1. What is hypnosis?

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. Hypnosis is a totally natural phenomena best described as deep state of relaxation and concentration, wherein the mind becomes distant and detached from everyday cares and concerns. This state is neither sleep nor unconsciousness but an altered state of awareness, often referred to as a 'hypnotic trance' or 'hypnotic relaxation'. The conscious and analytical part of the mind is safely bypassed allowing more direct access to the unconscious (subconscious) part of your mind whereby you 'let things happen' and respond positively to suggestion.

The experience of the hypnosis is different for each person. The best way to describe it is a shift or altered state of awareness. The individual is in complete control, but extraordinarily focused on their internal experience, and on the voice of the hypnotist. This dispels the popular myth that a hypnotized person is unconscious or unable to respond to emergencies, or to oppose the will of the hypnotist if they should wish to do so.

As a therapy (often referred to as hypnotherapy), hypnosis can be used for helping change behavior, overcoming fears and phobias, conquering stress and anxiety, breaking bad or damaging habits, losing weight, personal development, beating depression and so on. By purposefully and systematically entering hypnosis we have an opportunity to foster physical and emotional balance on an unconscious level and therefore improve the quality of our lives.

Also see: The History of Hypnosis, The Myths of Hypnosis.

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2. Why is hypnosis so effective?

Positive thoughts breed positive actions which bring positive success. That's exactly how hypnotherapy works, helping install new feelings of well-being. Since hypnosis is accessing the creative unconscious part of the mind, there is much less resistance in accepting positive suggestions. Therefore the treatment can often be much more effective, and produce much quicker results, than with those achieved by psychotherapy alone.

Also see: Choosing Hypnotherapy: Will it benefit me?.

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3. Does self hypnosis work for everyone?

It’s important to remember that everyone has his or her own unique experience of self hypnosis. What one person feels may be entirely different from the next. Many people shy away from the use of self hypnosis because they don’t understand how or why it works, or fear they cannot be hypnotized.

It is thought that about 5% of people are classically un-hypnotizable, most people show moderate scores, and about 10% are hypnotizable to extreme depths and show the classical deep trance phenomena.

With our self hypnosis CDs and MP3 hypnosis downloads you don’t have to go that deep to get the benefits of hypnosis. If you are willing to listen and relax as deeply as you can, you will experience benefits. Self hypnosis does not come easily for everyone. Some people will have to try harder at it than others, but if you dedicate yourself to getting the most out of each session, then you will. By staying motivated, listening often, and following the suggestions you are sure to experience successful self hypnosis.

Also see: Successful Sessions, A Natural State of Balance, The Psychological Experience of Hypnosis, The Physical Experience of Hypnosis

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4. How safe is self hypnosis? Should I be worried?

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring, beneficial, positive state, and as far as we’re concerned it can never be bad for your health. It is just deep relaxation after all. Our guess would be that all medical practitioners would agree on the health benefits of deep relaxation. So as a therapy it should be embraced for producing personal growth, and personal empowerment.

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5. Will self hypnosis totally change me as a person?

Our self hypnosis CDs and downloads are designed to help you to change in a positive way. So don't worry, you will still be you!

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6. Is it better to visit a hypnotherapist or use recordings?

Some people may think that self hypnosis CDs and downloads are just not as good as the real thing or that they don’t work, but we strongly disagree. They are very effective! Of course both have there advantages and disadvantages, and this is discussed in more detail in Barrie’s excellent article 'Self Hypnosis versus The Hypnotist'.

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