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What Happens in an Online Hypnotherapy Session?
If you have never tried hypnotherapy, it is natural to wonder what actually happens, especially when it takes place on a screen rather than in a therapy room. This guide walks you through the whole process, from your first conversation to the end of a session, so there are no surprises.
Step 1: A free, no-pressure consultation
Everything starts with an initial consultation, which is currently free. It is a chance to tell me what brings you to therapy, ask any questions and find out whether hypnotherapy feels right for you. I will also talk through whether online therapy and hypnotherapy are suitable for you. There is no obligation to continue. My services are for adults aged 18 and over.
Step 2: Booking, paperwork and payment
If you decide to go ahead, you choose an appointment (I offer sessions online on Thursdays) and I send you a Client Intake & Consent Form. It includes medical and mental health screening, emergency contact details and your consent to therapy. You return it, and pay, before your first session. This screening is part of keeping therapy safe and making sure it is the right approach for you. You can read more on the consent and safety page.
Step 3: Getting ready at home
All sessions take place by secure video, so you can have therapy from the privacy of your own home. To get the most from your session:
- Choose a private, quiet space where you will not be disturbed or overheard.
- Use a device with a camera and a reliable internet connection.
- Headphones can help you focus.
- Wear comfortable clothes and sit somewhere you can relax.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery during a session.
Sessions are not recorded, and I ask that you do not record them either. More details are on the online therapy page.
Step 4: The session itself
Every client is different, so no two sessions are identical, but a typical session follows a familiar shape.
- Settling in. At the start of each session I confirm your location and emergency contact. This is a standard safety step for online therapy.
- Catching up. We talk about how you have been and what you would like from the session.
- Guided relaxation. I guide you into a deeply relaxed, focused state, using my voice to help you slow down and let go of tension.
- The therapy. Using appropriate therapeutic and hypnotic techniques, tailored to you, we work on the thoughts, habits or responses you want to change.
- Coming back. I bring you gently back to full awareness, and we talk about how it felt.
Sessions last around 45 to 55 minutes.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing, a little like the calm, absorbed feeling when you are lost in a good book or daydreaming. Everyone experiences it differently. A few things are the same for everyone:
- You stay awake and aware of what is happening.
- You do not lose control, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will.
- You do not have to reveal any secrets.
- You can stop the session whenever you wish.
- Hypnosis is not sleep.
What if the connection drops?
It happens occasionally. I will try to reconnect with you straight away, and by phone if needed. If we cannot reconnect, we will rearrange your session.
How many sessions will I need, and what does it cost?
This varies from person to person, and results vary too. We will talk about it at your consultation. A clinical hypnotherapy session is £95. You can see how booking, payment and cancellation work on the fees page.
Is online hypnotherapy right for you?
For many people, being at home makes it easier to relax. But online therapy is not suitable for everyone, and hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical or psychiatric care where that is needed. We will check this together before you begin. If you are curious about particular areas, you can read about hypnotherapy for anxiety, sleep, stopping smoking and phobias.
If you would like to talk it through, book your free consultation. If you ever need urgent help, call 999 in an emergency, or Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.
This article is for general information only. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.