Using Suggestions In Self Hypnosis

Suggestions, are statements of the desired behavioural change that is used during a self hypnosis session. It can be categorized as positive or negative and general or specific.

Positive suggestions are phrased as if the desired behaviour has already occurred. Examples are “I have a high level of confidence,” or “I am successful in anything I do,” or “I enjoy eating healthy food.” Negative suggestions tell you not to do something like “I will not eat junk food today,” or “I do not need to check the locks on doors and windows more than once.”

However, using negative suggestions is discouraged because the subconscious mind, which is your focus during self hypnosis, does not hear the negative. Instead, it hears the negative suggestions as “I will eat junk food today” or “I do need to check the locks on doors and windows more than once.” Hence, it negates the purpose of self hypnosis.

Suggestions can also be general or specific. “I feel good about my life” and “I am using my talents well” are general suggestions. Specific suggestions, such as “I feel proud that I lost 20 pounds” or “I am using my talent to write clearly” are often more effective when used during self hypnosis.

Suggestions can be delivered to the subconscious mind in three main ways: direct suggestions, indirect suggestions, and imagination suggestions. All three may be used at the same time during a self hypnosis session. Direct suggestions explicitly state the desired change. For example, “I enjoy exercising for at least one hour, five times a week” says exactly what you want. Indirect suggestions, however, focus on the desired effect rather than the desired behaviour like “My heart and lungs are becoming stronger and stronger everyday.” This implies that you are regularly exercising to have achieved this desired effect.

Visualisation can be the most powerful of the three methods since it utilizes all five senses as well as thoughts and feelings. To use visualisation, you should think about your ultimate goal for your self hypnosis then imagine yourself in the situation where you have achieved that goal. Although we use the term “visualsation”, it’s best to include as many senses as possible.

For example, if you want to do well in an exam, then imagine yourself taking the exam calmly and confidently. See what you’d see, hear what you’d hear and feel how you’d feel. Imagine what the pen feels like in your hand as you write down your answers, easily recalling all the information you need to. Then think about how good that feels to be able to answer the questions like that. Imagination suggestions become more powerful especially when you intensify the senses, thoughts, and feelings.