Before committing to hypnotherapy, people often want to know how many sessions are typically required to address a specific issue. That, however, is not a question that can be answered without any background information. The answer depends on the individual and the issue being addressed.

Factors That Affect the Session Count

Some goals can be achieved in just a few sessions, while others may take much longer. The number of sessions required for an intervention depends on a several factors:

• The complexity of the issue – a specific behavioral change (for example, removing fear of snorkeling) can take a much shorter time to address than a complex bundle of issues (for example, rebuilding one’s identity and self-esteem).
• Duration of the pattern – the history of the presenting issue determines if, and how much, work needs to be done to clear past trauma. Although it is not always the case, at times, longer history may require more time to work through.
• Client motivation – the client’s commitment to the process and willingness to do follow-up homework tasks (if given) can strengthen the impact of the interventions and can shorten the number of sessions required.
• Responsiveness to hypnosis – people respond differently to hypnosis. Sometimes, an inflated need to stay in control can prevent individuals from relaxing and accepting hypnotic suggestions. In this situation, some time would have to be spent on “conditioning” the individual or helping them become comfortable with hypnotic work.

Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering hypnotherapy:

• Habit change (e.g., smoking) may require fewer sessions than trauma-related work
• Even the issues that are handled in one or sessions may benefit from a subconscious reinforcement.
• Any significant changes can benefit from ongoing support, which can be more infrequent than the original sessions.
• Hypnotherapy is not about forcing therapist’s solution on the client — it’s about insight, integration, and alignment, all of which require reasonable time.
• A practice that offers packaged deals may not necessarily provide a better therapeutic option. No hypnotherapist can know before speaking with you how many sessions you will need to achieve a certain goal, or can guarantee that you will reach that goal.
• In hypnotherapy, change often continues after sessions as the subconscious integrates new patterns. Do not judge the success or failure of the work right after any particular session.

Hypnotherapy is tailored, not standardized. A skilled hypnotherapist will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.

By Natalie Candela, PhD

Certified Hypnotherapist and Transformation Coach

Awakened Hypnosis (https://awakenedhypnosis.com)