Online hypnotherapy is a convenient way to access ‘hypnotherapy, how does it work?
You’re on mute!’ – certainly one of the catchphrases of 2020/21.
During this pandemic many people have had to become used to working online, especially using online video conferencing tools. Of course, some people were already familiar and comfortable with various products such as Skype, Teams, Google Meet etc. The start of lockdown meant many millions more people had to quickly embrace this new way of working. Zoom was the platform that many turned to and remains the go to place for video working for most people. And yes, like so many people I wish I had bought shares in Zoom pre March 2020!
Many hypnotherapists were already working online before March 2020. However, the restrictions meant that face to face appointments were impossible, and this was the only option. Clients and therapists both found themselves wondering if this new way of working would work.
The answer has been a resounding yes! So much so that as face to face sessions are now permitted (adhering to all current guidelines), many clients prefer online sessions. However some still question if it is as effective as in person.
The key thing to remember is that for most hypnotherapists, relaxation and the comfort of the client is key to a successful session. So working online already had one key advantage. - you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Online hypnotherapy is just as effective. Some people feel even more relaxed and comfortable working from their own home or office which can only add to the positive outcome as we work together.
Online hypnotherapy is simply an alternative to face-to-face sessions. It is just as effective as working together in person and follows the same structured approach. For those restricted by time, location, commitments or medial conditions it can be hugely beneficial.
Recent research backs this up and University of Manchester research finding that online hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for people with severe irritable bowel syndrome.
Many hypnotherapists use a technique known as ‘progressive muscle relaxation’ (PMR) alongside other tools. Working together we release the stresses and tensions that you may be holding in both your body and in your mind. Through guided relaxation you drift off into a comfortable hypnotic state. There is no physical contact needed to achieve this result and for many, sitting in their favourite chair and listening to their therapist guide them in to hypnotic trance is quicker and easier online.
There are a few simple things to make the session go easier.
Hypnotherapy doesn’t need to be carried out in complete silence, however noises can act as a distraction that can prevent you from fully relaxing. So it is best to find a nice quietish space for the session.
Ensure you are in a nice comfortable chair that supports your head if you lean back. The best position for a hypnotherapy session is sitting upright. Many people prefer to sit with both feet on the floor and your hands resting lightly on your lap. Face to face or online, I take a few moments to work with the client to find the best position for them to relax.
You can use a phone, laptop or tablet but just think about how this will be positioned during the session. Ideally it should be positioned so that the hypnotherapist can see you clearly, so that they can observe how you are responding to the suggestions and make adaptations to their approach as needed.
You will require a stable Internet connection. There are always a few moments of freezing working online but it should generally be a good connection.
It is important to have clear audio. It is fine to use a headset or the built in-speakers and microphone, just check them in advance to make sure it is comfortable for you and for your therapist.
These are all the things you would probably do before any online chat anyway.
But what if the internet unexpectedly goes down, if there is a power cut… will I be left in trance?
This question understandably comes up very often. Rest assured it is impossible to be left in trace (check out some of the myths around hypnotherapy for more information). However, if the connection was lost we don’t want it to be a confusing experience. We do use pauses and silences in hypnosis, but if there were a pause or silence of more than, say five minutes, you would simply open your eyes, feeling refreshed and I would give you a quick call. It is that simple and I always explain that before the hypnosis part of each session.
Working online means you are no longer restricted to a hypnotherapist that is within commutable distance.
If you are interested in finding out more about online hypnotherapy, get in touch for a complimentary consultation to find out more about how hypnotherapy can help you.
Malcolm Struthers Hypnotherapy - Online and in-person in Dumfries & Galloway