I shared a bit about my hypnotization experience on our podcast in episode #185. But I thought I’d also share a blog post about it, and a little update on how things have gone so far (three months on).
First, I decided to get hypnotized because I was trying to stop biting my nails. I’ve been a nail biter all my life, for as long as I can really remember. I’ve had times when I quit, but it never seems to stick.
I’ve tried many different products and tricks over the years, but nothing seemed to work for me long term.
When I had my consultation call with my hypnotist, I shared my goal and thought it was interesting to hear that many of his clients get hypnotized for other habit-related things like quitting smoking and losing weight.
I was his first client trying to stop biting his nails. And even though it’s only been three months since I was hypnotized, I haven’t bitten my nails since, which is really, really great for me! Here’s what the process looked like.
To be honest, I never really thought I would try hypnosis. It seemed a little, well, hokey. But one day, I was looking at my nails, which were very bitten and damaged, and I said to myself, “I have to try something else. I don’t want to give up yet.
And I felt ready to try anything (safely). And while I didn’t have much faith in the effectiveness of hypnosis, I was also open to the possibility that it might work.
And at the very least, it probably wouldn’t hurt other than the little time and money I invested in the experience. I also thought that, worst case scenario, it’s still a fun story. I had nothing to lose.
Consultation
I started by asking all my friends if they had ever been to a hypnotist in Springfield, Missouri, where I live. No one had. So I turned to Google. I found a few options and emailed/booked calls.
Personally, I probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable going straight into a session having never encountered hypnosis or knowing someone who had been.
If you’re looking to get hypnotized, I recommend finding someone who offers a consultation call or some kind of (free) introductory call so you can make sure it’s right for you.
Homework
Before the session, he made me fill out some forms. One was a fairly standard medical type form. The other asked me to list my goal, why I wanted to achieve that goal, and what my life would be like months and years after achieving it.
Although it didn’t take long (probably 30-40 minutes to fill it out), it was very valuable. He used my answers during my session, so that’s part of the goal.
But also, just sitting down and thinking about why I wanted to stop biting my nails and listing the reasons and thinking about what life would be like once I quit was very empowering. It made me even more motivated by my goal.
get hypnotized
I chose to do hypnosis over a Zoom call rather than in person. I liked the idea of being at home and feeling safe and alone during the process. With my knowledge and permission, he recorded our session and sent me the recording afterwards. I can restart the session when I need to, which is great.
I sat in my office chair (which is comfortable, but not comfortable for you to fall asleep) in my home office with the door closed during our call. It was quiet, but not perfectly, I could hear a neighbor mowing part of the time, which wasn’t a problem at all.
I had my eyes closed during hypnosis and sometimes he would make me do some small actions like clench my fist or raise my arm. Nothing too crazy. I didn’t have to “gape” like a chicken, but I’m sure you could ask that if you wanted. 🙂
The experience was very much like a guided mediation that was done just for me and my specific purpose with some of my language (of form) woven throughout. I felt very relaxed afterwards.
There were parts that were moving – like he showed me the child-Emma in my mind and gave her a message of love. But I’m the type of person who sometimes cries a little during yoga and certainly the movies. I’m pretty open to my emotions when I choose to be.
I saw Andrew Waldowski with Vibratory Hypnosis. The consultation was free and the call cost $150 for a 1.5 hour session (early 2023). He also mentioned that Jo Moon (also in Springfield where I live) is another great option, although I haven’t tried it.
I also really appreciate this podcast episode from Brit Morin: Does hypnotherapy work?, so it’s a great listen if you’re looking to learn more. What do you think of hypnosis? All the best, Emma
