What happens in a hypnotherapy session?

 

Hypnotherapy usually happens in a quiet comfortable room, and you will be sitting in a comfortable armchair.

 

The experience of being in trance is very pleasant, and akin to deep relaxation, which in itself is extremely beneficial to mind and body. You will not be asleep, contrary to popular belief, but will remain in full control of your faculties at all times. Some clients report that they were aware of nearly everything that was discussed in the session, others are surprised when they come back to full awareness, that they were deeply in trance, even though it didn't feel like it at the time! 

 

It is estimated that about 85% of people of all ages will readily respond to hypnosis. It is often successful when more conventional treatments have failed. A key factor is the individual's willingness to enter into trance. The truth is that all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis, and the clinical hypnotherapist is merely a facilitator and guide.

 

Before we move on to the actual hypnotherapy stage of the consultation, we will have a good conversation, so that I am fully in the picture with the background to your issue, and fully understand your goals for treatment. I also want to have answered any other concerns or anxieties you may have had about hypnosis or me!  If these aren't properly addressed, it is unlikely that you will feel safe and relaxed enough to go into sufficient depth of trance.

 

How many sessions will I need?

 

The number of sessions you require depends upon the particular issues or condition you want resolved. Some treatments such as smoking cessation, involve one 2.5 hour consultation, with educational and other work too, in addition to the trance work.

 

Typical fears and phobias can often be resolved within 3-4 sessions, and weight control can be successful within 6 sessions spread out over several months.

 

In addition to the work done in hypnosis with your unconscious mind, we also need to educate and engage your conscious mind in supporting you to achieve your goals, so some of each session always involves me giving you relevant information, knowledge and understanding about the way your body or mind works, and perhaps some supportive strategies taken from other therapies I use.