So, you’ve just booked your first hypnotherapy appointment. Congratulations! For many, taking that first step towards facing personal issues can be nerve-wracking, but learning what to expect from your first session can help tremendously.
Introductory conversation
Before any hypnosis begins, your therapist will want to have an introductory conversation with you about the session. First and foremost, your therapist will want to know why you have come to see them. They will ask you a series of questions about your goals for therapy, obstacles that have come in your way, and anything else relating to the issue you are presenting. It is important here that you are honest with your therapist, so they can help you as much as possible; the techniques they use to guide you throughout the session will be based on what you have told them.
Your therapist will then explain what is achievable within the session. Different therapists may explain the hypnosis process itself to varying degrees. The main thing therapists want you to understand is that you are in control of the session, and that they are merely helping guide you through your own subconscious.
Induction
The induction is the relaxation stage that leads to hypnosis. During this stage, you will be fully aware of everything that is happening and will be able to hear everything your therapist says.
This process can be quick or might take some time. Your therapist may need to try several techniques to find out what works best for you. This is followed by a few tests to determine the depth of your hypnosis. Then, the session begins.
Therapy session
As we mentioned before, the therapy session is based on your answers from the introductory conversation.
Contrary to popular belief, hypnotherapy won’t cause any behaviours outside the scope of your goals. While hypnotised, your subconscious is suggestible to influence. Your therapist will use several techniques and suggestions to help navigate your subconscious for underlying causes of obstacles and for potential solutions.
Your therapist will promote positive attitudes and behaviours in place of any existing negative patterns associated with the presented issue. For example, if certain sounds take you back to a negative memory, your therapist will use techniques that allow you to associate those sounds with something enjoyable, instead.
Transition to awakening
The transition to awakening is yet another aspect of hypnotherapy that’s not quite like the movies! Rather than your eyes opening at the snap of a finger, your therapist will guide you out through a slow and gentle process. They are there to make sure you are coming out of your trance with ease and are there to assist. Clients often will remember what happened during the session, but it is not uncommon for some to forget parts of it!
Once you have fully awakened, your therapist will assess your mood and ask you more questions about what you feel has been achieved. They will then explain the techniques used and may provide you with some tools or exercises to use at home in between sessions. A recording of the session may also be made available for you to listen to at home, to reinforce the progress made.
We hope this has been helpful – and remember, if you have any questions, please call us on 0422 741 041 or send us a message online. We would love to meet you and be able to help you grow and move forward in your life using the power of hypnosis.