What to expect at your first hypnotherapy session
Taking the first step into hypnotherapy can feel nerve-wracking. And exciting.
Perhaps it's been something you've thought about for years, or you're only now finding out about it.
Many people's perceptions of hypnosis are shaped by shows they’ve seen on TV or at the theatre.
Clinical hypnotherapy is not like those ‘performances’.
Before our first session, we'll have 'met' briefly via Zoom or phone. We'll have asked questions and decided to book a session. I will also have sent you my Guide: “The First Session: Everything You Need to Know”.
Meeting online or in-person
If we’re meeting online, you’ll have my tips on how best to prepare.
If meeting in-person, I'll have given you all the details about how to get to my therapy room: public transport links, parking information, and any accessibility considerations.
My therapy room is designed to make you feel relaxed: a comfortable chair (and not a couch!), soft lighting, a peaceful atmosphere. I don’t play background music or light candles as I know we don’t all enjoy these the same way!
Confidentiality, medical and contact forms
Our first session will be 75 minutes but all other sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes - although the session might naturally draw to a close before then. There is some important information I need to share from the outset: the confidentiality of our sessions and the circumstances when I might need to break it. It may sound awkward to start with this, but it's important you understand it before you begin to share your story with me.
There are some forms I need you to complete and sign, but I'll have sent these beforehand so you can read them and ask questions when we meet. I'll also ask for your contact details, your GP's information, and your medical history.
Your goals
We’ll talk about where you are, your reasons for seeking therapy, and what you hope to achieve. I'll outline how I think we might work together and answer any questions or concerns you might have.
If you are happy to continue, we’ll start to explore what you are willing to share in this first session.
Hypnosis: in control at all times
We'll likely close our first session with hypnosis so you can experience it firsthand - otherwise you'll be left wondering what it's like.
I'll guide you through relaxation techniques - deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation, or focusing on specific objects in the room. I won’t be swinging a pocket watch in front of you!
You won't suddenly fall into a deep sleep or lose consciousness during hypnosis. You'll enter a state of focused attention. You'll remain aware of your surroundings and will hear and respond to my voice.
The experience of hypnosis often feels like a pleasant, dream-like state where you're deeply relaxed, but still aware. Many people report losing track of time.
While in this relaxed state, I might use various therapeutic techniques depending on your goals - guiding you through visualisations, helping you explore past experiences, or offering suggestions. I'll ask you to focus on my voice, but you might find your mind drifting - and that's ok. Often that's when your unconscious mind is doing the work. Remember, throughout hypnosis, you are in control.
At the end of the session, I'll guide you back to full alertness using a gentle, gradual process. You'll likely feel refreshed and relaxed afterwards. You might sleep better that night or notice heightened awareness of your thoughts.
We’ll talk about how you feel and, of course, I can answer any questions you have about the process.
Realistic expectations
Some people experience significant changes after just one session. It's more typical, though, to need multiple sessions. We can talk about this when we meet.
Hypnosis is a collaborative process. You need to be willing to participate and open to the possibility of change.
Your next step
If you’d like to explore hypnotherapy further, let’s have an initial, no-obligation call.