In a typical hypnotherapy session, the therapist first tries to learn as much as possible about your particular issue, your reasons for wanting to change and what you hope to achieve. Next, she guides you into a hypnotic state, using a soothing tone of voice to induce deep relaxation. Once you're under, she suggests ways to help you better cope with your issue or detailed mental images for you to visualize.
While the power of suggestion is used to great effect, it's impossible to convince a hypnotized person to do something she really doesn't want to. Another option is self-hypnosis: A certified hypnotherapist teaches you techniques you can use to put yourself into a hypnotic state.
Hypnosis is a subjective process, and the amount of time or number of sessions needed to accomplish a goal varies from person to person, Sherr notes. It's most effective when you're highly motivated. Liz Ainger concurs: "I don't know if it would have worked if I really didn't want to quit." Having a certain comfort level with the process and with the therapist also increases your chances of success.
"Hypnosis is a very powerful tool," Sherr says. "It's not magic, but it works in magical ways." If you're open to the idea of tapping into the unconscious mind to help overcome obstacles, go ahead and give it a try. You're getting sleepy. Very, very sleepy…
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