Teaching Self-Hypnosis

Technically, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, since it is our own mind that puts us into a trance state. A good analogy to going into a trance state would be that if the therapist is a mountain guide and you (the client) hire him or her to take you to the top of the mountain, you would be the one following his/her directions on how to climb, but the guide would not be controlling you or carrying you. There are many myths and preconceived ideas about hypnosis, which would all be explained prior to entering the trance state. Self-hypnosis can be used for many of the same reasons as clinical hypnosis with a therapist. The most common usage is to help people learn to relax, go to sleep, and stay asleep. This, of course, is the simplest and most basic use of this incredible tool.

Hypnotic suggestion, whether or not it is given by a therapist, or by our own mind, can lead to physical alterations; these changes include the ability of our nervous systems to produce anesthesia, control pain, resolve past traumas, reduce or eliminate phobias, increase assertiveness, reduce fear, and a host of other benefits. Basically, anyone can be hypnotized, and the reverse is also true, that anyone can resist being hypnotized.

Two important questions need to be asked and answered. First, if hypnosis is so powerful and so beneficial, why doesn't everyone use it? Second, is there any danger in using this tool? Briefly, the answer to the first question is that not every therapist uses hypnosis because many are not trained, or trained sufficiently to either be effective, or feel comfortable using hypnosis or teaching self-hypnosis. Also, hypnosis is not the treatment of choice for every problem. Hypnosis is a tool in the "therapeutic toolbox" of an experienced therapist, and just like a doctor or dentist, the therapist needs to understand when and how to use that tool. The answer to the second question is that hypnosis, although in general is very safe, just like any other treatment, if misused, can create problems. Just as going to a medical doctor is generally safe and beneficial, if the doctor is someone who is untrained or unscrupulous, it could be dangerous; However whether the therapist is using hypnosis or any other psychotherapeutic method, including talk therapy, the above warning is equally applicable.