Each are a relaxed state of mind. Self-hypnosis is a natural, relaxed and focused state of mind different but very similar to guided imagery, visualization and meditation. If you have the desire and are willing, then you can be enter into this relaxed state of mind. Always! You are always in control and your subconscious mind will not allow you to accept suggestions or wording that conflicts with your values, morals or personal beliefs.

Basically, the two processes are very similar. Guided Imagery, however, is a much lighter trance and allows you much more freedom to have an experience unique to you. Whereas hypnosis deals primarily with behavior modification with specific instructions and commands, imagery is more free flowing, affording new information and insight from the client, not the therapist.

A client is talked into a light, relaxed state, then is directed by a therapist to "see" a specific situation or circumstance in his mind, and then to allow the imagination to unfold a story. It's much like having a dream in an awake state. The story is literally tapping into the subconscious, where much truth can be learned. The process is lead by the client's subconscious insights and not by the Therapist.

I know how it feels to me, but it feels different to some people than to others. I would explain it as a relaxed easy feeling and a heightened state of awareness. Sometimes you may be prone to drift away for a while, just like day-dreaming, and you might just as easily be concentrating on your therapist's voice. Your good therapist will ensure you get the very best from your hypnotherapy session and will guide you in everything you need to know.

Self-hypnosis feels very much like when you wake up in the morning and hit the snooze button. You are not entirely awake nor are you completely asleep. A state of hypnosis is achieved more often than you might think. We experience some degree of hypnosis on long trips in the car, while watching television or engaging in tasks that involve many repetitions (assembly line work, repetitive computer work, listening to repetitive music, etc.

No, Imagery has been around for hundreds of years and has been known by many names. Both Freud and Jung used types of imagery. In 1997, an estimated 23 million visits were made to guided-imagery practitioners, according to a study of complementary-care usage by David Eisenberg, M.D., author of Guided Imagery for Self-Healing.

It operates on the premise that the mind, body, and spirit are connected. What the mind hears, it believes, and the body then follows that direction. The body knows how to operate at optimal health. There is not a single drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that the body cannot naturally produce. Somehow, through trauma or negative talk, the mind has gotten in the way and disrupted the normal function of the body. Guided Imagery talks directly to the subconscious to reprogram the body.

Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the intervention. Everyone at some point or another has experienced hypnosis.

The actual induction techniques often will leave you feeling very relaxed although they are not required to do so. For me personally, it feels like that state of disassociation right before you stop thinking about falling asleep and actually drift off. You hear and feel everything but you really just want to get to that feeling that you know is just out of reach.

Wonderful! Most every session involves being in a relaxed state of mind. So always expect to be relaxed, in control and focused. All my clients leave feeling relaxed, peaceful and many remark on how really, really good they feel! (Big smiles are common.)

Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed or focused state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the experience. Everyone at some point or another naturally experiences the hypnotic state.

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, which can be induced either by a Hypnotherapist or by self-hypnosis. Many long time practitioners of Meditation are able to experience a similar effect. With Hypnotherapy the effect is combined with a therapy to help you let go of negative thoughts and emotions, and replace them with positive ones.