Meet Wilma Godby, BS, MS (Psychology), CCHT
Clinical Administrator and Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Compassionate guidance. Meaningful change. A more empowered you.
Wilma was born and raised in the beautiful city of Cuenca, Ecuador, surrounded by the breathtaking mountains and valleys of “The Andes.” Growing up as the fourth of five daughters, she was blessed with the unconditional love and care of her mother, grandmother, aunt, and older sister. Her father, who served in the military from a young age, instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility, discipline, and respect for others. These early lessons continue to guide how she approaches life and cares for others.
At the age of 20, Wilma immigrated to the United States after marrying her American husband.
Together, they have built a life and raised two wonderful adult sons. Family, connection, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives remain among her greatest sources of joy.
Creativity has always been one of Wilma’s greatest passions. She enjoys transforming ordinary objects and spaces into something beautiful and functional, whether by creating Victorian-style lampshades, decorating homes, remodeling interiors, or redesigning clothing and jewelry. She approaches each project with patience, attention to detail, and the belief that beauty and purpose can work together.
Wilma also enjoys hiking, dancing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and continually challenging herself to grow personally and professionally. These interests reflect qualities she values in her work: curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and an appreciation for each person’s unique story.
Her Professional Life
Wilma’s desire to help others began in childhood. At 28, she became a social worker and spent 13 years working with Portland Public Schools, supporting students and families through different life stages.
After returning to California more than two decades ago, she helped her husband establish their clinic and became its administrator. Over the years, she has worked closely with physicians, medical assistants, and premedical students while continuing to learn about evolving healthcare practices.
Although Wilma found great fulfillment in healthcare administration, she felt increasingly drawn to working more directly with people and their emotional well-being. That passion inspired her to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Science of Psychology, graduate with honors, and become a Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Today, Wilma brings together her experience in social services, healthcare, psychology, and hypnotherapy with a sincere commitment to helping people explore healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. She believes personal growth begins with respect, collaboration, and an approach that recognizes each person’s individual needs.
Her Approach to Hypnotherapy
Wilma believes meaningful change begins with feeling heard, respected, and understood. Each person brings a unique history, experiences, and goals to the process. Her approach is compassionate and individualized, respecting each person’s dignity, values, and pace of progress.
She aims to create a calm, collaborative environment where clients can ask questions, share concerns, and decide whether hypnotherapy fits their goals. Sessions begin with a discussion of what brings the client in, what they hope to change, and any questions or concerns they may have.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a guided process that uses focused attention, relaxation, and therapeutic suggestions to help people explore thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. During a session, the client and therapist discuss goals and choose an approach that fits their needs.
Depending on the individual’s needs, Wilma may guide clients through breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, mental imagery, or focused-attention exercises. This process may help clients reflect on habitual responses, consider new perspectives, and practice healthier ways of responding to challenging situations.
Clients remain involved and able to make choices throughout the process. Hypnosis is not mind control, and it does not mean surrendering one’s will.
Clients can communicate, ask questions, decline suggestions, or stop the process at any time.
Sessions are tailored to the individual. Depending on a person’s goals and circumstances, hypnotherapy may complement relaxation, stress management, confidence, and behavior change. It is not a substitute for necessary medical care or evidence-based mental health treatment, and outcomes vary from person to person.
How Wilma May Help You
Life can present challenges that leave people feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, anxious, or stuck in patterns they wish they could change. Wilma’s goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns and identify practical, individualized strategies for moving forward.
Depending on your needs and whether hypnotherapy is appropriate, sessions may focus on:
- Stress management and relaxation: Developing techniques to manage everyday pressures and cultivate a greater sense of calm.
- Anxiety-related concerns: Practicing relaxation, focused attention, and constructive responses to anxious thoughts and situations.
- Habit and behavior change: Exploring established patterns and reinforcing healthier choices.
- Emotional awareness and coping: Developing a better understanding of emotional responses and practicing more adaptive coping strategies.
- Confidence and personal growth: Strengthening self-awareness and working toward personally meaningful goals.
- Support alongside other care: Using appropriate hypnotherapy techniques as a complement to care provided by qualified healthcare professionals when indicated.
The first step is a conversation about what you are experiencing, what you want to change, and whether hypnotherapy is a suitable option for you. Wilma believes in being transparent if another form of care would better meet your needs and supporting an appropriate referral.
A Personal Invitation
It would be my privilege to accompany you as you explore your goals and discover new ways of responding to life’s challenges. You do not need to have everything figured out before seeking support. Sometimes, the first step is simply being willing to talk, ask questions, and consider new possibilities.
Si prefiere, podemos hablar en Español!
I look forward to meeting you, learning about your needs, and helping you determine whether hypnotherapy may be a helpful part of your journey toward greater well-being.
With warmth and respect,
Wilma Godby, BS, MS (Psychology), CCHT
Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist