What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?

Hypnotherapy helps people remove bad habits, relieve anxiety and sleep issues, and modify other behaviors. Patients go into a trance-like state during a hypnotherapy service. In this state they are more open to suggestions and mental visualizations that have the potential to alter their subconscious mind. A licensed professional oversees the hypnotherapy practice in a comfortable, supportive setting.

3 Things That Happen in a Hypnotherapy Session

When you visit a qualified hypnotist, the first thing they’ll do is get to know you as a person. Certified hypnotists review your medical history and background to create a customized treatment plan. They’ll also discuss what you want to achieve from the session before starting the hypnosis. Common goals for a hypnotherapy service include quitting smoking, overcoming fear and anxiety, and losing weight. Below are three things that happen during a typical hypnotherapy session:

1. Initial Discussion

The first part of a hypnotherapy session involves chatting with the therapist about your goals, fears, and concerns. Your hypnotherapist keeps those goals in mind and tailors the session to meet your needs. During the initial discussion, you’ll talk about your lifestyle, sleep patterns, and any physical or mental health issues.

During this discussion, the therapist will explain how hypnosis and the brain work and what to expect during your session. Try to get all your questions answered before moving to the next step. The goal in this step is to give you a clear understanding of hypnotherapy so you can approach the process with openness and confidence. While talking to you, your hypnotherapist begins to gradually change their tone of voice to shift you into a calm, relaxed state of mind. The gradual shift prepares you to enter the next part of hypnotherapy, the trance.

2. Going Into a Trance

As your hypnotherapist creates a sense of relaxation, security, and well-being by adopting a soothing tone of voice, you may feel yourself moving into a daydream-like trance. A trance is a state of deep focus in which the conscious mind is closed so that you can access the subconscious mind. Your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and feelings are stored in the subconscious mind.

Some people enter a trance effortlessly, while others need more work. You can enter a trance while sitting or lying down, and you don’t need to close your eyes if that doesn’t feel comfortable for you. The goal is to get you feeling as relaxed, comfortable, and safe as possible. Physical relaxation allows your subconscious mind to relax and makes you more receptive to positive suggestions.

3. Suggestions & Visualizations

Once you’re in a trance, the hypnotherapist will use suggestions and vivid mental images to speak to your subconscious mind. When your subconscious mind is relaxed, you’re more open to absorbing suggestions. In this stage, your therapist suggests specific things you can do to achieve your goals and change your behavior.

Some hypnotherapists specialize in easing pain, reducing cravings and addictions, or relieving anxiety and sleep issues. They help you visualize mental images of your future without those pains, cravings, addictions, fears, and other issues. These positive visualizations and suggestions are the foundation for behavioral changes. After guiding you through this practice, your therapist helps you come out of the trance and back to the present moment.

Professional Hypnotherapy Service

A typical hypnotherapy session takes up to an hour. When the session is over, your therapist will schedule the next appointment. Most people need a few sessions before they experience behavioral changes and reach their treatment goals.

Choose a reputable hypnotherapy professional for your next hypnotherapy service. Certified hypnotherapists provide both in-person and virtual sessions delivered via the internet. Your therapist can also teach you some tips for self-hypnosis so you can start practicing from the comfort of your home.