Hypnosis is a state of mind characterized by an extreme concentration of attention. This is a focused use of our minds that happens naturally, and on a fairly regular basis in our daily lives. Hypnosis may be described as a deep daydream, sometimes a staring off into space, or other telltale sign that the person is involved more in an inner reality, than what is going on around them.
This extreme concentration opens the mind to what are called suggestions, ideas that may be planted directly into the thinking of the individual. If the hypnotic state of mind is acheived in a planned, controlled manner, then the hypnosis suggestions may be planned as well, and can be of great benefit. Whatever ideas the person wishes to possess are the perfect suggestions to make during hypnosis. These ideas can pertain to any outcome the person desires and, if it is really a wished for idea, will set the person's mind in that direction.
People are constantly setting their thoughts in one direction or another, usually based on what they have learned from personal life experiences. However, we don't always learn the best lessons from these experiences, often tainted by mistaken information, incorrect assumptions, youthful misunderstanding, etc. To correct these mislearned ideas, takes new, more productive experiences. Hypnosis provides this new experience, giving us a chance to learn and live by better ways of thinking. There is some experimental evidence, though not yet conclusive, showing that during hypnosis certain centers of critical analysis in the brain are temporarily subdued. However, brain activity, or the lack of it may simply result from that person's momentary state of mind and not necessarily an inherent characteristic of all hypnotic states. Only widely replicated research can provide convincing proof.
A planned hypnotic state of concentrated attention may be induced in different ways. Some use fixing the gaze on a single spot, a fascinating hypnotic object, or a candle flame. Sounds, or music have been used to induce hypnosis. Even persistent pressure applied to a single part of the body has been used to induce hypnosis. The modern method of hypnosis, preferred by many professionals, is the use of descriptive imagery to bring about a powerful concentration on the inner senses.
However, not all hypnosis is equally effective. Many people report that they are uncomfortable being given instructions by a hypnotist. They find it difficult to relax, are suspicious about the suggestions coming next, cannot focus on the imagery, etc. Although hypnosis is generally thought of as one person hypnotizing another person, the hypnotist may relinquish some of the power to help overcome such obstacles. It has been shown that people respond to the hypnosis wording that holds the most meaning for them. One particular method of hypnosis, Rational Suggestion Therapy, contends that encouraging the person to choose the imagery and suggestions that comprise the hypnosis, is the most efficient means to acheiving a high degree of receptivity. The more the person can control the language choices of the hypnosis, the more likely she or he will have a successful experience.
It takes a great deal of skill for a hypnotherapist to design a hypnosis script that inspires the individual personality of many users. This has been the mission of the Richard Blumenthal series of hypnosis mp3s. However, in an effort to address the need for a highly personal hypnosis, a new approach to designing hypnosis employs the customizing ability of the computer which totally eliminates the hypnotist from the equation. The advent of hypnosis software, means that the person who will ultimately use the hypnosis, can actually create the hypnosis, as well, including the words and phrases that mean the most to that person, even if the person has no prior hypnosis experience.