Trying something new can be difficult for many people, especially when it is somewhat of a taboo topic in today’s society. Hypnosis is a completely natural state of mind that everyone goes into and out of each day. There is nothing to fear as you prepare for you first session. However, here are five tips to make sure you have a positive outcome.

1.        Keep an open mind. Everyone experiences hypnosis differently and sometimes, there can be great variety from session to session. Sometimes you will go deep into trance, other times you may experience hypnotic amnesia while other times, it will be the lightest of trance that you may think it did not work. Every level of trance and every outcome is exactly as it is supposed to be. It’s great to ask how others experienced it, but do not compare your session with that of another. We are all working through our own issues and so you are not comparing apples to apples.

2.        Keep your intention in mind but remain flexible. We often have a goal in mind when seeking help, but our issues are so intermingled that it is not unheard of to go in thinking you’ll be working on weight loss, only to leave the session having found out that work is driving you crazy and you need to make drastic change in that area.  Your subconscious knows what it needs and so trust the process that it is leading you to what you really need. After all, maybe you are overeating because you are stressed out at work!

3.        Drink plenty of water, avoid stimulants such as caffeine. Water is a natural cleanser and rids the body of any toxins. A minimum of three days before your session, increase your water intake (ideally drinking more flat water as opposed to carbonated water). While you are at it, reduce or stop any caffeine or other toxins the days leading up to your session.   

4.        Practice meditation or mindfulness before your session. If this is your first session, you are probably very eager to understand what trance is like. For those who are physically suggestible, deep levels of trance are easier to achieve. If however you happen to be emotionally suggestible, it may take you more practice to understand what trance, or hypnosis means to you. I suggest listening to a few guided meditations or guided visualizations to get a feel for what hypnosis could start to be for you.

5.        Get a good night’s sleep. It’s important to be well rested and in top mental shape for your session. Avoid staying up late or doing mentally draining activities. Take moments to rest such as doing meditation, taking a bath or even going to the spa. Doing so will help you tap into your subconscious during your first session.

Upon coming out of hypnosis, people often feel relaxed, clear minded and rejuvenated. It is important to ground yourself after a session by drinking water or walking barefoot (even better if you can do so in the grass).