All hypnosis involves some element of self-hypnosis, because a person has to be willing to follow the suggestions and take part in the process. If you are looking for hypnosis FAQs and tips on self-hypnosis, you may be surprised to learn you’ve probably experienced something like it before.
In everyday life, we are often open to suggestion. TV, magazines, advertising, media, social media, and even grocery stores can influence the way we think, feel, and behave.
This does not mean you can be forced to do something you do not want to do or become someone you do not want to be. It simply means that when you are open to suggestion, you take in cues from the world around you. If something goes strongly against your values, beliefs, or instincts, hypnosis is not likely to make you accept it.
However, if you already have body image issues or low self-esteem, you might interpret certain messages more negatively. For example, a billboard with very thin models might make you feel worse about your own body. In that case, the outside message is not working on an empty mind. It is affecting a vulnerable area that already exists.
This leads us to the first and probably most important tip for self-hypnosis:
This is an important rule. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis does not remove your judgment or turn you into a puppet. During hypnosis, you can still hear and understand what is being said. If a suggestion feels wrong, unacceptable, or completely against your values, you are unlikely to accept it.
Similarly, if you do not really want to change whatever you are trying to change, self-hypnosis will probably not do much. The same applies if you are working with a professional hypnotherapist. Your cooperation matters.
Another rule is:
Some scripts overdo it. If you hear a suggestion that sounds ridiculous to you, your mind may reject it, and the session will be less effective. If you have a long way to go, think in steps. Gradual improvement is usually more believable, and often more effective, than trying to jump straight to a dramatic change.
How to use self-hypnosis scripts
Self-hypnosis scripts are best used in a quiet, distraction-free environment. In the beginning, you may want to listen once a day. Later, you can reduce this to a few times a week. As you notice improvement, adjust the frequency to whatever feels right for you.
Some people notice a difference immediately. Others need several sessions before they begin to feel any change.
Below are ten self-hypnosis downloads covering a range of issues. They are not free, but they are reasonably priced, and there is a three-month money-back guarantee in case a session does not work for you.