Hypnotherapy: Online vs In-Person Sessions

With the advance of online video call technology such as Zoom, Teams, and Skype, just to name a few, online therapy sessions are becoming a popular choice.

Many people considering hypnotherapy ask me if online sessions are as effective as in-person sessions at my clinic. The answer depends on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

In this article, I’ll explain how hypnotherapy works, compare online and in-person sessions, outline their benefits, and help you decide which option suits you best.

What is Hypnotherapy, and How Does it Work?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses guided relaxation techniques to help individuals access a focused and suggestible state of mind. In this state, the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions, allowing for behavioural and emotional changes.

Hypnotherapy can help with:

Condition	Avg Number of Sessions
Anxiety & Stress Relief	6 – 12 sessions
Phobia Treatment	2 – 4 sessions
Insomnia & Sleep Issues	3 – 6 sessions
Pain Management	4 – 6 sessions
Menopause	6 – 8 sessions
Confidence & Public Speaking	3 – 6 sessions
Quit Smoking	1 – 2 sessions
Weight Loss	4 – 6 sessions

The process involves a conversation to understand your goals, followed by relaxation techniques that lead into a hypnotic state. The therapist then uses guided suggestions to support positive changes. This process can be conducted effectively in person or online.

Cost of Hypnotherapy in the UK

How Effective is Online Hypnotherapy Compared to In-Person?

This study published by the Journal of Medical Internet Research indicates that online hypnotherapy sessions provide results comparable to face-to-face sessions.

As a clinical hypnotherapist who offers both online and in person sessions at my clinic, I agree with the research data that both types of session are equally effective.

However, online sessions are not for everyone, and sometimes in-person sessions are more suitable.

Here are the main key factors influencing the effectiveness of online sessions:

• The hypnotherapist’s experience performing online sessions
• The client’s proficiency to use video call technology, such as Zoom
• The client’s ability to engage with the hypnotherapist
• A distraction-free environment (at both ends!) for online sessions

Benefits of Online Hypnotherapy

1. No Travel Required

• Attend sessions from home, avoiding travel costs and time.
• Ideal for people with mobility issues, anxiety, or those in remote locations.
• Clients with extreme anxiety or agoraphobia feel safer participating from home.

2. Comfortable Environment

• Being in a familiar space can make it easier to relax and engage with the process.
• You can set up your own calming environment with lighting, scents, or a comfortable chair.

3. Greater Flexibility

• More appointment times may be available, including evenings.
• Easier to fit into a busy schedule.

4. Confidentiality

• No risk of running into someone you know at a therapist’s practice.

Benefits of In-Person Hypnotherapy

For many individuals, attending sessions in person provides additional benefits. These include:

1. Direct Human Connection

• Face-to-face interaction can strengthen the client-therapist rappor/relationship.
• Some people find in-person interaction more reassuring and engaging.

2. Controlled Environment

• The therapist’s office/practice is usually designed to ensure distractions are kept to a minimum to enhance relaxation.
• This controlled setting can help deepen the hypnotic experience.

3. More Effective for Certain Techniques

• Certain hypnotherapy techniques that use physical movements, such as specific hand motions or eye fixation methods, can be more effective in person.

4. Easier for People Who Struggle with Technology

• No need to worry about internet connections, sound issues, or setting up a camera.

5. A Reason to Leave the House

• Attending sessions in person can create a sense of routine and commitment.

Key Differences Between Online and In-Person Hypnotherapy

Factor	Online Hypnotherapy	In-Person Hypnotherapy
Accessibility	Available from anywhere	Requires travel
Comfort	Conducted from home	In a controlled setting
Human Connection	Via video call	Face-to-face interaction
Technical Issues	Possible internet issues	No tech issues
Effectiveness	Equally effective for most conditions	Some techniques work better in person
Scheduling	More flexible	Dependent on office hours

Who is Online Hypnotherapy Best Suited For?

Online hypnotherapy works well for people who:

• Feel comfortable using video conferencing.
• Prefer staying in their own home for therapy.
• Have a busy schedule and need flexible appointments.
• Experience anxiety about leaving the house.
• Live in remote areas with limited access to local therapists.

Online Hypnotherapy Sessions: How Do They Work?

Who Might Benefit More from In-Person Hypnotherapy?

In-person hypnotherapy may be a better fit for those who:

• Find face-to-face interactions more engaging.
• Have difficulty relaxing at home due to distractions.
• Want a therapist to observe physical responses more closely.
• Do not feel comfortable using technology.

Common Myths About Online Hypnotherapy

1. “You Can’t Go into Hypnosis Over a Video Call”

Hypnosis is about relaxation and mental focus, not physical presence. Many people enter a hypnotic state through audio recordings, so live video sessions are just as effective.

2. “It’s Less Personal Than In-Person Therapy”

A skilled therapist builds rapport, whether online or in-person. Many clients feel just as connected through video calls.

3. “Technical Issues Will Ruin the Session”

As long as you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space, online sessions run smoothly. If there’s a problem, your therapist will ask you to reconnect the call or schedule another session if there is a major technical issue, such as no Internet.

How to Choose Between Online and In-Person Hypnotherapy

To decide which option is best, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable using video calls for therapy?
• Is my home environment quiet and distraction-free?
• Do I need the structure of physically attending sessions?
• Would I benefit from the therapist being physically present?
• Do I prefer the convenience of online sessions?

Your answers will guide you towards the most suitable choice.

What to Expect from Your First Hypnotherapy Session

Like many hypnotherapists, my online hypnotherapy sessions follow a similar structure to my in-person sessions. Here’s what typically happens:

Free Initial Consultation

This is a free 60-minute initial consultation online session where I ask about your anxiety, goals, and medical history, and I explain how the mind works and how hypnotherapy can help with your anxiety.

During this initial consultation, I do not use any hypnosis or hypnotherapy-related techniques as that is performed during your first standard hypnotherapy session.

Standard Hypnotherapy Session

During a standard hypnotherapy session (online or in-person), we cover several areas.

No.	Section	Overview
1.	Induction	A guided relaxation exercise to allow you to enter a relaxed state, much like daydreaming.
2.	Main Hypnosis Work	At this point, I will use specific hypnotherapy techniques such as positive suggestion and visualisation.
3.	Closing the Session	As your therapist, I will gradually bring you back to full alertness.
3.	Discussion & Homework	At this point, I’ll suggest exercises to practise between our sessions.

Hypnotherapy sessions usually last for 60 minutes. You’ll need a quiet space with a stable internet connection if you are taking an online session.

Some therapists, myself included, also provide you with an MP3 recording to help reinforce positive changes.

4 Things I Recommend For Online Sessions

For online sessions, you will need:

1. A quiet, calming and comfortable space.
2. Ensure you will not be interrupted for the duration of the session.
3. A stable internet connection.
4. Headphones (I strongly recommend that my clients use headphones to enhance focus).

How to Find a Qualified Hypnotherapist

If you’re considering hypnotherapy, look for a therapist who is:

• Registered with a professional body, such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) or Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH).
• Have experience in treating your specific condition.
• Offer a free initial consultation to ensure that the client and therapist are both a good match.
• Check for online customer reviews.

Conclusion

In my experience, both online and in-person hypnotherapy sessions can be equally effective, depending on the client’s preference.

Of course, your choice depends on your personal preference and access to a suitable environment. If you are unsure, perhaps try both an online session and an in-person session and see which you prefer.

I have had clients who have started with online sessions and then moved over to in-person sessions, and also the opposite, where after several in-person sessions, clients moved over to online sessions.

The most important factor is finding a qualified, experienced therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Whether online or in-person, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for positive change.