Clinical hypnotherapy can sometimes prove effective where symptoms have (previously) appeared intractable to other therapeutic approaches. This is because clinical hypnosis works on both the conscious and unconscious levels. Clinical hypnosis is effective with a wide range of conditions. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that clinical hypnotherapy is not a panacea for every illness nor for all patients. Some patients do prefer pharmacotherapy options, others may not be motivated to change. Clinical hypnotherapy is most effective when both the practitioner and the patient work together to achieve a common therapeutic goal or outcome.

A clinical hypnotherapy session is similar to a counselling or coaching session, with one difference. The therapist will use clinical hypnosis or a combination of clinical hypnosis and other psychotherapeutic tools during the session. Each session lasts between one to one and a half hours. The first part involves getting to know the patient/client, establishing therapeutic goals and objectives and of course, explaining clinical hypnosis. People already receiving treatment from a medical doctor may wish to inform their medical specialist that they are also visiting a clinical hypnotherapist. This is a sensible choice and clinical hypnotherapy is compatible with modern medical treatments. Your clinical hypnotherapist will never ask you to stop your medication or change your treatment plan. Only your doctor can do that. Clinical hypnosis often begins with a formal induction or relaxation. You are always asked if you are ready to begin. The clinical hypnotherapist will generally ask you to close your eyes and take you into a state of deep relaxation. The primary therapy is usually done during the state of hypnotic relaxation. But every stage of the therapy is important. You will also have the opportunity to play your part. Clinical hypnotherapy often includes fun types of homework, or activities, which are designed to bring the benefits from the therapy room into your everyday life. Before waking you up, the clinical hypnotherapist will install suggestions that will help you stay motivated and help you accomplish your goals. This is called ego-strengthening. Most people wake up feeling very positive and rested.

Therapy sessions can be weekly, twice a month or in fact, scheduled to accommodate any time interval that you and your therapist find appropriate for your situation. How regularly you see your clinical hypnotherapist will be something you decide together. Initially, you may meet on a weekly basis, but depending on improvements and how you feel, you may choose to see your therapist more or less frequently. You can always discuss the frequency of your therapy sessions with your clinical hypnotherapist.

Clinical hypnotherapy is considered a brief (short) therapy. Typically patients receive between 3 – 5 sessions for simple problems. However, each problem and every patient is unique so it will also depend on your own personal circumstances. If you have specific constrains such as monetary, time or travel you should discuss these with your therapist.

Clinical hypnotherapy fees vary depending on the practitioner, their location, their experience and many other things. Please ask about charges when you make the appointment. You are not usually asked to pay for sessions in advance. You should however be familiar with your therapist’s cancellation policy. Some clinical hypnotherapy protocols, such as smoking cessation, require only one session. This type of therapy generally takes a little longer, and is often charged at a higher rate than multiple session therapy. Family therapy or couples therapy is also usually charged at a different rate. Group therapy fees are generally shared between all the participants and can be an affordable way of managing long-term therapeutic support.

Clinical hypnotherapy is safe for all age groups. The usual age range is 4 – 9, 10 – 13 and 14 – 18 years old. Parental consent is required for all minors seeking therapy. Children respond very well to clinical hypnotherapy. The clinical hypnotherapist may schedule a separate time to discuss the presenting problem with the parents so that they can be involved and have an opportunity to discuss their concerns and expectations. These initial discussions often take place without the presence of the child so that all parties can feel free to discuss their concerns. Parents may feel anxious about leaving their child with a therapist. However, once rapport has been established it is often better to allow your child to have a personal relationship with their therapist. It is quite normal for parents to be invited to wait outside the therapy room so that the child has the privacy to express themselves to the therapist.