Founded in 1977 by Master Hypnotist Josie Hadley, the Palo Alto School of Hypnotherapy has certified many hundreds of extraordinary hypnotherapists. The school curriculum has evolved academically since 1977 by adding courses, seminars and workshops to educate and professionalize practitioners. Shortly before Josie Hadley passed away in December, 2007, she wisely sold the school to Dorthy Tyo who had been teaching, developing courses, and managing the school for over 20 years. In January, 2008 Dorthy took on the full responsibilty of moving the school forward and invited Isabela Delcourt to teach the curriculum in spanish. In China, Sandy Chang teaches the basic courses to many students who want to help others as well.
The basic mission of this school is to offer courses designed to prepare students in the use of the most modern, researched, and substantiated therapeutic techniques of hypnosis and related modalities while providing extensive skill development through didactic presentations and monitored practice where students are encouraged to explore the use and application of these therapeutic skills in their personal and professional lives. The school promotes public and professional awareness of the clinical and medical benefits of hypnosis as a therapeutic intervention so that people can learn to utilize the abilities inherently within.