Can I get better at self hypnosis?

October 25, 2010 10:13 AM

Is there any way I can experience the same states and make the same changes through self hypnosis that I've experienced through being hypnotised?

I seem to be good at going into trance states, and have experienced some remarkable feelings through being hypnotised.

I've also had some really positive effects at least in the short term...for example a hypnotherapist I knew made me feel very relaxed and confident for a while.

I'd like to be able to do this for myself. I've tried writing a script and recording it, then using binaural beats to reach a relaxed state of mind..which may or may not be bullshit. The script may have done something, but nothing like being hypnotised by someone.

So is it possible to learn to become good at hypnotising yourself, and what would I need to do?

I'm happy to put some work in and not scared of reading complicated texts and studying if needed.

posted by Not Supplied to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

The answer, in short, is yes. You can alter your own state of mind for yourself, in the same way that a hypnotist does. Hypnosis without a hypnotist is usually called meditation (although I should add that there are a number of varieties of meditation, and not all of them resemble self-hypnosis). We have had some elaborate discussion of meditation previously, so I recommend looking into that.
posted by grizzled at 10:21 AM on October 25, 2010

Response by poster: Well I'm familiar with mindfulness meditation and guided meditations but not just talking about that I think.

I could get myself into a certain state with meditation, and it probably has long term benefits to practise it, but I mean to be able to create specific responses and effect specific changes.
posted by Not Supplied at 10:26 AM on October 25, 2010

Yes, it is possible. Some hypnotherapists will allow you to record/give you a recording of the induction phase, which you can then add your own suggestions to. Sometimes this helps if you're finding it hard to be induced by the sound of your own voice.
posted by EL-O-ESS at 10:41 AM on October 25, 2010 [1 favorite]