I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Oregon.  I was licensed to practice as a psychologist in California from 1973 to May, 2022. Since retiring as a psychologist, I now practice as a life coach and hypnotherapist. 
 
I have completed training in clinical hypnosis, and I was an Approved Consultant certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.  In 2003, I was awarded the Milton H. Erickson Award For Scientific Excellence in Writing on Clinical Hypnosis. In 2008, I received the Roy M. Dorcus Award for Best Clinical Paper from the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.  I am a Fellow of both the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis andd the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.  I have been president of the San Francisco Academy of Hypnosis and president of the San Francisco Psychological Association.

I am a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD).

Over the past 30 years, I have" published articles in professional journals, and I have presented papers at national and international conferences devoted to hypnosis and psychotherapy. My book, “ Inner Strengths:  Contemporary Psychotherapy and Hypnosis for Ego Strengthening” co-authored with Claire Frederick, M.D., is available at www.Amazon.com. 

My self-hypnosis downloads can be purchased from the Store section of this website on the subjects of developing core inner strength; overcoming performance anxiety; controlling test-taking anxiety; mastering public speaking; and overcoming fear of flying. My three self-hypnosis downloads on creating a satisfying relationship are available by contacting me at mcnealshirley [at] gmail.com.