Hypnosis: The Ultimate Power Learning
Misconceptions abound regarding hypnosis: is it magic? is it brainwashing? is it real? is it dangerous? It is my intention with this short article to provide a clear, simple explanation of what hypnosis is and why it could be beneficial for you to use it regularly.

First of all, hypnosis is not magic or brainwashing. Really. Hypnosis is simply a natural state of deep, physical relaxation in which your subconscious mind becomes highly alert and focused. It feels blissful and dreamy and very comfortable. Hypnosis is similar to that lethargic feeling right before you fall asleep. If you have ever practiced "meditation", then you already know what hypnosis feels like. Again, it's simply deep, physical relaxation.

During hypnosis, you do not turn into a zombie, you are not unconscious, and you will not do "anything the hypnotist commands". Remember, your mind remains alert and focused. Therefore, you hear everything that is being said and you have the ability to reject any suggestion that you are unwilling to comply with. Hypnosis is also not "truth serum"—yes, you can lie or withhold information or secrets during a hypnotic trance.

Once again, hypnosis is simply you, very relaxed, while listening to hypnotic suggestions, either via a live hypnotist, a phone session, or a hypnotic recording (or through suggestions you have given yourself).

What makes hypnosis so powerful and so beneficial is not that it's a magic trick. The effectiveness of hypnotic suggestions lies in the fact that when you are so deeply relaxed, you feel more amenable to accepting suggestions and your subconscious mind is more accessible than in its usual waking state.

Most people use hypnosis for one or more of these three reasons: to relax and recharge; to change habitual thoughts, beliefs and behaviors; or just to experience a fun thrill (they like the feeling of "being in an altered state"). Let's assume your interest is in one or both of the first two uses.

To use hypnosis for relaxation, you can listen to a good hypnosis recording, take a self-hypnosis class, or visit a Certified Hypnotherapist for several sessions. The deepest relaxation is achieved through practice, so once you learn some techniques or buy a recording, you'll want to continue to do a session every day when possible. If you do that, you'll find that your trance depth and ability to enter hypnosis easily and quickly will increase significantly over time, even if you're someone who has had difficulty relaxing in the past. (My "Deep Hypnotic Conditioning" program is an excellent starter session. See the Articles Page for more tips.)

Most people want to use their hypnosis sessions for more than relaxation. While they're in trance, they'd like to fill their mind with beneficial suggestions to help them change beliefs or behaviors that no longer serve them. Everyone thinks about "losing weight" or "quitting smoking" when the subject of hypnosis comes up. However, athletes who wish to improve their scores or times, salespeople who wish to speak easily in front of crowds, or writers who'd like greater access to their creativity, are also examples of subjects who could benefit from using hypnosis.

The easiest ways to fill your mind with beneficial suggestions during an hypnosis session are to either have a live, custom session with a hypnotherapist (in person or over the phone), or to use a recording on your desired topic. For best results use the recording daily, for at least two weeks, and you will find your related thoughts, beliefs and behaviors significantly improved and even dramatically transformed.

Let's examine why this works. Remember I mentioned that during hypnosis you are more amenable to accepting suggestions and your subconscious mind is more accessible than usual? This is why hypnosis is one of—if not the—fastest, easiest, most effective means for reprogramming the subconscious mind.

Your mind accepts beliefs and forms habits in multiple ways, including repetition (that's what makes affirmations work), strong emotion (that's why getting your emotions involved makes affirmations even more effective), authoritative influence (when you readily accept information delivered to you from a Doctor or other authoritative source), and hypnosis. Since you have direct access to the subconscious mind (the seat of your habits and core beliefs) during trance, suggestions received while in hypnosis are more powerful and do not need to be repeated hundreds of times in order to "sink in".

In addition, you are relaxed and amenable during trance. Therefore, your critical mind is not constantly rejecting the suggestions or chiming in with self-defeating, negative thoughts like, "This will never work!" or "I'm terrible at public speaking!" Instead of getting blocked out by your old, limited beliefs, the new, beneficial suggestions have the chance to take hold and replace your former thoughts. And new thoughts lead to new behaviors which cement new beliefs, and those in turn generate more uplifting thoughts. It's a cycle that is far more likely to become permanent when it is initiated through hypnosis.

Not only is hypnosis extremely effective at generating lasting changes, it is also highly enjoyable. Relaxing in a deep state of trance is almost effortless (certainly when compared to doing sit-ups or repeating affirmations into the mirror for an hour). You can literally zone out completely and still absorb powerful suggestions while deeply relaxed. You'll awaken refreshed and rejuvenated, without ever feeling as if you've worked or strained. It's the ultimate power learning! Lie back, absorb new thoughts into your mind, and then go about your day enjoying all the benefits of regular stress-release and deep relaxation.

Hypnosis works—and works well—easily and enjoyably, if you use it regularly. I recommend daily sessions, first to become well-conditioned to entering trance, and then for several weeks each time you add a new program you wish to absorb. If you practice hypnosis regularly, you'll find that you feel happier, calmer, more relaxed, have clearer thinking, increased creativity, and that your thoughts, beliefs and actions support you in achieving your heart's desires.

For more information about hypnosis, view the "Hypnosis FAQs" on the FAQs & Support Page and/or read the articles on the Articles Page. For information about Lady Hypnotist's hypnosis stage shows, visit her show site: www.ladyhypnotistshow.com.

© Christine Michele, Lady Hypnotist - Jan. 15, 2007
Reprinting prohibited without written permission from the author.

Get More From Your Hypnosis Audio Sessions!
Purchasing one of my hypnosis recordings is only the first step in the process—you've got to actually use the program in order to obtain any measurable benefits from it. The following tips and suggestions will help you get the most out of your hypnosis audio sessions.

1) First guideline: never listen to a hypnosis program while driving or operating any heavy machinery. Remember, hypnosis audio programs are created specifically to guide you into deep relaxation. Your eyes will close, your body will become loose and limp and you will be significantly distracted from your current surroundings. Don't listen to your new audio session while driving! Instead, give the program your undivided attention and give yourself every opportunity to respond as fully as possible.

2) It's critical to your success that you have a realistic understanding of what hypnosis really is and what it will feel like. If you are expecting your mind to be magically transported to an alternate dimension—in mere seconds and on the first try, no less—then you are going to be disappointed. If I were to list the top reasons why people have less than satisfying experiences with hypnosis, near the front of the list would be "the failure to recognize the trance state when they are in it". If you don't know what to expect—or are expecting something else entirely—how will you recognize trance when you enter it? The signs can be subtle, especially when you first begin to practice. Be sure you know enough truthful information about hypnosis to have a realistic understanding of the experience.
   What should you expect? Expect to feel physically very relaxed, expect to be able to hear the hypnotist's voice throughout the entire program (especially when you first begin learning hypnosis), expect your mind to remain alert and focused, and expect the time to go by very quickly while you're in trance. Hypnosis is much like meditation: it is a natural state of deep, physical relaxation, during which the mind remains clear, alert and focused.

3) Prepare, prepare, prepare! Your hypnosis sessions will only be as good as you let them be. Make arrangements for a quiet, relaxing session and that's what you're most likely to have. Hypnosis can be like yoga—on any given day, your response will vary. Yesterday, you experienced the deepest trance ever and today you can't sit still. It happens—no matter how long you've been conditioning yourself. There's so many different factors that can affect your response to hypnosis that it's impossible for every one of them to fall into place every single day. However, you can do a lot to make your sessions as consistently relaxing as possible.
    Set aside time regularly to practice hypnosis and guard this time well. Make it a priority. Turn off your phone, your cell phone and your pager. If need be, listen with headphones to block outside noises. Lock your door. Tell the kids not to bother you. Put the dog outside. If you're serious about experiencing hypnosis, then make the effort to create a "comfort zone" for yourself that is quiet and relaxing.
    Limit your caffeine if you tend to be wound up, and/or try some camomile tea a half hour or so beforehand. Relaxing in a warm bath before your sessions will also help you wind down.
    Try doing your sessions at different times of day and in different positions (sitting or lying down, in a recliner or on the bed, etc.) and compare your results with each. Stick with the time/s and position/s that work best for you.
    If possible, set aside a special room or area that you will use to do your hypnosis. Make sure you will be comfortable and undisturbed in this space. Use the same place regularly in order to develop an association with it of relaxation and comfort. If you'd like, light a candle or burn some incense to make the space more inviting. Your mind will begin to associate the ritual of lighting the candle and/or the scent of the incense with "trance time".
    Loosen any snug or restricting clothing before you begin and take off your shoes. A light fluttering of the eyelids during trance is a good sign—however, if this distracts you, wear a sleep mask or blindfold during your sessions. If you wear eyeglasses (or contacts) and they have a tendency to slip or distract you, set them aside while you're doing hypnosis.
    Experiment and develop your own "relaxation ritual" that will signal your mind that it is time to relax and unwind. Once you have become adept at achieving trance easily, you will discover that you are no longer as sensitive to your environment. Your mind will become conditioned to the trance state. Outside sounds will no longer distract you. Until then, however, why not use every tool at your disposal to make the process easier and more profound, starting right now?

4) Recognize that entering trance is a learned skill for most people and doing it proficiently may require some practice on your part. There's a reason I suggest starting with a conditioning program ("Deep Hypnotic Conditioning") and listening daily for at least two weeks. Too many people try out a hypnosis program for the first time (often an advanced recording and/or one without a lengthy induction) and, after listening once or twice and not getting the results they expected, give up on the program, the hypnotist, or the entire process. It is really true that you will improve at going into trance with practice. That's how the human mind works—it improves with practice.
    Remember: this is not something the hypnotist does to you. The hypnotist is a guide. The process only works if you allow it to do so. This is true no matter how skilled or talented the hypnotist is—going into trance is about your responsiveness and mental agility—not about the hypnotist's mystical abilities. Sure, amongst hypnotists, skill levels, voices, styles and methods will vary, but given an at least adequately skilled hypnotist, your response is primarily up to you.
    Once again, responding to hypnosis requires conditioning. Condition your mind by listening to the program daily. Hypnosis isn't a magic wand. You must actually listen to the session in order for it to work. Hypnosis is most effective when used regularly. This means daily, not weekly, monthly, or whenever you get around to it!
    If possible, schedule your sessions for the same time every day. Make it a routine and your mind will come to expect the experience. It will become conditioned. This will make your sessions gradually become deeper and more profound.
    Hypnosis is a learned skill and practicing it makes it easier and deeper over time. If you cannot always have your hypnotic session at the same time every day, at least try to make it as regular as possible. Remember, repetition does work and your goal is to create a new, beneficial habit.

5) Focus on what is working for you. If you can enter hypnosis once, you can do so again. If you can enter hypnosis once with an audio program, you can do so again. If your eyes felt heavy and "locked" shut, then you can have that kind of response again. However, focusing on the one time when your response was not what you'd hoped for is not going to help you with future sessions. It's going to distract you and make you worry. The greater the conscious effort, the less the subconscious response. In other words, worrying and over-analyzing and working at it will get in your way. So let that go and stop worrying. Be content and appreciative of your current level and experience. This is not a competition. It's a fascinating journey—enjoy the scenery along the way.

6) Don't use your bed for your hypnosis sessions. A frequent complaint from users of hypnotic audio programs is that they are often either fighting sleep or falling asleep while listening. You can usually avoid this by picking a different time to do your sessions—either start later or earlier in the day—and by using a different place and posture. Your mind is trained to sleep in your bed. If you lie down on your bed and get comfy when doing your hypnotic sessions, you are much more likely to fall asleep! Unless you want to drift off to sleep while listening to a hypnotic program—which is certainly acceptable and possible—do your sessions somewhere else. Sit in a chair, lie on the floor—be comfortable—just be somewhere other than your bed.

7) Don't confuse a deep trance with falling asleep. While we're on the subject of falling asleep during trance, let's be sure that that's what is actually happening. It is very common for people to begin a hypnotic program, get quiet and deeply relaxed and then suddenly awaken at the end of the program without remembering the session in between. If this is what you have been experiencing, and you are awakening automatically at the end of the program, when the hypnotist counts you awake, you are most likely in a deep state of trance and not actually asleep.
    For any number of reasons, some trance sessions are just deeper than others—your mind may feel the need for a break or you may be physically very tired that day or you may even be a natural at going into hypnosis. This is nothing to be concerned about. Your subconscious mind is still hearing and registering the suggestions. You know this because you responded to the awakening count at the end of the program.
    On the other hand, if the program ended and you were still snoring away and/or eventually someone else came and woke you up or hours later the phone rang and that's what awakened you, you probably were, in fact, asleep. In that case, follow my suggestions for changing your trance sessions to a different time of day and/or a different location and physical posture. Sit up, away from your bed and avoid trying to do a session when you are overly tired or already fighting sleep.

8) Don't get hung up on "trance depth" (this is more over-analyzing). A deep level of trance is not a requirement for an effective session. Focus more on your response. If you felt relaxed, enjoyed the session and responded to the suggestions, then your trance level was plenty deep enough. If you're not responding to the suggestions, then maybe there is another reason why—like you're not comfortable with the suggestions or with the hypnotist (or you're going so deep that you don't consciously respond to an arm levitation, for instance).
    Going into a "deeper" trance won't necessarily change your responsiveness to a suggestion, especially if it's one you are unwilling to respond to. Again, this is not a competition. If you're not responding as well as you'd like to the hypnotic suggestions, don't automatically assume that your lack of "trance depth" is what's standing in your way. It may be another issue entirely (such as fear of the unknown or a lack of understanding about the hypnosis process).
   On the other hand, if you're worried that you're going "too deep" into trance, trust that your mind knows when you need some deep relaxation. As long as the program is playing and your ears are still working, your subconscious mind is still hearing the suggestions and they are making an impression—whether or not you consciously remember every detail of every session after you awaken.

9) Absorb the suggestions at other times and in other ways. It is never a good idea to listen to a hypnosis audio-program while driving a car or operating any heavy machinery. Never. That having been said, I would like to suggest that you experiment with exposing your subconscious mind to beneficial suggestions in a variety of ways, in addition to actual trance sessions. Try playing your hypnosis program while you fall asleep at night and let the suggestions soak in as you drift off. Even better, set your audio system to auto-repeat and let the program replay over and over while you sleep. Run the suggestions portion of audio programs in the background while you work around the house or do menial tasks at the office. Make yourself a written list of suggestions and read it just before falling asleep at night and when you rise in the morning. Turn the suggestions into affirmations and post them around your home, your office and in your car. Concentrate on ways to "tip the scale" in your mind and pour in as many positive, beneficial suggestions as you can, every day, in every way you can think of.

10) This last tip is one of the most important: Trust yourself, trust the process and follow the instructions. The most common thing that keeps people from responding the way they'd like to hypnosis is thoughts and attitudes that prevent them from following the directions. When you are directed to close your eyes, be silent, relax and follow the suggestions, you need to do exactly that or you will not achieve the optimum results. There's an old saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink." The same is true for hypnosis. No matter how good the audio program is, no matter how skilled the stage hypnotist is, no matter how persistent the hypnotherapist is, if you hold yourself back and/or do not follow the directions, no one else can put you into trance. You have to do it for yourself.
    The best way to do this is to trust yourself and trust the process. Don't overanalyze. Don't worry if it's "working" or if you're "doing it right." If you have fears or questions about hypnosis, then explore it. Learn about it. Get the answers. Hypnosis is not dangerous but, if you're afraid of it, then you will keep yourself from experiencing it fully. Do what you need to do to get past that. If you are convinced that hypnosis is only for people with weak minds or no will of their own, then, likewise, you will need to educate yourself or you won't allow yourself to respond completely. You will always stand in your own way.
    Listen, if you're the type to challenge hypnotists and claim that you could never be hypnotized, then maybe you should ask yourself why you are even bothering to order hypnosis programs or to read this site! The truth is, that, most of the time, such an attitude is a front. People who are afraid to go into trance or afraid to lose control—for whatever reason—often puff themselves up and attempt to convince everyone (especially themselves) that they are really too smart or too "strong-minded" (whatever that means) to be hypnotized. In actuality, the exact opposite is true. It takes a tremendous amount of mental agility and control to be able to relax and respond at will. Not everyone can do it the first time they try. Most of us need to practice in order to develop the skill. Think of it this way: if you cannot relax your control when you want to, how much control do you really have…?
    Most people don't know this but, the more imaginative and creative you are, the more suggestible you tend to be. Suggestibility is actually a good thing, especially if you understand it and know how to use it. There is nothing wrong with having the ability to easily and quickly enter a deep state of relaxation. In fact, such a skill is a talent and a gift that should be cultivated and developed.
    Trust yourself. Trust the process. And you will probably surprise yourself with how well you respond to hypnosis. Now, it's time to begin reprogramming your amazing subconscious mind to attain the success you desire. Don't wait, don't put it off! Begin using your new hypnosis audio program today!

© Christine Michele, Lady Hypnotist - Dec. 9, 2005
Reprinting prohibited without written permission from the author.

Why I Recommend "Pre-Training" With DHC
Ok, so you've heard about hypnosis, you're determined to try it, you found this site and you're ready to go, right? Perhaps you want to improve your public speaking or jumpstart your motivation to exercise. Why not just go straight to my "Dynamic Public Speaking" or "Love To Exercise" programs? Well, you could certainly do that. However, if you want to get the most out of your hypnotic sessions—all of your sessions—from this point on, I recommend getting some pre-training with my "Deep Hypnotic Conditioning" program.

The fact is, most people aren't naturals at entering a deep state of hypnosis at will; they need some practice in order to experience the deepest, most profound (and most effective) sessions possible. Unfortunately, few of us have enough time in our schedules to spend several hours a day training our minds hypnotically (nor do you need to expend that much time). This means I have to keep my program lengths to an hour or less. That's a reasonable amount of time to squeeze out of your daily schedule and to spend enjoying a relaxing hypnosis session. With me so far? The plan is to spend roughly 45 minutes per day training your mind hypnotically.

Now how are we going to utilize that 45 minutes best? Obviously I can't fit every single beneficial hypnotic suggestion imaginable into one 45 minute program. It can't be done. Even if it could, there's such thing as information over-load. It's generally more effective to let your mind focus on one area of improvement at a time (such as better public speaking or getting motivated to exercise). So I have to pick and choose what suggestions to include in each program. End result: the exercise program has mostly suggestions for exercise motivation, the speaking program has mostly suggestions for better speaking, etc., and any "extra time" I might have on a program gets a couple of suggestions for deeper trance sessions and sleeping well at night, and so on. This is hardly enough to really reinforce the suggestions specifically about *going deeply into hypnosis, quickly and easily*.

That's why I created a hypnosis primer. My program, "Deep Hypnotic Conditioning" is all about going into hypnosis quickly, deeply and easily—and that's it. The entire session focuses on helping the listener to train their mind for hypnotic success. It's like taking a prep class. It reinforces the skills you need to get the most out of all my other hypnosis sessions. Plus, it's very relaxing and enjoyable all on its own (like a productive power nap!). If you use "Deep Hypnotic Conditioning" for even a week (7 days) before adding or switching to another of my programs, you will notice a difference in the effectiveness and perceived depth of *all* of your hypnosis sessions. And the more enjoyable and relaxing your sessions are, the easier it will be to make the changes you desire. Get more details (and listen to an audio sample) on the "Deep Hypnotic Conditioning" product page.

I want your sessions with my programs to be as effective and pleasurable as possible, and I am committed to helping you make that happen. Invest a little more time and money in your hypno training now and you'll reap the rewards far into the future!

© Christine Michele, Lady Hypnotist - February 13, 2006
Reprinting prohibited without written permission from the author.

Change Your Vocabulary & The Rest Will Follow
If you've tried repeatedly to "lose weight" and you find yourself focused constantly on denial and lack; if you hear the words coming out of your mouth, "I am so fat, I really have to lose weight!"; if just thinking about dieting again, makes you feel hopeless and discouraged; then this article will help you retool your vocabulary, thoughts, and mental images, to bring you successfully to your ideal weight.

Let's start by examining the phrase, "lose weight". First of all, "losing" means "loss". When you lose something, you usually want it back. You don't "lose" the flu or a broken leg. You "lose" money, jewelry, your job, or other things that you want to keep. If you want to get rid of something, then doing so is not a "loss"—in fact, it's actually a gain. So every time you are affirming "lose weight, lose weight, lose weight", you are really talking and thinking about your excessive weight in a way that implies you don't really want to get rid of it and, if you do, you'll miss it and want it back!

What's more, the term "loser" isn't exactly a compliment, right? Anyone you know ever aspired to be a "loser"...? Probably not. So in one simple phrase, you've set yourself up to either not let go of the weight (nobody wants to be a "loser") or to regain the weight soon after (remember: when you "lose" something, you want it back).

Let's replace the word "lose" with something more effective. You can pick any positive, power word that makes sense to you (some people like the word "release"). I like "drop" and that's the word I use personally. I prefer saying, "drop some weight", because to me it sounds fast and easy and it doesn't imply that I want to regain what I'm releasing. It's not difficult to "drop" something and it doesn't take a long time, either.

So the first step in retooling your ideal body weight vocabulary is to "drop" the phrase "lose weight" and replace it with something more effective. Changing your vocabulary will change your thoughts, mental images, and the corresponding emotions. You will instantly feel more empowered when you think about your body weight goals. A goal that sounds easier and faster (drop vs. lose) will seem more attainable and that will make it far more motivating.

Now let's take this one step further. In addition to your everyday vocabulary, let's empower your goals and affirmations. I want you to stack the deck in your favor, so that achieving your ideal weight is a given, instead of a gamble.

Most people write their weight goals in terms of pounds they want to "lose" and then they focus everyday on "how much weight they've lost". They're thinking "lost more weight...more weight...more weight". All their focus is on the fat they're supposedly trying to get rid of.

From now on, focus your attention (and intentions) on your ideal weight, and not on the pounds you want to drop. Stop thinking about that icky, heavy, globby fat (what we focus on increases), and focus all of your attention on your new, trim, shapely, healthy, energetic, vitally alive body. Got it?

Instead of writing out a "weight loss goal", write out your ideal body description. Example: replace goals that focus on the fat you want to release, like this, "I want to lose 15 pounds by June, 2007", with goals that put you already at your ideal weight, like this, "I am fabulously fine and healthy at 145 pounds; I look and feel fantastic; I radiate energy and vitality, I eat healthfully, and I enjoy lots of fun, physical activity!"

See the difference? Read both goals aloud and notice how differently you *feel* with each one. The first one focuses on the very thing you want to decrease—pounds—and it's potentially discouraging and demotivating. It sounds arduous and time-consuming. The second goal focuses your thoughts, mental images, and feelings on your ideal body—which is the reality you want to *increase*. It also excites your imagination and fills you with expectancy. It brings up the feelings of already being at your ideal weight right now.

"Nothing can prevent your picture from coming into concrete form except the same power which gave it birth—yourself." -Genevieve Behrend

When you consistently focus your attention, thoughts, mental images and feelings on your ideal body, you reprogram your subconscious mind with a new picture of yourself. Your mind will then take over and naturally behave in the ways that will make that mental image true. A slender person doesn't binge on junk food or overeat at meals; a slender person makes healthier food choices and tends to exercise more naturally. Re-train your subconscious mind to see yourself as that slender, healthy, active person, and you will surprise yourself by naturally behaving in more slenderizing, healthful ways!

© Christine Michele, Lady Hypnotist - January 6, 2007
Reprinting prohibited without written permission from the author.

"The Secret"
(coming soon)

(coming soon)

© Christine Michele, Lady Hypnotist - January, 2007
Reprinting prohibited without written permission from the author.