How does online hypnotherapy work?

Surely online hypnotherapy can’t work, can it?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, and one that I even pondered myself when I was training to be a hypnotherapist!

The voice of the therapist is the primary tool for hypnotherapy therefore it will work as long as you can hear the sounds of their voice. For live 1-2-1 sessions it’s best to do it via video call, Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts are great for this. I use Zoom as it’s secure and easy to schedule in both mine and the clients diaries.

Why use video for virtual hypnotherapy? Can’t you do it on the phone if I just need to hear you?

I prefer video calls, this is so that I can observe your reactions as you go into trance. This visibility helps ensure your comfort and safety as you relax. Part of hypnotherapy training involves observation of cues that show you are relaxed and at ease, I can spot them better when I can see you!

This is particularly helpful in phobia sessions and helps me ensure that you are feeling secure, safe and relaxed throughout.

For example if you had a busy day and were taking a while to settle I may decide to do an extra relaxation in order to calm you down. But I would only know to do that if I could see you fidget or look unsettled. It’s easier to sense visually than down the phone.

Is the 1-2-1 online hypnotherapy recording secure?

GHR standards dictate that all client information is kept securely and as per GDPR legislation, if you are unsure as to what your hypnotherapists process is for record keeping and recording online hypnotherapy sessions then ask them before the session. They should be able to point you to a privacy statement or part of their contract that addresses this, mine is here.

When you book online Hypnosis and Hypnocoaching at La Dolce Vita we have an initial chat when you first log on which is not recorded. Only the sound of the hypnosis is recorded, essentially just my voice so that clients can take it away and listen again (where relevant). So the video itself is secure but never recorded, and your voice would not be recorded as standard.

Do check with your hypnotherapist to understand what their process is, as it will vary from one hypnotherapist to another.

8 tips for a positive online hypnotherapy experience

The most important things you can bring to your session are your intentions and yourself, but there are a few other things that you can commit to in order to help you get the best out of a hypnotherapy session.

• A reliable internet connection – does your internet speed always go in the morning? Try and plan around this to ensure we can keep talking! Ideally connect with headphones too.
• A comfortable and private space – Somewhere indoors when you can relax completely and remain undisturbed for 60-90 minutes. Pop pets out of the room and ensure children are in safe hands. Put a sign on the door for curious partners, this is YOU TIME! And take your glasses off.
• A Cosy chair or bed – where you can tuck in, relax and your head will be supported. A high–backed chair, a sofa stuffed cushion or even bed with a cosy blanket. Where you can really settle in and let your body and your mind relax.
• A Fully charged laptop/phone/tablet – Make sure you have a cable or power source to hand too, as you need to stay connected for the full 60 – 90 minutes.
• Water – It’s important to keep hydrated after hypnotherapy, so have some water to hand for afterwards.
• A notebook and pen – To jot down any notes or thoughts from our conversation and for any interesting thoughts and stories that come up after hypnotherapy. This is handy for taking notes for any homework too, as it’s likely you may get some… be prepared!

Optional – if you really want to spoil yourself!

• Set the scene – Light a candle/incense (on a heatproof surface where it’s safe to do so!) or diffuse some relaxing essential oils (like lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, rose) to get yourself in a relaxed mood, and dim the lights if you are in a brightly lit room
• Treat yourself – Make yourself a cup of herbal tea or decaffeinated tea/coffee, try to avoid caffeine and stimulants like alcohol for 24 hours before your session.

Sounds relaxing right?!

But what if I don’t relax?

Making yourself a cosy nest in a chair or bed that will support you during online hypnosis sessions is all part of the process. Committing to yourself, keeping the meeting and honouring the space you create for you to make that intention or goal come to life will help you rest easy.

Keep yourself as warm or cool as you desire. In a quiet room where you will be undisturbed for the duration of your session, and come along with clear intentions about what you want to achieve from online hypnotherapy and your hypnotherapist will take care of the rest.

All my clients remark how relaxing the experience is, it’s easy to relax when you know you have shown up for yourself and the future you that you want to activate. What’s not to like about doing that in the comfort of your own home?!

Curious to see how it could work for you?

Click here to find out more