About On-line Therapy
Hypnosis On-Line
Perhaps it is surprising that hypnosis on-line is possible. The explanation is very easy. Whether it is on-line, face to face or self-hypnosis the person hypnotises themselves. As a hypnotherapist my words may have certain qualities that will create an atmosphere of calm and peace, but they will also help to guide the client to self-hypnotise themselves. The hypnotherapist therefore does not need to be in the room with the client.
But hypnosis on-line is not for everybody. For those who agree there can be some very obvious advantages. First is that the person can be seen in their own home, without the need for either therapist or client to travel. The client will be most at ease, have their own creature comforts and to some degree can also arrange the room themselves for their therapy sessions.
A very short history of on-line therapy
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped many aspects of our lives, including the landscape of mental health care. The shift to online therapy has impacted both therapists and clients, with varying responses. Some clients postponed therapy during the pandemic, preferring to wait. Others embraced online therapy, indicating a growing recognition of mental health support's importance during challenging times. This trend suggests an encouraging willingness for some to adapt for well-being.
There was a divergence in preferences between therapists and patients regarding consultation methods other than face-to-face. On one hand, therapists' inclination towards video consultations suggested a desire for a more holistic understanding of their clients, perhaps valuing non-verbal cues and visual engagement as important components of their practice. This preference likely stems from a professional perspective that visual information can enhance the quality and depth of their assessments and interventions.
On the other hand, patients' preference for audio-only consultations revealed a nuanced psychological dynamic. Despite the potential benefits of visual connection, clients seem to prioritize a sense of perceived anonymity. This preference may indicate that for many individuals, the absence of visual exposure creates a psychological safety net, allowing them to feel more comfortable sharing personal information.
The use of hypnosis in a remote, audio-only setting presents a nuanced challenge that merits careful consideration. It's worth reflecting on the intricate nature of the hypnotic process and how it unfolds during a typical session.
In the early stages of hypnotherapy, clients are often still developing the ability to communicate effectively while in a hypnotic state. This skill typically emerges gradually, usually towards the conclusion of the initial session or even afterwards. Moreover, the therapeutic value of silence in hypnotherapy cannot be overstated. These quiet interludes, far from being empty or unproductive, serve as vital spaces for introspection and internal change. During these moments, clients are given the opportunity to explore possibilities and initiate transformations within their own mental landscape, potentially paving the way for positive future outcomes. It is important to recognise that the hypnotherapist's role during these silent periods is far from passive. Instead, they are engaged in a subtle yet critical observational process, attuned to the client's minimal cues. These small, often imperceptible signals - a slight eye movement, a subtle shift in facial expression, or a minor finger twitch - each can provide valuable insights into the client's internal experience.
Audio-only hypnotherapy sessions are generally unsuitable, especially for new clients. They may work for established clients where the therapist understands their responses well. This approach emphasises the importance of a full sensory experience in hypnotherapy, showing the limitations of audio-only sessions in this field.
Perhaps there's a need for a more flexible approach that can accommodate both perspectives, recognizing that the most effective method may vary depending on individual client needs and the specific goals of therapy. Ultimately, this situation underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between mental health professionals and their clients to ensure that the chosen mode of therapy aligns with both clinical best practices and client comfort levels.
Advice for setting up the video connection
For new clients who are agreeable or clients whom I have already met face a video hypnosis consultation is an option.There are a few guidelines that I am recommending.
- If you do not live alone, let everybody else in the house know you will be on a private video call and are not to be disturbed.
- Equipment: A desktop computer and monitor, laptop or tablet device are all suitable. The internal cameras are more than adequate as are the in-built speakers. Ear pods are optional and may be suitable if there are other inhabitants around.· Mobile phones are too small and not suitable. They would either be too far away from the eyes or interfere with the hypnotic work. During hypnosis it is important that both the focus of attention and hands are free. A mobile phone will not properly allow these.
- Restart the device immediately before the appointment. This will reset the device for the memory consuming video work. It should also allow better Internet access which is essential.
- A link will already have been sent for a Teams or Zoom meeting. FaceTime does not require a link. Join the meeting about 5 minutes before the appointment time. This will allow time to sort out technical issues such as can both the client and therapist see and hear each other?
- Consider the camera position. For detecting those minimal cues, the quality of the image on the screen is not as good as seeing a person directly face to face. A compromise must be made between being too close and having the benefit of seeing minor changes in facial expression and a little bit further away when it is possible also to view hand movements. The best position is probably the one depicted in the picture below, where I was modeling in front of an iPad.
- You may be asked for permission for the consultation to be either audio- or video-recorded. This sometimes helps to review the consultation when writing up the notes following the consultation session end. However, the main reason would be as resource material if I ever needed to use the consultation for educational purposes, to demonstrate an aspect of the consultation to other clinical learners. If agreeable, I will send a signed consent form. If you would not wish to be recorded that is quite alright. Simply refuse and no explanation is necessary. The most important thing is you being fully at ease during the sessions. This is more important than any potential educational benefit it may have.
- There is about a half second delay for the video signal from the camera of one participant to reach the monitor of the other. During an online consultation it is not possible for one person to speak over the other. to speak over the other. This is not usually a problem with hypnotherapy as the delay is usually absorbed by the slower pace of any conversation.
Setting up the camera
A good seating and camera position. Note the feet, not visible, are flat on the ground; the elbows and hands are supported and all ten fingers are visible.