Hypnosis and producing the effects of change derived from it a partnership between the hypno-therapist and the client. It involves understanding how to help the client reach a state of peace to speak to the subconscious and it takes work on the part of the client to implement the changes in daily life. Success is based on this partnership. It is not a brainwashing, or altering of one’s identity but an understanding of how to help the client rewire the subconscious to be compliant to the conscious mind. In a previous blog, we discussed the nature of the subconscious mind and its intrinsic ways. We discussed how to better re-program it to the wishes of the conscious mind. To review that blog, please click here
In this blog, we will take a closer look at keys to successfully implementing hypnosis to produce change. If you would like to learn more about hypnotherapy, then please review the American College of Hypnotherapy’s certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who wish to practice hypnosis within the scope of their practice.
Finding the Alpha State

Hunter points out that in entering hypnosis, or even self hypnosis, individuals must understand the concept of progressive relaxation. Progressive relaxation helps the mind enter into the all important alpha state. Hunter points out that progressive relaxation involves finding a comfortable place to relax. Upon finding a quiet, calm and comfortable place, Hunter suggests employing deep breathes to help the body and mind enter into a more relaxed state. He suggests imagining every part of the body becoming relaxed, starting from the tips of one toe, through each part of the body until the top of head (1998, p. 35-37). Within progressive relaxation, you can imagine a peaceful place. During this process, time distortion can occur within alpha, where time seems longer or shorter, as well as the wandering of the mind from various countdowns. Hunter suggests not worrying about time and if the mind wanders to gently guide it back to the last recalled countdown (1998, p. 36). After the session is over, one can awaken if with a therapist or alone, by simply counting down and stating that one is now awake and again fully aware.
In addition to relaxation, Hunter also suggest eye fixation which involves staring at object, such as a candle flame or dim light (1998, p. 37). After focusing, one should then proceed with deep breathes and one enters into the progressive relaxation script of imagining all parts of the body being relaxed. Another way to find a deeper alpha state is to utilize mental misdirection in which the hypnotherapists will have the client imagine something to produce a response. One example includes imagining oneself carrying a bucket of water. One can also imagine holding to balloons and how they gently pull (Hunter, 1998, p. 38).
All of these help the clinical hypnotherapist, or individual engaging in self hypnosis to find the trance like state to encounter the subconscious at a productive level.
The Importance of Motivators
Motivators in hypnosis can motivate the subconscious in the desired direction or opposite direction. Since, as seen in our last blog, the subconscious is deeply committed and anchored to past ideas and habit. These are anchored in repetition, subconscious alpha states, authority instilled principles, deep emotion, and desire to be identified as something. These things while also playing a large part in making our subconscious what it is, also play a role in creating new standards.
For instance if working on weight loss, Hunter utilizes these motivators. He states that emotion can help us fantasize about the benefits of weight loss and how we will look and feel. In regards to alpha state, he suggests clients replace the urge of snack associated with the trance state of watching tv to replace it with the habit of drinking water. Hunter points out that repetition of good eating habits will enforce new habits as opposed to bad past repetitious habits. In addition, identity, he encourages one to find someone to admire or discover a mentor who has lost weight and try to tie one’s identity to that person’s qualities. Finally, new authority can help the subconscious reform to weight loss. Turn to a mentor, spiritual power or God to help find strength, or use authority against itself by rebelling against the previous authority of junk food in one’s life. These motivators need to be utilized and understood in hypnosis so as to anchor new ideas in the mind when confronted with past triggers to bad habits. New triggers during hypnosis can be applied and help the subconscious work with the conscious decision to eat less (Hunter, 1998, p. 60-61).
Overcoming Obstacles
The subconscious mind has many obstacles to overcome and most exist within the mind. In hypnosis, the therapist helps confront those obstacles with different ways of thinking. Hunter first points out the failure trap. Past failures can trap one from true change. It is important during hypnosis to address those failures and affirm positive outcomes (1998, p. 74). Another trap is self justification. In this state, one justifies the poor choices with negative emotions or ideals. Self pity and prolonged anger can look to justify how one is behaving, instead of finding growth (Hunter, 1998, p. 74). Hunter also points out the importance of overcoming a “if only” mentality that again looks for excuses for a certain behavior (1998, p. 75). Instead, Hunter emphasizes that one must forgive oneself and others and find ultimate responsibility for choices in life and allow oneself to move forward with the subconscious without any negative ideals (1998, p. 75).
Words and Affirmations

Ultimately during hypnosis, one is trying to sell something to one’s subconscious. The success of selling determines the outcome. Hunter points out that words are important and inappropriate words can hurt the subconscious (Hunter, 1998, p. 118). When things are yelled to not do something or not to forget, then the mind tends to remember the negative connotation before the message itself. This is why it is important to positively state messages rather than use the negative connotation. Instead of telling someone to :not forget your coat”, instead state “remember your coat” (Turner, 1998, p. 118). Hunter encourages the Law of Expectancy. Within this law, hypnotic suggestions are constructed in a positive way to help the subconscious mind see the possibility of what is consciously accepted (1998, p. 119). In addition, Hunter warns against telling the subconscious of what it cannot do. The Law of Reserved Effect produces the exact opposite. Hunter points out when one thinks of what they cannot have, the mind creates a fantasy of wanting it more. Hunter points out that the term “Don’t drink and drive” can create the undesired result. Instead he suggests a positive term as “Drive sober” (1998, p. 120). Hunter illustrates that one should adhere to the Law of Awareness. Within this law, one tends to attract what dominates one’s mind. Hence it is important to make the mind aware of positive statements.
Hence with any affirmation, it is important to say what one is as opposed to what one is not. For instance, Hunter uses the example of a public speaker who may be nervous. Instead of saying, ” I am not afraid to speak in public”, he emphasizes the positive affirmation, “I am a confident public speaker” (Hunter, 1998, p. 122). Hunter teaches the importance of affirmations that are positive and in present tense. He emphasizes active words that end in “ing” that impose a now mentality. Hypnotherapists need to utilize these proper affirmations to properly convince the subconscious to change.
Hence the proper use of strong words and positive and present emphasis is key in helping someone convince the subconscious of desired change.
Goals
Hunter also emphasizes a good planning strategy in producing change. Goals are key and celebrating success is critical in the minor battles one wins over the subconscious when reprogramming over bad habits. Clinical Hypno-therapists should help the client set goals both short term and long term and help them reach those goals. Hunter lists both short term and long term goals but he categorizes them into different groups as achievements, possessions, characteristics, projects or changes (1998, p. 87). The hypno-therapist can help the client prioritize, understand and ultimately achieve the goals through various triggers.
One should never underestimate the power of imagination in hypnosis and its power to convince the subconscious to change and meeting new goals and habits. Imagination can transform and carry one to new levels of success in meeting goals.
Conclusion
Hypnosis is successful when properly conducted. It is ultimately about selling an idea to the subconscious and rewiring against what it previously held dearly. The hypno-therapist can help unlock past locks and clear past obstacles with new ideas for change through utilizing motivators, proper words and good goal setting.
Please also remember to review AIHCP’s Clinical Hynotherapy program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who seek to utilize hypnosis within the scope of their practice. To review, click here
Additional Resources
Hunter, C. (1998). “Master the Power of Self Hypnosis” Sterling Publishing.
“Hypnotherapy For Habits”. Inspired to Change. Access here
“How Hypnosis Can Help Break Bad Habits: A Step-by-Step Guide”. (2024). Melbourne Healing Center. Access here
Warner, A. (2023). “How hypnotherapy can break unwanted habits”. Healthful Mind Clinic. Access here
“Breaking Bad Habits: A Comprehensive Approach with Self-Hypnosis”. HypnoBoost. Access here








