Hypnotherapy can take place online or in person, and you are welcome to choose the option that feels most comfortable.
The therapeutic approach, personalisation, appointment length and fees are the same. In my experience, online hypnotherapy can be every bit as effective as working together in the therapy room.
There is no universally better option. The most important consideration is whether you feel comfortable, private and able to engage fully with the session.
Not sure what either option actually involves? You can read what happens in your first hypnotherapy session — the process is the same whether you choose online or in person.
How does online hypnotherapy work?
Online appointments take place through Google Meet. You will receive a link to join the appointment, and the initial conversation takes place in the same way as it would if you were sitting with me in the therapy room.
We discuss how you have been feeling, review your progress and agree what the session will focus on. When it is time for hypnosis, you can sit comfortably or lie down.
You can listen through headphones, earbuds, your phone speaker, or a computer or tablet speaker. Headphones are not essential, but many clients find that they create a more immersive experience and make it easier to focus on my voice.
Do I have to keep my camera on?
No.
You can keep the camera on, turn it off during hypnosis or complete the appointment without video if that feels more comfortable. Some people like the reassurance of seeing me during the conversational part of the session but prefer to switch the camera off once they close their eyes. Others are happy to leave it on.
There is no requirement to remain perfectly still or look suitably hypnotised. You are allowed to adjust your position, scratch your nose, cough, swallow or move when you need to. Hypnosis is not broken by being human.
An online connection is needed so that the hypnosis section can be recorded and provided to you afterwards. The session can be audio-only when you would rather not use video.
What do I need for an online session?
You do not need specialist equipment.
You will need:
- A phone, tablet or computer
- A reasonably stable internet connection
- A comfortable place to sit or lie down
- A private space
- Approximately one uninterrupted hour
Before the session, it helps to:
- Put your phone on Do Not Disturb
- Close unnecessary applications or browser tabs
- Let other people know that you should not be interrupted
- Settle pets where possible
- Have water nearby
- Make sure you are physically comfortable
You do not need to create a perfect spa environment. You simply need somewhere you feel safe, comfortable and unlikely to be disturbed.
What happens if the internet connection drops?
Occasional internet problems happen. They are inconvenient, but they are not dangerous.
If the connection drops during the conversational part of the appointment, we reconnect and continue. If it happens during hypnosis, you may notice that my voice has stopped, open your eyes or simply continue relaxing for a short while.
Once the connection is restored, we pick up from where we left off or repeat that part of the session. A temporary disconnection cannot leave you “stuck” in hypnosis. You remain in control and can return to normal awareness whenever you choose.
When a significant technical issue prevents us from completing the work, we will make an appropriate arrangement to continue it.
What are the advantages of online hypnotherapy?
No travel
You do not need to allow extra time for driving, parking or public transport. This can make appointments much easier to fit around work, family and other responsibilities.
You can remain in familiar surroundings
Some people relax more easily at home. You can choose your own chair, sofa or bed and remain in that comfortable setting after the session has finished.
No journey immediately afterwards
Hypnosis can leave you feeling deeply relaxed. With an online appointment, you do not have to get straight into a car or begin travelling home. You can take a few minutes to enjoy the calmer state before returning to your day.
Greater geographical flexibility
You do not need to live close to Wilmslow or even within Cheshire to work with me online. Online sessions can be particularly helpful for people who travel for work, have caring responsibilities, experience travel anxiety or live too far away to attend regularly.
Easier continuity
If you usually attend in person but cannot travel one week, the appointment may be moved online rather than cancelled. It also means that therapy can continue during periods of travel, changes in work patterns or other practical disruptions.
What are the advantages of attending in person?
Some people simply prefer being in the same room as their therapist.
My Wilmslow therapy practice is a beautiful, calm and welcoming space. It is completely private and has been designed to help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. Clients often comment on how relaxing the room feels.
Attending in person may suit you when:
- You do not have enough privacy at home
- Other people or pets are likely to interrupt
- You spend much of your working day online
- You find technology distracting
- You value face-to-face contact
- You want a separate space away from everyday responsibilities
Coming to the practice can also create a clear boundary around the appointment. For one hour, you can step away from work, home and other people’s needs and focus entirely on yourself.
Is online hypnotherapy less personal?
No.
Online hypnotherapy is not a generic recording played over a video call. The consultation, therapeutic approach, hypnosis and recordings are created around you.
I still take the same time to understand:
- What you are experiencing
- What triggers the problem
- How it affects you
- What may be maintaining it
- How you want to feel and behave instead
- What language and approach are likely to be most helpful
The personalisation does not come from being in the same physical room. It comes from the quality of the therapeutic conversation and the way the work is designed around your individual needs.
Can I change between online and in-person appointments?
Yes. You are not committing permanently to one format.
You may begin online and later attend in person, start at the Wilmslow practice and switch online, alternate between the two, or move a particular appointment online when work or travel makes attending difficult.
That flexibility can make it easier to maintain momentum without forcing therapy to fit into a rigid arrangement.
Are the fees different?
No. The appointment length, therapeutic process and fees are the same whether you attend online or in person.
Please see the Cheshire Hypnotherapy fees page for current prices and block-booking options. The same guidance on how many hypnotherapy sessions you might need applies whether you attend online or in person.
Which option should I choose?
Think about where you are most likely to feel:
- Comfortable
- Private
- Unhurried
- Free from interruption
- Able to speak openly
- Able to relax
Online may be the better choice when convenience, travel or familiar surroundings matter most. In person may be preferable when you want a dedicated therapeutic environment or do not have enough privacy at home.
Neither option is a lesser version of the other. The right setting is the one that allows you to engage most comfortably with the process.
Appointments are available through Google Meet or at my private Wilmslow therapy practice. To discuss which option may suit you, or to arrange an initial consultation, contact Cheshire Hypnotherapy.