Yes! As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, many of us were obliged to adapt to working increasingly online and hypnotherapy was no exception. Delivering sessions via Zoom or Skype became the norm during the lockdown, but they did re-emphasise to me just how effective working online can be (in fact the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that "e-therapy seems to be at least equivalent to face-to-face therapy").
From a client's perspective, there are some obvious advantages - money and time saved on travelling to a clinic; more convenient for those with work, childcare or caring responsibilities; perhaps the only option for those with anxiety about leaving the home; or simply the feeling of being more relaxed and at ease in the familiar surroundings of their own home. For the busy client, sessions can also be delivered at the client's hotel or workplace.
Most of the issues that are traditionally helped using face-to-face hypnotherapy can be dealt with online. My 'fear of flying' programme has proved particularly popular, but other commonly requested solutions involve anxiety, phobias (needle phobia has been particularly an issue for those anxious about getting the Covid vaccine), weight loss, IBS, pain management, quitting smoking and relationship issues. Safeguarding protocols also ensure that there is no danger of a client being left 'stuck in hypnosis' should the internet connection drop-out!
For the client, the only prerequisites are a quiet place, a comfortable chair, decent broadband connection and (if possible) headphones or earpieces to enhance the immersive experience. A free initial consultation is available to chat over the issues and test the protocols beforehand.
Read more about my online hypnotherapy here
