What is self-hypnosis and how does it work?

Self-hypnosis is a process where someone puts themselves into an intentional trance or hypnotic state. In this state, they experience heightened focus and concentration, allowing them to access their subconscious mind more readily. Self-hypnosis can be used for various purposes, including relaxation, stress reduction, behaviour modification, and self-improvement.

Here's a general overview of how it works:

1.     Preparation: The individual prepares themselves mentally and physically for the self-hypnosis session. This may involve finding a quiet and comfortable environment, relaxing the body through deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, and clearing the mind of distractions.

2.     Induction: The individual induces a hypnotic state through various techniques, such as visualisation, repetition of affirmations, or guided imagery. These techniques help to bypass the critical faculty of the conscious mind and access the subconscious.

3.     Deepening: Once in a hypnotic state, the individual may deepen their trance by further relaxing the body and mind. This can be achieved through continued focus on relaxation techniques or by counting down from a specific number, guiding themselves deeper into a state of heightened suggestibility.

4.     Suggestion: With the subconscious mind more accessible during hypnosis, the individual can introduce suggestions or affirmations aimed at achieving a desired outcome. These suggestions are framed positively and in alignment with the individual's goals, such as overcoming a fear, improving confidence, or changing a habit.

5.     Repetition: The individual may repeat these suggestions multiple times during the self-hypnosis session to reinforce their impact on the subconscious mind. Repetition helps to strengthen neural pathways associated with the desired behaviour or mindset.

6.     Emergence: After the self-hypnosis session, the individual gradually emerges from the hypnotic state. They may feel refreshed, relaxed, and more receptive to the suggestions they've implanted in their subconscious mind.

Self-hypnosis requires practice and patience and whilst some individuals may experience immediate results, others may need to practice regularly over time to achieve their desired outcomes. Additionally, although self-hypnosis is generally safe for most people it's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical or psychological conditions.