Hypnotherapy is a portmanteau of the words "hypnosis" and "therapy." As the name suggests, hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique in which patients are hypnotized during their treatment sessions. Hypnosis can be used to put patients at ease, which is especially helpful for people who suffer from trauma or those who feel skeptical about therapy. Learning what you should do and what you can expect can help you prepare for your first hypnotherapy session. Here are four things that you should bring to your hypnotherapy sessions:
1. Your Complaints
Patients seek hypnotherapy for a reason, usually because there is an issue in their lives that they'd like to resolve. It's often considered impolite to complain, but that doesn't hold true in therapy. You should bring your honest complaints to your hypnotherapist. Your therapist can only help you if they know what the problem is.
2. Comfortable Clothes
Hypnosis is not something that is done against a patient's will. Rather, it is a collaborative process. As your therapist starts the hypnosis process, your participation is vital. Your therapist will ask you to pay attention to their words, and they may invite you to close your eyes. As you focus on your therapist's words, you will be instructed to relax and let yourself fall into a suggestible, hypnotized state. Your comfort is paramount to this process, so you should aid it however you can. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your hypnotherapy sessions can help you feel more relaxed. You should also bring a soft, comfortable sweater or jacket that you can put on in case you get cold.
3. An Open Mind
Hypnosis requires consent. In order to become hypnotized, you must want it. That means that you'll need to leave your skepticism at the door. You should arrive at your hypnotherapy sessions with an open mind. Your therapist will guide you through the process and provide the counseling you need to work through your issues. All you need to do is be willing to give hypnosis a try.
4. Commitment To Doing The Work
All types of therapy require work and commitment on the patient's part. Digging through your history and overcoming your bad habits can both require tremendous courage, and most people won't see immediate results from hypnotherapy. It can take several sessions, administered over the course of several weeks before you begin to make noticeable progress. Don't get frustrated if you don't get better immediately. Being willing to stick through your treatment can lead to great rewards in the end.
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