Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation that can help reduce stress and tension, boost self-confidence, and activate internal healing mechanisms. And whether you’re considering your first session or have experience with hypnosis, there are always some things to keep in mind. By preparing ahead of time, you can make the most of your time with your hypnotherapist and ensure that you get the results you want.

Know What You Want

Your therapist will ask you questions during the initial session to find out more about your life, and what you hope to achieve from treatment. This will help them understand what kind of therapy works best for you and will allow you to set realistic expectations for your first hypnotherapy session. Hypnosis is a highly suggestible state, so your therapist will use different techniques and suggestions to work with your subconscious.

Be Yourself

Your hypnotherapist will use imagery and carefully chosen language to guide you through the process of changing your underlying feelings, behavior, or perceptions. Your therapist will also teach you cognitive-behavioral coping skills and explore your past experiences related to the problem or behavior that you are seeking to change. Your therapist will work with you to create lasting, beneficial changes in your life. This may include reducing anxiety, quitting smoking, overcoming a bad habit, or boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Be Mindful

Mindfulness is a state of awareness that improves your ability to understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It can be an important tool in identifying and releasing the tension in your body that is caused by unconscious negative thoughts, for example, which keeps you tense at night, or feeling anxious before giving a presentation at work. It can also be a useful way to identify what is causing your stress and how you can change the behaviors that are contributing to it. A pilot study from Baylor University, for instance, found that a combination of mindfulness and hypnotherapy can reduce stress symptoms in patients. The study is a significant addition to the growing body of evidence that suggests that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for many conditions.

Be Open

It is important to be open and honest about what you want out of hypnotherapy. This can reduce some of your concerns before the session and set you up for a positive outcome. In addition, you should also be able to trust your therapist and feel comfortable in their presence. This rapport will be essential to the successful outcome of your hypnotherapy sessions, so it is vital to make sure that you choose a professional that you trust and respect.

Be Honest

If you’re going to hypnosis, it is essential that you are honest with yourself and your hypnotherapist. This will help you get the best results possible and allow you to make lasting changes. And while hypnosis is often successful, it does often still take time and commitment to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions will always vary depending on the client’s challenges and desired change.