How Hypnosis Works: The Power of Suggestion

It is universally known that hypnotherapy works on the power of suggestion. What this really means is not often understood. It is necessary to understand how the mind works to fully appreciate what this means.

Remember the iceberg theory of the mind, which goes all the way back to Freud at the beginning of the twentieth century. He said that our mind is made up of the conscious, which consists of what we are aware of, and the subconscious, which consists of all we are not aware of but which is still in our mind, such as memories and experiences.

The subconscious mind makes up a large part of our mind. In fact, what we are aware of consciously takes up such a tiny part of our mind as to be practically negligible. The driving force behind what we do comes largely from the subconscious mind.

When we decide not to smoke anymore this appears to be a conscious decision, or at least we like to think so. However, the impulse may have come from the subconscious mind. If that impulse is strong enough, change can happen without much difficulty.

The subconscious mind does not work by reasoning things out. If it feels like doing something it sends a feeling which we become aware of. If that feeling is very strong, then we usually succeed. Feelings often work in a more powerful way than conscious thought.

This is why hypnosis, which works on the subconscious mind, is significantly more effective than willpower alone. Research shows that hypnosis can be up to six times more effective than willpower-based approaches.

Suggestions for Various Problems

Smoking

More detail on smoking is given in Chapter 5, so only a brief outline is provided here.

“Giving up smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.” This is Mark Twain’s famous humorous saying.

Using willpower involves giving something up, which can create a sense of deprivation. Hypnosis works differently by helping the person think like a non-smoker. A non-smoker does not feel deprived because there is no desire to smoke.

With willpower, even years later, an ex-smoker might still think, “I could murder a fag.” Hypnosis aims to remove that internal conflict altogether.

Weight Control

As with smoking, weight control is discussed in more detail in Chapter 7.

Weight control is more complex because food is necessary for survival. Hypnotic suggestions aim to give the subconscious mind a sense of control and permanence, reinforcing the idea that lost weight will not be regained.

Clients are encouraged to visualise this clearly, as what can be clearly seen in the mind is easier to achieve in reality.

I also recommend the Hay diet (food combining), which avoids mixing carbohydrates and proteins in the same meal. This approach can be reinforced using hypnosis.

Alcohol

Alcohol is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6.

Suggestions may aim either at total abstinence or controlled drinking. Research does not clearly show which approach is more effective, and this must be assessed individually.

Some people have lost so much control over drinking that abstinence is the only viable option. If the subconscious mind does not accept this, however, treatment becomes very difficult.

Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears and are covered in more detail in Chapter 10.

Hypnosis helps by promoting calmness, confidence, and relaxation. This works through counter-conditioning — replacing fear responses with calmer emotional reactions.

The speed and effectiveness of treatment depend on the severity and duration of the phobia.

Internal Versus External Feelings of Control

How hypnosis actually works? Some people believe hypnosis works because the hypnotherapist has done something powerful to them. This belief reflects an external locus of control — the feeling that control exists outside the individual.

Others feel that hypnosis helps them access their own internal resources. This reflects an internal locus of control.

Hypnosis is most effective when the person experiences it as increasing their own sense of control rather than replacing it.

Principles of Ericksonian Hypnosis

Milton Erickson, regarded as the founder of modern hypnosis, worked from several key principles:

1. We all possess the internal resources needed to meet our next challenge.
2. Every experience can be transformed into a learning experience.
3. At every moment, we are making the best choice available given our awareness and experience.
4. Every behaviour has or once had a positive intention.
5. The subconscious mind is highly creative and holds solutions to our problems.
6. Trance allows us to access deeper intelligence beyond rigid thinking.
7. Hypnosis amplifies states of consciousness.
8. Trance is a natural state experienced daily, such as before sleep or while watching television.
9. Hypnosis involves making no conscious effort.
10. Trance shifts awareness away from words and toward non-verbal understanding.
11. Trance increases constructive awareness of bodily and emotional states.

Self-Hypnosis as a Treatment

Outside of stage hypnosis, hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis. The individual remains in control throughout.

Using suggestion in self-hypnosis is especially important in smoking cessation, as it reinforces personal responsibility and self-control. While learning self-hypnosis can be challenging at first, recorded sessions provide an effective learning tool.

Over time, individuals can adapt suggestions themselves as their needs change.

Individual Versus Group Hypnosis

I generally avoid group hypnosis as individual treatment is more effective.

Reasons include:

1. Personalised suggestions using the individual’s name.
2. Tailored recordings for home use.
3. Accurate follow-up based on personal notes.
4. Reduced influence from negative group dynamics.

Couples or small groups may initially attend together for explanation, but full hypnosis sessions are carried out individually.

Conclusion

Hypnotherapy is effective for a wide range of problems including smoking, weight control, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, stress, panic, sports performance, and physical health issues.

Self-hypnosis enhances treatment effectiveness, and individual sessions remain the most reliable and effective approach.