What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy or Brainspotting Session: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re curious about hypnotherapy or brainspotting—or maybe both—but unsure what actually happens in a session. Whether you're feeling stuck, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or simply ready for deeper healing, these two powerful modalities offer unique pathways to transformation.
Let’s walk through what to expect, so you can feel informed, empowered, and at ease as you take this next step.
🌀 What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses focused relaxation to guide you into a calm, meditative state known as trance, where your conscious mind quiets down and your subconscious mind becomes more open to change. This is not the “stage hypnosis” you may have seen on TV—it’s a collaborative, therapeutic process where you remain in control and aware the entire time.
Common goals for hypnotherapy include:
Reducing anxiety and panic
Increasing self-confidence
Releasing limiting beliefs
Healing inner child wounds
Improving sleep or motivation
Breaking unhelpful habits
🎯 What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful, brain-based therapy that helps the body and nervous system process trauma, stuck emotions, or distressing patterns by focusing on specific “brainspots” in your field of vision.
These eye positions are connected to deep subcortical emotional processing—meaning brainspotting accesses the areas where trauma and memory are stored, often beyond conscious awareness. It’s gentle but profound, and often works faster than traditional talk therapy for unresolved trauma.
Brainspotting is often used for:
Complex trauma or PTSD
Emotional dysregulation
Performance anxiety or blocks
Grief and loss
Chronic stress or body-based tension
Feeling “stuck” despite years of therapy
🧘♀️ What Happens in a Session?
Step 1: Intake and Grounding
Your therapist will begin by checking in on your goals, symptoms, and current emotional state. This might include talking about what brought you in or identifying a focus for the session.
You'll then be guided into a calm, grounded state. In hypnotherapy, this involves relaxation techniques like breathing and visualization. In brainspotting, your therapist may help you settle into your body with somatic awareness.
Step 2: The Core Experience
✅ In Hypnotherapy
Once you’re in a relaxed trance state, your therapist will offer guided suggestions, imagery, or therapeutic dialogue aligned with your goals. You may visualize letting go of past pain, reparenting your inner child, or planting new beliefs in your subconscious. You'll remain conscious but feel deeply focused and relaxed.
✅ In Brainspotting
Your therapist will help you locate a “brainspot”—an eye position connected to an emotional or physical activation. You’ll focus gently on that spot, allowing your brain and body to do the work of processing. You may talk, cry, notice body sensations, or sit silently—it’s all welcome.
Step 3: Integration
Both modalities end with a gentle transition back to full awareness and a brief reflection. Your therapist may offer journal prompts, grounding tools, or suggestions for continued self-care.
💡 Common Questions
Will I lose control or forget what happened?
No. In both approaches, you remain aware and in control the entire time.
What does it feel like?
Many describe it as dreamlike, peaceful, or emotionally cathartic. Some sessions feel subtle, others deeply emotional.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies by person. Some feel relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from a deeper journey over time.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Hypnotherapy and brainspotting aren't about “fixing” you—they’re about helping you access your inner wisdom and healing potential. They support your nervous system in releasing old patterns and create space for a more authentic, aligned version of you to emerge.
If you're ready to explore these powerful methods, know that you're not alone. Healing is possible—and it starts with curiosity, courage, and one intentional step forward.
Interested in trying hypnotherapy or brainspotting?
Contact me to schedule a free consultation and find out what approach fits your needs best.
