Hypnosis sessions are tailored to meet the individual’s needs and may be altered to treat specific problems most effectively.  In general, hypnosis sessions involve two fundamental phases:

The first phase, an “induction” phase, focuses on helping the person relax.  To do so, the therapist may suggest several relaxation techniques, such as imagining a serene scene or focusing on peaceful thoughts. The relaxed state experienced is important to helping the person focus and concentrate their energy on what they seek to accomplish during the session.

The second hypnosis phase is often referred to as an application phase.  During this phase, the therapist uses suggestion to promote the person’s achievement of their goals.  For example, a therapist may suggest that during and/or following hypnosis, feelings of anxiety will bother the person less as a means to treat anxiety.  If the person is experiencing hot flashes, the therapist might suggest that after hypnosis, the thought of a cool, running stream will reduce the person’s experience of heat.  The suggestions are a key ingredient to effective hypnosis treatment are targeted and tailored to address specific symptoms.