Together we can make positive change by connecting with the unconscious and delving into the heroic story that wants to be lived on your life’s journey.

Interested in working with Darlena?
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Phone: 805.267.9815
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Virtual and On-Site Services
• Archetypal Analysis
• Hypnotherapy
• Language of Dreams Workshop
• Liberating Soul Class
• Self-Hypnosis Workshop

On-Site Only Services
• Retreats in Sacred Places



Santa Barbara, CA

Jungian Hypnotherapy

DARLENA DENCH

Hello! I am a certified hypnotherapist with a Ph.D. in Mythological Studies and Depth Psychology. A born counselor with an empathetic ear and keen analytic insight, I’m a lifelong student of psyche and a mythologist who understands the tapestry of the world’s most potent archetypal stories and their underground connection to our lives.

My doctorate is from Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school “framed in the traditions of depth psychology” and my dissertation research explored the ways in which real-life travels and encounters with remarkable places and cultures can facilitate the kind of personal growth that C.G. Jung calls “individuation” and James Hillman calls “soul-making.” In my work with clients, I serve as a guide for this type of a personal growth journey.

My diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy is from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), the most comprehensive hypnotherapy and residency program in the United States. I’m a member of Hypnotherapists Union Local 472 and the American Hypnosis Association, where I am regularly involved in continuing education.

All in all, my unique background is blended in order to guide people toward discovering their ingenuity and making profound changes. I utilize dreamwork, sandtray, writing/art exercises, imagery and/or authentic movement along with hypnotherapy to help people tap into their unconscious inner resources, overcome past habits and achieve their goals. My office is in Santa Barbara, and I also have an online practice seeing clients from all over the world via Zoom or Skype.   

Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of profound relaxation in which the mind is more receptive to new ideas and suggestions. In other words, hypnosis is a natural learning state in which preconceived notions are temporarily suspended in order to take in new information. Each of us unwittingly enters hypnosis several times every day while watching a film or scrolling through media, when awestruck by something of beauty in the world, or a romance, when trying to wrap the mind around new concepts, or even while driving a car. In hypnotherapy, we use hypnosis to relax the mind and introduce positive, helpful suggestions that are related to your wellness goals. By entering into a deeper state of consciousness, you are able to relax the body, release worries, calm the mind, access inner resources, and change any unhelpful scripts which seem to be stuck in a playback loop.

Why Choose Hypnotherapy?
Because it Works! By harnessing your own natural ability to learn, along with the power of the unconscious, hypnotherapy is often quick and effective in resolving blocks, helping you focus on what is important for your well-being, and aligning you, energetically, with meaningful goals. With hypnotherapy, you can replace limiting behaviors or expectations with productive new habits and an attitude that promotes growth and success.

Hypnotherapy helps you focus, direct and maximize your own wellspring of inner strength. It’s an effective, relaxing and drug-free way to makes changes in your life.

Can I be hypnotized?
Yes. Everyone can be hypnotized.

What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is a natural state. By purposely choosing to enter hypnosis for 5-25 minutes, you experience profound physical and mental relaxation and then return to an alert state feeling refreshed and revitalized. In hypnosis, you are not asleep. In fact, most people report an energizing experience and clarity of focus. While experiences vary slightly depending on personal learning style and/or mood of the day, the end result each time is an improved sense of wellbeing.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
It is not possible to remain stuck in hypnosis. All trances end, whether ended by the Hypnotherapist, ended by you, or ended naturally, simply because the body is ready to shift the state of consciousness.

While in hypnosis, can I be compelled to do or say things I don’t want to do or say?
You will never be asked (and can never be asked) to do or say anything under hypnosis that is in conflict with your personal, ethical standards and/or desires. In fact, your own natural protection (your ego) remains aware of everything that is happening so that you easily reject anything that, for any reason, is misaligned with your purpose. As your hypnotherapist, my role is to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals. I am acting as a guide and facilitator, while you remain in control.

What is Archetypal Analysis?
Each of us is living a story, often quite unconsciously following a plot that seems to follow certain patterns or inevitable twists of fate. We may, from time to time, step out of the story to notice familiar themes that seem to repeat themselves, keeping us in a loop. Or we may even find ourselves feeling stuck in a tragedy that ill befits us, causing dissonance and dis-ease. “Archetypal Analysis” involves discerning the threads of the story you were meant to live, one that lives inside you in harmony with your soul’s purpose and innermost genius. Together, we move away from the old, outdated, overgrown or inflated programming in order to discover the meaningful, heroic journey that calls to you from profound depths.



About Darlena

What is my typical process for working with a new client?
Typically, we start with a free consultation to discuss your goals and how my approach can help address these goals. Then the first session involves further discussion, testing for suggestibility (learning style) and acclimation to hypnotherapy. After that, the format usually includes about an hour of discussion (including progress, challenges and suggestions, along with dreamwork, if desired) and about 20-30 minutes of hypnotherapy. Some clients opt for shorter sessions, and we adapt as necessary.

What credentials do I have for my specialty/specialties?
I have a B.A. in Psychology, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Mythological Studies and Depth Psychology. My doctoral research looked into the elements involved in personal growth (that which psychologist C.G. Jung called “individuation” and James Hillman called “Soul-making). In addition, I have a diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy from Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), the first accredited college for Hypnotherapy, with the most comprehensive hypnotherapy education and residency program in the United States. I’m a member of Hypnotherapists Union Local 472 and the American Hypnosis Association, where I am regularly involved in continuing education.

What types of clients have I worked with?
While I have different types of clients, the majority are women who are highly educated, intelligent and/or talented and yet who find themselves “stuck,” for one reason or another. Some are suffering from a lack of motivation, direction, loss of energy, and/or anxiety which seems to get in the way of reaching their potential. Others are noticing health concerns that seem directly related to anxiety and/or past trauma. Many of my clients reveal their relationship challenges and are relieved to receive guidance in this area.

What to expect

Testimonials

“I have worked with other therapists before, but, in working with Darlena, I have noticed a lot of change in myself in just a few months. She explains things in a way that really make sense to me.” - Eric C.

“The conversation flows quite naturally with Darla. I appreciate her Jungian approach, and I actually feel a physical shift, something new constellating, after the hypnotherapy portion of our sessions.” - Sally H.

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