Is Skype Hypnotherapy As Effective As An “In Office” Session?
Online therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Modern technology is allowing us to become more connected in many different ways. Distance is no longer an issue and accessing the help you might need is just a click and an internet connection away. This is advantageous, especially for people that live in more rural areas and don’t have the same access as some who live in more metropolitan areas. In addition, even if you live in a large city, a physical disability or not wanting to leave your home for any reason might prevent you from getting to a much needed appointment. This is becoming more conventional for regular talk therapy sessions, but what about hypnotherapy? Can this work just as well?
There are a number of online services that offer online video or text counselling sessions. These services can give you an “on demand” access to a therapist in a time of need. Research is showing that these improved access to services can decrease the feeling of being isolated or not knowing where to begin. In addition, a number of government services are being implemented that use telemedicine principles to help people self-monitor symptoms and moods. This data is then directly communicated to clinicians so that they can properly monitor client progression and state. All of these new technologies are breaking down barriers, helping to reduce stigma around mental health and efficiently increasing access to much needed services. How well does this work for hypnotherapy? Are there any concerns or limitations to using these methods?
Hypnotherapy At A Distance, What You Should Know Online hypnotherapy is becoming more popular and it’s important to know what you should do in order for you to do it safely. One of the biggest concerns for any therapist is the loss of connection during the session. It’s imperative that your internet connection is stable and that you use a very stable video conferencing service like Zoom. Having a consultation prior to the session will help you become more confident that all of these criteria are met before you begin treatment. In addition, it would be a good idea to have someone in the other room to come check in on you within a predetermined period of time just in case the connection is lost. For most work being done in hypnosis, even if connection is lost, the worst that can happen is that you take a little “nap” and you’ll wake up when you are good and ready. I would personally avoid doing certain work at a distance. The use of age regression techniques may lead to strong emotional releases, and a trained therapist knows how to effectively guide you through. In the event of a lost connection during such a release would not be an ideal situation. So I would strongly advise against it. In terms of other work, it should be relatively safe.
Skype Hypnotherapy For IBS, Recent Scientific Evidence There was a recent study published that compared the efficacy of in office hypnotherapy sessions directly compared to online or “Skype” sessions. They concluded that the Skype sessions were slightly less effective than face-to-face treatment, but that being said, it gave access to people who would have otherwise not been able to attend an “in office” session (Hasan, et al., 2019). Knowing this, if you can, it would probably be best to work with a therapist face-to-face. If you are unable to for any reason, online sessions offer and alternative and are still deemed to be effective.
Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy & Self-Hypnosis are very empowering and offer you invaluable tools to help you along in your daily life. If you are interested in learning more about the process please reach out and I’d be happy to help out.
If you have any questions, interested in trying out a session, or getting a personalized self-hypnosis recording made, please reach out and feel free to send me an e-mail.
Written By: Sebastian Di Cesare PhD, RCH - a research scientist & practicing Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Vancouver, Canada.
