Since hypnosis may affect major changes in your learned behaviors, one session may not be adequate to obtain "real" and "lasting" results. Many of these behaviors have taken years for us to acquire, and feasibly can't be changed in a one hour session. Obviously, several sessions may be required to produce permanent results.
A Typical Session:
THE FIRST SESSION - will last longer than the usual 45-60 minutes. I will explain how hypnosis can work for you. I will answer any and all questions you may have about hypnosis. I'll dispel any and all misconceptions that you may have had about hypnosis. I want you to be completely comfortable with your expectations of your session. I want you to understand that lasting change can happen if you are sufficiently motivated. You will need to set realistic and positive goals. We'll go over exactly what your expectations are and what we can do to achieve them. We will do a few suggestibility tests to see your level of "hypnotizability". There are many forms of inductions. After speaking with you, I will then do one of many different types of induction. This is the process that will put you into a deep, relaxing hypnotic trance state. I will make the positive suggestions for change, which you have detailed during your pre-induction interview. I'll make some post-hypnotic suggestions. After emerging you from hypnosis, we will review your suggestions and anchors. You will do a mental rehearsal and then see if you are able to imagine yourself if the previously undesired situation and call upon a positive response. You will then take home a tape or cd to be used each and every day.
THE SECOND SESSION- will last approximately 45-60 minutes. We'll review your first session and your progress since then. We'll check the efficacy of your post-hypnotic suggestions based on your actions since your last session. I'll then perform an induction with a deepening technique and reinforce your action plan. If guided imagery is part of your program we'll begin this now, also. I'll then teach you steps for self-hypnosis and have you practice it before you leave. You'll continue to listen to your audio recording after this session.
THE THIRD SESSION- This session will also last about 45-60 minutes. In it, we will repeat the basic session, after we discuss your progress since your last session. If guided imagery is appropriate, we will use visualization and imagery to look at the issue at hand. This will usually lead to increased success at solving your issue. At this time, we'll also review your realistic positive goals. We'll reinforce your use of Self-Hypnosis. Then we'll then work on action suggestions that will facilitate ending the negative behavior. We'll then determine whether or not your post-hypnotic suggestions were successful. (Mental rehearsal). It's extremely important to continue using your self-hypnosis and auto-suggestion techniques.
Since people are different and their specific needs are different, it's not possible to calculate exactly how many sessions will be required for each client . A program will be tailored specifically to your needs.