Your first Hypnotherapy session - what can I expect?

Firstly, I want to say congratulations on taking a huge step in your healing journey. Making a decision to proceed with a healing modality - whether that’s Hypnotherapy or something else -  is a beautiful act of self-care. 

So, what’s next?

I want to give you an insight into what it’s like to work with me specifically, as every practitioner is different. 

My priority in sessions is to help you feel both comforted and empowered. My focus is to help you unlock your inner positive resource states - that you already have inside of you - and using them to work towards your goal. 

You might feel both excitement and a little uncertainty about what to expect. This article is designed to guide you through the entire experience, from preparation to what you’ll feel and gain from a session with me. 

Step 1: Initial Consultation and relaxing Hypnotherapy session

Our first session starts with a detailed consultation so that I can fully understand what you’re looking to work on - I will take detailed notes, and the session also allows us both to ensure that hypnotherapy is the right fit for you.

How to Prepare

I encourage clients to arrive with an open mind and a relaxed body. There’s no need for any specific preparation, but you may want to reflect on your goals and what success looks like for you. Bring any questions—there are no “silly” questions, and I’m here to support you all the way. We will use the session to create a focused goal that we can review each session. 

We will end the session with a guided hypnotherapy relaxation session to help you feel much more settled and calm. This part of the session also helps build association with my voice, so that your subconscious becomes more receptive to it, which will build each session.

I will provide you with a recording so that you can continue to enjoy the calming benefits during the time between this session and the next. 

This session lasts up to 1hr and 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time for any further questions you may have at the end. 

Step 2. Starting the Session: 

When you arrive (whether in person or virtually), we’ll start by creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. I’ll explain the process, so you’re clear on each step, and we’ll discuss any questions or concerns.

I will then begin to guide you into a deeply relaxed but aware state. There is nothing scary or weird about it -  think of it as a meditative state, or similar to being really absorbed into a book or a movie. You remain in control at all times, and the goal is to help you feel calm and focused, ready to access your subconscious mind.

During this phase, many people report feeling a comforting heaviness or lightness. You may notice a sense of calm washing over you. Know that you will always remain aware and can exit this state at any time. Hypnosis is a natural, safe state, so there’s no need to worry if it’s new to you.

Step 3: During the session:

Once you’re in a relaxed state, we begin to work with the subconscious mind, where habits, beliefs, and memories are stored. This is where real change can take place. Using a mixture of approaches, including positive direct suggestions and visualisations tailored to your goals, we’ll begin reshaping negative or unhelpful thought patterns.

How does that work?

It’s different in every session, but if you’re working on reducing anxiety for example, I will work on relaxing your nervous system first, then guiding you through visualisations of handling situations with confidence and ease. If you are addressing a smoking or habit, we may work on creating an inner image of freedom and empowerment without that behaviour by drawing on your strengths. Every suggestion is personalised to you and your desired outcome - every session plan is completely tailor made to you.  

Step 4: Ending the session

Once we’ve completed our work, I’ll gently guide you back to a fully aware state, allowing you to feel grounded and refreshed. Many clients describe this part as a smooth transition, and they feel relaxed, alert, and often surprised by how calming the experience was. 

We will use a few minutes at the end to discuss how you’re feeling, any reflections you had, and steps to take before the next session. This could include a recording to listen to, tailored affirmations, or visualisation techniques to use at home and build on the work we’ve done together. 

What can I expect after the session?

Most people feel a sense of lightness and mental clarity after their first session, though responses vary. Some people find that subtle shifts happen over the next few days as their mind begins to adapt to the new suggestions.

Hypnotherapy works by making small, manageable shifts over time. For best results, I recommend clients practise any suggested exercises or take time to reflect on what was discussed. In follow-up sessions, we’ll build on this foundation to help you reach your goals.

Final thoughts:

Entering into hypnotherapy can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s something new. My role is to support you fully through the process and make each session a safe and empowering experience. Hypnotherapy offers a unique path toward self-understanding and personal growth, one that goes deeper than just “talking” about your goals—it provides a way to connect with the mind at its most receptive level.

If you’re ready to begin this journey, feel free to reach out with any questions or book your first session - I look forward to helping you unlock the potential of your mind to create the changes you want.