Congratulations on taking the first step into Hypnotherapy!
What to Expect for Your Initial Hypnotherapy Sessions
Thank you for choosing hypnotherapy as part of your healing and growth process. We understand that beginning something new can bring both excitement and uncertainty. This page will help you know what to expect as we work together toward your goals. Please remember that this is a collaborative therapeutic process between us and one that requires safety and trust. It is important that you read the following thoroughly to ensure therapy is most effective for you.
If you have any questions or special requests regarding your hypnotherapy treatment plan, it is important that you bring them up immediately by emailing me at mind.body.ease@gmail.com. Your comfort and understanding are essential to your success.
Your First Session: Assessment and Foundation Building
Duration: Standard session length (approximately 50-60 minutes)
Your initial session is dedicated to getting to know you better and understanding your unique needs. During this time, we will:
Discuss your goals, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through hypnotherapy and any other intervention methods we will address (DBT, Somatic, Talk, etc)
Discuss new habit formation and set a plan during hypnotherapy integration (if applicable)
Explore the issues you'd like to address and their history (if there are multiple things you would like to address, we will choose one area of focus for the first induction)
Review your hypnotherapy intake form and discuss any elements about the induction that will help get you into the theta state
Answer any questions or concerns you may have about hypnotherapy
Gather important information to create a personalized hypnosis approach tailored specifically to you
Establish a therapeutic relationship built on trust and understanding
Important Note: We will not be doing hypnosis during this first session. This time is entirely focused on assessment, understanding your needs, and building the foundation for effective treatment. This is a crucial step in ensuring the therapy is safe and effective for YOU.
Your Second Session: Experiencing Hypnosis
Duration: Extended session (approximately 60 minutes. Please note that some sessions will go as long as 75 minutes)
This is where your hypnotherapy journey truly begins. Your second session is divided into two integrated parts:
Part One: Hypnotic Induction (First Half)
You'll experience your first hypnotic induction, guided gently into a relaxed, focused state
We'll work with the personalized suggestions and imagery designed specifically for your goals
You'll remain aware and in control throughout the entire experience
The hypnosis component builds upon everything we discussed in your first session
Part Two: Integration and Processing (Second Half)
Together, we'll explore what came up during the hypnosis
We'll use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to address thought patterns and beliefs
We'll incorporate Somatic Therapy to help you process experiences held in the body
This integration work helps solidify the insights and changes from the hypnotic state
Ongoing Sessions: Building Lasting Change
Recommended Minimum: 4 sessions
We recommend committing to at least four sessions for meaningful results. Here's why:
Behavioral change and addressing deep-rooted issues is a process. Just as you didn't develop your current patterns overnight, creating new ones takes time, practice, and repetition.
Your brain needs time to establish new neural pathways. Research shows that lasting change occurs when new patterns are reinforced consistently over time. Each session builds upon the last, strengthening these new pathways.
Hypnotherapy is cumulative. The benefits deepen and expand with each session as your mind becomes more receptive and familiar with the process.
What Hypnosis Actually Feels Like
Many people wonder what hypnosis will feel like. Here's what you can expect:
You'll remain fully aware and in control throughout the entire experience
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing, similar to the state just before falling asleep
You'll be able to hear everything and can speak if needed
You can choose to open your eyes or come out of hypnosis at any time
It's a collaborative process—hypnosis happens with you, not to you
Some people experience vivid imagery, while others have more subtle sensations
There's no single "right" way to experience hypnosis
Preparing for Your Sessions
To get the most from your hypnotherapy:
Come with an open mind and willingness to engage in the process
Avoid caffeine for a few hours before your session if possible
Avoid drugs and alcohol at least 24 hours before coming into a session
Wear comfortable clothing. If you are sensitive to light, please consider bringing an eye mask
Be prepared to be honest and open about your experiences
Give yourself a few minutes after each session to ground yourself before returning to daily activities
Please arrive on time! When you are late to your session it will take time away from your experience.
Important Health and Safety Information
When Hypnotherapy May Not Be Appropriate
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. While hypnotherapy is safe and effective for most people, there are certain conditions where it may not be appropriate or may require additional precautions and collaboration with your medical team.
Please inform us if you have ever been diagnosed with or are currently experiencing:
Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or active psychosis)
Severe personality disorders (particularly those involving dissociation or reality distortion)
Active dissociative disorders (such as Dissociative Identity Disorder)
Epilepsy or seizure disorders (hypnosis may potentially trigger seizures in some individuals)
Recent heart attack, stroke, or serious cardiovascular conditions
Severe depression with suicidal ideation
Active substance abuse or intoxication
Additional considerations:
If you are currently taking psychotropic medications, we may need clearance or consultation with your prescribing physician
If you have a history of trauma, we will take special care and may adjust our approach accordingly
If you have any neurological conditions, please discuss these with us before beginning treatment
This is not a substitute for medical advice. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and works best alongside appropriate medical health care. If you have any of the conditions listed above, this doesn't necessarily mean you cannot benefit from hypnotherapy—it means we need to have a thorough discussion and possibly coordinate with your other healthcare providers to ensure your safety.
If you're unsure whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for you, please discuss your concerns during your initial consultation. Honesty about your health history helps us provide you with the safest, most effective care possible.
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We look forward to working with you and supporting you on this journey toward positive change.
Myths about Hypnotherapy
Common Myths About Hypnotherapy—Debunked
You may have seen hypnosis portrayed in movies, stage shows, or television. Unfortunately, these portrayals often create misconceptions. Let's clear up some common myths:
Myth #1: "I'll be unconscious or asleep"
Reality: You remain fully conscious and aware during hypnosis. You'll hear everything, remember the session, and can respond to questions. Hypnosis is actually a heightened state of focused awareness, not unconsciousness.
Myth #2: "The therapist will control my mind"
Reality: You are always in control. I cannot make you do or say anything against your will or values. Hypnosis is a collaborative process that requires your willingness and participation. You can choose to reject any suggestion that doesn't feel right to you.
Myth #3: "I might get stuck in hypnosis"
Reality: This is impossible. You can emerge from hypnosis whenever you choose. Even if a session were somehow interrupted, you would naturally come out of the hypnotic state on your own—likely just by opening your eyes or feeling the need to move.
Myth #4: "Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized"
Reality: The opposite is true. The ability to be hypnotized is actually associated with intelligence, creativity, and the capacity for focused concentration. People who are skeptical or anxious may find it harder to relax into the process initially, but this doesn't mean they can't benefit from hypnotherapy.
Myth #5: "I'll reveal secrets or lose my privacy"
Reality: You remain in control of what you choose to share. While hypnosis can help you access memories and feelings, you won't blurt out information you wish to keep private. You maintain your judgment and decision-making abilities throughout.
Myth #6: "Hypnosis works instantly, like flipping a switch"
Reality: While some people experience rapid insights or shifts, lasting change typically requires multiple sessions. Your brain needs time to establish new patterns and neural pathways. This is why we recommend a minimum of four sessions—meaningful change is a process, not a single event.
Myth #7: "Not everyone can be hypnotized"
Reality: Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree, though the depth and experience varies. The key is willingness, trust in the process, and the ability to focus. Some people go deeper than others, but even lighter states of hypnosis can be therapeutically effective.