Yvonne Smith, C.Ht. became concerned with victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [“PTSD”] in the late 1980s, and in 1990 [after 2 years of studies and 1000 hours of internship] received her hypnotherapist certification from the California Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the only such accredited institution in the United States.

In 1990 when she opened her office, she immediately began to work with PTSD victims, assisting them and encouraging them to work through and cope with their PTSD experiences. Many of her subjects were and are referred to her by physicians and psychologists who believe Yvonne’s expertise can benefit their patients.

Observing that many of her subjects were describing a pattern of alien abduction and other close encounter experiences, in 1991 Yvonne founded CERO [Close Encounter Research Organization, later renamed Close Encounter Resource Organization] which provides personal attention and maintains active monthly support group meetings by which Yvonne is able to remain close and supportive. At CERO meetings, PTSD subjects may share their thoughts and feelings about their unusual experiences and any continuing difficulties.