One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a hypnotherapist is: how many hypnotherapy sessions will it take for my issue to be resolved?
Most people start with three sessions. The initial consultation is 90 minutes long to allow for a thorough intake. This is "the getting to know you" session. Usually we record a short hypnosis technique to be used between sessions.
The second session is usually 60 minutes and dedicated to building up resources. Insights from the initial session and affirmations are combined with hypnosis techniques designed to build up the willpower "muscle".
The third session varies on the nature of the problem. It can be used for release of past trauma, managing current stressors/triggers, and/or for reinforcing the positive changes occurring. From there, we make a plan on what would be the most beneficial, depending on whether the client feels complete, would like to continue to explore their inner landscape, or has a different issue to be addressed.
Some people have complete resolution in one session, others take longer. Most people experience a subtle shift right away, which brings a sense of relief and being back in control of your life and the ability to make healthier choices. Simply picking up the phone is the first step to success, just as joining a gym or signing up for a yoga class is the first step - after that, showing up, practicing, and following through on your intentions is what creates truly long term, successful solutions.
One of the problems with hypnosis is how it is portrayed in the media - I do not have a pocket watch that induces instant trance with instant results. I would love to have a magic hypno wand that makes everything better, but the truth is, your issue is worth dedicating some time and investing some energy into, so as to truly have deep understanding and develop wisdom.
Statistics show that hypnotherapy has a 93% success rate after 6 sessions, as compared to a 38% success rate after 600 sessions for psychoanalysis (that's once a week for 12 years)*. While hypnosis has a different scope of practice than traditional talk therapy, it is a great adjunct and can be a way to accelerate the healing process.
Please call or email for more information or for an appointment and experience insights for personal growth and transformation today.
* Study by Dr. Alfred Barrios, published in American Health Magazine, August 2007
