Evanston Therapy – Can Online Hypnotherapy Really Work to Ease My Anxiety or Chronic Pain?

Recently we posted an article on the blog delving into clinical hypnotherapy. You can check out the article here. You may be interested in hypnotherapy but may be wondering if it would work in an online, virtual setting. Can you sit in the comfort of your living room on your couch and receive the same benefits of in-person hypnotherapy in Chicago? We have seen that clients have the same positive outcomes from online hypnotherapy as they would in our Evanston and Chicago therapy offices.

Here’s how it works….

Online Hypnotherapy Question #1  Do I need to have a therapist in the same room with me?

You go in and out of a state of mind very similar to the hypnotic trance several times a day. For instance, you might lose track of time scrolling through your Instagram feed. Or, you get engrossed in driving and don’t remember how you got to your destination.. Either of these situations is not unlike the hypnotic state.

So, no, you wouldn’t need to have one of our Evanston therapists in the same room with you to enter into the hypnotic state. Hypnotherapy does not involve physical touch, so having the therapist available to you over video works quite well. You will want to make sure that they can see you clearly to assess how you are processing the information during the hypnotherapy. Lastly, you will want to limit any noise or distractions so that we can hear each other well.

Online Hypnotherapy Question #2 How do I prepare for this online hypnotherapy session?

Prep your environment

To start, you will want to create the quietest environment possible. Ask anyone sharing your home during the time of the appointment to help you maintain a peaceful, quiet space. This may also mean that you want to put your pets in another room, so you will not be interrupted or distracted.

We recommend that you find a comfortable chair or spot to sit. You may not want to choose your bed if you think you will fall asleep. To receive the suggestions for easing your anxiety or pain, you will need to be in a comfortable position where you will not have to hold yourself up.

Prep Your Tech

To ensure that you have a smooth, positive, helpful online therapy session, you will want to prep your tech before our meeting. Our meeting will be via our online HIPAA-compliant video platform. First, double-check that you have a strong Internet connection. Be sure to have the app downloaded on your phone, tablet, laptop or computer.

So that you will not have to hold it during the session, set your device up on a stand, table or tripod. You could also prop it up. You will enter a deeply relaxed state and you will want to have your hands free.

Make sure that your device is transmitting high quality video and sound. As we’ve said, our Evanston therapist will be watching your facial expressions during the session and will want to clearly see your face. We must be able to hear each other well to communicate effectively during your session.

Noise-canceling headphones might also be a good option. If you are extremely sensitive to sounds, you may want to consider having headphones on hand. The headphones will also help you to stay tuned in to what is happening during the online hypnotherapy.

Once you have done these preparations, you will be ready to experience an effective, online hypnotherapy session.

Online Hypnotherapy Question #3  What will happen during the session with one of the Evanston therapists?

We want you to remember that this form of therapy is safe and highly researched. Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can reduce anxiety and stress, phobias and help you better manage chronic pain, especially the pain of IBS and other GI disorders.

We will follow the same protocol as in-person sessions. First, we will discuss your goals and the desired outcomes from the hypnotherapy. As we work together, we will build greater trust and rapport. A strong therapist-client relationship helps you to progress.

Next, with subtle suggestions, we will work on assisting you to progressively relax all of your muscles. The physical relaxation will lead your mind into a hypnotic trance. After deepening this state of physical and mental relaxation, we will focus on the situations and circumstances in your life that you would like to see changed. In the hypnotic state, your mind is more open to new suggestions and ways of thinking and behaving.

When the session is nearing a close, we will gently lead you out of the hypnotic state, or you can do this alone. We will chat briefly about what you experienced and how you think it might help you.

You might be thinking, “Okay, this sounds like online hypnotherapy might work, but can it work for me???”

We would love to explore this question with you. Please click below and sign up for a free, fifteen-minute chat. We can get to know each other a little and discuss how online hypnotherapy with an Evanston therapist might benefit you.