Working online with clients?
What could possibly go wrong working online with clients?
When working with hypnosis clients online, things are out of your control. When working with a client online last week, it was a bit chaotic, to say the least. It was Jack’s first session with me, and we were working with a lack of motivation.
When working online, my hypnotherapy sessions are the same as being in the therapy room face to face. To my surprise, I can get a feel for the client online by watching body language, eye movements and facial expressions.
Jack was quite unsure of what he wanted to achieve with hypnotherapy, as he had been through quite a lot of personal traumas during the last two years. As hypnotherapists, we are much more focused on what a client wants to achieve and very goal-oriented. Jack was very focused on what was wrong with his life, and it was quite hard for him to express what he wanted.
We eventually found out that Jack wanted to be motivated to get on with things, look after himself, and start going out and socialising again.
Once we had achieved what Jack wanted, I explained how he needed to position himself to go into hypnosis and enable me to facilitate the IMR (Ideo Motor Response).
Then the magic words “are you ready to be hypnotised?” I love saying that, and my clients will often smile as they close their eyes. This is where our work begins.
How did working with my client go wrong?
To my horror, I could hear music playing in the background. It was not congruent with a progressive relaxation. But I thought, hey ho, I will play more relaxing music in my therapy room to not distract me. Jack obviously liked the music he was playing.
Then the doorbell went!! Jack opened his eyes very apologetic and said he had to get that as it was his Amazon delivery! Off he went to answer the door.
I was halfway through the induction and pressed pause on my recording. I remembered how far I was through the induction.
When Jack returned, I asked him to turn the music off, which he did, and get comfortable again. I then said take a deep breath and close your eyes. I unpaused the recording and carried on from the point I had got to.
After the session, Jack felt great.
How do you cope with things that happen online? I would love to hear.
Do you want to find out more about working with clients online?
We are hosting a live Q & A on the 22nd of April, with Jan Page and Jacqui Valentine sharing their experiences. You are welcome to join us. If you would like to be sent reminders about the live stream or keep up with the latest news from the HSOH, you can subscribe to our newsletter here. You get a free e-book for signing up!
