Even in hetero-hypnosis, where the hypnotist hypnotizes a
subject, it is extremely rare. There are explainable psychodynamic
factors for this. However, they can be met adequately while the subject
is under hypnosis.

Chapter 6

How to Attain Self-Hypnosis

Let us begin with the hypothesis that anyone can learn and practice, to
some degree, the science of self-hypnosis. We shall assume that you have
carefully thought out what you want to accomplish. You have, through
self-analysis, come up with reasonable goals of therapy and
self-improvement. The next step is the acquisition of the hypnotic
state, per se.

Before giving you the specific instructions, I would like to clarify a
question which invariably arises in teaching a student self-hypnosis. It
is: "Are the suggestions that I give myself as effective as the ones you
would give me in hetero-hypnosis?"

It is natural to assume that the suggestions of the hypnotist would be
more effective than those given by the subject himself, but both have
the same intrinsic value. It is well to remember that all hypnosis is
really self-hypnosis, and all hetero-suggestions are transposed into
self-suggestions. If the hypnotist firmly suggests, "From this moment,
you will feel very confident in all life situations," the subject
automatically and unconsciously rephrases the statement, "From this
moment, I will feel very confident in all life situations." The subject,
ordinarily, mentally or aloud, repeats all suggestions using the pronoun
"I" instead of "you".

The easiest and quickest way to learn self-hypnosis is to be hypnotized
and given a posthypnotic suggestion to the effect that you will be able
to put yourself into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus whenever you
desire to do so. The hypnotist need not be a professional. Anyone
understanding the rudiments of hypnosis can do this. However, let us
assume you want to learn self-hypnosis and cannot find help. If you
understand and consciously practice the instructions that I shall
outline, you will attain your goal.

Sit in an easy chair or recline on a sofa or bed. Next, choose a point
of eye fixation on the ceiling, preferably a spot behind you which would
normally cause eye fatigue or strain. Now, breathe very slowly and
deeply. As you do this, repeat, aloud or mentally, the word "sleep" as
you inhale and "deep sleep" as you exhale. Do this for several minutes
in a very monotonous manner until such time as y