By Avinoam Lerner, CH

Self-hypnosis is a safe, non invasive and painless self-improvement tool. With self-hypnosis you can transform, enhance or influence your experience to reflect a beneficial or desired outcome.

Either by itself, or in conjunction with other treatment methods you can use self-hypnosis to reduce stress, manage pain, unblock creative impasses, improve your sports abilities, lose weight, stop smoking, reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence and overcome debilitating fears.

Although you may not have called it hypnosis, it is likely that you have already experienced a trance-like state, perhaps even on a daily basis. This is normal because it is a natural state of mind that you enter into when you focus your attention, become absorbed by an experience that is intriguing. All it takes is a good book, a day dream or your favorite TV show. However, the self-hypnosis that is applied for therapeutic purposes either in my office or on CDs & MP3s is very different from watching commercials on the TV. The difference is in the intention, motivation and verbiage that aim toward a specific goal i.e. weight loss, relaxation, motivation or success.

What is the difference between Self-Hypnosis & Hypnosis?

Self-hypnosis is done by you for yourself, rather than via another party (hypnotherapist). In theory, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis because it your willingness and desire to change that will allow change to take place. However, it is wise to seek a professional hypnotherapist who has professional training and knowledge.

The hypnotherapist job is to help you and guide you into a trance state i.e. hypnosis, where you will be open to receive new thoughts, suggestions and ideas that will reflect your new mindset and desire to change.

Disclaimer – Please note that self-hypnosis should never be practiced when driving, operating machinery or carrying out any activity that requires your full attention.

Some of the benefits of self-hypnosis:

• Lose weight
• Ease your fears
• Keep new resolutions
• Calm and relax your mind
• Overcome negative thinking
• Manage pain and discomfort
• Break free from harmful habits
• Build confidence and inner strength

For Self-Hypnosis CDs & MP3s visit www.MindBody101.com or visit www.BostonHypnosisSeminars.com for an updated calendar of group sessions & workshops in the Boston Area.