Online Hypnotherapy : 7 Tips by Expert Hypnotherapist (+ what not to do)

Today's connected world has brought together people from all over the world over the internet. We coordinate and run so many human endeavours with the best minds in the world. Geographical limits are virtually gone. We are now trying to find new ways to use the internet as a vehicle, so why should the hypnotherapy be left behind? The question does arise, is online hypnotherapy as effective? Unlike most resources you will find, I have a rather nuanced view. Since, I have been providing online hypnotherapy in India and all over the world, I can share some pointers through personal experiences, which also include the not so good aspects of online hypnotherapy.

May be you are already aware about the Hypnotherapy, but for some who may not be, let me 'explain in brief'. Hypnotherapy is a wonderful modality for changing human life. In my experience, hypnotherapy combines the best aspects of meditation and psychotherapy and has that unique power to deliver the results that both of those modalities cannot, especially in a short time-frame. First and foremost requirement of a successful Hypnotherapy is the willingness of the subject/ client. The willing subject is then guided by the hypnotherapist through subject's mind maze. The hypnotherapist needs to understand the client's requirements, which are known through talking, obviously. So, that can happen over the internet. Once the client has clearly laid out what s/he needs, it is now the hypnotherapist's turn to deliver the result. Just like a surgeon needs to tailor the surgery based on individual patient and the ailment, a hypnotherapist leads a session based on the individual client and their needs. The hypnotherapist has assesses the progress of the client through various cues. These cues are mainly physiological, that is to say, breathing, muscle tension/ relaxation, eye movements etc. If the hypnotherapists can get a reasonable input on these through a live video call, he can conduct a session equally effectively. Thus, the hypnotherapy can reach you from any corner of the world! Clearly, a few aspects demand attention if you are looking for online hypnotherapy session. Let's go through those:-

• Reliable and fast internet connection. The therapist needs to get a good resolution video of the client. A pixelated video, choppy sound, connection drops will not be conducive for a hypnotherapy session.

• A safe environment. The client needs to be in a safe environment, where s/he can go into a deep meditative state. Hypnotherapy sessions are highly relaxing, the clients frequently fall asleep and may not be in a situation to react immediately in emergent conditions. In a hypnotherapist's clinic, this safety is provided by the therapist, whereas in online mode, the client needs to ensure his/her own safety for the duration and at least 15-20 minutes after the session. Do remember, that you may not be in a condition to undertake highly demanding work for sometime after the session. So plan for a break if you have to get back to operating machinery, driving or any activity that could prove unsafe/ dangerous for you or others.

• No Distractions. The Hypnotherapy session demands complete focus. Any distractions will hamper the result you are seeking. Distractions come in many forms, phone, family members, pets, colleagues.. Do make sure all these are taken care of if you want your sessions to be effective. At the same time, I would advise against locking your doors during a session if you are alone. So that in case of any emergency, the help can reach you.

• Comfortable Sitting. The hypnotherapy sessions may last upto two hours or more. You need to find a comfortable chair to sit. A chair that you can comfortably doze off if you ever needed to. Head support is a great idea. A recliner or zero gravity chair works best. I would advise against using your bed, but if that is the only place for the session, go ahead.

• Camera/ Phone. Just like a fast and reliable internet connection, a good camera/ smartphone is important. Also, to be most effective, it needs to be mounted in a way that it can clearly capture top half of your body. Position your camera in such a way that your hypnotherapist can clearly see you and guide you accordingly. In certain modalities, the therapist needs to be able to see your fingers. It will be a good idea to have a surface where you can let your hands rest comfortably and in camera's view.

• A Good Set of Ear/Headphones. In my experience, the ear/headphones are one of the great advantages of the online hypnotherapy session. It helps cut down external noise and also helps you focus on the therapist's voice directly. A good microphone is essential too. There will be times when the client only mumbles, you need a good mic to pick up those barely audible words and let your therapist hear them, may be in the other end of the world.

• Avoid Green Screen/ Digital Background Effects. It is a distraction that seems to hinder the therapists' perception to some degree. A digital background, especially if it is video or animated, tends to distract the hypnotherapist. You as a client, do not want your therapist to be distracted while he is working on you, do you? Many times these backgrounds do not work well with edges and your hands and fingers may not be visible clearly.

You can perhaps see, that when someone opts for online hypnotherapy, it is only sensible that they make the video conferencing aspect as good as they can and ensure their own physical safety for the duration they may be in deep meditative/ trance state. It is ok for the client to be on video call through the phone. However, the hypnotherapist must be able to see the client on a big screen so that he can observe the subtle cues.

What conditions are best treated with online hypnotherapy? Most usual cases related to psychological or mental wellness are best treated with online hypnotherapy. In fact hypnotherapy may be more acceptable form of therapy compared to psychotherapy, given the unfortunate stigma attached to it. In addition, in most cases hypnotherapy provides results that are much quicker and longer lasting. I regularly have clients confessing that they have been spent years in psychotherapy, and just one hypnotherapy session with me made the change. You can find the true testimonials on my LinkedIn profile here.

The usual cases of modern life such as stress, anxiety, smoking de-addiction, confidence boost, lack of focus are best suited for online hypnotherapy. In addition, improvement to life like confidence boost, goal achievement, focus, enhancing sleep, overcoming heartbreak are areas where online hypnotherapy really shines. As long as the subject is not in severe physical and/or mental distress, online hypnotherapy can be as beneficial as in person. A good hypnotherapist can help anyone as well online as he can in-person.

When is Online Hypnotherapy Session not a good idea? For a vast majority of cases, online hypnotherapy sessions work just fine and may well be better suited. However, there are a few cases when it is not a good idea to conduct a hypnotherapy session online. For most part, these special cases pertain to physical condition and safety of the subject. Such cases may include cases of :-

• Severe Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or major depression

• Cognitive Impairment

• People with a history of serious medical conditions

• Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm

Broadly speaking it is not a good idea to conduct online hypnotherapy sessions for people suffering with severe physical or mental issues.

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Note for Online Hypnotherapists. Many hypnotherapists are eager to expand their business and want to jump on the internet band-wagon. It is a great vehicle to reach people in any corner of the world and help them live a better life. Hypnotherapy is a superpower, I have experienced it first hand, both as a subject and as a hypnotherapist. And the adage 'with great power comes great responsibility' must be remembered here as well. Internet has its own quirks, the connection can drop off at critical moments leaving the session at a juncture that is not good for your client. You will do well to inoculate your clients in the first few sessions and install necessary anchors to deal with such eventualities.

Ecology Check. It assumes even more importance compared to in-person sessions. You must ensure that there are necessary safeguards for your client's safety.

Good and Stable Internet Connection. Ties back to the earlier point, you just don't want your client left hanging in between. Never try to conduct a session from a coffee shop or such public places.

Tech Equipment. You have to have a big screen. Period. Do not do a disservice to your client by trying to perform. hypnotherapy looking at a tiny smartphone screen. Not a good idea.

Know Thyself. Know your limits and that of the equipments you are using. Do not try to overstep into a skill you haven't been trained in and are competent in. Especially in serious cases which require advance handling skills.

Disclaimer. The ideas presented here are mostly out of my own experience and experiences of fellow hypnotherapists. This article may be updated with time as more and more information and knowledge come to me. If you find an error or wish to contribute, please do comment below.

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