Does hypnotherapy have any unpleasant side effects?
New clients often ask me whether they will experience any unpleasant side effects from hypnotherapy. I have been asked a few times whether it will be alright to drive following a session or whether people might feel ill in some way.
Luckily, the side effects of hypnotherapy tend to be incredibly positive. Whatever condition clients come with - whether they want to lose weight, stop smoking or overcome an addiction - they find that, as a result of hypnotherapy, they feel more confident and in control in many other areas of their life. The relaxation aspect of sessions is very enjoyable and healing in itself and clients often report that they feel more relaxed and sleep better following a session.
Some people find that their senses and thinking are sharpened after a session. They find that they're able to easier locate answers to questions and generally feel more alert.
Occasionally people feel a bit headachey following a session, a symptom experienced with other forms of talking therapy. Drinking plenty water after the session usually helps to prevent this. Hypnotherapy sometimes involves looking at issues which are difficult and memories which have been suppressed. This type of work can leave you feeling upset after a session, but it is all part of the healing process. It is important to find a therapist who you are comfortable with before looking at potentially upsetting issues.
The vast majority of clients find that they really enjoy the process of hypnotherapy and often relax at a level they have never experienced - or haven't experienced for a long time. The best thing is that, once you have had a session and experienced this level of deep relaxation, you can recreate it yourself on a regular basis by using self-hypnosis. All those positive side effects will stay with you long after your sessions with the hypnotherapist!