Opinion poll....

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fable Goodman on March 22, 2011 at 6:21am

A first session with me (which in many cases is the only session), takes about and hour and a half.

 

At the beginning of that session we would spend about half an hour with what you might call 'intake interview' where I am finding out as much as possible about them and their issues, and along the way, explaining as much as neccesary about how we will work together. So that would include what some people call the 'pre induction talk' although  the way I woork, it all blends into one continuous 'chat'without those labels needing to be applied.

The whole things feels very informal, and I never make written notes.

 

During that chat, a lot of the groundwork is being done, which many here will call 'waking hypnosis'.

We then usually get on and have a more formal session of hypnosis which usually involves them closing their eyes, and usually takes about an hour.

 

I never have clients back to back, so there is no sense of rushing to fit things in.

 

The pros of this way, is that at the end of the session we both usually feel that we have done a good piece of work, and established a therapeutic alliance which will stand us in good stead for any future sessions.

The client does not need to make a second unneccesary jouney (unless they choose to do more work)

 

I think that many clients would be  dissapointed if they feel they have to come back a second time before they experience the benefits of hypnosis.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Fable

 

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on March 22, 2011 at 7:11am

I most often operate just like Fable (unfortunately sans musical saw) and love that model. Sometimes, though, I do have clients that express a need to meet me in person to discuss their case, especially in the area of weight loss, where multiple sessions are appropriate.

In such a case, I spend up to an hour basically in pre-talk/intake and I always allow them to experience a short "sample" of the power of their own mind. I also give them a relaxation recording to "prime" their hypnotic abilities by our next meeting. If they commit to 6 or more sessions, I do not charge for this. Otherwise, they pay to play!

 

Best wishes,

 

Kelley

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joe K Fobes on March 22, 2011 at 10:35am

First session by me is a trail session.

 

If they don't like it, they don't pay.

 

I do intake and first session all wrapped in one.

 

I also don't have a clear line between intake and the work. It's all quite seamless.

 

Joe

www.wikihyp.com

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Christine Hargan on March 22, 2011 at 10:39am

Hi Nancy

 

I have a separate induction/pre-talk/case history session, of around an hour for which no charge is made purely because I like to construct a game plan for the future therapy sessions and to build a good rapport.  I prefer to do this separately because I employ background processing to allow me the time and distance to consider what the client has told me in order to plan future sessions.  And I'm one of those therapists who scripts their sessions so I don't forget anything, or get side tracked.... .

Having a separate pre-session also allows me to phone/email etc, if there is something I need clarification on.  I don't make notes on the spot, but I write up sessions afterwards.

 

I think your approach needs to depend upon your personality, level of comfort and your therapy style, for example, I'm not comfortable flying by the seat of my pants in the same way as others are not comfortable with my therapy style, neither is superior to the other just different.

 

Hope this helps

 

Chris.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Graham Old on March 22, 2011 at 11:07am

Like Joe, my intake and first session are seamless.

Unlike Joe, I charge for the first session. Like it or not, they're getting an hour of my good time.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Conkle on March 22, 2011 at 5:11pm

Same here! Plus, I'm charging more for the first session since it's longer than subsequent ones.

Graham Old said:

Like Joe, my intake and first session are seamless.

Unlike Joe, I charge for the first session. Like it or not, they're getting an hour of my good time.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - NLPBoard.com on March 22, 2011 at 5:17pm

I am with steph...  I charge about $40 more for the first session.   I take about 1 hour 15 mins.   I spend 40 minutes doing intake, 30 minute session, 5 minute wrap up....  Second sessions are usually 30-40 mins...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on March 22, 2011 at 7:03pm

Hi Nancy,

 

My fee is $150- per session. My first session runs between 45 minutes and 60 minutes and subsequent sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes. I blend my intake/pre-talk and hypnotic ritual and time flies when you are having fun...

 

Michael E. @ http://nycanxietyhypnosis.com

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jackie Spencer on March 22, 2011 at 9:27pm

I offer a free consult to decide if the client, hypnosis and I are all a good fit for each other.  If we both have time and they're ready, I'll do a first session immediately and charge for it.  Never thought of charging more for a first session.  It makes perfect sense.  I think I'll keep my model, though.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nancy Last on March 23, 2011 at 7:28am

Thank you for all the imput - I received my certification about a year ago but haven't had the space for private sessions until now.  I have been presenting group *workshops* and am now working on transitioning into private sessions.  I appreciate all the different viewpoints  :-)

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion