12 Things You Need to Know Before Doing Hypnotherapy

Have you been looking for help, and a way to heal? I’m with you. Perhaps you’re dealing with a bad habit you wish to break and find you just can’t do it on your own. Or maybe you’re going through a bout of depression. Perhaps chronic pain is a buzzkill to living your best life. Or maybe what you’re going through is too embarrassing, or are you dealing with a deeper issue. 

You’re a bit unsure of exactly where to turn. Then someone mentions a certain word: hypnotherapy. 

Hypnotherapy? That’s a thing, right? Well, as a clinical hypnotherapist myself, I can tell you, yes, it is!

If this is your very first-time hearing about hypnotherapy and you just aren’t quite sure it’s a good fit for you, I’ve got 13 things you should know about before giving me a call.  

1. TV and stage hypnosis are for entertainment. That’s it.

At some point in our lives, we’ve likely seen on TV or on stage someone being hypnotized, told to act silly, bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken.

This is a myth, just for entertainment, and nothing would ever happen against your wishes. ALL HYPNOSIS IS SELF-HYPNOSIS!! You will likely not be hypnotized by a swinging pocket watch, and you’d never be asked to do something you do not wish to do. 

2. Hypnotherapy is not a new therapy

While research is still being gathered about its effects and uses, hypnotherapy is far from a new form of therapy. Rather, think of it as a very different type of therapy from traditional talk therapy. Hypnotherapy delves into your subconscious mind and works with making changes within a semi dream-like or focused state. During this state of mind, your subconscious mind can be transformed within a heightened state of learning, where you are more receptive to suggestions for modifying behaviour or self-improvement.

Many people describe hypnosis as being in a state of focus, feeling calm and relaxed. If you feel yourself slipping into a dream-like daze, lost in your own thoughts, even when you’re wide awake, this is hypnosis. 

3. Hypnotherapy is safe and effective

The effectiveness of hypnotherapy is persistently dependent and flexible. A person’s susceptibility will vary, and some techniques that work for some will be less effective for others. Hypnotherapy is drug-free and pain-free, is safe and poses no harm to the person in session, as long as it’s a certified trusted professional carrying out the treatment in a client centered way.

4. Hypnotherapy isn’t magic

Though it is safe, effective, and can work quickly, hypnotherapy is not a magic wand. It won’t work overnight. It will take a few sessions to see real change and it will take real work on your part as well as a willingness to change (if it’s a habit such as quitting smoking). This is such an important point that I even wrote a blog post about it. 

5. Everyone can be hypnotized

It is very rare that a person cannot be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural state we are in approximately 100 times a day, while watching TV, daydreaming or driving just to name a few.  Even children up to age 12-14 are in a constant state of hypnosis. The key is you must want to be hypnotized. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. Therefore, the suggestions I give you only work if you want and allow them to. Fear is the number one reason why a person will not themselves be hypnotized. It’s not that they can’t be hypnotized, it is that they CHOOSE not be.

Hypnotherapy is collaborative, so establishing a rapport and trust for it to work with your hypnotherapist as well as having an open mind with a desire to succeed, you are more likely to experience a positive outcome. 

6. You’ll only see success with a hypnotherapist you’re comfortable with

A good connection with your hypnotherapist is important, because with it comes a successful outcome. Talk to a hypnotherapist before you commit to undergoing sessions with them; don’t settle on anyone who doesn’t give you a free consultation first. I offer this so you can get a sense of working with me and then deciding if I’m a good fit for you. We can go over your goals and what you wish to achieve in your sessions.

7. The number of things hypnotherapy can help with are growing

There is an abundance of things hypnotherapy can help with: quitting smoking or drinking, weight loss, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, self-esteem, Hypnobirthing (helping women with pregnancy and during childbirth), and Hypnodontics (helping relieve fear and anxiety of going to the dentist as well as may replace sedation for those who may not be able to be put under). And all of this is just a slight example of what hypnotherapy can help with. You can get a more in-depth look by checking out 20 Things Hypnotherapy Can Genuinely Help With.

8. Hypnotherapy isn’t a cure-all for medical issues

As a friendly reminder, just because I’m a clinical hypnotherapist, that doesn’t mean I’m a medical doctor. That goes for the rest of us hypnotherapists! While I can help with pain management, as an example, I’m not able to cure diseases such as heart disease or cancer. Please don’t ever think of hypnotherapy in this way.

9. You have complete control

Only you have control of your hypnotherapy journey, and only you can determine your goal. As your hypnotherapist I will design sessions with specific tools to aid you in achieving your goal. I will ask you about your likes and dislikes. Your therapy will be facilitated with personalized and client centered techniques while in the hypnotic state.

Even while you’re in hypnosis, you are still in control. You cannot do something you do not wish to do. Your subconscious will protect you and respond to suggestions that are in your best interest. Your body will allow you to become fully conscious if something is said to you that was not agreed upon. 

10. Some treatments take longer than others

An initial consult can be about 20 minutes, with an initial visit session that lasts about 1 ½ -2 hours, and follow-up sessions lasting approximately an hour or under.  Depending on what your sessions are for, hypnotherapy treatment can be effective in as little as 1-2 sessions however the average is approximately 4-6 sessions depending on the issue. Some people enjoy the process and make it part of their daily self-care routine.

11. The effects vary from person to person

Hypnotherapy sessions may show results right after a session, or you may feel the positive effects weeks later. For example, a client may begin therapy with back pain, and then in a couple weeks come in for a session expressing they realized they hadn’t experienced any back pain in days.

12. You only need 2 things before sessions

These are most helpful before you begin your sessions. You need:

1. Willingness to try and change your life for the better
2. An issue that you wish to resolve, improve or get help from during the session.
   

Hypnotherapy works best with a clear goal, such as “I want to quit smoking.” It is all about intention, and your drive and want to change your life, with an open mind all the while. Preparing for a session is that simple. Come in with an open mind and put trust in your hypnotherapist (whom you’ve made a rapport with). That’s literally all you need. 

Would you like a few more facts about hypnotherapy? Check out Mom, Dad, Meet Hypnotherapy, How to Introduce Hypnosis to Loved Ones.   

And if you feel more ready to change your life via hypnotherapy, give me a call. 

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