Hyp-no-sis, n, pl. – “An induced state…in which the subject is responsive to suggestions…”

If you could change something about yourself what would it be? Do you want to lose weight, quit smoking, or have the confidence to go after the perfect job? Whatever it is that you feel could make you a better, happier, and more productive person it is within you.

That is the premise of hypnosis – to draw out that which is within you. Your own capabilities and strengths are innate. But sometimes there are obstacles to achieving your highest potential. Perhaps along the way someone told you that you were not good enough to get that promotion or maybe the addictive elements of smoking have made it nearly impossible to quit.

Many people, when they hear about hypnosis, say, "Well, I can't be hypnotized." These people have been misinformed, mostly by Hollywood, about what hypnosis is and is not. It is not necessary to be in some sort of an otherworldly trance to be in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state which everyone moves in and out of throughout each day. Many of our everyday normal activities are actually performed under hypnosis without us being aware of it.

Hypnosis is just like the state you are in when you have been driving a car for a long distance. You know that feeling. It's not that you are oblivious to everything, it's just that you have tuned out all of the unimportant stimuli. Your focus is the road. If something were to happen which required your attention, such as a car trying to pass you, your body and mind would be able to properly respond. Also, you would be able at any time you chose, to notice the beautiful trees or old farm mills or anything else you may be driving past.

Another example of hypnosis is playing video games. Some people can play video games for hours in one sitting. If someone were to talk to you while you were in a video game session, you would be able to respond.

A third good example of a hypnotic state is being on the computer. People who are using a computer are focused on what they are doing, but can intelligently answer the phone when it rings.

So, hypnosis is no different than driving a car, playing video games, or working on a computer. Most people engaged in these activities would not think they are in a trance, but they are. They are in a light hypnotic trance known as Alpha. Oh, by the way, reading a fascinating article (like this one) is another form of hypnosis...surprise! You're in hypnosis!!! In alpha, your mind is slowed down just a little, your focus is narrow, your breathing is slow, and you are relaxed. Most people have either driven a car, played a video game, worked on a computer, or read a really good article;therefore, to say that you cannot be hypnotized is to misunderstand the true nature of a hypnotic state. Since you are up to 200 times more suggestible even while you are in the light state of alpha, anything beyond this is unnecessary for most purposes (i.e. programing someone to lose weight, stop smoking, overcome fear of flying, etc.). You can have an extremely effective hypnosis session while being aware of and able to recall every word spoken by the hypnotherapist during the session.

Will Hypnosis Make Me Act Strangely?

Hypnosis is not what the movies have made it out to be. In reality, hypnosis is the act of achieving an induced state known as Alpha. Alpha is a light trance-like state that many people experience throughout the day without even realizing it. Some refer to it as being on auto-pilot. You can drive a familiar road without focusing on the route, but you subconsciously know when and where to turn. Should a child dart out in front of your car, you would be able to react and stop quickly. The same is true of the Alpha state of mind. Responses to important stimuli are still possible. It is also the perfect time to impose suggestions that can mean real differences in your life.

During the Alpha state people are 200 times more influenced by suggestions. Self-hypnosis programs help you achieve that perfect state in which changes are made.

What Types of Changes Can I Make Using Hypnosis?

You can change the way you think about yourself and even change your physical health and appearance through directed hypnotic methods. Have more confidence, lose weight, or stop smoking after just 3 weeks of daily hypnosis. You can boost your immune system and have more muscle mass and better looking skin.