Online Hypnotherapy

Are you struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, fears and phobias, addiction, or chronic pain? Online hypnotherapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Discover how this cutting-edge treatment works and can help you overcome your challenges. How does online hypnotherapy work, and can it be an effective treatment option?

Online hypnotherapy. How does it work, and is it effective?

Introduction to online hypnotherapy.

In 2020, something significant happened worldwide, and we all wondered how we would cope.

On the 23rd of March 2020, the UK was ordered into lockdown, and anxieties soared across the board.

Schoolchildren became more isolated and nervous, and adults worried about their financial security and losing their jobs. Overnight, the world became a more anxious place. People were fighting over pot noodles and toilet paper!

Face-to-face therapy became difficult initially, but that adjusted itself over the years. However, many therapists, including myself, dabbled in doing their sessions online using Skype, Teams, or Zoom. It was something a lot of therapists had resisted before, mainly because the therapeutic relationship was weakened or disconnected due to a screen acting as a barrier between client and therapist.

So, it took a little longer to gain this alliance.

However, for some clients, it was a great way to have therapy without leaving their homes; this also cut down on travel time and cost.

Despite some initial scepticism, online hypnotherapy has become a viable option for many people seeking therapy for various psychological problems.

Benefits of Online Hypnotherapy.

Accessibility is probably the main benefit. Using different digital platforms, such as Apple Mac computers, personal computers, tablets, and phones, clients can access therapy from the comfort of their homes, thus eliminating the need to travel any distance to the therapist’s office. This may better suit some people’s busy lifestyles.

Perhaps it can help people who live in remote areas or have a disability access therapy more conveniently.

Moreover, online hypnotherapy can offer much more flexibility in scheduling appointments. However, it sometimes increases the therapist’s workload as most sessions involve sending emails to the client to support the therapy work.

I use a VPN for my online hypnotherapy sessions. This virtual Proxy Network enables me to reinforce greater online security, add more privacy for the client, and ease any worries the client may have about confidentiality. Engaging in therapy in the privacy of your own home can garner a greater sense of comfort and openness.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the benefits:

• CONVENIENCE: Online hypnosis allows clients to access hypnotherapy from the comfort of their favourite chair in their setting, making them feel more at home, if you excuse the pun!

• ACCESSIBILITY: Online hypnotherapy means that geography no longer becomes an obstacle! As long as you have a reasonable internet connection, you can connect with your therapist wherever you are.

• COST EFFECTIVENESS: Whereas the session price will be the same as in-person appointments, you cut the cost of travel and any other expenses. Some therapists may work in an office where you must pay for parking.

• FLEXIBILITY: Online hypnotherapy means that clients can schedule their appointments without the travel time, meaning they can access an appointment during their lunch hour at work—so long as it’s a private connection.

• CONFIDENTIALITY: I work in a private office that is not overheard by anyone else. However, some therapists may work in an environment where the client may feel slightly worried about opening up. I use a virtual private network (VPN) that masks the IP address used in an online session. This keeps the connection secure so no one else can snoop in. I also run Teams, which is very secure.

• COMFORT: As you will be in more familiar surroundings during an online hypnotherapy session, it can help you feel more relaxed and better settle into the session, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

• VARIETY OF OPTIONS: This means that you can access anyone you like. Although good therapists are often booked up in advance, you can try the next person on your list.

• CONTINUITY: If you moved away from the area and previously undertook face-to-face therapy with a specialist, you can continue with the person you trust and the already established therapy.

• INDIVIDUALS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES: Online hypnotherapy is effective for clients who have special requirements, removing physical barriers and making the therapy more accessible. Remember, many therapists’ offices do not have disabled access. My room has a low-threshold door for wheelchairs, but my toilet is not disabled-friendly. Online therapy removes this issue.

• RECORDINGS: good hypnotherapy is very conversational and interactive, making recording the session meaningless as it would be any good to replay it. However, sometimes, a more direct route can be taken when the client is just sitting and listening to my words; this could be recorded if necessary.

What about the effectiveness of online hypnotherapy?

I understand that there are always those who may question the efficacy of Online hypnotherapy. However, if you research, you will find plenty of evidence to support its effectiveness.

A study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis in 2019 looked at outcomes in effectiveness between online hypnotherapy and face-to-face hypnotherapy for treating severe migraines and headaches. It concluded that there was little difference between the two modalities.

Furthermore, it makes the world a smaller place. I have delivered online seminars via the Manchester Stress Institute to companies such as the NHS, Kirklees, the education authority, Beat the Burnout and Peak Performance. Online seminars are now very commonplace.

What about the disadvantages of online hypnotherapy?

It also needs to be mentioned that for all the benefits of online hypnotherapy, it can also come with its challenges. As noted, rapport is often quickly gained face-to-face, but online hypnotherapy may take longer. The therapist is responsible for earning the client’s trust and confidence; a good therapist can bypass issues like this.

Let’s also remember that technical problems may arise due to the computer-based platform, which relies on a decent computer with a good camera and a strong and stable internet connection. What if you are working intensely with someone, and the connection drops?

A well-trained online hypnotherapist will explain that should any connection be lost between them and the client. The client will be able to bring themselves out of the hypnotic trance with no adverse side effects.

Here is a comprehensive list of possible disadvantages.

• TECHNOLOGY! An unstable internet connection can interfere with communication, detracting from the effectiveness of the therapy.

• NO PHYSICAL PRESENCE: One of the main criticisms of online hypnotherapy is that some individuals feel a disconnect between them and the therapist. This can muddy the alliance between therapist and client. I am a realist and always want you to know the truth. Many therapists only list the benefits. But I’d rather inform people than pull the wool over their eyes.

• PRIVACY: Conducting an online hypnotherapy session over an unsecured network can raise privacy concerns. That’s why I use a secure network to connect with my clients.

• NON-VERBAL CUES: It is often more difficult for me to see nonverbal communication, such as body language or the rate of breathing that someone is exhibiting. I like seeing the client’s micro reactions to stimuli when working with trauma. This could affect the process when viewing via a screen.

• DISTRACTIONS: Having your partner or kids walk in on you during an online hypnotherapy session can be very distracting. Can anyone remember the politician based in Hong Kong on the BBC news when his kids all came walking in, quickly followed by his wife, trying desperately to drag the kids out of the shot? Hysterical. So I’m sure you catch my drift.

• TECHNICAL KNOWHOW: Some people are not technical and will have many issues attending an online session, hindering their ability to engage fully in the process.

• RAPPORT: Building rapport between you and your therapist is paramount! It helps form a bond and build trust. This can be more challenging online and easier face-to-face.

• MISCOMMUNICATION: Sometimes, there are communication errors or misinterpretations that can occur more frequently in online hypnotherapy sessions than in the more traditional face-to-face sessions. This could undermine the therapeutic process.

The future.

As technology continues to improve, the future of online hypnotherapy shows excellent promise. I am currently working with audio bi-lateral tones that the client can listen to via headphones to induce greater trance states so that the therapy part of the hypnosis can bypass the critical faculty (think of this like a guard that stands between your conscious and unconscious parts of your mind) and offer a more profound experience.

Then, of course, there is AI. But I wouldn’t want to put my mind in the hands of an AI therapist!

Online hypnotherapy represents a very viable and effective method for delivering therapeutic interventions for a wealth of mental health problems.

Make sure your therapist is correctly trained before you make an appointment.

Here in the UK, the therapy industry is largely unregulated, so we have to rely upon certain membership bodies that represent high-quality training, such as the CNHC (Complimentary Natural Healthcare Council), which was set up to recognise quality training in a number of healthcare modalities, including hypnotherapy.

My training was at the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy at a master’s Degree level over hundreds of hours. My first qualification was in 2009, I then gained a distinction in my diploma.

I have also carried out 18 months of additional training in CBT, and each year, I spend a minimum of 15 hours on continued professional development. I also see a qualified supervisor several times a month, which keeps me at the cutting edge of therapy.