There are several levels of hypnosis, but for the sake of simplification, they can be broken down into three basic levels:

Light Level: The subject becomes very relaxed and may not feel hypnotized. The subject remains fully aware of everything going on around them. The majority of people achieve this level very easily. A light level of hypnosis is adequate for most all hypnotic suggestions.

Medium Level: The subject becomes totally relaxed and is completely open to positive suggestion. The subject may be aware, to some extent, of what is going on around them, but it will not distract them from the hypnotist’s voice.

Deep Level: Only one person in ten achieves a somnambulistic level of hypnosis. Stage hypnotists seek to work with subjects capable of this level. If there are thirty people in the audience, he is sure to have at least three or four such subjects. A subject in this level of hypnosis possibly will not remember what he has experienced while in hypnosis unless specifically asked to do so upon awakening.

It is the opinion of many professionals that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. A person has to want to be hypnotized in order to be hypnotized. As a person experiences hypnosis, being carefully guided by an experienced hypnotist, they are taught how to do hypnosis. Anyone can become a good self-hypnosis subject if they are willing to work at it. The state of consciousness achieved is actually the same as meditation, though some would disagree. The difference, if any, is quite simple. In meditation you wait for something to happen. In self-hypnosis, you decide what you want and then you make it happen.

The induction of self hypnosis is accomplished in many ways. In general, the hypnotist simply talks to the subject. For the most part, you merely sit comfortably, with your eyes closed, while the hypnotist helps you to relax completely. Gradually you will relax and easily transfer into a state of hypnosis. It is important to note the need to select a competent, well trained, and educated individual that you can trust to help you in this process.

The key is motivation and readiness. Think positive about what you can do. Relax and enjoy the process. If you concentrate on, work with and apply the suggestions given to you by the hypnotist, you will soon realize that you do have the power and the ability to make those positive self improvements that you have wanted for so long.