What is the best way to learn self hypnosis?
Where is the best place to start?
Is there anything you need to know before you commence your hypnotic journey?
Probably the best way to learn how to hypnotize yourself is either by buying a book on the subject or visiting one of the many hypnosis sites online.
Some of these sites will offer a free introductory course which is probably the best way to find out whether or not hypnosis is for you.
If you can find a course that includes audio tracks as well as just written material, so much the better. It's a lot easier to just play an MP3 track than it is to record your own hypnosis session and then play it back to yourself. Plus a lot of people find that they get better results, especially at first, if they're listening to a stranger's voice.
Once you've explored the basics of self hypnosis, you'll probably have a better idea of which direction you want to go:
- Continue hypnotizing yourself, using pre-recorded hypnosis tracks
- Visit a qualified hypnotist for a personalized experience
- Learn how to hypnotize other people, either individually or as part of a stage show
All these are possible directions you can take. But don't make that decision until you've experienced a few self hypnosis sessions first hand.
There are also different ways of hypnotizing.
The "traditional" method that you'll often see used in films involves putting people into a hypnotic trance. After the trance has been induced, a series of suggestions are planted in the subconscious mind to bring about beneficial changes once the session has ended.
Stage shows will use a series of tests on some or all of the audience to determine who are the most susceptible subjects for the show. Then a rapid induction will follow - which is good showmanship and also stops the audience from getting bored by a traditional induction.
Thirdly, Ericksonian hypnosis uses the power of words to reach the desired effect. This has been modernized by calling it conversational hypnosis but the effect is the same. Learning these techniques can help not only with your own self hypnosis but also for when you want to practice your new skills on others, maybe without them knowing.