How many sessions will it take?
This is probably the most common question when a client wants to break a habit. Most do not want to sit around an office talking about their habit any longer than they "are forced to" and yes, they are also looking at their wallet!
So how long does it take to break a habit? No quick answer, but the training of a therapist who has a background in psychology, drug and alcohol therapy vs a lay hypnotherapist who has six weeks of training will look at a client differently.
The lay hypnotherapist will only look at the symptom and will suggest a behavioral change Surprise! It can work, but usually only for a period of time. If the client has not come to terms with the cause of the habit, it may return under stress, chemical inbalances in the brain chemistry, or take another form. ("I no longer smoke pot, but I now enjoy wine!").
It also depends on the motivation of the client. Can you imagine working with Charlie Sheen? He does not want to quit, so until he does either by loss of income, court order, or failed health, no amount of therapy will help.
I had a couple today with a husband who is an alcoholic and a wife that "just can't leave him." They are divorced but live together and have two children. They are both lovely people, but he does not think he has a problem and can manage a six pack a night, and a couple of nights that go into the wee morning hours "with the boys!" He does not want to give up his drinking "on the surface" but he knows she has had it with him and is ready to leave him for the final time. After the intital interview, I realized that he is afraid that he can't quit. There is so much alcohol in his system that is is not a safe suggestion to take him off completely. I asked him what was a reasonable amount that he could commit to for the first week. He came up with two beers a night and no drinking with the boys.His wife was not happy with the gradual withdrawl, but she agreed to go along with it. I also gave him massive amounts of amino acids as alcohol issues are not always a matter of will power, (or any other addiction for that matter) but body chemistry. The aminos which contain tyrosine, L glutamine and phenylalaine help with the cravings and replace dopamine naturally (alcohol depletes the dopamine receptors).
So to answer the question, one session, probably not unless the client has had success and is on the final stage and just needs a push. Divorce, long term use, poor self esteem need tools over several sessions. I usually recommend five sessions and then a review to see how they are doing.
If you have started therapy with a qualified therapist who uses ASCH hypnosis, stay wit the program,it may be longer than you want, but with the layering of the message and the guidance of your counselor,your chances of success are far greater.I'll let you now how the couple is progressing next week.
Here's to your mental and physical health
Doc Judie
judie@docjudiecom
775 7823889
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