Is Skype Safe?

Are Skype Hypnotherapy Sessions Safe?

Today with the advent of technologies such as Skype the Hypnotist and the subject no longer need to be in the same room or even the same country. This poses the question, what safeguards must be put into place in order to keep Skype Hypnotherapy safe?

Hypnosis has been used for thousands of years as a way of healing and pain control. From the ancient sleep temples in Greece to today in Dentistry, hypnosis has proved itself as being a powerful tool in healing and medicine.

Hypnosis has always been a practitioner in a room with their subject or client. The practitioner guides the subject through the various levels of trance, initiating the positive change work such as weight control, stop smoking, alleviating phobias or controlling pain, then safely returning the subject to full awareness.

Today with the advent of technologies such as Skype the Hypnotist and the subject no longer need to be in the same room or even the same country. This poses the question, what safeguards must be put into place in order to keep Skype Hypnotherapy safe?

The General Hypnotherapy Register which is one of the oldest and most respected hypnotherapist professional bodies in the world has put together some guidelines to help keep clients safe. Here is a small extract from the guidelines.

“Obtain an agreed back-up number or text arrangement in case of technology failure, and a third-party emergency contact number.

"Ensure that the client has a clear understanding of what to do in the event of server or computer breakdown or other loss of communication.”

If you are considering a Skype Hypnotherapy session have an alternative phone number that the Hypnotherapist can call you on. Also let a friend know that you are having a Skype Hypnotherapy session. Inform them of the date and time and let them know that you will be giving the Hypnotherapist their phone number in the unlikely event that assistance is required. It is also very important to ask your Hypnotherapist what is their back up plan in case of a failure in internet connection, computer or headphones and microphone.

This will keep you safe in two important respects. Number one, by knowing the procedure you will simply follow the steps detailed by your Hypnotherapist and no harm will come to you but more importantly number two, this will alert you as to whether your Hypnotherapist has a safety plan in place or not. If your Hypnotherapist cannot give you a step by step safety plan you would be strongly advised not to use that Hypnotherapist.

Another important safeguard is always to ask your Hypnotherapist if they are a member of a professional body and are they insured for online hypnotherapy consultations. Professional bodies have codes of conduct that members must follow and in order to be a member of a professional body you must be qualified or at least be very experienced and if your Hypnotherapist is insured this gives you an extra layer of protection.

The most important thing to remember is that Hypnotherapy is a relaxed, focussed state of concentration and is natural and safe. People and animals have been experiencing hypnosis for thousands of years with no negative side effects. With the above precautions in place and working with a fully qualified professional Hypnotherapist you can fully enjoy your consultation and all of the positive benefits it will bring.