If you haven’t used hypnotherapy services before you might not know exactly what to expect when you visit for the first time. To help you make the most of your experience, let’s remove any mystery about what happens, as I guide you through the steps from your initial enquiry through to the end of a typical first appointment at Miracle Minds Hypnotherapy.
Step 1: Before your first appointment -15-minute call and intake form
When meeting with a client for the first time I start with an initial 15-minute phone consultation to discuss how hypnotherapy services can help you, answer any questions you have and if you want to proceed, book in your first appointment in person, or online.
Following this call, I will send you our client intake form to capture some information about you, previous therapies you may have used and current lifestyle factors that will help inform your first appointment.
Step 2. How your first appointment will begin
The first step in any session with Miracle Minds is always a discussion. If it is your first appointment, I’ll ask you to briefly talk about your challenges in your own words. Then I’ll explain how the mind works, subconscious versus conscious thought processes and how hypnotherapy will help the challenges you are trying to overcome. We’ll discuss a treatment plan and set goals, so you know even before we get started what to expect.
If you are returning for a follow up appointment, pre-discussion is more focused on what changes you have noticed since your previous appointment to gauge your progress against the goals set in your treatment plan.
Step 3. Your induction to a trance state
A hypnotherapy session is about guiding you into a state of deep relaxation known as a trance. This isn’t like the dramatic portrayals you might see in movies but rather a deeply relaxed state where your mind is focused and receptive. I often describe it to clients as the same state and feeling you might have if you were engrossed in a really good book. You might be aware the TV is on, or your partner is doing something close by, but you don’t register the words being said on the TV or acknowledge your partner when they call out your name a few times.
This first stage of hypnotherapy involves leading the person into a hypnotic state using techniques such as guided imagery, visualisation, and suggestions to help you enter a state of deep relaxation. For example, I might say something like, “As you walk along that beach, you can relax deeper and deeper now with each step you take"
The aim of this step is to calm the mind, focus attention, and make you more open to receiving therapeutic suggestions.
Step 4. Therapeutic Suggestion: Embedding Positive Changes
Once you are deeply relaxed, I will introduce positive suggestions aimed at encouraging beneficial changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, based on the goals we are working on together. These suggestions, known as embedded commands, are often woven into metaphors, stories, and visualisations to make them more relatable and effective.
An example of this might be, “From now on, whenever you feel a stressful situation coming on, you'll simply take a long deep breath, and you will handle the situation with a cool calm head.... with greater concentration and focus.”
Step 5. Exiting Trance: Returning to Full Awareness
After the therapeutic suggestions are given, I will help you gradually transition back to full consciousness. This process involves gently guiding your focus back to your surroundings and ensuring that you feel fully alert and aware.
Step 6. Post-Session Discussion: Reflecting on the Experience
After exiting a trance state, we will talk about what you experienced and any emotions or thoughts that came up. We also discuss post session activities to complete, such as listening to a recording of your session a number of times before your next appointment.
How long does it all take?
Your initial appointment can take up to 90 minutes based on pre and post discussions but the hypnotherapy itself (steps 3 to 5) will never be longer than 20 minutes.
I hope by understanding these steps, you can approach hypnotherapy with greater clarity and readiness, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your sessions. Whether you're seeking to manage stress, build confidence, or make other positive changes, knowing what to expect can help you get the most out of your hypnotherapy experience. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss our services, don’t hesitate to book in for your free 15-minute consult using the link below.
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