Clinical Excellence
Over 13 years of clinical practice at the intersection of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and holistic mental health — dedicated to empowering individuals to live life to the fullest.
13+
Years Clinical Experience
2
Clinical Settings
20+
Group Therapy Topics
6
Clinical Specializations
10
Online Course Modules
15
Book Chapters
Clinical Expertise
Treatment Approaches
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Full four-module framework with nationally certified DBTC specialization. Extensive experience in individual skills training and IOP group facilitation covering mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
NBCCH-certified clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy for relaxation, anxiety reduction, smoking cessation, and positive outcome imagery. Integrates NLP and Creative Visualization techniques for lasting subconscious behavioral change.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Groups
Comprehensive IOP group therapy programs running morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Developed curriculum spanning 20+ psychoeducational topics from DBT dialectical thinking to emotional intelligence and self-actualization.
Trauma-Informed Care
Biopsychosocial approach to treating PTSD and childhood trauma (ACEs). Safe Place Visualization, grounding techniques, and DBT-adapted trauma processing. Includes 'Healing the Child Within' group specialty.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction
Drawing from 2,500+ years of contemplative practice applied to modern mental health. Real-time present-moment awareness with radical acceptance, concentration techniques, and guided meditation.
Positive Outcome Imagery
Clinical visualization practice building self-image and motivation. Creating images of positive potential outcomes to replace negative expectations. Integrates with hypnotherapy and NLP for holistic treatment.
IOP Group Facilitation
Group Therapy Expertise
Each IOP group session follows a structured three-part format: mood survey and process, psychoeducational topic, and coping skills identification. Edward has developed and facilitated groups covering 20+ distinct focus areas.
Core DBT Modules
Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Dialectical Thinking, Walking the Middle Path
Personal Growth
Self-Esteem, Self-Actualization, The Art of Self-Discovery, Reaching for the Higher Self, The Power of Belief, Life Skills, Attitude
Healing & Processing
Grief and Loss, Healing the Child Within, Forgiveness, Radical Acceptance, Necessary Losses, Discharging Anger, Finding Clarity
Mind-Body Practices
Visualization, Positive Outcome Imagery, Creative Visualization/NLP, Breath, Concentration/Mindfulness, Meditation, Reiki Principles
Proprietary Frameworks
Original Therapeutic Tools
Edward has developed unique clinical frameworks that translate evidence-based practice into memorable, practical tools for clients.
B.E.T.H. and her S.E.E.D.S.
Breath, Emotion, Thoughts, and Health — how these body sensations regulate being Social, participating in Exercise, utilizing Education, having the strength to Diet, and getting the right amount of Sleep.
I.M.P.R.O.V.E. The Moment
Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Vacation, and Encouragement — a comprehensive crisis coping framework for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
F.A.C.T. Skill
Forgiveness, Acceptance, Change, and Truth — four pillars for processing emotional distress and building resilience in everyday life.
The Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Understanding Character and Temperament Types and how temperament determines your career path and ability to accomplish specific goals in life. 'Please Understand Me!'
O2E — Opposite to Emotion
An adaptation of DBT's Opposite Action skill — how to do the opposite of what you feel to experience events differently and use mindful awareness to regulate emotional responses.
Inner-Selfie Meditation
Mindfulness meditation using the metaphor of taking an 'Inner-Selfie' — truly looking at yourself in real time with radical acceptance to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
Credentials
Education & Certifications
Lindenwood University
Master of Arts — Licensed Professional Counseling
Concentrations in Hypnotherapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy · 2011–2016
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts — Applied Behavioral Science
Foundation in behavioral science, psychology, and human development.
LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
NBCCH
National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
DBTC
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certified
ABS
Applied Behavioral Science
Professional Endorsements
What Colleagues Say
Edward's IOP groups are among the most effective I've observed. His ability to make complex DBT concepts accessible while maintaining clinical rigor is exceptional.
Dr. Michelle K.Clinical PsychologistA true champion for cultural diversity in mental health. Edward's practice is a model for inclusive, affirming care that doesn't sacrifice clinical excellence.
Dr. James R.PsychiatristHis proprietary frameworks like B.E.T.H. and her S.E.E.D.S. demonstrate a creative clinical mind that translates evidence-based practice into memorable, usable tools.
Sarah L., LCSWClinical Social WorkerEdward's integration of clinical hypnotherapy with DBT creates a uniquely powerful treatment approach. His smoking cessation protocol has remarkable outcomes.
Dr. Robert P.Addiction Specialist
About the Author
Edward Flynn
ABS, MA, LPC, NBCCH, DBTC
Edward Flynn is a nationally recognized psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist with over 13 years of clinical experience. He specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and trauma-informed care at Lakeside Behavioral Health LLC and CenterPointe Hospital in St. Louis, MO. A champion for cultural diversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.