What happens in an IPT session?

It all begins with a goal. You tell me what it is that you specifically want to work on (see the next section). You will be seated with your eyes closed for the entire session. I recommend you sit in your most comfy chair, somewhere you can sit for 1-2 hours.

I will simply ask you some open ended questions and you will allow your own mind and imagination to bring up memories, images, feelings, and ideas. As you tell me what you’re seeing, I will ask more questions.

You don’t need to be a creative person to do this. Something will come to mind! All you need to do is be open to allowing your own mind and body to tell you what it’s saying.

As an IPT facilitator I am trained to understand many of the symbols that manifest during sessions, what body systems are involved, which chakras are involved, and I listen for belief systems that are holding you back.

We will engage a variety of techniques across several modalities to help your body clear out the old beliefs and replace it with the things that help you feel most whole.

Do I need to have a topic in mind before a session?

You can absolutely come to a session with a specific challenge in mind, but you do not need to.

Specific challenges may look like a physical ailment such as persistent headaches, or sleeplessness, or conscious stressor in your life such as a bad boss or starting a new chapter in life. You can even bring a cluster of feelings you have for no apparent reason. We can get to work unpacking them!

Whatever information you give me is what we will open our sessions with.

Can you do IPT sessions on children?

Absolutely, IPT can be adapted to fit all ages, including newborn babies. (See Amber’s experience.) Although I generally use more of a verbal technique for adults, I utilize other age-appropriate tools (like coloring) to unlock the same benefits for children. Children’s sessions are also usually shorter (15-60 min) in order to cater to their specific needs and attention span.

Is this hypnosis?

Although some modalities will put you into a hypnotic state, IPT is not hypnotic. It’s the equivalent of meditation or that place your mind goes when watching TV. You are fully conscious and aware of your surroundings, although your eyes will be closed in order to help you maintain that meditative state of mind.

Does IPT replace therapy?

IPT facilitators are not therapists, although some therapists are IPT facilitators. That being said, I encourage you to seek out whatever version of mental health help is best for you. IPT can and has worked wonders all on its own for many people, but it is also a fantastic companion or supplement to some of the more traditional approaches such as talk therapy. If you are working with a medical practitioner regularly, seek their advice as to whether introducing an additional resource would be right for you at this time.