What’s the Difference Between In-person and Online Hypnotherapy?
Both people had hypnotherapy with the same hypnotherapist, but can you tell which one of them used online hypnotherapy?
“I was struggling with a situation which was causing severe anxiety and depression. I had to respond and do battle, but was virtually unable to move. I had heard of Ali and her work, she has a good reputation. Working with Ali was easy, positive and it’s worked! I’m back to being myself, I’m confident and have the tools to control my brain.” Ginette
“The main issue was that I was intending to move in with my partner of 10yrs but was worried about this as my last relationship did not end well. I found the experience very positive and I actually learnt a lot about the working of the brain. The forgiveness work was very powerful. The negative mind chatter has stopped and that is the greatest gift.” Sarah
It’s impossible to tell isn’t it, because online hypnotherapy can be just as good as in person hypnotherapy, especially if you want to work with someone in particular or find a hypnotherapist who specialises in the issue you want to resolve.
How effective is online hypnotherapy – has there been research?
Online hypnotherapy has been offered for as long as video calling technology has been available. This method of working is growing in popularity, never more so than in the world pandemic of 2020 and 2021.
A recent 2020 study*, one of a growing number of studies, stated that solution focused brief therapy was equally as effective in anxiety sufferers as face to face therapy. The study was published in the Journal of American Health.
There have been similar studies focusing on issues such as IBS, PTSD and depression, with all showing a good response to working online. This is reassuring if you, either for convenience or need, choose to look for good quality hypnotherapy online.
What are the benefits of online hypnotherapy?
As well as being effective, online hypnotherapy has many other benefits
• No travel time
• No travel costs
• No parking costs
• Save time in your day
• Easier to fit into your schedule
• Access a specialist hypnotherapist
• Choose from a wider variety of hypnotherapists; don’t be limited by locality
• Hypnotherapy from the comfort of your own home
• Feel safe and relaxed in your own environment
• Simple and easy to use technology
How does online Hypnotherapy work?
Online hypnotherapy is done by video, in real time – it’s almost the same as being in the same room. Most online hypnotherapy is via a simple to use video platform like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. However, it is even possible to use video phone apps like WhatsApp and Facetime.
What do you need for online hypnotherapy?
It goes without saying that you need a stable internet connection. If you can do video calls or watch a video on your device this is a good indication your internet is suitable for online hypnotherapy. At your first appointment you will discuss what you will do if either yours or your hypnotherapist’s internet connection fails. It doesn’t happen very often, but you can relax if you know what to do if it does.
To access online hypnotherapy you need a video enabled device like a phone, tablet, PC, laptop or Mac. Your therapist will share an invite or secure link with you. You may have to download a program or app, but not always. If you’ve never used the program, platform or app, you’ll want to try it out before your first consultation. This way you can be confident you will arrive on time to your first appointment.
As well as being able to see your hypnotherapist you will need to hear each other. Your hypnotherapist might recommend headphones for your appointment, as this can make it easier to focus on what they are saying. Headphones can help keep the conversation even more confidential. However, it is not essential to use headphones for online hypnotherapy.
You will want a time and space where you are relaxed and won’t be disturbed. It doesn’t matter whether you are at home or at work; just as long as you feel at ease. You might have to tell people you are unavailable, or ask your partner to keep an eye on the children. Make sure you will be comfortable – you may want a cushion or blanket for the trance part of the session so you can totally relax.
Things to remember if you use online hypnotherapy
If you are using your phone for your online hypnotherapy you will need to find a way of muting calls, texts and notifications because these can interrupt your session. Many devices now have a do not disturb option, so you can access what you want without other things distracting you.
If you are not using your phone, it is advisable to switch it off. Remember to take off any wearable devices as these can vibrate and disturb you too. It can feel good to disconnect with most of your technology so you can fully focus on, and enjoy, your online hypnotherapy session.
Online Hypnotherapy checklist:
• Choose the best hypnotherapist for you and your issue
• Stable internet connection
• Video and voice enabled device
• Optional headphones
• Somewhere comfortable to sit or lie down
• A private space
• Time free from distractions and interruptions
• Mute or switch off notifications and unused devices
• A blanket and a cushion or pillow to rest your head
Online hypnotherapy is simple, convenient and enjoyable once you know how. Most importantly, working with a hypnotherapist online means you have access to the absolute best, and can find your best hypnotherapist, wherever you are.
*Reference: Novella JK, Ng KM, Samuolis J. A comparison of online and in-person counselling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety. Journal of American College Health. 2020:1-
About the Author: Ali Hollands is passionate about guiding you through incredibly challenging times, resolving long-standing trauma and enabling you to re-design your beliefs, habits and behaviours into ones that serve you. Ali works with clients all over the world from her online clinic.
If you’d like to find out how solution focused hypnotherapy could help you to reduce anxiety, cope with stress and maintain your brain, why not get in touch to book your FREE initial consultation with your local Inspired to Change hypnotherapist? Inspired to Change Hypnotherapists are based across the UK in Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Devon, Essex, Kent, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Inspired to Change Hypnotherapists are all recognised by the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association.
To find out how you can train as a solution focused hypnotherapist click here for our hypnotherapy school information.