What Is Self Hypnosis? How Self Hypnosis Works and How It Can Help You
- Tara J Clarke
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you have found yourself thinking 'What Is Self Hypnosis?' Here is some information that may help you to discover whether self hypnosis works and how it can help you
If you’ve ever wondered what is self hypnosis, you are not alone. It is one of the most searched personal development topics today, especially for people looking for simple, practical ways to manage stress, change habits, and improve emotional wellbeing.
Self hypnosis is often misunderstood, but in reality it is a natural and accessible process that anyone can learn or experience through guided audio.
What is self hypnosis?
Self hypnosis is a guided process where you intentionally enter a deeply relaxed, focused mental state.
In this state, your attention becomes inward, your body relaxes, and your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestion.
This is very similar to the natural mental states you experience when:
Daydreaming
Becoming absorbed in music or a film
Meditating
Just before falling asleep
Importantly, during self hypnosis:
You are still aware
You are still in control
You cannot be made to do anything against your will
Instead, you are simply guiding your attention inward to support positive change.
What is self hypnosis and how does it work?
To understand what is self hypnosis and how does it work, it helps to look at how the mind responds to repetition and suggestion.
Self hypnosis works by:
Relaxing the conscious, analytical mind
Increasing focus and internal awareness
Allowing positive suggestions to reach the subconscious mind
Your subconscious is where habits, emotional responses, and automatic behaviours are stored. By working with this part of the mind, self hypnosis can help shift long-standing patterns over time.
Self hypnosis audio recordings
A widely used method of self hypnosis today is self hypnosis audio recordings, such as those offered in structured behavioural change programs.
These recordings guide you through:
Relaxation techniques
Focused attention exercises
Positive subconscious suggestions
Behavioural reinforcement sequences
The Signs of Abundance Self-Hypnosis Programs system is designed specifically for this purpose. These recordings support behaviour change for areas such as:
Smoking cessation
Weight management
Sugar cravings
Emotional eating patterns
Confidence and motivation
You can explore these structured programs
here:
How self hypnosis is used for change
Self hypnosis is commonly used for:
Stress and anxiety reduction
Habit change
Sleep improvement
Confidence building
Emotional regulation
Motivation and focus
When used consistently, it helps retrain automatic responses so that new, healthier patterns become more natural over time.
How to do self hypnosis at home
A simple self hypnosis process includes:
Relaxing the body by slow breathing and muscle relaxation
Focusing attention inward
Letting distractions fade away
Receiving positive suggestions
Either spoken or listened to via audio
Returning to normal awareness
Gradually becoming alert and grounded again
For best results, consistency is more important than duration.
⚠️ Important safety guidance
Self hypnosis should always be used in a safe environment.
🚫 Do NOT listen to self hypnosis recordings while:
Driving
Walking in public
Operating machinery
Jogging or exercising
This is because deep relaxation may cause drowsiness or reduced awareness.
Is self hypnosis safe?
Yes. Self hypnosis is considered safe when used appropriately.
You:
Remain aware
Remain in control
Can stop at any time
It is a structured relaxation technique, not sleep or unconsciousness.
What does research say about self hypnosis?
Research suggests hypnosis-based techniques can support improvements in:
Anxiety reduction
Stress management
Pain control
Behaviour change
For example, hypnosis interventions have been shown to have clinically significant effects on anxiety and stress-related conditions (Jensen & Patterson, 2014). Broader meta-analyses also suggest hypnosis and suggestion-based therapies can support behavioural and psychological outcomes when used consistently (Lynn et al., 2000).
Where self hypnosis fits into your healing journey
Self hypnosis is often most powerful when combined with professional support.
You can explore:
Professional hypnotherapy services here:
Structured self hypnosis audio programs here:
These systems are designed to work together as part of a broader behavioural change approach.
FAQ
What is self hypnosis in simple terms?
It is a guided relaxation technique that helps you focus your mind and access your subconscious for positive change.
Does self hypnosis really work?
Yes, when used consistently, it can support behavioural and emotional change by reinforcing subconscious patterns.
How often should I use self hypnosis?
Daily or regular use is recommended for best results, especially for habit change programs.
Can I do self hypnosis myself without audio?
Yes. You can learn techniques, but many people find audio recordings easier and more effective.
Is self hypnosis the same as meditation?
No. Meditation focuses on awareness, while self hypnosis focuses on achieving a specific outcome through suggestion.
What is hypnotherapy? You can learn more about what hypnotherapy is by visiting this page here
What is the difference between hypnotherapy online, hypnotherapy in person and self-hypnosis? Learn more about the key differences to help you decide which option is best for you here
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Learn more here
Final thoughts for reflection and exploration
Understanding what is self hypnosis is the first step toward using your mind more intentionally.
It is a simple, safe, and structured way to work with your subconscious, and when used consistently, it can support meaningful long-term change.
Whether you prefer guided audio or professional support, self hypnosis offers a practical pathway toward improved emotional wellbeing and behaviour change.
To explore structured self hypnosis audio recordings by qualified hypnotherapist Tara J Clarke, visit this information page here
References
Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Hypnotic approaches for chronic pain management: Clinical implications of recent research findings. American Psychologist, 69(2), 167–177. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035644
Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., Barabasz, A., Cardeña, E., & Patterson, D. (2000). Hypnosis as an empirically supported clinical intervention. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(2), 170–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140008410050
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