Taking the Mystery out of Hypnosis

By Barrie St John - HypnoShop.com

Much of society’s resistance to hypnosis is based on false beliefs perpetuated by a fear of the unknown. I’ve compiled and addressed some of my favorite myths to help clarify exactly what hypnosis is, and more to point, what it is not.

Myth #1 - Hypnotists have some kind of special power:

Entertainment media plays a significant role in sensationalizing the word hypnosis. At the risk of demystifying the term, I submit that there is no trickery involved whatsoever. Skilled hypnotists operate from a basic understanding of humans and human experiences. The hypnotic state can be achieved alone, which refutes the point that hypnotists are somehow magical. It also suggests that anyone can induce hypnosis, either on themselves or on someone else. The real skill lies in how we use hypnosis to influence people.

Myth #2 – Only weak minded people can be hypnotized:

Interestingly, concentration is the basis for achieving hypnosis, and the ability to concentrate requires a strong intellect. The greater your ability to concentrate, the better a hypnotic subject you will be. Suggestibility is unrelated to intelligence, and our susceptibility to suggestion is not indicative of weakness or gullibility. The decision to accept a treatment or service that you feel will benefit you is a conscious, calculated decision, not an act of weak mindedness.

Myth #3 - Hypnosis can only work on certain people:

To this, I say, sure... if you really don’t want to be hypnotized, you can certainly impeach the process. Certain people will benefit more from hypnosis than others, because they are motivated to get more out of it. Your level of suggestibility cannot be altered, but your commitment and the degree of concentration that you invest can and will influence how much you get out of hypnotherapy. Hypnosis works for everyone. It’s the degree that varies, and this variable is entirely up to you.

Myth #4 – You will be able to recall everything that has ever happened to you:

If there is any benefit to you whatsoever in recalling certain specific times or events in your life, then a good hypnotist can help you do that. But typically, there is no real need to go back and remember the past. Hypnosis is a natural state of total relaxation. Regression is a different thing.

Myth #5 - You can be made to say or do something against your will:

Hypnosis is a natural state of complete relaxation, not a state of sleep. In this relaxed state, you become highly susceptible to suggestion, but you don’t become a different person. Achieving a state of heightened suggestion does not compromise your faculties, morals, ethics, or beliefs. Being hypnotized won’t lead you to say or do things against your will. If you’re asked to do something you don’t want to do, you will simply refuse.

Myth #6 – People who are hypnotized become dependent on the hypnotist:

Hypnosis when used as a form of therapy and carries no greater risk of dependency than any other form of therapy. While in hypnosis, you’re in full control of what happens to you. Hypnotherapy is a means of empowerment, achieved with the assistance of an outside entity. It’s not submissiveness, and it’s not a surrender of control. You have the ability to pull yourself out spontaneously, at any moment.

Myth #7 – Hypnosis is bad for your health:

The irony here is that the very essence of hypnosis is regularly recommended by physicians and psychotherapists. These trusted health professionals invariably advise us that we need to relax more, yet they seldom state how. When you are hypnotized, you are quite simply in a deep, natural state of relaxation.

Myth #8 – When in hypnosis you could get stuck and be unable to wake up:

Hypnosis is a natural state which we all reach from time to time on our own, without prompting of any kind. There is absolutely no danger of getting stuck in this state. It’s about as likely as getting stuck completely asleep, really. The worst that can possibly happen is that you drift off into deep sleep for a few minutes, because you are in that bridged state between awake and asleep.

Myth #9 - You’re asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis:

If people were asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis, they would not be able to report on what they were feeling. In fact, you are fully aware of what’s happening, and you are able to recall your state of hypnosis. Some describe it as feeling heavy, some light, others just very relaxed. Typically, the body will feel as though it’s gone to sleep, but the mind remains alert and receptive to the suggestion.

Myth #10 - Hypnosis is the devils work and is dangerous:

In the past I’ve heard some religious people refer to hypnosis as the ‘devils work’. Like anything else, hypnosis can be used for good or for bad, but it is left to us to find a trusted hypnotist. Hypnosis is a natural occurring state, widely used by respected health care professionals. There are lots of doctors who practice hypnotherapy. I doubt very much that they are in league with the devil.

As with other unknowns, we quite readily make assumptions or suppositions about things that we aren’t sure of, and usually when we explore more closely, we find the reality is in fact quite different than the impression we had formed.

I hope I’ve managed to dispel some of the untruths about hypnosis, as it would be shame to deny oneself the benefits of hypnotherapy because of unfounded doubt or false impressions.

About the Author
Barrie St John is a leading figure in the field of hypnotherapy and personal change. He is the author behind the best selling self hypnosis CDs and downloads at www.HypnoShop.com

The Importance of Intimacy: How to Make Your Marriage Last

A recent study revealed a few interesting new aspects about intimacy and marriage. A few of these developments have the potential to change the way marriage counselors - and involved spouses - think about marriages. Specifically, how to keep them strong and healthy!

This 13-year study began in 1981, when researcher Ted Huston began following 168 newly-wed couples. By the time the study ended in 1994, 56 of the couples had divorced. In the meantime, Huston learned a whole lot about intimate relationships, causes of conflict, and how to maintain a happy marriage. One of these findings is proving groundbreaking for marriage and family counselors.

Previously, family counselors had always believed that conflict - arguments, antagonism, and lack of respect for differences - was what eventually led to divorce. But Huston's research showed that loss of intimacy and affection was the factor most likely to send the relationship spiraling downwards toward divorce. While fighting and conflict usually preceded the split, conflict was the result of lack of intimacy, not the cause.

Huston was quoted as saying,

"This ought to change the way we think about the early roots of what goes wrong in marriage. The dominant approach has been to work with couples to resolve conflict, but it should focus on preserving the positive feelings."

The moral of the story? To protect and preserve your marriage, focus on maintaining intimacy and closeness with your partner. Here are a few steps you can take to maintain the feelings of closeness that marked your relationship as newly-weds:

• Express your affection frequently, through hugs, kisses, cuddling, small gifts, and special favors.


• Communicate effectively. Share your feelings, talk through issues in the relationship, and be honest (without being hurtful).
Keep your partner up-to-date on what's happening in all areas of your life – even the little stuff.

• Be supportive and encouraging, so your spouse feels safe sharing his or her thoughts, feelings, and emotions, too.


• Find a project or hobby to enjoy together.


• Plan for your shared future, focusing on exciting and positive goals that you can work toward together.

Shared Couple's Trance, a hypnosis program developed by Dr. Michele Ritterman, is a fun and easy way to explore your relationship with your partner and build intimacy. Together, you can recreate positive feelings, while discovering your own sense of safety and closeness in the relationship.

To learn more about Dr. Ritterman's program, click here: http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/hypnosis/relationships.php

6 Steps To Help You Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of public speaking is not an uncommon one. It is the one social anxiety that most of us carry, and too few of use work to conquer. What if I told you that ridding yourself of that fear isn't as hard as you may think? The reality is that, at this very moment, you are only six steps away from conquering your own fear.

In this article I will give you those steps, thus allowing you to vanquish the problem for good! At the very least these tips will help you to reduce your anxiety and make that next public presentation something you can manage without falling over from fear.

The Truth about Public Speaking

The first step in overcoming your fear of public speaking is simply to understand the fear itself. It is a common problem, and for most people, the most common way to overcome this particular fear is simply to avoid public speaking altogether. Fear of public speaking usually stems from the idea that something bad will happen when we do it.

Here is the simple truth - nothing bad is going to happen! You aren't going to fall over dead from fear. There is not chance that your audience will die of boredom. And, in reality, any other issue you can come up with likely won't happen. Unless you're choosing to speak on controversial topics, there is isn't even much chance that you'll manage to evoke a huge emotional response from your audience.

Realizing that one fact is your first step in overcoming your fears; the next step is facing them.

6 Steps to Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking

Now that you know the truth about public speaking it's time for the steps to conquer your own social anxiety. Really, these are 6 suggestions that can be used alone, or as a group, to work to beat the fear that cripples you.

1. Focus on the Speech Itself
   
   What is it that you think that crowd came to see? You? Unless you're a high-profile figure they didn't come to see you specifically. They came to hear your speech. In other words, it isn't you that is being scrutinized. Focus on what they came to hear, and stop worrying about what they may think of you personally.



2. Don't Over-prepare
   
   A common way to work towards failure is to over prepare. Many (new) public speakers will spend so much time preparing that they literally work themselves into a fear-frenzy before they even get up on stage. Write your speech, make your points, read it once or twice and then quit thinking about it!



3. A Little Humor Goes a Long Way
   
   One simple way to put your audience, and in turn yourself, at ease is simply to use a little humor. In the face of an audience that is chuckling at your joke, you'll find it difficult to worry about what else they might be thinking.



4. Engage Your Audience
   
   One common fear for the speaker is that they will bore their audience. A simple way to overcome this is simply to engage them right off the start. Open your speech with a question, and encourage them to shout out their answers. If no one answers right away, gently make fun of them to chide them into the discussion.



5. Visualize and Affirm
   
   One simple way to overcome your fear beforehand is with simple visualizations and affirmations. Picture yourself giving that successful speech, affirm that picture with thought like "I will make a good speech" or "I will succeed". If you repeat this enough times, when the day does come you'll find it much harder to fail.



6. Self Hypnosis
   
   Another great technique for overcoming fear of public speaking is self hypnosis. This technique can be used both to work to rid yourself of your speech anxieties, and also as a relaxation technique before your presentation.

Conquer your fear of speaking in front of a crowd of people with public speaking hypnosis and become a more confident and effective public speaker Today!

The world needs great communicators. Be fearless!

You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere." - Lee Iacocca

For more information on how self hypnosis can help you change your life, visit http://www.selfhypnosistherapy.com

Can You Be Hypnotized?

By Barrie St John - HypnoShop.com

A person’s susceptibility to hypnosis is dependent on several factors. Whether these factors work together or oppose each other is entirely in the hands of the individual.

There are factors that are outside of anyone’s control. They come down to the individual makeup of each person. For instance, if someone is naturally susceptible to suggestion in their everyday life, they likely will carry along that susceptibility in the hypnosis process as well. Everyone is susceptible to some degree, but this is one of the variable that will contribute to a person’s likelihood of achieving hypnosis easily.

But there are varying degrees of depth of hypnosis, and hypnotherapy doesn’t require a deep state of hypnosis. It can be beneficial at varying levels of depth. The self hypnosis CDs and downloads that I have produced are designed to take someone from a completely awake state into some degree of hypnosis.

Susceptibility to suggestion is also impacted by repetition. The more you hear a message, the more likely you will be to able accept is as fact, to buy into it, whether consciously or not. This is also true in everyday life.

Some people take to hypnosis quite effortlessly, while others need a bit more practice. Their degree of susceptibility might be influenced by other conditions around them, and they may find they need just exactly the right circumstances to achieve hypnosis.

But the most important contributor to someone’s susceptibility to hypnosis is really their attitude. If someone tries it and has immediate success, that’s terrific. But if the first time you listen to a hypnosis CD and you do not achieve hypnosis, some people will stop at that and conclude that it doesn’t work. That’s unfortunate, because if people are willing to commit to listening to the recordings regularly, and to finding the ideal conditions for themselves, they will achieve some degree of hypnosis, which will benefit them.

Hypnosis is about suggestion, and there is a degree of suggestion to all forms of therapy. If there are any prerequisites to qualify someone as a candidate for hypnosis, it’s attitude first and foremost. Sure other intellectual variances may factor in, like concentration and imagination, but they would likely affect the level of hypnosis, rather than the ability to achieve it in the first place.

About the Author

Barrie St John is a leading figure in the field of hypnotherapy and personal change. He is the author behind the best selling self hypnosis CDs and downloads at www.HypnoShop.com

Strong Relationships are Good for Your Health

You know that maintaining intimacy is important for your relationship with your partner. But did you know that it's also good for your health?

Psychologists and researchers have discovered a number of benefits for people who experience intimacy in their committed relationships. In fact, closeness in relationships has been found to influence social, emotional, and physical health.

People in intimate relationships...

• Are better at successful navigating various developmental stages.


• Are more likely to maintain solid, lasting friendships.


• Are less likely to be in car accidents.


• Are more resistant to diseases and mental illness.

On the other hand, individuals involved in committed relationships that lack intimacy and closeness are more vulnerable to a whole handful of ailments: stress, depression, psychosomatic disorders, and mental illness in general.

If you're in a committed relationship, take the opportunity to work on intimacy with your partner today. Small gestures can go a long way toward creating a closer relationship. Not only will you be investing in the strength of your future relationship, you'll be protecting your future health and happiness.

Shared Couple's Trance, a hypnosis program developed by Dr. Michele Ritterman, is a fun and easy way to explore your relationship with your partner and build intimacy. Together, you can recreate positive feelings, while discovering your own sense of safety and closeness in the relationship.

The CD contains two hypnosis sessions designed to be listened to as a couple. Simply relax together, and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of appreciating each other, reducing damaging patterns, and letting go of unnecessary baggage.

Read what other therapists and couples say about the program:

In Shared Couple's Trance, Michele Ritterman eloquently helps couples develop their skills in relationships. She guides partners to discover ways to build intimacy and closeness, and also to develop as separate and unique individuals within the relationship. Michele is creative and poetic in her use of language. She presents us with metaphors and stories that are fascinating, engaging and powerful. This CD is masterful and it has my highest recommendation.

- Rita M. Sherr, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. Director of Education and Training, The New York Milton H. Erickson Society for Psychotherapy and Hypnosis

Michelle helped us to strengthen our relationship to become a nurturing and protective sanctuary in the face of adversity. She helped us to become even closer and more supportive of each other, and to this day I remember her words of wisdom and compassion.

- Wes and Linda Robinson, Couple

To learn more about Dr. Ritterman's program, click here: http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/hypnosis/relationships.php

Biggest Loser Winner Reveals Weight Loss Secret in New Magazine Article

If you picked up the June 8th, 2009 issue of Life & Style Magazine you might have missed the four page spread beginning on page 46 - revealing that Matt Hoover (Season 2 Winner of NBC's ''The Biggest Loser) gained back most of the weight he lost on the show!

As many might have guessed, without the isolation, the cooks, and the drill sergeant personal trainers, he couldn't keep up the strict regimen.

"When I got home, I quickly realized I wasn't equipped to deal with the temptations of the real world."

That was until January of this year, when Matt discovered a new tool that has allowed him to drop 2.39 pounds of fat per week.

This tool allows him to near-effortlessly shed weight without feeling deprived, popping pills, or resorting to boring and expensive meal plans.

More importantly, these are pounds he is going to keep off forever - because this tool has changed the way Matt feels about life and food.

"I'm back down to the size I was when I left Biggest Loser ranch'' he says, ''But back then, I wasn't healthy I was hurting."*(Life & Style, June 8, 2009 pg. 48.)

Matt's secret is a 4 CD Hypnosis Program created by Dr. Roberta Temes, who is on the Department of Psychiatry at the SUNY Health Science Center Medical School and the editor of the first hypnosis textbook used by thousands worldwide in medical schools.

A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1996) reveals that hypnosis with a credible psychologist, "can increase weight loss by an astonishing 146% over the long term."

Matt's story certainly confirms this:

" I was a fat person in a skinny body until I took the time to get honest with myself after regaining the weight? I was emotionally eating."

"There are days when I feel kind of down or worried, and I turn on my headset and listen to the CDs instead of going out and eating a bunch of food." *(Life & Style, June 8, 2009 pgs. 47-48.)

Published by The Hypnosis Network, the CDs Matt used underwent independent testing by The National Health & Wellness Club and revealed an astonishing 92% satisfaction rating among its randomly selected members.

A company spokesman for The Hypnosis Network is quoted as saying, "We're obviously excited that Matt chose our hypnosis program and has seen such tremendous results. We hope it will help show millions of Americans that even after people see great success, they can still get help from the proven benefits of hypnosis."

To celebrate the amazing success that Matt Hoover is seeing, The Hypnosis Network has now implemented a "10,000 Success Stories" campaign.

In order to quickly attain 10,000 success stories, the company is giving anyone who wants to put the power of hypnosis to the test the ability to try it first before paying upfront.

Quantities are limited and interested participants are encouraged to act promptly, as media coverage continues to increase daily.

Participate Now to take advantage of this limited-time free trial HERE!!

What is Stress Management Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is being looked upon as a multipurpose therapy nowadays. Methods like stress management hypnosis, addiction management hypnosis, behavior modification hypnosis, etc. do not even begin to scratch the surface of the vast uses that hypnosis has today. In stress management hypnosis in particular, hypnosis is used as a suggestion tool to help the subconscious mind of the person realize that their stressful behavior is irrational.

How does Stress Management Hypnosis work?

There are three particular ways in which stress management hypnosis works.

First, it suggests the mind that the stress is unjustified and that the body needs to come out of it. It can greatly relax the body and reduce the tension present in it. This can act very effectively in providing the person with relief from the stressful situation.

Second, it prevents the person from reacting in a negative manner to the stressful condition. Some people tend to smoke or consume alcohol when they are distressed and some people might go on an eating binge. All these are unhealthy responses which can bring more problems in the long run. Hypnosis therapy can help keep such responses away.

Third, it can help improve the overall quality of the person's life and create a positive outlook in them. This helps in long term treatment of the stress problem. When people are suggested to keep a positive mindset, they will automatically come out of their habit of being unduly stressed in certain situations.

What are the Benefits of Stress Management Hypnosis?

In this manner, hypnosis for stress management does not merely act for a particular situation or for a particular episode, but has a vast range of benefits. The fact that hypnosis is a multipurpose therapy works to great effect here. It can help the person deal with various related problems and thus bring an overall enrichment in their life. This is one of the reasons why stress management hypnosis has become so popular in today's times.

These hypnosis downloads will help you manage stress more elegantly and effectively, and protect you from its unpleasant effects.

Hypnosis is a Natural Medication for Stress and Anxiety

With the growing concerns of the economy, and more people being laid off, more people are feeling stress and anxiety in their lives. While it might be easy to take anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills, or antidepressants to help deal, there is also a pill-free way to cope - and it won’t lead to addiction. We’re talking about clinical hypnosis.

Clinical hypnosis has been shown to significantly lower stress and anxiety in as few as 1-4 sessions-even in people who suffer from traumatic stress. So, what is it and how does it help with stress and anxiety?

The American Medical Association approves hypnosis when used by a professional. Clinical hypnosis is either conducted live or can be found in prerecorded sessions on CD. (The best CDs are those recorded by experts in their field who use hypnosis, not by one person who uses hypnosis and records dozens of CDs.) Whether you visit a therapist or use a CD, either way, you’ll be asked to get comfortable, close your eyes, and simply focusing on the suggestions that follow. These directives promote positive change through visualizations, metaphors, and direct and indirect suggestions.

No one knows the exactly how hypnosis works so effectively, just that it often does. Nevertheless, we do know that when recipients are relaxed and focused during a hypnotic trance, their self-protective walls come down. In other words, their usual conscious resistance to change is lowered and they become more accepting and embracing of suggestions to change and improve. The changes that follow these suggestions are often quick and powerful.

From what we know, here are some specific reasons why hypnosis is powerful and effective for reducing stress and anxiety:

1) The Experience of Hypnosis Naturally Generates a Distinct State of Calm and Relaxation:

The experience of hypnosis often comes in a form of strong relaxation that naturally allows a person to move away from stresses and worries. This state is referred to as a “trance,” or “dissociation.”

All of these hypnotic reactions combine to help the subject “dissociate,” or disconnect from being oriented to their current physical, emotional, and psychological states and surroundings. This dissociation naturally distances subjects away from usual stresses and anxieties, serving as a welcome escape and diversion at the time. At best, dissociation acts to train subjects to let go of and move on from usual pressures and worries after the hypnosis.

2) Direct and Indirect Suggestions Bypass Resistance and Promote Calm, Peace, and Ease:

Modern hypnosis, often referred to as “Ericksonian hypnosis” after the hypnosis pioneer “Milton Erickson,” consists of different types of suggestions to bypass conscious resistance and be more likely to be accepted. In the relaxed, focused state of hypnotic trance, a person is more receptive to accept suggestions to change. Mixing up direct suggestions (i.e., "you will now relax...") versus indirect and more permissive suggestions (i.e., "you may choose to relax... or not... but if you do...") in a relaxed state promotes strong, natural calming and easing. A person in such a state has their usual conscious resistances and defensive walls lowered. Indirect/permissive suggestions to change tend to bypass resistance that much more because they are harder to resist or be threatened by.

Suggestions to ease stress and anxiety are generally a part of most hypnosis sessions, whatever their main focus may be: weight loss, smoking cessation, phobias, etc. However, when the primary focus of a hypnosis session is primarily for the easing of stress and anxiety, it is a natural fit. The entire session becomes interlaced with calming, easing suggestions and often results in a strong, powerful experience of peace and bliss. After such sessions, clients often say things like, "Can I just sit here and relax for a while longer...", or "Wow-where am I..."? Hypnosis sessions entirely focused on suggestions to ease stress and anxiety are a natural fit, making it perhaps the easiest if not most effective use of hypnosis in general.

3) Visualizations and Imagery Take You Away from Your Cares and Concerns:

Many hypnosis sessions include different suggestions to visualize and image different relaxing scenes in the mind. There are many possible purposes for such scenes, including simply deepening the trance state, elevating dissociation from the outside world, or simply increasing relaxation in general by helping the subject to "get away" or "escape" from their usual thoughts, cares, and concerns. This visualization is especially powerful when utilizing imagery a subject is familiar with and can easily imagine in a personal manner with all of the senses-sights, sounds, smells, taste, and touch.

When a person is stressed and under pressure, visualizing a powerful imagery experience shifts the focus, relaxes the body, and eases tension. Furthermore, when a person is anxious and worried, escaping to a relaxing scene is powerful, reassuring, and can serve as a reality check that the concern may be overblown. This shift takes the subject from an anxious "what if" position to a relaxing "what is something more enjoyable I can think about?" Since most anxiety overestimates risk and underestimates one’s resources to battle a threat, a reassuring visual escape may work to even out the discrepancy.

4) Memories and Age Progression Helps You Rewrite the Story of Your Life for a Calmer, More Reassuring Reality:

When relaxed and focused, bringing back memories or imagining the future becomes easier to do in a powerful, effective manner. Outside distractions, focuses, and interruptions are lowered in such a state, making such mental exercises easier to execute. Current research supports what psychotherapists have known for many years: that rewriting the “reality” of one’s past or future projections in a more positivistic, useful manner can effectively calm, reassure, and ease cares and concerns.

For purposes of easing stress, hypnosis can help change the meaning of these memories or future projections by changing the meaning these difficulties actually pose. For example, a hypnotic memory of a highly relaxing scene is often remembered as even more relaxing that when the memory actually happened for the subject, such as a beach trip. Furthermore, visualizing a more positive version of a future possibility during hypnosis can ease the anxiety of assuming the worst. Instead of assuming a negative "what if" (i.e., failing at a business venture), a scene of "what’s possible" in a positive way (i.e., succeeding at the venture) both eases current anxiety and increases the probability of the positive result actually occurring. This is known as a “positive self-fulfilling prophesy."

5) Post-Hypnotic Suggestions Help You Relax and Ease Worries Afterward:

Throughout hypnosis and especially at the end, it is common for hypnosis sessions to include a number of "post-hypnotic suggestions." Post-hypnotic suggestions, as their name infers, serve to promote positive changes in thinking, feeling, and/or behaviors after the hypnosis session in an oftentimes powerful, effective manner.

Post hypnotic suggestions during hypnosis are usually accepted in a receptive manner when done in a clear, connective manner. A stress relief suggestion may state something like, "Later, when you encounter economic challenges, you’ll be able to calm and relax yourself, just like you’ve done throughout this exercise, and you can know this is a skill and ability you possess to use as needed." An example for anxiety relief would be, "Later, when you are thinking of the financial possibilities for your future, you will see and generate the best you that you are capable of and more." After the hypnosis, the subject may or may not recall these suggestions, but they will often notice the changes in perception, sensation, and behavior over time. Although hypnosis is not "magic", the results of post-hypnotic suggestions may often seem like it.

For those who would like to lessen their stress and anxiety, hypnosis is a viable natural option combining effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience. Simply relax, focus, and enjoy your way towards a more peaceful, relaxing lifestyle.

Learn more: http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/hypnosis/stress_anxiety.php

Guest article contributed by Randy A. Gilchrist, Psy.D.
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com

Fun with Hypnosis

Sometimes we can be TOOOOOO serious about ourselves and our work. So this post is about having FUN with hypnosis.

Three Amazing and Fun Things You Can Do With Hypnosis

You don't need any special training to do any of these. You don't need to become a hypnotist, a hypnotherapist, have a license, or anything. The capabilities of the human mind belongs to everyone. So have some fun.

1. The Super Human Strength Test.

I was reminded of this by seeing a recent video on VideoJug. (See it here http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-have-super-strength) I first did this experiement almost 30 years ago as a young (ah hem...young) woman. It's cool and it's amazing. Until I trained as a hypnotist, I often wondered through the years just how DID that work! Was it some trick? Was there a hidden lifting device under the chair? Was I hallucinating it all? No, no and no. This is real and the answer to how it works is hypnosis. Watch the instructions carefully. Closing your eyes, following the leader's instructions, and repeating the chant, "light as a feather, strong as an ox," creates a light hypnotic state and your mind accepts the suggestion, and yes, you DO lift more weight, with ease. The REALLY cool thing about this is that it shows you two things--first, what a very light state of hypnosis is capable of doing for you and second, that you really do possess qualities and characteristics that you are blocking or unaware of in your usual conscious state. Now, imagine all the other fun things you could do with such a simple process.

2. Make People's Mouths Water.

Ever had anyone do the lemon test on you? Try this with your friends. Set it up first. Tell them about the power that their minds have over their bodies. Have them, eyes open and consciously, try to create more saliva in their mouths. They won't be able to, for the most part. However, with just simple words, you can cause their mouths to water! Have them close their eyes, and imagine....going to the refrigerator, and opening it. Inside, the light shines on a beautiful, yellow lemon. See the shiny rind of the lemon, and now have them imagine reaching out and picking it up. Feel the weight, feel the cool skin, the texture. Imagine holding it up to your nose, and smelling that light lemon scent coming from the rind. Now imagine picking up a paring knife and cutting into the lemon. Hear the sound of the knife tearing through the rind and feel the juice running down your hand. Cut a nice wedge out of that lemon and now bring it up to your mouth and bite into it, feeling the tart, cool fruit and the juice running into your mouth. Now.....who's salivating?

3. Program Your Dreams.

Dreams are powerful. Research shows that athletes who dream about their performance improve more dramatically than those who do not. Did you know you can program your dreams? Within a half an hour of falling asleep, write down what you want to dream about. Keep your sentences positive and incorporate as many of the five senses as you can. For example, "Tonight I will dream about delivering my class presentation successfully. I will dream about speaking, about seeing the smiling faces of the audience. I will hear their applause and I will feel calm, relaxed and motivated." You can also give yourself the suggestion that you will remember your dreams and understand what they are trying to tell you, whether or not you are programming what to dream about. Pleasant dreams!

Article by Cindy Locher, CHT, a practicing hypnotherapist in Apple Valley, MN. Cindy enjoys working with individuals and groups on improving their lives and health. Visit her on the web at mn-hypnosis.com.

Hypnosis Recordings vs. the Real Thing

By Barrie St John - HypnoShop.com

I’m often asked the question:

"Are self hypnosis recordings really as effective as hypnotherapy with a real live person?"

My answer is yes, absolutely.

Certainly, there are significant differences to be found when comparing self hypnosis downloads or CDs to one on one therapy, but they are just that, differences.

What one individual considers a benefit may be seen as a drawback to the next person. It really comes down to each person’s natural makeup, which determines what works for them.

For instance, in the case of live one to one hypnotherapy, a session can be concentrated on a particular problem, which may be a priority to you at a given moment, especially if you’re easily hypnotized. With recorded self hypnosis sessions, you do not have the benefit of focalized subject matter. There is no doubt that for specific problems, particular deep rooted problems, live one to one hypnotherapy is the best option.

On the other hand, to someone else, successful hypnotherapy may be dependant on the need to hear the message repeatedly. The law of concentrated attention and the power of suggestion in hypnosis are proven and very real. In this case, a recorded self hypnosis session is really the best option. You have complete control over when and how often to hear the recording. With live hypnotherapy, you do not have the benefit of repeated play, or the convenience of selective timing.

There is nothing preventing you from trying combined therapy, wherein you see a hypnotherapist in person, and also benefit from self hypnosis recordings in your own time. There is no system to conform to; it’s really whatever works for each individual person. Each of us has to answer this for ourselves.

After several face to face hypnotherapy sessions, you may want to try a CD or a download, and see how it works for you. On the other hand, you may start with self hypnosis recordings, and after experiencing some degree of success, you may wish to have one or more face to face sessions.

From a cost standpoint, it’s certainly worth trying self hypnosis recordings first. It’s far more economical than face to face, and if successful, you can save a lot of time and money by directing your own therapy. I always give my clients one of my own self hypnosis CDs to use in between therapy sessions, so that they get the best of both worlds.

There is also the added advantage that by repeated listening of a recording you’ll have experienced the hypnotic state many times, which means you’ll no what to expect from hypnosis in general. Some people find it hard to enter a state of creative relaxation on the first few attempts. Since you’ll have experienced this many times from listening to a self hypnosis recording, it could save you both time and money should you wish to visit a hypnotherapist for live one to one sessions.

I’ve heard of a few hypnotherapists who question the effectiveness of self hypnosis recordings and I often get asked the question "do recorded hypnosis sessions actually work?" I say yes they do, without question. It’s like anything else; it may not work for everyone, but for those who are willing to listen regularly, it can be extremely successful. Hypnosis is about suggestion, the more you hear something, the more it penetrates. This is precisely why recorded self hypnosis sessions are so effective. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

About the Author
Barrie St John is a leading figure in the field of hypnotherapy and personal change. He is the author behind the best selling self hypnosis CDs and downloads at www.HypnoShop.com

Hypnosis As Medical Treatment Against Cancer

A groundbreaking program to incorporate hypnosis in care for cancer patients was founded at La Grange Memorial Hospital almost 20 years ago, by the Rev. Dr. C. Scot Giles of Wheaton.

“It was the first medically approved hospital-based program in America that used hypnosis as an integral part of cancer care,” said Giles, a board-certified chaplain. “We have tracked all of the people who have gone through the program over a 10-year horizon, and know they are doing better (than) expected to do when compared to the national cancer outcomes database. At this point, the group is full and there is a one-year waiting list.”

“The work’s been very rewarding,” said Giles, an officer of the National Guild of Hypnotists and author of the curriculum used by the guild to train people to do medical hypnotism in the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

Giles, whose Web site at www.csgiles.org provides a wealth of information and links to scientific studies, shares recent findings about the nature of cancer.

“What’s been found is that cancer cells have receptor sites for chemicals in the body associated with stress,” he said. “They use those chemicals to fuel a process called angiogenesis (generation of blood vessels that aid growth of a tumor). The stress chemicals in your body are energizing the tumor cells and encouraging tumor proliferation. So by maintaining a state of low stress in the mind, you actually change the physiology of the body and starve the cancer cells of chemicals they need to grow. That seems to be why hypnotism is effective. While it doesn’t kill the cancer, it does inhibit its spread.”

A study from the National Institutes of Health shows psychosocial support of cancer patients makes an enormous difference, he said.

His hypnosis program focuses on symptom management of pain, nausea and lack of appetite; mood management in helping the patient remain relaxed and optimistic; and specific imagery around the cancer itself, to encourage the body’s immune system to fight back.

Giles notes that public acceptance of hypnosis has improved dramatically.

Articles now abound in medical journals showing the effectiveness of hypnosis in health care, he said, adding, “The opinions of the medical community have simply shifted with the research.”

Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com



Manage the pain associated with cancer, and reduce the negative side effects of the treatment with self hypnosis here.

Get A Really Good Sleep

According to research from the Future Foundation for the health campaign Sleep Well Live Well, 1 in 5 of the population sleeps for fewer than 7 hours a night and many of these tired souls reported feeling stressed and unhappy.

If you are having trouble going to sleep or is suffering from insufficient sleep, Dr Adrian Williams of the Sleep Disorders Centre at St Thomas's Hospital in London has a few simple suggestions...

Don't have any caffeine drinks after 2pm.

Exercise some time between 4pm and 7pm.

Have a milky drink and a bath before bedtime.

Try to exclude noise and light from the bedroom.

If you still experience sleep deprivation after trying these methods, sleep hypnosis might be the best possible sleep therapy for you to help you sleep like a child through deep relaxation.

Relax and sleep easily with these hypnosis downloads.

Does Hypnosis Work?

If you ever wonder does hypnosis work, you need to read about this very useful and well-informed article about the possibilities in hypnosis from The New York Times.

It usefully points out a few case studies and explained why many people believed that "hypnosis didn’t work on them" or "why they weren't hypnotized" - and yet hypnosis did work - and the patients' problems were resolved permanently!

The Times article states:

...Hypnosis is the epitome of mind-body medicine. It can enable the mind to tell the body how to react, and modify the messages that the body sends to the mind. It has been used to counter the nausea of pregnancy and chemotherapy; dental and test-taking anxiety; pain associated with surgery, root canal treatment and childbirth; fear of flying and public speaking; compulsive hair-pulling; and intractable hiccups, among many other troublesome health problems

Read the complete New York Times article here...

So what about self hypnosis? Can I change myself through self hypnosis too?

You certainly can.

In the same article, Dr. Temes said hypnosis could be helpful even if done with a cassette tape or CD...

If you’d like some help to begin with, there are many good (powerful) self hypnosis downloads available on the homepage of this site that can help you achieve dramatic positive changes in your life.

The Amazing Powers of Self Hypnosis

I want to share a success story about hypnosis for weight loss. There are so many, but this one stands out in my mind and touches my heart. I was working in the summer of 2004 with a young lady named Jen. She was 19 at the time and was scheduled to undergo gastric bypass surgery. This surgery is very drastic and involved stapling the stomach so that the person can no longer eat large meals. She also already had liposuction but regained all of her weight. Her father had died and all her mother wanted was for Jen to be happy.

As they both sat in my office in tears, Jen told me that this was her last attempt to lose weight before killing herself. After her mom left the room, we began the hypnosis session. While in a trance, Jen remembered being abused by her father. It was traumatic for her to recall this, but helpful at the same time. Jen also revealed that she had "built up a protective layer" with the excess weight. She explained while under hypnosis that the weight repelled men and kept her "safe."

After Jen was out of hypnosis, I invited her mom back into the office. The three of us discussed this unfortunate event. Her mom said that she had suspected that it happened, but never had proof until now. Jen returned the next week and we began working on re-building her self-esteem using hypnosis. This is very easy to do with hypnosis since the messages go directly to the subconscious mind. If you want to do this yourself, just make a tape with positive suggestions that you play in bed each night as you go to sleep.

In the four weeks that followed, I was able to reframe the way she felt about eating right, exercising, and taking care of herself in general. After only six sessions, I told Jen that I had done all the work we needed to do.

Last week, Jen sent me an e-mail with a picture. You see, I had programmed her to continue to eat right, exercise, and take care of herself. Well, the picture she sent looked like a model! Jen had gone from 325 lbs. to 115 lbs! The e-mail was even more inspirational. Here’s what she wrote:

Dear Steve,

It has been a year since our last session. The pounds have been consistently dropping. I eat differently and don’t even try to. I exercise three times a week and love it. Most importantly, my view of life is completely different now. I went from being overweight and suicidal to being thin, sexy, beautiful and totally confident. My mom is happier than ever and so is my husband. That’s right! I am married. He’s 6’4", an architect, and wants kids. I feel like I’m living the life of my dreams. Hypnosis is amazing. You taught me that I could do ANYTHING that I BELIEVE I can do. You are right. Feel free to share this letter with others. I want the world to know about the power of hypnosis and the power of the human mind!

With much love and respect,

Jen

In my line of work I get to see this happen often. Jen is one of the many people who decided to make a powerful change in her life. Hypnosis helped, but the change was really due to her commitment to herself. I hope that the sharing of Jen’s journey will inspire you to create whatever powerful change you desire in your life. There are no obstacles, except the ones YOU create in your mind. Remove those obstacles, and you will easily live the life of YOUR dreams.

Steve G. Jones is a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. He is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of Hypnotherapy, president of the American Alliance of Hypnotists, on the board of directors of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Lung Association, and director of the California state registered Steve G. Jones School of Hypnotherapy. Learn more about his products by visiting: Better Living With Hypnosis

Reassuring Reasons why Hypnosis is your Friend

Believe the hype or think for yourself

For too long hypnosis has had a bad or 'difficult' press. If a person doesn't understand something they have 3 options open to them.

1) They might be sceptical and therefore save the trouble of looking further and possibly benefiting.
2) They may conclude it is dangerous and to be avoided at all costs.
3) They may spend time discovering the truth behind the hype.

If you don't know much about a topic it's easy to be suspicious. Some people assume hypnosis is akin to a carnival side show, others consider it mystic mumbo jumbo or 'mind control.' For those who look beyond the hype the truth is far more illuminating.

The most powerful tool you possess

There are potentially huge benefits for those who use hypnosis as part of everyday life. When you understand hypnosis you start to see its potential to improve human performance in the physical, emotional and intellectual realms. For me, rumour, gossip and suspicion weren't good enough.

I determined to learn all I could about hypnosis - I learned every fact and practised every technique under the sun. I took several training courses - some good, some terrible. I invested thousands of hours of devoted study to hypnosis and discovered just what is possible. I hypnotised friends, neighbours and work colleagues. Hypnosis greatly changed things for me on a personal level.

How hypnosis helped me

I used to be shy. Thanks to hypnosis I can now talk to thousands at a time and can approach anybody calmly and confidently.

I used to have poor concentration and procrastinate; thanks to hypnosis I can instantly motivate myself.

I used to find physical work outs and exercise exhausting but because of hypnosis I am now in the best shape of my life.

Incidentally I also stopped myself blushing with hypnosis. Now if ever I have a difficult call or conversation coming up, something I may naturally feel reluctant to do (you know the kind of thing) I spontaneously self hypnotise and rehearse the upcoming situation feeling good, with myself remaining calm. In this way I habitually set my own emotional 'blue prints' for up coming situations. Having said that it's naturally that some people have concerns or half digested 'hand me down' ideas regarding hypnosis. A common one is the one about 'mind control.' However what does this really mean?

Why you are more in control of yourself in hypnosis

If someone expresses concerns about being 'controlled' in hypnosis what they mean is they don't want to be like a robot, an automaton that is forced to obey the every whim of the hypnotist. We can't help but influence others but we don't control them. To understand why you need to understand hypnosis better.

So what is hypnosis like?

Hypnosis isn't like a coma. It's not unconsciousness - more a subtle shifting of consciousness. In hypnosis, you can still think logically but you also have access to the 'software' of your mind so that you can update instinctive emotional and physical responses. In fact the hypnotised subject (not the hypnotist) calls the shots. When I hypnotise someone I need to go at their speed and respond to their needs and expectations. Hypnosis will give you more control in your own life because of what it enables you to do.

How can I be so sure?

Because over the decades I've seen all kinds of people, all ages and from all backgrounds turn their lives around thanks to hypnosis. When you use hypnosis for yourself it improves confidence in all kinds of ways. When you use it to change other's lives it just blows you away. This is what I mean.

When I first hypnotised someone to feel no sensation in a painful arthritic arm it was an incredible feeling. When I first cured life long phobias quickly and comfortably I was astounded. When I stopped hardened alcoholics from drinking and even got a heroin addict off the stuff and back into mainstream life again I started to feel angry that people could just associate hypnosis with entertainment.

With the aid of hypnosis I (and many people I have trained and worked with) have helped severely depressed people feel strong and positive again. The rewards and satisfactions are hard to describe. I'm going to take a stand against ignorance and short sightedness around hypnosis and here's why.

Why you need to reclaim hypnosis for yourself

Hypnosis is your birthright. It's nature's optimum learning tool. In fact to learn and perform anything well you need to experience a natural focussing of attention, a natural kind of hypnosis. To be successful hypnosis needs to be your companion and friend.

Successful people use it naturally all the time because hypnosis is natural. It's the way we learn new responses. Unlike medications its side effects are purely positive - one expectant mother I worked with to feel relaxed during child birth later reported that she was also more relaxed when flying!

Hypnosis is easy to learn and every body can benefit. Hypnosis is a safe environment to 'try out' new behaviours and emotional patterns before you experience them for real. So the young man can ask a woman out for a date many times in calm relaxed hypnosis so that by the time he does it for real it feels real and natural and relaxed. Sports people who use hypnosis learn new quicker and more accurately. So hypnosis gives you more control of yourself and your life, it's natural and gives you instant benefits and it's a way of 'trying on' and establishing new patterns of emotional response and behaviour, Hypnosis enables you to develop yourself as a human being.

Try Self Hypnosis Downloads And Change Your Life Today!