How long does hypnotherapy work for? A well-known dog charity tells us that puppies are for life and not just for Christmas and ideally therapy is the same. Not just a quick fix that improves things for a while, but real and long-lasting change. But at some point, nearly everyone begins to wonder whether the results they’re getting while they’re seeing me will last once their therapy is complete, and they are back out in the world without the routine, comfort and support of regular sessions. Will they be able to keep up with the changes by themselves?
It’s a natural enough thought, especially if change happens surprisingly fast. But I’m always happy to hear that clients are thinking in this way. It shows that they understand that they are in charge and can take responsibility for their own well-being.
What can I do to make sure the changes last?
You may be asking this question because you’re thinking of taking therapy, or because you are already doing so. Perhaps you have seen a therapist before and found yourself slipping back into the old ways.
If you have worries, it’s best just to talk to me (or your own therapist if that’s someone different). After all, we both want your success to last.
Maintaining the results after therapy ends
1 Stay positive and focus on your successes. Avoid worrying constantly about your problems returning. That’s like negative self-hypnosis – a repeated suggestion in your mind that things will go wrong, making it more likely to happen.
2 Take a close look at exactly what you are doing differently now things have changed. Continue to do what you are doing which is so successful so you can keep doing it.
3 Remember that therapy can’t protect you against every situation that might arise in the future. We all have occasional bad days and stress. But the tools and techniques you learned in therapy will help you deal with these times more quickly and effectively.
4 Use those same techniques in as many situations as you can. Often clients find there is a kind of ‘ripple effect’ where solving one problem makes it easier to solve others as well.
5 Make a promise to look after yourself mentally and physically every day – and keep it. Improve your lifestyle choices around diet, sleep, and exercise. Listen to a hypnotherapy audio, practise self-hypnosis or explore related techniques like meditation or mindfulness.
If you haven’t started therapy yet, I’d be happy to discuss this or any other concerns. Check out the other hypnotherapy articles on this site, using the blog hashtags, or book a free discovery session to find out more about how I can help you.
Author: Debbie Waller is a professional therapist, specialising in stress, anxiety and related issues, including gut-directed hypnotherapy to help with the symptoms of IBS. She also offers EMDR/Blast which is used for trauma, PTSD, phobias and OCD. For more information on any of these services, phone 01977 678593.
Researcher: Rae Waller is an experienced researcher and writer with a special interest in mental health issues. Rae offers drafting, fact-checking, proofreading, and editing for anything from a leaflet to a website, a blog or a book, and can also provide diversity reading, especially for LGBTQ+ and autism-related issues. Please contact rae@debbiewaller.com for further information.
