Hypnosis has recently been featured on Oprah, with Brian Weiss doing a demonstration, working with the entire audience to take them through a past life. People are talking about the benefits and effectiveness of hypnosis with smoking cessation, weight loss, fears and much more. The question is, does hypnosis work, and can it work by phone? Can you save gas and relax in the comfort of your own armchair while you are remotely guided into a hypnotic state?
With hypnosis becoming more popular as people are educated about the benefits and safety of this unique art, there are more hypnotists offering sessions by phone. This might seem like a great idea to save gas and time, and to be in your own, comfortable environment while being tranced. Can it happen by phone? Certainly.
Hypnosis is direct communication with the subconscious mind. It’s even possible that some people benefit more from a phone session than an in-person session, because they have a higher level of security, safety and comfort – things that, if missing, can keep someone from reaching a sufficient level of focused awareness for hypnosis. Most techniques that are used in a personal setting can easily be transferred to phone – after all, a hypnotist uses words as tools…
Here’s a list of the benefits and some potential drawbacks of hypnosis by phone.
Hypnosis is a natural state, much like deep meditation. In your own environment, you could easily feel more comfortable and relax deeper and more easily, attaining a hypnotic state faster. Since hypnosis focuses on direct communication with your subconscious mind, a hypnotist could potentially work with you anywhere, as long as you are receptive to it.
Even though it’s a myth that a hypnotist can control you, and that you maintain awareness in a hypnosis session, a distance session could remove that fear for those with nervousness about the issue.
Many people routinely listen to visualization or meditation CDs, or listen to music on their MP3s and are used to listening with headphones (we suggest our phone clients use headphones for their session, if possible). This familiarity can help the session progress faster and headphones help block out distracting noises, helping the client focus in on the hypnotist’s voice.
If privacy is an issue for a client, or if they are shy or nervous, the phone creates a barrier that helps them feel safe so they can get the full benefit of the session.
You can choose a hypnotist that is not local. You have a choice of hypnotists, nationwide. For those people in small towns or far from a local hypnotist this is a great benefit. Or if you have not been able to find a local hypnotist that you feel comfortable with, this is a great option and expands your selection considerably.
Here are some possible drawbacks, and solutions…
The phone may get disconnected…It’s OK, you won’t remain in hypnosis forever or “get lost” in some undescribed place. Your subconscious is there to protect you – you would simply come back to normal awareness and wait for your hypnotist to call you back and finish the session.
You may fall asleep. This is possible, but not likely, unless your hypnotist practices only direct suggestion. In that case, the session will not be interactive. A well-trained hypnotist will be directing you through an interactive session where you will be answering questions and using mental exercises to resolve your issues. Suggestions may not stick if the original cause of your issue has not been resolved. In either case, your hypnotist should be checking with you consistently to insure you are following with the session and having a satisfactory experience. If you do fall asleep, you will either be awakened by your hypnotist, or will awaken naturally after a short nap.
There may be long distance charges. Check with your hypnotist before scheduling a session so you know what to expect. There are many phone plans that offer free long distance and your hypnotist may subscribe to one.
Payment options. Check to see what kind of payment your hypnotist accepts. You may have to send in a check before your session, delaying your session, and your results. Many hypnotists are taking payment with a merchant service, or you might be able to pay through PayPal which accepts many different kinds of payments, instantly.
Phone Hypnosis may not be for everyone, but for many people, it is an excellent option that enables them to achieve results in the comfort of their own home, without the additional stress of driving in traffic, being in unfamiliar surroundings and additional travel time.
