Does online hypnotherapy work as well as face to face?
For many people, yes. Hypnotherapy is mostly about guided relaxation and calm suggestion, and that carries across well on a video call, with the bonus that you are already in your own comfortable space. Some people simply prefer to be in the room with someone, and that is a perfectly good reason to choose face to face.
How an online session works
- You join a video call. Your hypnotherapist sends a link, and you usually need nothing more than a phone, tablet or laptop.
- A chat first. You talk about what you would like help with, just as you would in a therapy room.
- The hypnosis. Your hypnotherapist guides you with their voice into a relaxed state. Because it is voice-led, it travels well over a call. You can close your eyes and listen.
- Coming back. You are brought gently back to ordinary alertness and talk about how it felt.
What online does well
- You are already at home. Many people relax more easily in their own chair or bed than in an unfamiliar room.
- No travel. That suits busy days, rural areas and anyone who finds getting out hard.
- More choice. You can pick someone with the training or specialism you want, not just whoever is nearby.
- Easy to repeat. Many people find it simple to fit a session in before bed or after work.
Try something tonight
Curious how it feels before you book? A self-guided relaxation recording lets you try the same sort of settling at home, tonight.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
Or see someone: find hypnotherapists near you
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Or by what you would like help with: relaxation and wellbeing
Where face to face may suit you better
Some people find it easier to switch off when they are not looking after their own space, and a few get distracted by noise, pets or family at home. If you find video calls tiring, or you like the feeling of a person simply being in the room, in person may suit you better. There is no wrong answer, and it is fair to try one and switch.
Getting set up at home
- Choose a quiet room and let others in the house know you need about an hour.
- Use a comfy chair or recline with your head supported.
- Wear headphones if you can, as they make the voice clearer and block out noise.
- Silence notifications and have a phone number to hand in case the connection drops.
- Do not book a session when you need to drive or do something alert straight afterwards.
Roughly what does it cost?
Private hypnotherapy in the UK commonly costs from £50 a session, and online sessions are often priced about the same as in person, sometimes a little lower. Many hypnotherapists offer a free first chat. Check the length of a session and the cancellation terms before you book.
Where it fits alongside NHS care
If you are using hypnotherapy for something like anxiety, sleep or a health symptom, it can sit alongside what your GP or the NHS has suggested, and it is worth telling your GP you are trying it. It is not a replacement for medical care, so please do not stop or change any treatment because of a session. A good practitioner will tell you if another route is better first, and may ask you to see your GP if what you describe has not been checked, or if you are under a mental health team.
More questions
Will I be able to relax on a video call?
Most people can, because the work is done through the voice and you can close your eyes. Many find being at home helps. If you struggle in the first session, tell your hypnotherapist, who can adjust how they work.
What if my internet drops out mid-session?
Your hypnotherapist will usually have agreed a plan with you, such as calling you on the phone. You stay aware throughout and can open your eyes at any time, so a dropped connection is nothing to worry about.
Can I fall asleep during an online session?
Some people drift very close to sleep, especially lying down at home. You are not under anyone's control and will be brought back at the end. If it happens a lot, mention it so the session can be shaped around it.
Is online hypnotherapy safe?
For most people, yes, in the same way as in person. Check that your hypnotherapist has proper training and belongs to a professional body, and tell them about any health conditions at the start.
Can I have a recording to use afterwards?
Many hypnotherapists offer a recording of a session or a short technique to practise between appointments. It is worth asking at the first chat, as it often helps.