The Importance of a Consultation in Hypnotherapy

Giving a consultation to a new client is as important as the therapy itself. You need to know what and who you are treating. The initial contact that you have from a potential client is often via text, social media, telephone call or email. Occasionally they will visit you in person. You can ask specific and important information at this point and also why they wish to see you. However, don't use this information instead of giving a full consultation.

Why give a consultation?

You may find that giving that extra time, be it 30, 45 or even 60 minutes of your day is a waste of time. You could be seeing another client in this time and making extra money. However, there is a great deal you need to fit into this time slot. For instance:

• Explain about hypnotherapy, what it is and isn't. How it works and what the client should expect from the session
• Build a rapport with your client - build their trust and let them feel relaxed with you
• Find out if they have any health issues that prevent you from performing the therapy
• Answer their questions - some clients will have a lot of questions, also they may be apprehensive and want your assurance
• Find out if what they are asking you for, is really what they want.

Recently, I had a call from a lady wishing to lose weight. She said that I had helped two of her friends with the Hypnotic Gastric Band and she wanted me to do the same for her.

This was a straightforward request and I invited her to see me for a consultation. She arrived and I asked all the relevant questions. She said her portion sizes were average, not too big, she ate a well-balanced diet and exercised 4 to 5 times a week; she also walked her dog daily.

From what she was telling me, I couldn't see how a Gastric Band therapy could be of any assistance to her. She seemed very disappointed and said that she really hoped that I could help her. This comment made me want to find out more.

I felt like we had a good rapport and she seemed relaxed with me. I asked her if she drank alcohol. She nodded. I asked how much and when. She looked down at her feet and said that she had a glass or two most evenings just to relax her and a couple more at the weekends when she went out with friends.

She couldn't look at me when she was giving me her explanation and she was also fidgeting. I reassured her that it was OK to talk to me and asked her again how much alcohol she drank each day. She shook her head and said she didn't know; then began to cry.

She admitted that it was the alcohol that was causing her weight gain but also that she thought she might have or heading towards a drink problem. She was consuming two bottles of wine and glasses of vodka every night and more at the weekend.

Without the consultation I would have not discovered this. I could have given her what she asked for but it wouldn't have worked for her and she would still have a problem with alcohol.