When people think of “hypnotherapy,” it’s easy to recall the media’s portrayal of hypnosis. Black and white swirls or swinging watches. You may have seen a magician or entertainer ‘hypnotizing’ the audience or a member of the audience and then asking them to do various, sometimes obscure things.
In reality, hypnotherapy is the opposite of what we see in film and TV.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy, also called hypnosis or guided hypnosis uses relaxation and psychotherapy techniques to bring you to an altered but safe state of awareness. While it is a trancelike state, there’s no loss of control or consciousness.
You won’t be forced to do or say things you’re unaware of. You are entirely aware of what’s happening around you, but you feel more comfortable letting your guard down. It could be compared to daydreaming or zoning out.
Hypnosis is considered a safe form of alternative therapy, so long as you work with a trained therapist or healthcare professional. The goal is to improve certain aspects of your health by uncovering underlying issues we might be closing ourselves off from understanding as we move through life, like low self-esteem, history of trauma, low motivation, and habitual-negative thoughts.
The idea is that tackling these issues will make it easier for you to live a healthy life and improve some symptoms of chronic illnesses or mental health conditions. While more research needs to be done to understand hypnotherapy further, one study shows hypnosis to have a 93% success rate.
Keep in mind that hypnosis isn’t a cure. Hypnosis is a tool used to support the symptoms of mental health conditions and may provide promising, long-lasting results.
Is Hypnotherapy Effective Online?
Yes, hypnotherapy is equally as effective online as it is in person. The choice simply comes down to you and your preferences. Some hypnotherapy patients report an even more effective session online than in-person appointments because of the comfort their own home provides. Letting your guard down and feeling completely comfortable is a critical component of a successful hypnotherapy session.
It’s essential to keep in mind that some of your reason for seeking hypnotherapy might be due to stressful circumstances in your own home. If you work from home and are navigating a toxic or challenging role, embarking on a guided hypnosis session a mere few feet from your desk might not be the best option.
Similarly, suppose you’re looking to improve your marriage or other in-home relationships. In that case, conducting your session at home where the same people are living might prevent you from totally relaxing and experiencing the benefits.
That doesn’t mean you have to seek an in-person session, though. Plan your sessions around times you’re alone if your stress is induced by housemates, or go to a friend’s house if your home office brings about negative emotions.
Choosing a Hypnotherapist
Just as if you were selecting an in-person provider, choosing the right online hypnotherapist is important. A good hypnotherapist will always ensure you’re comfortable and won’t push you to do things you don’t want to do.
Before choosing an online provider, ask questions like:
- What steps do you take to ensure our virtual relationship is effective, just as if we were meeting in person?
- What happens if I feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a hypnotherapy appointment? What is your plan of action?
- How can I best prepare myself to ensure a productive and effective session?
- Is there anything I should know about working with you as my hypnotherapist?
Only you can determine how comfortable you are with each hypnotherapist’s answers. Don’t be afraid to ask for more clarification or more information if you need further details.
The Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Patients have reported various benefits from guided hypnosis, from sleep disorders to addiction. Hypnotherapy has been known to help:
- Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
- Smoking addiction
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Weight loss
- Fears and phobias
- Chronic pain
- Relationship conflicts among family, friends, and partners
Chronically ill patients, such as those who have cancer, arthritis, or autoimmune conditions, can utilize hypnotherapy to boost their mental health. Some research suggests that chronic illness symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, and many patients will report the same findings anecdotally. Guided hypnosis is a drug-free alternative to mental health treatment that might work for you.
Try Hypnotherapy Online
Ready to try hypnotherapy online? Heally’s network of alternative healthcare providers can meet with you online.
Our providers take a whole-body approach to health, taking the person’s life into account, like diet, lifestyle choices, emotional trauma, mental health history, and physical health history, to develop a treatment plan that helps you.
Fill out our online patient form, and we will be in touch soon about scheduling your first online hypnotherapy appointment.
