Hypnotherapy via Telehealth – Does It Work?

Posted: March 22, 2023

Hypnosis has to be one of the most misunderstood mental health treatments hands down. The myths surrounding this treatment stem from the many exaggerated movie scenes and stage shows. The truth is, hypnosis is an effective psychotherapeutic treatment that has helped countless people. In a clinical setting, hypnosis simply puts people into a highly focused or relaxed state, where there is heightened suggestibility. In this relaxed state, positive suggestions seem to better find their way into the subconscious mind, where they can then support shifting people’s self-esteem, mood, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

When is Hypnosis Used?

Hypnotherapy is often used to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, unwanted behaviours, and phobias. Hypnosis can also be used to help with insomnia and other sleep issues, relationship issues and problems with communication. It has even been used successfully to aid in pain management and certain medical conditions.

Hypnotherapy via Telehealth?

Due to the pandemic, many therapists have had to pivot and offer their clients therapy sessions via telehealth solutions. Now you may be wondering if hypnotherapy can really work when receiving the treatment through an online portal such as Zoom or Skype.

Yes, this treatment can work remarkably even when not in the same room with the person. To start, hypnotherapy is all about getting into a DEEP state of relaxation. Most people are going to feel the MOST relaxed in their own home.

In addition, these sessions typically have the person laying down or sitting comfortably with their eyes closed listening to their therapist speak. There may even be some calming music. All of this can happen just as easily over the Internet. In fact, if the patient wears headphones, they will be able to block out all ambient noise and focus JUST on their therapist, something that doesn’t necessarily happen in the therapist’s office where you may also hear distracting sounds from the building or outside traffic.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

The great thing about receiving hypnotherapy via telehealth is you are not limited to working with a therapist in your local area. I am a Kitchener therapist, but work with many clients in various places in Ontario and Canada at large. When looking for a hypnotherapist, it’s important that you find a registered mental health practitioner, such as a Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist, who has special training in Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapy (C.Hyp™), that means they have training in the mental health applications of hypnosis specifically.

Of course, in addition to finding someone with the right credentials, you should also find someone you feel 100% comfortable with.

If you are interested in exploring hypnotherapy, please feel free to book your first intake session here. At our first session we can go over your goals for hypnotherapy and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

SOURCES:

Rebecca Steele

Rebecca Steele, MA, MSW, RP, RSW is an individual therapist in downtown Kitchener. She specializes in offering insight-driven depth therapy and supports individuals who may be experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Click here to learn more about her online Kitchener counselling practice!