Self Hypnosis FAQ

What does self-hypnosis feel like? Is it like being asleep?

When you are in hypnosis, you are not asleep it's more like a deep state of relaxation. Actually its proper description is of a narrowing down of focus upon something specific such as when you are gazing out of a window in a daydream. The state of hypnosis is achieved more often than you might realize. We experience some degree of hypnosis on long trips as a passenger in a car, while watching television or engaging in repetitive tasks. It's that feeling of being there and yet, not really there.

Under hypnosis some people may feel a very pleasant tingling sensation in the arms and/or legs. Many times this altered state is accompanied by a slight twitch in your limbs as your nervous system shifts into deep relaxation and you begin breathing from the abdomen - also parasympathetic breathing.

Will I lose consciousness?

Well... only if you fall asleep. But seriously - no - you will not lose consciousness. Getting "out of" hypnosis is never a problem. Self- hypnosis will take you into a deep state of relaxation, but if a phone rings or someone talks to you, your conscious mind will kick right back in and you'll be able to reply and respond normally.

The very worst that can happen is that you might fall asleep, in which case you'll wake up just like any other time you fall asleep and feel very well-rested.

Can hypnosis hurt me in any way?

No. Absolutely not. It can only help you. The Council of Mental Health of the American Medical Association approved hypnosis in 1958 as a safe and effective means of behavioural therapy with no harmful side effects. It was also approved by the British Medical Association in 1955.

Are positive affirmations and self-talk really important?

Absolutely! And - your subconscious mind is receiving "affirmations" all day every day, even if you don't realize it. Sadly - it's mostly negative affirmations you are subjected to.

Every day, we're subjected to negative affirmations from people, television, news, radio, magazines, and virtually every form of media. We hear the number of businesses that fail, we hear about accidents, we hear people ridiculed, we see television shows where a character "failed" at something.

Your subconscious mind records every negative thing you see and hear. And... keep in mind that your subconscious mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined. Now, sprinkle in your own fears and stresses and worries.

The synaptic paths being built in your brain are affected by affirmation (including your self-talk). Even negative ones. So, when you listen to affirmations of your own choice each day, you literally train your brain to program its synaptic paths for success.

Affirmations are, to the brain, what exercise is to an athlete. It's therefore really important to become aware of what you're exposing your mind to (i.e. news bulletins and violent movies) and what your self-talk is saying See The Power of Thought otherwise it will impact your life in some way; your relationships, prosperity, well being etc.

Is it safe to let my partner listen if I am listening to a hypnosis recording while going to sleep at night... and will it affect them?

It is perfectly safe for others to listen along with you. Now - here's the wonder of the human mind best illustrated. No two people will be affected quite the same way.

For example, let's say you are listening to a weight loss audio and your partner has no need or desire to lose weight. Your partner will enjoy the relaxation experience, but will not respond to the suggestions that are helping you lose weight. This is because your partner has no desire to lose weight.

This is the true wonder of hypnosis. It is not a method to "control" you - it's a methodology for using the power of your own mind to affect changes that you already want to make in your life.

Do hypnotized people say or do crazy things like I've seen in stage shows?

No, not at all. If you've ever seen a "stage" hypnotist's show, it's easy to understand why people might think this. A stage hypnotist is being paid to entertain. All people who are hypnotized are in full control of their own behaviour. In a stage show, the people volunteer... and usually, it's the "class clown" type of person that volunteers. If a stage hypnotist picked someone out of the audience that didn't want to be up there, the act would fail miserably because that person wouldn't accept the suggestions being given.

As stated above, hypnosis uses the power of your subconscious mind to affect changes that your conscious mind already wants in your life.

For a simple and fascinating explanation of how the human mind works, click here.