Comfort in the Liberal Professions - Interview with a Hypnotherapist
Following numerous orders for armchairs intended for use in professional practices, whether for waiting rooms, patients, or practitioners themselves, we approached a hypnosis practitioner to learn more about their needs and perspectives on comfort in their work.
We therefore had the opportunity to speak with Emmanuelle Rouch, a multidisciplinary hypnosis practitioner and graduate of the Ecole Centrale d'Hypnose in Paris. We asked her a few questions on the subject…
The Interview
What is your opinion on comfort at work (for you, a professional at work, and for your patients)?
The topic plays an important role in my practice, as it is directly related to the quality of the hypnosis session and contributes to its success. My sessions unfold in stages.
First, there is a phase of questioning the patients. Then comes the introduction to the hypnotic state of the body, where patient comfort plays a role. This is where the question of the armchair arises, which must be comfortable for the smooth running of the session.
For my part, I don't have an armchair because I move around a lot during sessions, so it's not necessary for me. This depends on the activity and habits of each practitioner.
What do you consider essential for your patients' comfort during sessions?
The better the quality of the armchair, the better! I find that the ability to recline the backrest of the armchair is important to better relax the body and facilitate breathing. The position of the neck is also important, as the cervical vertebrae must be particularly relaxed. For me, the seat should be soft, but without the patient being completely slumped in the armchair. The ability to easily rest the arms is also a criterion, with armrests.
The footrest is a plus, but that depends more specifically on individual preferences.
Have you received any feedback from your patients on the subject?
I regularly get feedback after sessions, positive feedback: "I've never felt so relaxed." I've never had negative feedback regarding an uncomfortable position during my sessions. But it's something to monitor, because the patient's willingness is very important. It's a two-way street, so listening is paramount.
What is your view on the price of a comfort and relaxation-focused armchair? Do you have a budget associated with this type of purchase for your business?
Having just changed offices, I use a “classic” armchair (around €200). Once I am well established with a stable clientele, it will be my next investment because it is an important element for my business. I wouldn't mind paying a certain price because I consider it a long-term purchase and a necessary investment.
Do you think My New Design armchairs could be of interest to you? If so, which range(s) seem most relevant to you? Why?
Absolutely. However, I would avoid electric armchairs, which I find noisier, require an outlet nearby, and offer options that are not useful from my perspective. I would therefore choose a manual armchair, focused on recline and relaxation.
As I said before, having a footrest would be a plus.
Finally, do you place importance on comfort in your waiting room? If so, what have you implemented?
I currently don't have a waiting room. I try my best to schedule appointments with enough time in between so as not to make clients wait. Otherwise, I think comfort in a waiting room is also important and helps prepare patients as best as possible for their future sessions, to put them in good conditions.
