Hypnotherapy-Sessions

Undergoing hypnotherapy can feel like a daunting and frightening undertaking. Sharing your intimate feelings and vulnerabilities with a complete stranger can seem near impossible. However, with the right hypnotherapist, and with enough time and effort, hypnotherapy can make an incredible difference in your life. Below are 10 tips for getting the most out of your hypnotherapy sessions and really making a difference in your mental health.

1. Take your time in choosing a hypnotherapist

You may want to just pick a hypnotherapist quickly and get started, especially if you’re undergoing a lot of emotional distress, but try to take your time and pick your hypnotherapist carefully. Pick out a few different ones and make appointments with them, to feel them out. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they give you time and space to explore your feelings? If they don’t, thank them for their time and move on to the next one on your list. The relationship between hypnotherapist and client is important, so take the time to pick the right one.

2. Schedule Hypnotherapy appointments for a good time

Book your Hypnotherapy appointments at a good time to suit you. If you have a hypnotherapy session in the middle of your workday, it may be hard to switch back into ‘work’ mode when you leave the hypnotherapy practice. Give yourself time to process the session and relax.

3. Arrive early

Most sessions are 55 minutes long, but give yourself a full hour by arriving five minutes early. This way, you can be calm and prepare yourself for your hypnotherapy appointment, rather than rushing in to make it on time.

4. Business first

The best way to start off an appointment can be to get all of the ‘business’ out of the way first. This can be arranging the next hypnotherapy appointment, or paying for the session. This enables you to get it all out of the way, and then focus on the emotional side of the appointment fully. It’s hard to focus on the administrative side of therapy when you’ve gone through 55 minutes of often difficult introspection.

5. Have goals in mind

Think about what you need from hypnotherapy. Do you need help managing the symptoms of a particular mental health problem? Are you looking to increase your confidence? Do you want to be more assertive? Whatever it is you need, tell your hypnotherapist, and work on setting goals together. Hypnotherapy will be easier if you have an end goal in mind.

6. Say anything

Don’t be afraid to hold back. In our ‘normal’ everyday lives, we often keep thoughts to ourselves for fear of offending or upsetting others. In hypnotherapy, however, you can say what you like. As Hypnotherapists are bound by confidentiality agreements, nothing you say will go further than the Hypnotherapist’s practice. Take the opportunity to say how you really feel, without fear of embarrassment or retribution.

7. Challenge your Hypnotherapist

Sometimes your Hypnotherapist may say something you don’t understand, or don’t agree with. Don’t be afraid to challenge them on this. Your Hypnotherapy relies on you having that good relationship with them, and that means being able to speak up when you think they’re wrong or misinformed. You may be afraid they will resent you or be upset with what you say, but good Hypnotherapists will be happy to discuss issues with you, and put things right.

8. Do your homework

Many Hypnotherapists give their clients some form of homework to do in the time between sessions. Even if you feel as if you don’t have the time or energy to do it, make sure you attempt it. Reflecting on what you’ve learned in the session can have a great impact on your day to day life.

9. Allow change

You may have sought Hypnotherapy as you were looking for a change in your life, but now that you’re faced with it, it’s too frightening to go through with. Remember that the change that you’re facing down will ultimately be positive for you, so talk it through with your Hypnotherapist. Making a change in your life can mean going through a huge overhaul, so be kind to yourself and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

10. Don’t fear the end

At some point, your Hypnotherapy will come to an end. This can be a worrying prospect for some, as it can feel like you won’t be able to cope without your Hypnotherapy appointments. Share these fears with your Hypnotherapist, and come to an agreement between you as to when your treatment will end. When Hypnotherapy does end, keep in mind what you learned during your sessions, and remember that you worked hard for what you have now achieved.

Hypnotherapy can be a life changing wonderfully rewarding and an uplifting process. Remember that the person in charge of your treatment is you, and that you can only get out of it what you put in. Now you’re ready to make the first step.