What to expect in a first session of hypnotherapy is all about setting the scene for you.
I want to reassure you, educate you, and gently address the most common misconceptions.
Why? Because most people searching for this are likely to be feeling curious, but slightly apprehensive, so I’d like to answer the questions, I guess, you’re asking yourself.
For a lot of people trying something new can feel daunting. It’s the unknown. And understanding what happens during a first session can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Basically, let’s start to get the most out of every session from the word go.
Why you’re coming to hypnotherapy
You need to have an idea of what problem you’re thinking you’d like to solve, why you’re out of sorts.
Most people come to hypnotherapy to gain control over some aspect of their thinking such as:
- Anxiety and stress (life, realtionships, work, sports performance)
- Confidence (for public speaking, dating, driving)
- Habits and behaviours (nail biting, hair pulling, watching porn)
- Fears and phobias (flying, heights, vomit, spiders)
- Sleep issues (insomnia, stress, anxiety)
- Emotional wellbeing (break ups, bereavements, cheated on, trauma after a crash, comfort eating)
- Smoking (cigarettes, pouches, vapes, cannabis)
The more you can articulate what exactly is bothering you the more we can tailor the session to you from the off.
What to expect in a first session of hypnotherapy. Getting to know you.
Before hypnosis begins most of the session is setting the scene. Talking about why you’ve come, what you want out of hypnotherapy, answering your questions and agreeing on what success would look like.
There is a myth that you’re hypnotised immediately. Not true.
One of the things I’m really keen to express is that hypnosis is a natural state, possibly best described as focused attention.
Let me give you some examples.
When you day dream.
When you drive somewhere and don’t remember the journey.
When you ‘get lost in a book.
When you get lost in a film.
When you play sport and get ‘in the zone’.
What Actually Happens During Hypnosis?
Leading on from the above, hypnosis is a perfectly natural state.
Put simply it’s a naturally relaxed, focused state. You’re not in a trance - you’ll hear everything I say said. You're aware of your surroundings so, if there’s. Noise on the street outside like a police car, someone shouts, you still hear it, but you’re not bothered about it - you’re focussing your attention on my words.
In effect you remain in control throughout. You can't be made to do anything against your values.
Hypnotherapy is a talking therapy. It only ‘works’ if you let it. You agree to let my words in and use them to change your behaviours for the better.
Will you lose Control?
I have Hollywood to thank for this, and stage hypnosis where people dance the funky chicken and eat raw onions.
This deserves its own section because it's one of the biggest concerns people have.
Simple answer, no, you’re always in control. I need your buy in/permission to make it work.
You can speak whenever you want.
Say what you want.
Open your eyes if you want.
Essentially hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between you and me, not something "done to" you.
How Does the Session Feel?
The most common description is of being in a state of deep relaxation. It somehow feels pleasantly heavy or light. Some describe it as having a wandering mind, or bringing to the fore their vivid imagination.
For many there’s also a feeling of losing track of time.
There is no one-size-fits-all. For example, it depends how much you buy in to the process, how good you are at naturally relaxing, or how tentative you are about learning a new process.
Also hypnotherapy is simply relaxing. There’s no need to "try hard" to be hypnotised.
What to expect in a first session of hypnotherapy. What Happens Afterwards?
Slowly you return to a full state of alertness. I won’t say ‘waking’ state because you’re not asleep, just deeply relaxed. Maybe refreshed, or reflective.
You may also find that positive changes often continue between sessions.
“How Many Sessions Will I Need?”
Ah, the $64 million dollar question.
It depends on the issue being addressed and how long it's been present.
An issue since childhood and you’re now in middle age may take a few sessions over a time period.
Some, like phobias, are usually successfully dealt with in three. Smoking is usually two sessions.
In other instances sessions could be on-going. For example, if you’re a professional sports person, as you move up through your sporting levels/rankings.
Common Myths About Hypnotherapy.
"Will I be asleep?” No. You’re just deeply relaxed.
"Can I get stuck in hypnosis?” No. You can walk out whenever you want.
"Can you make me reveal secrets?” No. Because you’re conscious through out. It’s not like a truth drug.
"What if I can't be hypnotised?” It happens. Not everyone takes to the idea. Usually we discuss what’s holding you back and try to overcome your reticence.
Also if you’re seeing a psychiatrist you should get permission before you see me.
Tips Before Your First Appointment
What to expect in a first session of hypnotherapy actually begins before we meet.
All I ask is that you wear comfortable clothing, arrive a few minutes early, have a think about what you'd like to achieve, come with an open mind and that’s it
There's no need to "try hard" to be hypnotised. Quite the reverse. The more you relax the easier the process is - and usually the fewer the session you need.
Meet your therapist.
I’m James Thomas. A Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. Over the years I’ve worked with thousands of people.
From four year olds to 87 year olds. Clients come from all walks of life. I’ve had billionaires, supermodels, Premiership footballers, cage fighters, the homeless, cancer patients, Afghanistan veterans, drug addicts, ex-prisoners, doctors, lawyers, accountants, scaffolders, all sorts.
But it all started when I discovered hypnotherapy and turned myself round.
You can read about that here.
Feel free to get in touch at jamesthomas@thegentlemind.co.uk or call me on 07787563099.
