gotten to know him through a professional business organization. I've found him to be capable, highly experienced, and warm. His office is also comfortable and peaceful. He's the most solid hypnotherapist I've met hands down. If you're looking to tackle some deep-rooted issues, give John a call. Yours, LW read more

After decades of smoking, I was able to quit! Basically after my session, smoking was no longer an option. Unfortunately my elderly mother died unexpectedly the day after my last day of smoking and I still didn't smoke and haven't since. read more

Dr. McGrail helped me live my best life. I started seeing him because I was suffering from severe anxiety and I wanted to see if hypnosis would help. Nothing else was helping, not exercise, not medication, and not cognitive behavioral therepy, not for me anyways. I was skeptical because I didn't know much about hypnotherapy, but i was desperately searching for help and something in the universe called me to Dr. McGrail. When we first started, I had relentless anxious thoughts, PTSD, and generalized anxiety. Every moment of my life was anxious, even in my sleep with nightmares. I had suicidal thoughts and fantasies because i just couldn't see a way out of my anxiety. I started making progress after the 1st session, but after the 4th session i was on my way to being a new person. I could relax again at home. I had moments of peace and calm that i hadn't had in over two years. I could enjoy my time with friends and family and be present instead of being in my own thoughts. I could see a new life for myself. I regained my hope. Once I could see the possibility for peace inside myself, things started to change quickly. I more peace and happiness inside me than i could have imagined when i started. I continue to use what i have learned from him even a year later. I can truly say that i am back to being myself and i feel renewed. No longer weighed down and held back by my anxiety. I am more confident and moving my career forward. Even taking chances and opportunities that would have scared me away before. For as long as i can remember, whenever i had a wish to make (on a star or dandelion), i wished to be happy. Now i do not have to make that wish, i already have it The work that we did together saved my life. I am so grateful for Dr. McGrail and the transformation he guided me through. read more

Certain skills can be taught while others take a keen talent and a lot of time to acquire. Hypnotherapy definitely falls under the latter and Dr. John is a consummate professional in this field. I have a friend who is now fortunate enough to call him his mentor. She can't say enough about how he's positively impacted her life. read more

I came to Dr. John for issues with anxiety and public speaking. We went deeper into my subconscious beliefs together and put a plan in action to rewire that thinking. I'm currently reading his book too! I feel a lot better, more confident and positive now. do the work, be honest with him and yourself and watch what happens! read more

I met Dr. McGrail when I went to him to quit smoking. He had successfully gotten 5 of my friends to quit so I decided to give hypnotherapy a chance. After just one session, I was able to put aside cigarettes! But that is not why I'm writing this review. I am writing this review because he also helped my 6 year old daughter with her severe anxiety of vomiting. Last summer, my daughter's anxiety was at an all time high. She had reached a point that she was in a state of panic 90% of her waking hours. She would cry at every meal and would refuse to eat, for fear that if she ate, she would vomit. She was always petite but she became off the charts skinny. She would break down at school during snack and lunch, as her teachers would try to navigate her anxiety through tools we had learned in therapy. She wouldn't go on play dates or want me to go anywhere without her. It was a very hard time to say the least. I called Dr. McGrail out of desperation. I had never heard of hypnotherapy for kids. But she had been going to a psychologist for 2 years by that time and things were getting worst. Dr. McGrail was very knowledgeable and reassuring. He knew about her phobia and had in fact treated others for it. I wanted him to treat my daughter ASAP as we were leaving on a family vacation in a couple of weeks and I wanted more than anything to just see my daughter laugh and be a kid and enjoy her vacation. Dr. McGrail moved appointments for us and worked with her therapist and pediatrician to get the logistics out of the way. We saw results after the very first session but it lasted just a day. After her 2nd session, her anxiety subsided for a week. After the 3rd session, she was anxiety free for about a month. We went back for a 4th session and she has now been anxiety free for about 4 months. Dr. McGrail gave me my daughter back. She is eating better than ever, she is thriving at school academically, socially and emotionally. She is a typical 7 year old, which is all I ever asked for. What Dr. McGrail did for my daughter is nothing short of magic. And I thank him in my head every time I see my baby girl laugh. read more

Just quit smoking about 3 weeks ago. It was painless, no cravings. I wake up so happy ever day that "I am nicotine free" The reinforcements help a lot If I can do this with tobacco wonder what I can do next? read more

Dr. John McGrail is not only the best Doctor I've ever been to, he is one of the most intelligent and caring people I have ever encountered. I am truly grateful for all that he has taught me. I am a 24-year-old aspiring actress and, for the past four-or-so years, have been suffering from severe depression and anxiety. My life was constant chaos - I couldn't seem to get to a place where I felt like I was in control, and my mind, body and spirit were dismantled and almost nonexistent in terms of where I wanted to be. I slept all day, and when I was awake, I had pain in my mind and in my heart that became physical in my body, as well. I was worried that my life was heading in a dark direction, so I decided to seek help. I first went to a psychotherapist, but after about 6-or-so months, found that I was still in practically the same spot - I felt like my distress and depression were just being talked about, not resolved in a constructive, lasting manner. So, my mom recommended I go see Dr. John McGrail, after she had gone to him to help her quit smoking (and it worked). Now, I feel like an entirely different person! Dr. McGrail kindly and tentatively listened to my problems and to what I was feeling, and helped devise a personalized approach to resolving them. He worked with me, and taught me how to use the power I have over myself, my mind and my life. Each and every human has super powers, and John McGrail teaches you how to use them! I have not experienced the severe, crippling sadness in months. I no longer allow myself to let anxiety overtake my thoughts or actions. I am more present in all situations. I have a daily routine and I exercise regularly. On top of that, things that I have manifested have begun to appear. For instance - I had expressed to John earlier this year that I wanted to move out of my parent's house by July into an apartment in Hollywood. Well, three months later, after consistent practice of the homework John McGrail had given me, I came across a Landlord in Hollywood who offered to rent me one of his apartments that is currently being renovated. When is the apartment going to be ready? July! Coincidence? I think not! More like the work of the super powers that John McGrail teaches his patients to use! Additionally, progress with my acting has really begun to accelerate, too. Looking back, I sometimes cannot believe how truly awful and sad I used to feel in comparison to now. On top of the drastic changes in the way I feel, I now have tools that I can call upon to continue to be constructive in my mind, body and spirit, and to serve myself, others and the greater good! I would highly recommend John McGrail to anyone who wants a change in their life! read more

I'm a rare breed: I'm a Los Angeles native. So, it goes without saying that I've been driving for most of my life. I spend enough hours on the road each week to qualify driving as a part time job. So, imagine my surprise when I started having anxiety about driving. It started with hating driving against the center divider when it is only about a foot away. Then it moved into being nervous around trucks. Then it was hills. Finally it was almost all the time. Something needed to be done...and quickly! Now, I know enough to be able to say my driving anxiety had something to do with feeling out of control. I also know sometimes fears are irrational. So, I opted to treat this in a different way than the usual therapy route. I decided to try hypnotherapy. I found John McGrail through my former networking group. He is a soft spoken man who exudes an empathetic nature. I liked him the first time I met him. My first session was two hours. It consisted of the obligatory paperwork followed by an oral batch of questions designed to find out more about my personality. Then we talked. We discussed my anxiety and the specifics of it. Finally we went into the hypnosis. I'm not sure what I was expecting. It was an intensely relaxing experience. I also was conscious every moment of it. It centered around a bunch of visualization techniques that I still use if I ever need to calm down. I was amazed to discover after my first session my driving anxiety was gone. I was half way through the Pasadena freeway, riding the center rail before I realized it wasn't bothering me at all. I was stunned! Elated! I felt so free! I had a few follow up sessions afterwards just to make sure it stuck. Strangely, I looked forward to these sessions every week. Then I was done. Released to drive on my own. I'll admit, I've felt a twinge of anxiety a couple of times since the therapy, but these have only happened when I've been really tired. That nervousness and fear is nothing compared to what I was feeling before. I consider myself over that anxiety for good! read more

Working with Dr. John was a fantastic experience. He takes the time to truly understand your desires and area that you want to focus on. He does a great job of listening and also takes the time to explain. I have noticed a huge improvement in many areas of my life, some that I didn't even know needed improvement. I would highly recommend working with Dr. John. read more

I appreciate Dr John reaching out to me personally, apologizing and initiating a refund promptly. He also offered to send me the files I needed to complete a program. Again, the issue was with the tech and not his personal services. Hopefully they will be able to resolve the download issues along with emails that weren't received. read more

I went to see Dr McGrail last year to help with my anxiety of driving on the freeways. I had 3 sessions with him. By the third session I felt confident to get on the freeway. I started slowly by getting on and off. The most dificult thing was getting use to the fast drivers. The big change came when I moved to Long Beach in April and something just clicked. I was able to stay on the freeway for longer periods of time and then one day I went from the 10 to 405 to 710 fwys. It was a miracle and I thank Dr McGrail everyday. Once in awhile I still get nervous (e.g. with large trucks) but I don't go into a complete panic. read more

Dr John McGrail's expertise and techniques are life changing ! I am going thru challenges in every area of my life from aging parents to business issues to a torturous, bullying, grueling divorce .. I left a controlling, abusive man after 13 years. I had lost my sense of purpose and sense of self. In 2 sessions with John McGrail I have regained strength mentally and physically. I have been able to sleep readily at bedtime, I have been able to focus on the here, now and not worry about the future ..AS MUCH as I had just days ago. I was referred to Dr McGrail by a Physician (md) .. I owed that Dr HUGE GRATITUDE !! A close friend went to John McGrail & in one session quit smoking with no cravings .. HE IS A MIRACLE WORKER .. OH ..but you have a bit of "homework" that he give you .. DO THAT HOMEWORK !! it reinforces what you have learned / experienced with him in his office. well worth the time & effort . read more

Dr. John McGrail is an amazing Hypnotherapist. I have tried many many different methods in my journey to accomplish and achieve a high level of success, confidence and freedom, however, none of them worked as much as Dr. John has helped me and my husband. He is passionate with his work and amazing at what he does. I highly highly recommend him. read more

I've always had trouble losing weight but with Dr Mcgrail it is about finding u and knowing u r good and getting rid of old baggage letting go of old feelings that have been pushed on you and that you have developed thinking that they are real. So happy to learn so much about me I'm not holding on anything negative but moving on with only good feelings it's not about the weight it's about letting go and choosing choices that will help you get to the person u r suppose to be come on the inside and making things to become natural enjoyed his classes very much. Thank you Lorri Zeidan read more

Dr. McGrail is a true gift! I always wanted to try hypnosis... I felt that certain behaviors and thoughts came from a deep place (my subconscious mind) thad I felt I had no control over. Dr. McGrail helped me explore and understand a lot of concepts that allowed me to open up to many possibilities to living a better life and feeling in control. After only six sessions I noticed a big shift in my personality, my thinking, and my behaviors. I am not sure if I can attribute it to the hypnosis exercises, the meditation that he encouraged me to do daily, or the great dialogue sessions we had together; perhaps it is a combination of all. All I know is that as I move forward in my life, I truly believe that I have control of who I am today and who I want to be in the future. I am more ready than ever to have the life that I've dreamed of. I feel stronger, more confident and ready to tackle life challenges with a positive attitude. Thank you Dr. McGrail for your time and your honest help. After trying different methods and therapies I finally believe that I have the tools that I need to do self-healing when I need it. You are a true master in what you do. May you always continue to help others heal and become the best version of themselves. read more

Dr. McGrail changed my life. I was suffering from depression and negative thinking that prevented me from being happy and accomplish anything. One session with him and with his help I took back control of my life. I immediately noticed a decrease in negative thinking on the very first session . I was happy about getting up in the morning. I discovered I was living my life for others and not myself. The only regret I have is not using him sooner. I assumed his service would cost an arm and leg given his prominence in the field, but it was very affordable. He truly cares about helping is patients. I can't thank him enough. read more

Dr John is a true professional. Honest, educated and passionate about his work. I've been a smoker for close to 20 years and he finally helped me kick the habit. He's able to dig into your subconscious and rewire your thoughts and provide tools to curb the urges. I highly recommend for anybody looking to make a change but is having difficulty getting over the (mental) hurdles. read more

After reading the Yelp reviews on Dr. McGrail, I thought I'd phone and see if he might be for me. Alas, he did not return my inquiry messages on his answering machine, which is what you get when you phone to speak with him-- a machine. And no return call. Just my experience. Not exactly a review or any insight into his abilities, but I thought other Yelpers should know this might happen to them if they phone this man. BTW, I wish there were more doctor/physician/therapist reviews on Yelp. I realize this is a very personal areal, and perhaps there is some other site that specializes in them that I don't know about? Yelp is great for restaurants and repair people and such, but wish there were more leads on the above. Thanks. read more

WOW...is the apropriate beginning to this review. I heard about Dr. John McGrail from a dear friend of mind whose daughter was suffering from severe anxiety. When my 9 year old son had a panic attack, that was unbearable to witness, I knew it was time to take action. I called Dr. McGrail immediately and he was able to squeeze us in 2 days later. My son had 1 session with him, and has improved 100%. He used to be afraid about the "what if's" of the world on a nightly basis, but since his appointment, he has had ZERO issues. He told me yesterday that he started to think about Zombies the other night before bed, and he practiced his breathing exercises and his fear disappeared...He said "I dont know how that works, but it does" Dr. John McGrail has a great way with kids and adults. Watching him practice hypnosis on our son was very powerful and positive. I know we may be back for a tune up at some point, and that is fine, because I feel like Dr. McGrail gave us back our sweet loving funny 9 year old son! I'm so grateful that we found him. I highly recommend! read more

The simplest way to explain it-- when talk to John, my blood pressure lowers and I feel inspired and in charge of my life. He has demonstrated to me how powerful the mind is... and while I'm a skeptic by nature, I think he's on to something. He reminds me that "life is supposed to be fun". read more

I am a professional hypnotherapist and my professional association is in SoCal. I heard about John and his good client care and excellent results. I have referred clients and they were very satisfied with the results. read more

Absolutely amazing. Life changing! Don't hesitate for a moment - go see him today!!! John McGrail made me feel comfortable and safe. I was able to go into such detail about my problem and his attentiveness and commitment to helping me reach my goals, was unlike anything I've ever experienced anywhere else. I've worked with him for my life goals, relationship issues, and all around self improvement. I'm happy to say I've reached every goal and exceed them and I'm confident in saying that I couldn't have done it without Dr. John McGrail. read more

John McGrail is not just a good hypnotherapist...he is an amazing hypnotherapist!!! I went to him to confront a variety of issues. I wanted him to help me wrap my mind around creating solutions to some of my problems, get my life and business more organized on a daily basis, and, most importantly, be happy. That has always been my real goal...to drink from a glass that is completely full. Easier said than done. But my sessions with John not only pointed me in the right direction, but held my hand a walked me through that maze with a gentle and loving spirit. The time he took to truly understand not only where I wanted to go, but also where I was coming from, set the foundation for total trust, which led to amazing sessions, which led to a much better attitude about myself and the world around me. John is the real thing...I guarantee it. read more

I don't even know where to begin, other than if you're looking for a hypnotherapist look no further, because Dr.John Mcgrail is the absolute best. I have been to so many other professionals and no one has ever been able to eradicate the base of my problems like Dr.Mcgrail has. I use to suffer from major anxiety and self worth, but truly never understood where the root of the problem was, until he put everything into perspective and helped me proliferate into the person I knew I was. I literally don't know where I would be without him. He's so smart, attentive, encouraging and truly cares to hear everything i have to say, and how he can rectify any problem that may be going through my head. I am beyond grateful, that I was able to find him! So if you're looking for a positive change, mentally, physically and emotionally, then you've found your guy! Thank you Dr.Mcgrail...forever grateful!! read more

My husband and I had been struggling to start a family, and between the stress of that experience, career instability, and the onslaught of COVID-19, I was living in a stress spiral that felt unmanageable. I was referred to Dr. McGail to help me reduce my anxiety, specifically to help support fertility. But working with Dr. McGrail brought so much more to the table than just "stress reduction." In just a few sessions with Dr. McGrail, I was able to uncover and resolve some deeper issues with my anxiety that years of traditional therapy had only scratched the surface on. My time with Dr. McGrail changed my whole perspective on my life, my happiness, and has helped lead me to make decisions in my career and personal life that I never would have had the courage to make before. Still no luck on the family front, but I feel so much more at peace with seeing how this process unfolds and just generally more optimistic about life and all of its possibilities--a gift all its own that keeps on giving everyday. Thank you, Dr. McGrail! read more

I was referred to Dr. McGrail by an associate of mine. I went in because I wasn't having the success in business that I wanted. During my time with Dr. McGrail so many thing became clear to me. After 2 months of working with Dr. McGrail I was able to recover the light inside and let that shine. After working with the Dr. I had a complete change. Started a new venture. I am HAPPY and having fun. One of the things I love is that from time to time he checks in to see how I am doing. I listen to his Transformation CD everyday. I recommended his book to a friend who said "Thank you. This book may have saved my life." Powerful. read more