If you are thinking about booking a first hypnotherapy session, you probably have a few quiet questions running in the background. What will actually happen? Will I be asked to do something embarrassing? Will I lose control, or fall asleep and miss the whole thing? These are the most common questions we hear, and they deserve clear answers. Knowing what the session ahead looks like tends to make the experience far more comfortable, so here is a plain walk through it, whether you meet us in person or over Zoom.
It starts with a free 15-minute consultation
Before you commit to anything, we offer a free 15-minute consultation. This is a conversation, not a session. You tell us what brought you here, we explain how we work, and you ask whatever you like. Many people want to know whether hypnotherapy suits what they are dealing with, who they would be working with, and how online sessions work. You can book the consultation with Shannon Rollins-Rodriguez or Jennifer Adams, and there is no pressure to move forward afterward. If it feels right, we find a time for your first session. If it does not, you leave with your questions answered.
Your first session: two hours, $300
The first hypnotherapy session is two hours and is $300. That may sound like a long time, and it is intentional. We do not want you to feel rushed at any point, and a good portion of the time is spent simply getting to know you before any hypnosis begins. Your session is with either Shannon Rollins-Rodriguez or Jennifer Adams, and you will know which one ahead of time. If you would like to see how follow-up sessions and options are laid out, our pricing page has the details.
The opening conversation
The session begins with talking. Your hypnotherapist asks about your history, what you would like to change, what you have already tried, and what you hope life looks like when this works. We also ask about your health, your sleep, your stress, and anything you want us to be careful around. This is where we shape the session around you rather than reading from a script. You decide how much to share, and nothing is expected of you beyond what feels comfortable.
We also explain what is about to happen, step by step. Most of the fear around hypnosis comes from the unknown, so by the time we begin, you should know exactly what to expect and what your role is.
Settling into a relaxed, focused state
When you are ready, your hypnotherapist guides you with a calm voice, usually starting with your breathing and a gradual softening of the body. You are invited to let your attention narrow and turn inward. Many people describe it as similar to being absorbed in a good book or a long drive where the miles slip by, relaxed and heavy in the body while the mind stays quietly focused. Roughly three out of four adults respond readily to hypnosis, and everyone experiences it a little differently. Some people notice warmth or heaviness, some notice vivid imagery, and some simply feel very calm. None of these is better than another.
From there, your hypnotherapist works with the goals you shared in the opening conversation, using imagery and suggestion tailored to you. Throughout, you remain aware of the room, the voice, and your own thoughts. You can speak if you need to, shift position, or open your eyes at any time, and the session continues or pauses on your terms.
What hypnosis is not
A few myths are worth clearing up. You will not be made to do anything against your will, and you cannot be made to say or reveal anything you do not want to. Stage hypnosis on television is entertainment, and it is very different from clinical work. Hypnosis is also not sleep. You are not unconscious, and you will usually remember your session clearly. If anything, the state is one of focused attention, and you stay in control the whole way through. Hypnotherapy at A Way Forward is complementary support offered under Florida Statutes Chapter 485, and it can work alongside care from a licensed provider rather than replacing it. If you are still weighing whether hypnosis works at all, our post on what the research says is a good place to start.
How the session closes
Near the end, your hypnotherapist gently guides you back to full, alert awareness, usually with a slow count and a few deeper breaths. You take as much time as you need to reorient. Then we talk about what you noticed, answer questions, and agree on what, if anything, to practice between sessions. Some people leave feeling light and rested, and some feel a little tired, the way you might after a long walk. Water and a quiet evening can help.
What follow-up sessions look like
After the first session, follow-ups are shorter and more focused. They are $150 for 60 minutes or $225 for 90 minutes, and you and your hypnotherapist decide together what pace and length fit your goals. Our guide to hypnotherapy costs in Orlando explains how the total investment usually comes together. Each follow-up builds on the one before it, so you are not starting over. If you want to know more about how this fits together, our page on what to expect answers many of the practical questions.
Online sessions over Zoom
Many of our clients meet with us online, and they often tell us it felt more natural than they expected. The structure is the same as in person: the same opening conversation, the same guided relaxation, the same closing, and the same hypnotherapist. We offer online sessions to English speaking clients worldwide, so wherever you are, you can work with us. You can read more about how this works on our online hypnotherapy page.
A little preparation helps. Choose a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted, and let the people around you know you need that time. Wear headphones if you can, since they make the voice clearer and help you stay focused. Settle into something comfortable, whether that is a supportive chair or a bed with pillows, because you will want your body to feel at ease for most of the session. Test your connection beforehand, keep your device charged, and keep a glass of water nearby. Many people enjoy resting afterward at home without having to travel anywhere.
During the session, you see and hear your hypnotherapist just as you would across a room, and they hear you too. If something interrupts you, such as a doorbell or a pet, you can simply say so, and we pause. When the session ends, you are already home and can take your time coming back to your day.
In person in Orlando
If you prefer to meet face to face, we see clients in person at our office near Orlando International Airport, in a quiet room set up for comfort and privacy.
Questions people often ask
Will I be asleep or unconscious?
No. Hypnosis is a state of relaxed, focused attention, not sleep. You stay aware of what is happening, you can hear and respond to your hypnotherapist, and you will usually remember the session afterward.
Can I be made to do something I do not want to do?
No. You remain in control throughout, and you can speak, move, or open your eyes whenever you choose. Hypnosis works with your cooperation, not against it, and suggestions you do not want simply do not take hold.
What if I cannot relax or I think I am not doing it right?
That is very common, and there is nothing to do wrong. Your hypnotherapist guides each step and adjusts to how you respond. Wanting to relax and being willing to follow along is plenty, and the opening conversation helps us tailor the approach to you.
Is an online session as comfortable as meeting in person?
Many clients find it is, partly because they are in their own familiar space. The structure and care are the same, and we will help you set up before you begin. If you are unsure which format suits you, ask about it during your free consultation.
If this resonates, you can learn more about online hypnotherapy over Zoom, or book a free 15-minute consultation with Shannon Rollins-Rodriguez or Jennifer Adams, in person in Orlando or online over Zoom.