Clients resistance is probably the biggest obstruction to successful hypnotherapy. We can be ‘resistant’ for many reasons, for example :

Afraid or nervous about hypnosis, either having never experienced hypnosis, having had a bad experience in the past or even just through watching a stage act where the hypnotist had their subjects carrying out hilarious acts!

Sometimes it just comes down to ‘belief’. Our client may simply not believe in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy, believing it to be mumbo-jumbo, making them very sceptical of the process.

The Client not wanting to be there, encouraged or even forced to attend therapy by someone else or an authority. Some of my Clients have told me that they are in session because their partner has offered an ultimatum, ‘get help, or I’m off!’ etc. Sometimes it can be a condition of a suspended sentence for a criminal act.

Another reason, and a very strong one, is the ‘hidden agenda’. This is when the issue or ailment serves the Client in what they view as a positive way, therefore the Client doesn’t truly want to get better. This may take the form of ‘increased attention’ from those friends and family surrounding them. The same friends and family not expecting too much from them. It could simply be a case of loss of financial benefits.

There are occasions that the Client just does not ‘gel’ with the therapist. If rapport isn’t established early on, it can be very difficult, if not impossible at times, to regain.

A well trained, experienced hypnotherapist/psychotherapist will help their clients overcome their resistance or refer on to another therapist who they feel will be better able to support the individual, depending on the reason for the resistance.

People come to therapy because they want to ‘feel’ and ‘think’ in new ways that help them live happier and healthier lives.