Is online hypnotherapy as good as “the real thing”?
When I started my studies in hypnotherapy, I hadn’t even considered the option of working online. Then lockdown hit, and when the suggestion to switch to working online came up, I admit that my heart sank… How could hypnotherapy be as effective online? How wrong I was in my assumptions…
I have now been seeing clients online for many months and have seen, first-hand, the hugely positive results in my clients. And, if you analyse it, why wouldn’t online hypnotherapy be as effective as seeing clients in person? Solution Focused Hypnotherapy follows the same structure whether the sessions are in person or online. The first half of the session is discussion (psychotherapy), and the second half of the session is hypnosis, where all you need is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy listening to the guided visualisation… allowing your subconscious mind to start to work towards those aims and goals discussed in the first half of the session.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is based on the latest research in neuroscience, helping clients gain an understanding of how their brain works in creating anxiety and depressive disorders, and the vast range of emotional and physical issues that can accompany these. Using a structure of evidence-based psychotherapy, clients are guided towards aims and goals that will help them take back control. By understanding how the brain works, they can take the necessary steps to change the way they use their brain, using positive thinking to encourage change through neuroplasticity. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and does require commitment from the client to make change but working online does not challenge this.
There are many benefits to clients of having hypnotherapy online…
Travel is no longer an obstacle. Everyone seems to be busy these days, so taking the time of travel (as well as effort and cost) out of the equation is a big plus for many clients. There are no issues with traffic or parking, or with public transport.
Online sessions are easy to access… I personally conduct sessions via Zoom, and with just a click on a link you can be at your appointment within minutes. So, for example, a lunchtime session might now be an option, when it perhaps wasn’t previously.
Clients can have sessions from the comfort and familiarity of their own home, so for some this could mean they are likely to be feeling more comfortable and relaxed than attending sessions in an unfamiliar environment.
Online hypnotherapy has greatly increased the choice in hypnotherapists for clients. The Covid-19 pandemic increased demand for online hypnotherapy, and most hypnotherapists are now continuing to offer online sessions, even as restrictions ease. I work from Brighton, but after the success of working online over the last few months, I now offer all appointments via Zoom.
Some clients may have reasons, such as health anxiety (not uncommon after the last year of the Covid-19 pandemic) or agoraphobia, for not wanting to venture out to attend face-to-face sessions, so access has become available for more clients.
So, if you are suffering with any kind of anxiety or depressive disorder, or need help with weight management, sleep issues, chronic pain management, confidence, sports performance, obsessional behaviours or phobias, to name a few, having hypnotherapy online is worth considering. All you will need is a reliable internet connection, a laptop or device with a camera and sound (headphones are also a good option), and a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus and relax undisturbed for an hour.
The available evidence in clinical research also supports the efficacy of online hypnotherapy. Research also shows that attitude and expectation about therapy can have a huge impact on the results, so the more people who know about the benefits of online hypnotherapy, the better. Help to spread the word!