When people enquire about my programs they are sometimes quite apprehensive about the possibility of experiencing hypnotherapy side effects. This is because there are a lot of myths about hypnosis that give it a bad name.
Scratch below the surface and you will discover that most of these stories are unfounded and do not give a true indication of what hypnosis is and how it works.
For example, it is simply not true that a hypnotherapist can take control of your mind, erase your memory or make you do something you don’t want to do.
When your session comes to a close, it may take some time for you to notice a difference in your feelings or behaviour patterns, or you may notice a difference right away. Results vary from person to person, but generally there will be one of three possible outcomes:
ONE: You Feel No Different
It is impossible to predict how you will feel after your first hypnosis session. Some people feel no different; but most people respond positively to the experience almost immediately.
If you feel no change at all, don’t worry; this is not an indication of whether or not the hypnosis has worked. This happened to my client Sonia who came to see me for weight loss.
Not only was she sceptical of the process, but after her session ended she said: ‘Well, I don’t feel any different. I don’t think it worked’. I responded with: ‘Let’s just wait and see’.
Much to her surprise and delight, one week later Sonia reported that she was leaving food on her plate without even trying (something she had not done in twenty years), and that she had easily reduced her calorie intake.
She went on to lose a significant amount of weight and whats more, she kept it off. She was so delighted with her results that she referred many of her friends to me.
TWO: You Feel Better
If you feel better after your first session, congratulations! Most people feel great immediately after their first session and report positive changes in their thinking and behaviour patterns within the next few days. Some of the positive side effects of hypnosis include:
- Feeling lighter;
- Feeling calmer;
- Getting along better with friends, co-workers and family;
- Improved sleep
The results of hypnosis are cumulative so as you continue with your therapy you will see more improvements along the way; some are subtle and others are more obvious.
THREE: You Feel Worse
On very rare occasions, there may be some temporary negative side effects of your hypnosis session, including headache, fatigue or feeling low or depressed.
My client Madeleine called me the day after her first hypnosis session in a panic, because she was feeling very flat and depressed and irritable. She said: ‘I thought this was supposed to make me feel better, NOT worse?’
I explained to Madeleine that sometimes when we do work in the subconscious, it can cause a shift that can bring on negative feelings for a short period of time.
However, those feelings don’t last long; and when they clear, the client will start to experience the positive benefits of the therapy.
Madeleine’s low mood cleared within 3 days, and after that time she reported feeling much lighter, freer and more stable.
If this happens to you, stay in touch with your hypnotherapist so she can talk you through it and reassure you. Most hypnotherapy side effects are incredibly beneficial, but on the rare occasion that they are negative it is still a good thing, because it means there has been a definite subconscious shift.
