A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS

by Melvin Powers

Published by

 Melvin Powers WILSHIRE BOOK COMPANY 12015 Sherman Road No. Hollywood, California 91605

Telephone: (213) 875-1711

Copyright1961

Wilshire Book Company

Printed by

 HAL LEIGHTON PRINTING COMPANY P. O. Box 3952 North Hollywood, California 91605

Telephone: (213) 983-1105

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 61-10664

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN-0-87980-122-0

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

 1. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELF-HYPNOSIS 11

 2. WHAT ABOUT THE DANGERS OF HYPNOSIS? 21

 3. IS HYPNOSIS THE ANSWER? 29

 4. HOW DOES SELF-HYPNOSIS WORK? 37

 5. HOW TO AROUSE YOURSELF FROM THE SELF-HYPNOTIC STATE 45

 6. HOW TO ATTAIN SELF-HYPNOSIS 49

 7. DEEPENING THE SELF-HYPNOTIC STATE 57

 8. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BECOMING AN EXCELLENT SUBJECT 67

 9. TECHNIQUES FOR REACHING THE SOMNAMBULISTIC STATE 79

10. A NEW APPROACH TO SELF-HYPNOSIS WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS 91

11. PSYCHOLOGICAL AIDS AND THEIR FUNCTION 103

12. THE NATURE OF HYPNOSIS 113

13. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF SELF-HYPNOSIS 119

FOREWORD

All of us like to think that our actions and reactions are a result oflogical thought processes, but the fact is that suggestion influencesour thinking a great deal more than logic. Consciously or unconsciously, our feelings about almost everything are largely molded by ready-madeopinions and attitudes fostered by our mass methods of communication. Wecannot buy a bar of soap or a filtered cigarette without paying tributeto the impact of suggestion. Right or wrong, most of us place moreconfidence in what "they" say than we do in our own powers of reason. This is the basic reason why psychiatrists are in short supply. Wedistrust our own mental processes and want an expert to tell us what tothink and feel. 

Despite this tendency to adopt our attitudes from others, man has alwaysbeen dimly aware that he can influence his own destiny by directing histhoughts and actions into constructive channels. He has always, to someextent, known that his mind exerts a powerful influence on his body, andthat thoughts can have harmful or helpful effects on his emotional andphysical health. The ancient Egyptian sleep temples and the attempts byearly physicians to drive evil spirits out of the body were bothattempts to influence the body through the mind. 

The unprecedented sale of _The Power of Positive Thinking_ by NormanVincent Peale and other inspirational literature proves that millions ofmodern people recognize the efficacy of constructive thoughts. What mostof them do not recognize is that they are capable of implanting thesebeneficial thoughts in their own minds without reference to any outsideagencies. This can be done through self-hypnosis. 

In modern society we have many cults, religions and methodologies whichhave mental discipline as their goal. The best example of a methodologyis psychosomatic medicine which deals with the interrelationship of themind and body in the production of mental or physical illness. The rapidgrowth of hypnosis in the last few years is another example, and it isgratifying to see that the emphasis in this field is now shifting fromhetero-hypnosis to self-hypnosis. 

Self-hypnosis is a highly suggestible state wherein the individual candirect suggestions to himself. It is a powerful tool in any therapeuticprocess, and highly motivated subjects can parallel the success ofhetero-hypnosis through their own efforts. Self-hypnosis can be used asa palliative agent and can even afford lasting results in many areas ofthe organism. Self-hypnosis can alleviate distressing symptoms, substitute strong responses for weak responses, help overcome badhabits, create good habits and help one's power of concentration. Thetotal personality is eventually changed to the point where it canfunction adequately in an increasingly difficult environment. 

In learning self-hypnosis, the subject does not relinquish control ofhimself as is commonly believed. Actually, more control is gained. Self-sufficiency and self-confidence are inevitable results. It is wellto remember, however, that even good things may be overdone, and goodjudgment is necessary for favorable results. Neither hypnosis norself-hypnosis should ever be used indiscriminately. The effectiveness ofself-hypnosis depends upon many factors. Strong motivation, intelligentapplication of suggestions and diligence are prerequisites. 

We are not suggesting that self-hypnosis can take the place of all formsof psychotherapy. We do recommend it as an adjunct to therapy whenindicated. Used judiciously, it can contribute a great deal to theindividual's physical and emotional well-being and happiness. 

As a professional hypnotist for many years, I have seen astounding andapparently miraculous results by individuals using self-hypnosis. Manyof these cases seem unbelievable to those not familiar with hypnoticphenomena. It should be remembered, though, that many individuals seekhypnosis only when all other forms of therapy have failed. This is socommon that hypnosis has come to be known as a port of last call. Yet, despite the seeming hopelessness of such cases, medical literature liststhousands of remarkable recoveries. 

There is nothing hit or miss about hypnosis. Used intelligently, theresults are the same for all those who are properly motivated. Nor arethe results singular to modern hypnotists alone. In reviewing theliterature going back more than 100 years, the same gratifying resultswere obtained. The reader would do well to scan some out-of-print bookson hypnosis at the library to understand the point further. 

This book is written in terms that are comprehensible to the layman. Thestep-by-step instructions should afford the reader a means of acquiringself-hypnosis. The necessary material is here. The reader need onlyfollow the instructions as they are given. 

The author wishes to thank Robert S. Starrett, member of the AmericanMedical Writers' Association, for his valuable help in the editorialpreparation of this book. 

It is the author's hope that you will, through the selective use ofself-hypnosis, arrive at a more rewarding, well-adjusted and fullerlife. 

 MELVIN POWERS

 12015 Sherman Road No. Hollywood, California 91605

Chapter 1

What You Should Know About Self-Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been defined as a state of heightened suggestibility inwhich the subject is able to uncritically accept ideas forself-improvement and act on them appropriately. When a hypnotisthypnotizes his subject, it is known as hetero-hypnosis. When anindividual puts himself into a state of hypnosis, it is known asself-hypnosis. In both cases, the subject has achieved a heightenedstate of suggestibility. Even in hetero-hypnosis, the subject reallycontrols the response to suggestions. Actually, all hypnosis is really amatter of self-hypnosis. The subject enters into the hypnotic state whenhe is completely ready to do so. This may require from one to manyattempts before it is achieved. Even if the subject insists that hewants to be hypnotized immediately, he may be resisting hypnosisunconsciously. 

In self-hypnosis the same thing usually takes place. The subject isanxious to achieve self-hypnosis, but somehow the state eludes him. What's wrong? It may be that he is unconsciously resisting it, hasn'tconditioned himself sufficiently, or has achieved the hypnotic state anddoesn't know he is in the state. This last statement may be surprising, but we will examine it in detail a little later on. 

Most experts agree that about 90 percent of the population can behypnotized. My own feeling is that probably 99 percent can behypnotized. Who among us is not influenced by suggestion? Aren't we all, as we have seen, influenced by the suggestions of advertising? Don't weall have a tendency to believe what we read in the paper, hear on theradio or see on television? Aren't we all convinced that a name-brandarticle is better than one that is not so well-known?

Suggestion plays a tremendously important role in our daily lives. Itbegins from naming the baby with an appropriate name to securing asuitable place for interment. I would like to call the reader'sattention to a fascinating book dealing with the unconscious reasons whywe do many of the things that we do. You will be intrigued with everypage of the book. It is called _The Hidden Persuaders_ by Vance Packard. 

My contention is that we are all suggestible and, therefore, beinghypnotized or hypnotizing ourselves is just a matter of increasing thesuggestibility that we already possess. Doesn't the hypnotist begin bysuggesting relaxation? Doesn't he usually begin by requesting thesubject to fix his attention on a particular object? Next, he suggeststo the subject that his eyes are becoming heavy and tired. As soon asthe subject closes his eyes, he suggests that he will be in a deephypnotic state. I am sure that you are familiar with this procedure. With each step, the hypnotist is guiding the subject along directedlines to get him to accept further suggestions without question ordoubt. When the subject achieves the ultimate state in this procedure, he has been hypnotized. He then accepts suggestions withoutequivocation. 

Let us continue with this same thought. Suppose I say to you, "I'm goingto stick you with this pin. It won't hurt. " Would you let me stick youwith the pin? Obviously not. Let us suppose that you have beenhypnotized and I repeat the same suggestion. What happens then? Youreadily accept the suggestion as being factual. Should I proceed tostick you with the pin, you do not even flinch. In fact, you do not evenfeel the pain. Does this sound incredible? Isn't this exactly the sameprocedure that the dentist uses with his patient when he has hypnotizedhim for the purpose of painless dentistry?

Achieving hypnosis, therefore, is a matter of directing thissuggestibility that we all possess into the channels that will finallyproduce the hypnotic state. It can be much more complicated than thisexplanation in many cases, but let us use this as a working premise. 

Everyone can be hypnotized. The time required for achieving hypnosiswill vary from subject to subject. We will discuss some of the reasonsfor this in a subsequent chapter, but for our discussion at this time weneed to understand this point. I have encountered numerous individualswho were extremely disappointed because they did not respond to hypnosisimmediately or after several attempts. They wanted to know "what waswrong. " An explanation that nothing was wrong somehow did not satisfythese individuals. "After all, " they argued, "didn't I go to a hypnotistespecially to be hypnotized?" Some insinuated that perhaps the hypnotistwasn't too good. 

Let me explain that most subjects need to be conditioned for hypnosis, and this conditioning is helped when the subject practices certainconditioning exercises that I shall discuss in detail in chapter six, titled "How To Attain Self-Hypnosis. " In my teaching, I have found thatabout one out of ten subjects responds to the first attempt at hypnosis. One cannot make a definite statement as to the length of time necessaryto learn self-hypnosis, but it is my experience that this usually takesabout one month. I have had subjects learn self-hypnosis in about 30minutes, but I must also relate that I have worked with subjects for oneyear before they achieved it. 

For the most part, the laws of learning apply to self-hypnosis as withanything else that one would want to learn. It can be a relativelysimple procedure, or it can be very perplexing. The answer lies not somuch with the hypnotist as with the subject. 

One question that arises is: "If I'm under hypnosis, how can I givemyself suggestions?" During the hypnotic state, it must be remembered, the subject is always aware of what is going on. He hears what is said, follows directions and terminates the state when told to do so. In theself-hypnotic state, the subject is in full control. Therefore, he canthink, reason, act, criticize, suggest or do whatever he desires. He canaudibly give himself suggestions, or he can mentally give himselfsuggestions. In either case, he does not rouse from the hypnotic stateuntil he gives himself specific suggestions to do so. Many feel if theyaudibly give themselves suggestions, they will "awaken. " Inhypno-analysis, the subject answers questions during the hypnotic state. Having the subject talk does not terminate the state. You can keep thetalkative subject under hypnosis as long as you want. Furthermore, thesubject can be sitting erect with his eyes open and still be underhypnosis. Carrying this further, the subject may not even be aware thathe is under hypnosis. He can be given a cue not to remember when thetherapist makes a certain motion or says a certain word that he will goback into the hypnotic state but still keep his eyes open. Only anexperienced hypnotist could detect the change. 

Another frequent question is: "How do I arouse myself from theself-hypnotic state?" You merely say to yourself that upon counting tofive you will open your eyes and wake up feeling fine. Many times thesubject falls asleep while giving himself posthypnotic suggestions. Thisis not undesirable since the suggestions will spill over into thesubconscious mind as he goes from consciousness to unconsciousness. 

A popular opinion about hypnosis is that the subject surrenders his willto the hypnotist in the process of being hypnotized. Furthermore, manybelieve that once the subject is hypnotized, the hypnotist has completecontrol of the subject and the subject is powerless to resistsuggestion. Both beliefs are erroneous. I believe the firstmisconception comes from seeing techniques where the hypnotist requeststhe subject to look into his eyes. The hypnotist suggests to the subjectthat as he continues to look into his eyes he will fall into a deephypnotic state. This, then, becomes a matter of who can outstare whom. The subject usually begins to blink his eyes and the hypnotist followsthis up with rapid suggestions that the subject's eyes are becomingwatery and heavy and that the subject will fall into a deep hypnoticsleep just as soon as he (the subject) closes his eyes. This proceduregives the impression to the observer that the subject is "willed" to gounder hypnosis. It appears that once the hypnotist concentrates or willssufficiently, the subject succumbs. Actually, the hypnotist in thistechnique is not looking into the eyes of the subject. He fixes hisattention on the bridge of the nose of the subject. 

The concept that the subject is a helpless automaton stems from theweird movies where the "mad scientist" has hypnotized subjects intobehaving like zombies. Naturally, there is usually a beautiful girl inthe movie and she, too, has been hypnotized. Even though the audience issophisticated enough to realize that this science-fiction drama ispurely entertainment, the theme is repeated sufficiently in novels, comics, and television to make an indelible impression on thesubconscious mind. It's the technique of telling the "big lie" so manytimes that it becomes believable. We are all influenced by thisprocedure. There is an excellent book explaining this very premise. Itis called _Battle For The Mind_ by William Sargent. It describes indetail the technique by which evangelists, psychiatrists, politiciansand advertising men can change your beliefs and behavior. 

Following the reasoning that the subconscious mind can be affected, youcan see that a problem could present itself even though the subjectconsciously wishes to be hypnotized. Unconsciously, there may be a poorinterrelationship with the hypnotist which can create an unfavorableclimate for hypnosis. When this is the case, the subject doesn't responduntil such time that he relates well to the hypnotist. Even the mostcalculated procedures will fail until a positive transferencerelationship is established. I am sure that you sometimes have said, "For some reason I don't like that person. " If pressed for an answer, you'll usually reply, "I can't explain it, but I just have a feelingabout him. " Actually, your subconscious reactions are influencing yourthinking and you "feel" a certain way. The same thing takes place inbusiness transactions. You either like or dislike the propositionpresented to you. You may say, "I have a certain feeling about thisdeal. " You may not be conscious of the reasons, but your subconscioushas reacted automatically because of previous experience along similarlines. 

In giving you some insight into the hypnotic procedure, I am trying topoint out certain problems in regard to acquiring self-hypnosis. For themost part, it is not a simple procedure that is accomplishedimmediately. You can't just will it. It requires working toward aspecific goal and following definite procedures which eventually lead tosuccess. 

The hypnotist is usually endowed by the subject with an omniscience andinfallibility which logically is unjustified. The subject is naturallyextremely disappointed if he doesn't respond immediately. If he losesconfidence in the hypnotist, he may never achieve hypnosis with thisparticular hypnotist. I have hypnotized subjects who have been toseveral other hypnotists without success, and I have had some of myunsuccessful subjects hypnotized by other hypnotists. How and why doesit happen? I believe that some of the reasons are so intangible that itwould be impossible to explain all of them with any degree ofexactitude. 

I once saw an individual about 12 times who wanted to learnself-hypnosis and had been unsuccessful in every approach. I asked himif he would volunteer as a subject for a class in techniques of hypnosisthat I was teaching for nurses. He readily volunteered and showed up atthe designated time. Much to my amazement as well as his own, heresponded within a relatively short time as one of the nurses hypnotizedhim before the group. She had used a standard eye closure technique, requesting him to look at a spinning hypnodisc that I had previouslyused with him every time he was in the office. Her manner was extremelyaffable, she had used the identical technique I had used unsuccessfully, and the subject responded excellently to cap the climax. He was thefirst subject the nurse had ever hypnotized, since this was only herthird lesson. 

How would you account for it? Here was one of my students with twoweeks' experience hypnotizing a subject where I had failed while usingevery procedure that I felt would work. Was it because she was a betterhypnotist? Perhaps! However, I'd like to recall at this time ourdiscussion about subconscious responses. I'm inclined to feel that beinghypnotized by a middle-aged female nurse created certain favorableunconscious responses which accounted for his going under hypnosis atthat time. It created the initial break-through which was needed. I wasable to hypnotize him easily at his next appointment, and he acquiredself-hypnosis readily from that time on. 

I have tried the same approach with other subjects who did not respondfavorably and have failed to attain the success that I did in the abovecase. Why the impasse? It is one of the difficulties that we encounterin hypnosis, and as yet it has not been resolved. 

We know that the easiest way to achieve self-hypnosis is to behypnotized and given a posthypnotic suggestion that you will respond tohypnosis by a key word, phrase or gesture. I have tried to point outsome problems that can arise. Needless to say, these problems do notalways arise, and the attainment of self-hypnosis can be a relativelysimple procedure. There is usually some way of reaching a subject whodoes not respond in a reasonable length of time. 

Now we come to the point where the subject wishes to hypnotize himself. What happens in this situation? It would appear that the subject wouldgo under hypnosis immediately. After all, isn't he controlling thehypnotic session? Of course, this does happen time and time again, andthe results seem miraculous. I receive mail constantly from readers ofseveral of my other books on hypnosis telling me how they were able toachieve certain goals that they never dreamed possible. They write thatthey have achieved self-confidence and complete self-mastery and havebeen able to overcome problems that have plagued them for many years. These problems not only include strictly psychological troubles but manypsychosomatic symptoms as well. Many have remarked at the ease in whichthey were able to achieve self-hypnosis and the results they wanted. Forthem it was as simple as following a do-it-yourself book. 

Others write about the difficulty they encounter and ask what to doabout it. It is my hope that this book will shed some light for thosewho have experienced difficulty in learning self-hypnosis. We shalldiscuss many phases of hypnosis with the emphasis on self-hypnosis. We'll discuss its many ramifications and try not to leave out anythinghelpful in our discussion. 

If you follow the instructions and exercises that I give youassiduously, you should be able to achieve a depth of self-hypnosissuitable for solving many of your personal problems. 

Chapter 2

What About the Dangers of Hypnosis?

One of the objections that you hear to hypnosis is that it can bedangerous in the hands of those not trained in the psychodynamics ofhuman behavior. Inasmuch as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists arethe only ones who are thoroughly trained in the analysis of humanbehavior, this objection, if valid, could limit hypnosis to acomparative handful of therapists. Fortunately, it is not valid. Thiswas proved several years ago when the "Bridey Murphy" craze gripped thecountry. Despite the fact that thousands of amateur hypnotists werepracticing hypnosis, little or no harm resulted. I have personallyinstructed several thousand medical and non-medical individuals and haveyet to hear of a single case where a crisis was precipitated or anythingof a dangerous or detrimental nature occurred as a result of hypnosis. Ihave also taught several thousand persons self-hypnosis and can reportthe same findings. 

Many patients who seek treatment from competent psychiatrists, psychoanalysts and psychologists do not always obtain satisfactoryresults. This doesn't mean that everyone should stop seeking help fromthese specialists. Even a specialist doesn't have a perfect record ofsuccessful therapy. 

What then is the objection to hypnosis? The theory that if you get ridof one symptom another symptom will take its place really holds no truthand is usually advanced by those who have had little or no experience inthe hypnosis field. However, a difference of opinion does exist evenwith those practicing hypnosis in this area. Some hypnotists "tradedown" symptoms by replacing a serious symptom with a minor one, whileothers just remove the symptom. The latter is what a doctor does when herecommends aspirin for arthritis. He knows the aspirin will not cure thearthritis, but he wants to alleviate the symptom. To say that anothersymptom will replace the pain is unscientific--and untrue. The same istrue of hypnosis. 

Lewis R. Wolberg, M. D. , clinical professor of psychiatry, New YorkMedical College, recently canvassed 30 experts in the field of hypnosisand found a few who felt symptom removal was "irrational, temporary--oroutright dangerous. " The large majority, however, "employed symptomremoval where indicated, and minimized or ridiculed any possible badeffects. "

A further objection to hypnosis is that the results are temporary aswell as symptomatic. It is well to remember that most medical therapy isspecifically directed to symptom removal. How permanent is most medicaltreatment? Once you couple hetero-hypnosis with self-hypnosis, youafford the patient the opportunity of utilizing suggestions for his ownbenefit any time they are needed. This, of course, can make symptomrelief permanent. As an example, I would see no harm in teaching apatient self-hypnosis for symptomatic relief from a problem of insomnia. It would certainly be better than physically depressing the higher braincenters with sleeping pills to produce unconsciousness every night. Ineedn't tell you that millions of dollars are spent every year onsleeping pills and patients become dependent upon them, needing more andmore pills in order to produce sleep. Many accidental suicides stem froman overdose of sleeping pills. Yet, despite the inherent dangers ofsleeping pills which are glaringly apparent, they are prescribed by themillions, to say nothing of those that reach the market through illegalchannels. Furthermore, how much effort is really made to get the patientoff the sleeping pills? There are also more voluntary suicides bysleeping pills than by any other method. Perhaps if these drugs weren'tso readily available, many of these unfortunate individuals would bewith us today. 

What about the often-quoted statement that "you might do some damage"?Let's explore this area. I assume that the reader is somewhat familiarwith the work of Emile Coué or at least has heard of his famousautosuggestion formula of "Day by day, in every way, I'm getting betterand better. " During our time, thousands upon thousands of seeminglyhelpless and hopeless cases have been cured by repeating thisaffirmation over and over again, day after day, as the individual fallsasleep. 

I think we should make it clear that whether we call it autosuggestion, positive thinking, meditation, yoga, affirmations or self-hypnosis, weare, in reality, talking about the same thing. All require certain basicprerequisites before they will work effectively for the individual. We'll discuss these prerequisites in the next chapter. 

What should be remembered is that the suggestions are being filteredinto the subconscious mind which does not question, doubt, analyze ordispute the efficacy of these beneficial thoughts. You can be sure thatthe constant repetition will have its effect. Hasn't the mind, in thepast, accepted the individual's diagnosis when he said, "I'm sick, " "Ihave an inferiority complex, " "I can't stop smoking, " "I can't loseweight, " "I can't concentrate, " "I can remember a person's face, but Ican't remember names, " "I have a difficult time falling asleep, " "I justcan't seem to relax. " Isn't such an individual, in effect, usingself-hypnosis? And hasn't the person convinced himself of the validityof his present state? This is truly dangerous. It is negative hypnosis. 

The question that I raise is: "Why shouldn't the subconscious mind beeven more convinced and respond strongly to suggestions which are inconformity with the natural desire to be of sound body and mind?" I havenever been able to find a logical answer. 

I think this is what happens many times. A person seeks help with aproblem which, in reality, has nothing to do with hypnosis. His cure isnot contingent on being hypnotized or on suggestions he or the hypnotistfeel are indicated. You will read in nearly every book and articledealing with hypnosis that "hypnotism is not a cure-all. " No one hassuggested or implied that it should be used exclusively for allemotional problems. You may read a newspaper article warning about the"dangers" of hypnosis. It may tell of a person who rid himself of onesymptom and developed another in its place. You usually get a grosslydistorted picture of what happened, with many aspects of the case notincluded. It's a matter of taking what you want to prove out ofcontext. Propagandists use this technique all the time to get acrosstheir message. It's the old story of telling a half truth. 

Honest criticism and a sincere difference of opinion are always welcome. But criticism must be well-founded from a scientific point of view andnot stem from an emotional reaction. You have probably heard the remark, "I won't let anyone hypnotize me. " What are they really saying, and whatdoes hypnosis represent to such an individual? To them, hypnosisrepresents some sort of "magic spell" which invokes a state of completehelplessness and dependency upon the hypnotist. We previously discussedhow this erroneous conception can take place because of the manner inwhich hypnosis is usually interwoven with bizarre fictional stories. 

For many, the hypnotic state represents a period in which the consciousguard is dropped. They feel they may compulsively reveal the darker sideof their nature, confess their hostility or relate information theywould never voluntarily divulge to anyone. This is the real danger theysee in hypnosis. To protect themselves from it, they attack it. It ismuch like the fanatic vice crusader who militantly attacks sin in orderto alleviate his own feelings of guilt stemming from the fact that viceactually attracts him. 

Fear of hypnosis takes different forms, but basically it is the fear ofrevealing one's true feelings. An employee, for instance, at a gatheringwhich included the employer he dislikes, would never volunteer as asubject for hypnosis if the occasion arose. He would be afraid he woulddo or say something which might endanger his position. Hypnosis for himwould be "dangerous" because he would be afraid to take the chance. Thetruth is, however, that this individual would be taking no chance. Thehypnotic state is not a confessional period. The subject is aware atall times of what he is saying. If the subject does not wish to pursue aline of questioning, he tells the hypnotist. If the hypnotist persistedfurther along this line, the subject would shake off the hypnotic state. 

Another misconception about hypnosis is the widely held belief that thesubject is unconscious. This represents a threat to the security of theindividual. Actually, the hypnotic state is a period of extremeawareness in which the subject is hyperacute. Furthermore, the subjectis not asleep, nor is he in a trance state in the correct meaning ofthat term. He is in an altered state of awareness with his faculties andreasoning ability intact. Inducing hypnosis merely creates a mood orstate in which the powers of suggestibility are heightened. 

When the general public and the medical profession become familiar withthe true nature of hypnosis, we shall have a greater acceptance andutilization of this power. It is a slow process but one which willfinally evolve. In the final analysis, I believe the only danger thatexists is in the mind of the individual who fears hypnosis because ofwhatever subjective qualms he has about his own emotional involvement inthe hypnotic process. 

Of course, all persons using hypnosis for the alleviation of pain shouldconsult their family physician. Pain is nature's way of indicating thatsomething is wrong with the organism. It would be foolish to suggestthat a pain in the stomach will disappear when this may be a sign of aneeded appendix operation. The same may be said of constant migraineheadaches. It must be determined that the headache is not a symptom of abrain tumor or some other pathological condition. It may be of interestto know that hypnosis is presently being used to relieve pain interminal cancer patients. There is an excellent article on this subject, and I recommend it to doctors reading this book. It is called "The Useof Hypnosis in the Case of the Cancer Patient" which appeared in theJanuary 1954 issue of _Cancer_. [1]

[1] At the same time, I would highly recommend the booklet, _Helping the Dying Patient and His Family_, published by the National Association of Social Workers, 2 Park Avenue, New York 16, New York. Price: 75 cents. 

There are at present several thousand dentists throughout the countryusing hypnosis. They have formed their own society and publish aquarterly journal, _The Journal of the American Society of PsychosomaticDentistry_. One of the best books in this field is called _DentalHypnosis Handbook_ by Jacob Stolzenberg, D. D. S. 

An excellent article is "Danger! Hypnotherapist at Work" by M. Abramson. [2] The author reviews briefly the pros and cons regarding themedical use of hypnosis. He concludes: "It is the author's opinion, based on an extensive personal experience of over 15 years, that the useof hypnotherapy by a physician or dentist who has been properly trainedand who uses this technique strictly within his field of competencecarries with it no more (and probably less) 'danger' than the use ofmany other techniques of treatment used in medicine today. "

[2] Bull. Hennepin Co. Med. Soc. , 1960, 31:101-106

Chapter 3

Is Hypnosis the Answer?

Dr. George Estabrooks, professor of psychology at Colgate University andauthor of the book, _Hypnotism_, made the following two statements in apaper called "The Future of Hypnosis" given as part of a program on "TheNature of Hypnosis" at the annual meeting of the American PsychologicalAssociation in 1959:

"It would be well to sound a word of caution against certain attitudeswhich have become prevalent and which can be well illustrated in thefield of medicine. In this respect, direct suggestion is under the ban. For example, a dictum, 'Never remove the symptom unless the cause isunderstood, ' is much emphasized. Its validity is greatly open toquestion, since much of medical practice is direct symptom removal, asonly a little thought makes apparent. 

"Another dictum generally followed is that the unconscious background ofsymptom-complexes must necessarily be made conscious to effect a cure. Reasonable and thoughtful consideration of the extensive role of theunconscious in daily living and functioning renders this dictum muchless creditable. "

I should like to discuss both of these statements in some detail as theyinvariably arise in the mind of the individual seeking help throughhypnosis. 

The first thought that comes to mind is that all the religious healingscited in the Bible involve direct symptom removal. The cures that areeffected by religious devotees traveling to sacred shrines are also inthe realm of direct symptom removal. I have yet to hear a criticism ofthis type of treatment directed at religious leaders or condemnation ofthe religious shrines. These cures are accepted as evidence of the powerof faith or attributed to the super-natural. In these cases, nothing isever done to make the person cured understand the nature of theunconscious mechanisms which contributed to his problem. 

Religious healing cannot be dismissed by merely saying, "It isn'tscientific. " A methodology is only scientific when it works. It is of novalue if it doesn't help the individual seeking help. We must face thefact that not all people can be helped by the same psychologicaltreatment. We can readily see this in the following extreme example: Anaborigine suffering from a psychological problem certainly wouldn't be acandidate for psychoanalysis as we know it. He could, no doubt, behelped much more readily by a witch doctor. It also stands to reasonthat the sophisticated Westerner would not be influenced by theincantations of a tribal medicine man. 

Going further, we find there are many schools of psychotherapy and manyapproaches to solving man's emotional problems. The cure rate for all ofthem, however, is approximately the same. I think we must accept thefact that there is no _one_ sound, logical, scientific approach. Ibelieve that so long as the end result is achieved, the methodology wasscientific for that individual's needs. The goal of all therapies is tohelp the patient free himself from whatever emotional problems besethim. 

This approach, to some readers, may seem an oversimplification of a verycomplex problem, but I think it's time that we had a simple, workableformula devoid of technical jargon. Too often, complex technical termsand theories have been glibly used to explain away failures. I believewe need more and more emphasis on measures to make the patient feelbetter rather than spending most of the time trying to find out why hedoesn't feel well. This, of course, is symptom removal again. 

I should like to point out an interesting fact pertaining to Biblicalhealers. So long as the fame of the healer preceded his arrival in anycountry, he was able to heal the sick. However, where his fame as ahealer was either unknown or discredited, he found no faith andsubsequently no cure. The earliest reference to hypnosis is in theBible, Genesis ii, 21. "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fallupon Adam, and he slept . .. "

Dr. William Malamud, 86th president of the American PsychiatricAssociation, in an address delivered at the annual meeting in 1960, stated the following in a paper called "Psychiatric Research: Settingand Motivation":

"During the last few years we have witnessed a growing trend ofoveremphasizing the value of 'exact' methodology and uniformity ofstandards. This trend, which could be characterized as a 'cult ofobjectivity, ' has already had an important influence on psychiatricresearch. It is true that in its emphasis on critical judgment and validcriteria, it has helped to curb unrestrained flights of imagination andsloppy methodology. But the overglorification of objectivity and theinsistence on rigidly single standards of acceptable methods haveresulted in a concentration on certain phases of the science of humanbehavior at the expense of other very important ones. "

I believe that most individuals have a fairly good understanding of howthey came to have the problem that they have. I have yet to encounterthe person who protests he has no idea why he doesn't function as hewould like to in a certain area. From a practical standpoint, not manyhave the time nor money required to delve into the unconsciousbackground of the problem. The high cost of treatment is a very realobjection and cannot be discounted lightly. People suffering fromemotional problems usually suffer financial reverses as well. Who is tohelp these people? There are very few places in the country where theycan receive competent psychiatric help at a reasonable fee. Is therethis type of help in your own community? It is only when the individualis destitute that the state provides whatever help it can. However, atthis point it's a long hard struggle back to good emotional health. 

The National Association for Mental Health and its affiliates issueabout 10 million copies of 200 different pamphlets on various aspects ofmental health. To assess the value of these pamphlets, 47 mental hygieneexperts held a conference at Cornell University. A report on thisoutstanding conference has been published. It is called "Mental HealthEducation: A Critique. " A feature by Ernest Havemann in the August 8, 1960 issue of _Life_ contains a very worthwhile article on thisconference called "Who's Normal? Nobody, But We All Keep On Trying. InDissent From 'Mental Health' Approach, Experts Decry Futile Search ForAn Unreal Goal. " The following paragraph is taken from the _Life_article:

"What about psychiatry and psychoanalysis? This is a different matter. Many unhappy and problem-ridden people, though by no means all who havetried it, have profited from psychotherapy. Indeed, all the mentalhealth pamphlets, as a postscript to the self-help methods theyadvocate, wind up by advising the reader to seek professional care ifhis problems are serious enough. But the skeptics at Cornell citedstatistics which to them show that psychiatric treatment is as remotefor the average person as a trip to the moon. Aside from the expense, which most people would find prohibitive, there simply are not enoughtherapists to go around. The U. S. Has around 11, 000 psychiatrists and10, 000 clinical psychologists--in all, about one for every 8, 500citizens. If everybody with emotional problems decided to see apsychiatrist, the lines at the doctors' offices would stretch formiles. "

I assume that most readers of this book know that state hospitals areunderstaffed and unable to provide proper care for the mentally ill. Mike Gorman, executive director of the National Mental Health Committee, has written a crusading report on this very theme called _Every OtherBed_. In this book he tells us that every other hospital bed in theUnited States is occupied by a mental case. Mental illness costs thecountry two and a half billion dollars a year besides the more importantuntold human suffering that can never be equated in dollars. The book isa shocking story of how we have let this happen; are still letting ithappen; and of how little, for the most part, we, the general public aswell as the medical and psychological professions, are doing to correctthis deplorable situation. 

It is time that we re-examined the dictums that say a symptom can neverbe removed unless the cause is understood and the unconscious backgroundof symptom-complexes must be made conscious and understood before acure is effected. 

There are many positive thinking groups functioning in the religiousfield. Many of these religious groups are in existence primarily becauseof the dynamic philosophy or psychology they offer for every day living. Couple this with a strong faith in God, and you have a combination whichapproaches infallibility. Recently we have had a series of best-sellingbooks which expound this very theme. Does it work? Of course it doeswhen used properly. 

You can be sure that there has been criticism of this religiouspsychology. The criticism is that the basic causes of the problem arenever dealt with and the unconscious conflict is not resolved. It's thesame argument over and over again. What about the people helped? Theyseem to have made tremendous strides and are leading lives as welladjusted as anyone else. Once imbued with this spirit or feeling ofwell-being, it permeates every phase of their relationships in aconstructive manner. The only reason that there isn't more criticism isthat this type of psychotherapy is incorporated into the religioustenets of these groups, and criticizing another man's religion makes thedetractor's entire philosophy unacceptable. I am strongly in favor ofthese groups because I would prefer having a religion that keepspointing out the positive side of life and that "life can be beautiful"if you put your faith in God and practice positive thinking. It iscertainly better than the cynical philosophy of its detractors or thegrim religions which stress punishment. Think of the guilt feelingsinvolved in the latter. No one can live up to such a formidable creed. 

Of course, if you suggest to positive thinking, religious individualsthat they are using a form of self-hypnosis, they will emphaticallydeny and debate the issue. Since we are primarily interested in mentalhygiene and not in winning a debate, it is well to leave the matter asit stands. The point to keep in mind is that so long as a person feelsthat this methodology is the answer to his needs and so long as no oneis being hurt by his belief, I feel he should cling to his conviction. He should not allow it to be destroyed by those who are thinking indifferent semantic terms. 

I would like to bring up another common example pertaining to the twobasic concepts that we have been discussing. It is the example of themany individuals who have taken public speaking courses to overcomestage fright. In most cases, the person involved hasn't had too muchopportunity to be a public speaker. Because of this, he suddenly feelshe may not say the right thing or forget what he wants to say. Thisanxiety can create the very situation or block that he fears. What isthe solution? Certainly not psychoanalysis to find out why he functionsthe way he does. You could use this approach, but I don't think it's themost constructive one. It is like asking, "What am I doing that'swrong?" instead of "What can I do that's right?" The most constructiveapproach is to take a course of instruction to get the actual practiceand experience in the techniques of public speaking. 

Before proceeding further, I believe it is necessary to point out that Iam not just being critical of the convictions of other sincere anddedicated individuals engaged in the field of mental hygiene. It isalways good to re-evaluate our present thinking on any subject, nomatter how sincere or convinced we may be that what we are doing iscorrect. At times, we can become so immersed in our convictions that wecannot take criticism and respond emotionally to ideas orinterpretations that do not coincide with logical thinking. 

What, then, is the answer to mental health problems? There is no singleanswer. It is a very complex situation. There are many promising drugsand treatments which, if adequately developed and widely used, could doa great deal toward promoting good mental health. Fundamentally, theproblem will always be that of trying to understand human behavior andhelping those in distress with an efficacious formula. 

What is that formula? I believe hypnosis can contribute in part to theanswer. Needless to say, hypnosis is contraindicated in many emotionalproblems because of the very nature of the problem itself. Someemotional difficulties must first be worked out on a conscious level. After this, hypnosis can be instrumental in achieving the final goal. 

Dr. Frank S. Caprio, a prominent psychiatrist, in his book, _HelpingYourself with Psychiatry_, states the following: "A whole new world ofself-confidence and positive living is open to every person, young andold, through hypnosis, self-hypnosis and self-suggestion orauto-hypnosis. "

Chapter 4

How Does Self-Hypnosis Work?

There's an old Chinese proverb that states: "One picture is worth athousand words. " In conveying suggestions to the subconscious, we havefound that picture images are more effective than the words that areimplanted. For example, it isn't sufficient to say, "I will beconfident. " The words must be augmented by a picture of yourself as theconfident person you want to be. If you say, "I can't visualize myselfas a confident person because I have never been that way, " you can"borrow" those personality traits that you want for yourself. Imagineyourself endowed with the characteristics of some confident person thatyou know. The qualities that you seek may even be borrowed from a famousperson. If this isn't possible, make up a personality which is acomposite of all the things you want to be. See yourself walking, talking and carrying on activities. Keep fortifying this image with themental suggestions that are needed. It won't be long before these mentalimpressions give rise to the confident feelings that you seek. As youkeep implanting these images, they will become a natural part of yourconscious personality. 

Dr. S. J. Van Pelt, president of the British Society of MedicalHypnotists and editor of the _British Journal of Medical Hypnotism_, writes about this technique in his book, _Secrets of Hypnotism_. Hecalls it "'3-D' Technique in Medical Hypnotherapy. " As you read thefollowing paragraph, it would be well to remember that it contains theessence of making the self-hypnosis technique work once you haveachieved the hypnotic state, per se. Incidentally, the same procedurecan be used in attaining the hypnotic state itself. You see yourselfentering the state of hypnosis in your initial attempts. This, in turn, sets up a conditioned response and a favorable emotional reaction whichis necessary. 

"The writer has found (visualization) of the greatest value in there-education of the patient, which is an essential part of hypnotherapy. In this method, after the cause of the trouble has been discovered andas a part of his re-education, the patient is instructed while underonly light hypnosis to 'form a picture' in his mind. He is asked toimagine a movie screen and to see himself 'just like an actor' on thisscreen playing a part. He is told that the picture looks 'veryreal'--'3-D' in fact--and that he can see himself acting and looking theway he really wants to look and act. Various scenes are suggested suchas . .. The patient will have to face in real life. In each he isinstructed to see himself--'as in real life'--always succeeding. Forinstance, the stammerer might be asked to picture himself speakingeasily to people, and feeling perfectly at ease. The patient is alsoinstructed how to form these 'success pictures' for himself, and it isstressed that he will only be able to see himself as he wants tobe--successful. Since the pictures give rise to the appropriatefeelings, it is not long before the patient begins to show the benefitof his private '3-D' film shows. "

After explaining this technique to students, many have inquired, "Isthat all there is to it? It seems so simple. " Of course, there is moreto it in that the individual must follow through with the instruction. This is one of the difficult aspects of this type of program. Let meenumerate some of the problems I have encountered in teachingself-hypnosis. 

As mentioned, one of the difficulties is that the technique seems toosimple. Students become skeptical. They feel it should be morecomplicated and involved in order to get results. I suppose peoplebetter appreciate something that comes only after a hard struggle. Thisprocedure is devoid of this. Of course, I am not saying that once aperson begins to use this technique his problems will automaticallyvanish and his life will be cheery forever after. We have beenconditioned to think that success in anything can only come after along, hard struggle. This is the basic theme of the American way oflife. We have been accustomed to believe that conflict and struggle arepart of life and large doses of it are necessary before we achievesuccess in any field. I can only reiterate that the informationcontained in this book is all you need to get results. It is necessarythat you follow through and not give up after you have tried the programfor a short while and have obtained no appreciable results. This bringsus to another point. 

Many persons expect immediate results when they begin to useself-hypnosis. If they don't get the results they anticipatedimmediately, they want to know "what's wrong?" My answer is usuallythat "nothing is wrong" and that they need only keep steadily applyingthe instructions. Certainly, one doesn't become a proficient typist, musician, actor or sportsman because he has mastered the basictechniques. It takes time to acquire proficiency. 

Let me assure you that anyone using and applying this technique canbenefit from it. One of the troubles in dealing with any problem isrouting defeatism and hopelessness. You can incorporate posthypnoticcorrective measures in the suggestions that you give yourself. However, I believe that they must be dealt with on a conscious level as well. Youmust believe that you can conquer your difficulties no matter how longyou have had them. If you are prepared to work with self-hypnosis in anunremitting manner, you will achieve the self-help that you seek. Nowand then, you can anticipate a setback in your progress, but thisneedn't discourage you from your overall task. Recount the progressalready made. If you have a "let-down" because you expected quicker andmore dramatic results, remember that this is a common feeling shared bymany with emotional problems. Remember, also, how long you have had theproblem. 

No doubt, you have tried other methods and became discouraged becauseyou weren't making the progress you had anticipated. You dropped theidea and landed back where you started. Make up your mind, consciously, that you will work with untiring sincerity and a perseverance that willnot falter because your chosen goal is not achieved immediately. I knowof no therapy that leads straight to positive results without obstaclesand intermittent failure. Success comes in spite of intervening failuresbecause the ultimate direction has been clearly thought out and charted. Self-hypnosis will finally work because you are constantly conditioningyour subconscious to react in a positive, constructive manner. Theprogram must, of necessity, become automatic in nature. When it does, you will suddenly find yourself feeling the way you wanted to and doingthe things that you set out to do with the aid of self-hypnosis. Youactually cultivate those feelings that you want. 

Hypnosis will not work with skeptics. Every so often such a person comesto my office seeking help. He tells me that his family physician or hisspouse feels he should take my course in self-hypnosis. I inquire if hefeels he might benefit from the course. If his answer is not positive, and if after talking to him at length about the benefits of hypnosis, Istill feel he is not ready for the course, I suggest another mode oftreatment for him. The reason for this is that unless the person isoptimistic and enthusiastic about self-hypnosis, it just isn't going towork as effectively as it would otherwise. The very nature of askeptical attitude limits the constructive forces that we wish toharness. 

Occasionally, individuals want indisputable proof that hypnosis is goingto help them. It is impossible to give them the proof and unqualifiedreassurance that they seek. Yet, these same people do not require prooffrom their physicians. No one can guarantee success. However, I do pointout that the continued and intelligent use of self-hypnosis can beinstrumental in directing the healing, curative, constructive forces ofnature. 

Many times, a metaphysical rather than a scientific approach isrequired. It's a matter of trying to satisfy the patient's needs. Attimes, it is helpful to allow the patient to attend a class inself-hypnosis. Being able to communicate and identify with otherindividuals seeking self-hypnosis often is enough to change hisattitude. This is especially true when one or more of the studentsrelates dramatic changes. 

Self-hypnosis works because we are able to condition ourselves tovarious stimuli. We condition ourselves consciously and unconsciously tomany activities. When we experience anxiety, it stems from aconditioning process which could have been conscious or unconscious. Inself-hypnosis, the individual consciously works toward implementing andstrengthening his own inherent strength and resources. These objectives, when attained, result in feelings of confidence, relaxation, self-mastery and well-being. 

Furthermore, hypnosis utilizes a natural mental process. We all knowthat placebos work admirably in numerous cases. The dictionary definesthe word placebo as, "an inactive substance or preparation, administeredto please or gratify a patient, also used in controlled studies todetermine the efficiency of medicinal substances. " Many controlledexperiments have shown that people achieve similar results whether theytake a placebo (which they think is the real medication) or realmedication that was prescribed. Several years ago many such tests werecarried out with antihistamines to prevent colds. The results werealways the same. 

We are interested in what makes the placebo act as effectively as thetrue medication. It stands to reason that a chain reaction is set up, actually causing a physiological result from a psychological reaction. The unsuspecting patient declares, "I've never felt so good in my life. "Yet, this would never have happened if he didn't think he was taking themarvelous new medicine. A recent scientific study by one of the leadingpharmaceutical houses concluded that one third of the effectiveness ofany medication depends upon the faith and trust that the patient has inthe prescribing physician. 

I am sure that the placebo results and the patient's faith in thephysician as contributing factors to the effectiveness of medications donot come as a revelation. We are all aware of such information. Ourproblem is how to harness this unconscious process for constructivegoals. The answer is through self-hypnosis. 

Self-hypnosis, as we have explained it, uses a technique calledvisual-imagery. This has been referred to by many different names, butfor our purposes we'll call it visual-imagery. Within this techniquelies one of the keys for achieving the goals that you want. There havebeen many famous books written incorporating this technique as a basisfor achievement. Perhaps the most famous of all is called _Think andGrow Rich_ by Napoleon Hill. In recent years, _The Magic of Believing_by Claude M. Bristol and _The Power of Positive Thinking_, alreadymentioned, have become well-known. The book which gives direction tomost of the books in this field is called _Self-Mastery ThroughConscious Auto-Suggestion_ by Dr. Emile Coué. I am sure the olderreaders of this book have heard of his famous saying, which I willrepeat here for emphasis. "Day by day, in every way, I am getting betterand better. " Invariably, in all these books, there is reference to theBiblical quotation, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. "

As the reader can deduce, we are not theorizing about a startling newdiscovery. The technique is as ancient as man himself and his dream of abetter tomorrow. All books using the visual-imagery technique tell youto paint a vivid, mental picture of the material things you wish toacquire, if it is a case of material wealth. For personal improvement, they tell you to paint a vivid picture of the individual you want tobe. In most cases, you are told to do this in a relaxed or meditativestate with as few distractions as possible. The next two requirementsare constant repetition (conditioning) and a "burning desire"(motivation) to achieve what you set out to do. 

Aren't these books really talking about self-hypnosis? Aren't theydescribing precisely the techniques of self-hypnosis? The terminology isdifferent, but the approach is the same. With these techniques there isan aim to direct thinking, picturization, positive thinking, suggestionsand constructive thoughts or images to the "inner self" or "real self. "Aren't they once again really talking about the subconscious mind? Ihave no argument with any workable approach to emotional maturity, butin many cases we are actually becoming involved with the meaning ofwords (semantics). The quickest way to the subconscious is throughself-hypnosis. In this self-hypnotic state, you are able to consciouslydirect suggestions to your subconscious mind. 

Chapter 5

How to Arouse Yourself from the Self-Hypnotic State

You will note that this chapter precedes instruction on how to attainself-hypnosis. The reason for this is to alleviate whatever anxiety youmay have in regard to the question, "If I'm hypnotized, how do I awakenmyself?" It is important to understand that even though you arehypnotized, you are in control, are aware of your surroundings, what isgoing on about you, can think clearly and can arouse yourself veryeasily. It is only necessary to say or think, "I shall now open my eyesand wake up feeling fine. " You could also give yourself a specific countand say, "As I count to five, I'll open my eyes and wake up feelingwonderfully well and refreshed. One . .. Two . .. Three . .. Four . .. Five. "

It should be remembered that while we sometimes use the word "sleep" todescribe the hypnotic state, we are not actually referring to truesleep. This accounts for much of the confusion. The individual thinks, "If I'm asleep, how can I awaken myself?" If the subject were asleep inthe true sense of the word, this would be impossible. Actually, thesubject is in a special or heightened state of awareness. Inself-hypnosis, he is extremely conscious although his general physicalappearance is one of passiveness. In the self-hypnotic state, theindividual consciously gives himself whatever suggestions he desires. This proves he _is_ conscious and, therefore, can awaken himself withthe appropriate suggestions. 

Occasionally, the subject falls asleep while giving himself suggestionsor while relaxing to get into the right psychological mood. Naturally, in this case, the subject will awaken in due course. If the subjectpractices hypnosis when he is normally set to fall asleep in bed, hewould awaken refreshed in the morning at his usual time. 

Before beginning to give yourself therapeutic suggestions, you couldgive yourself the following suggestions which give you a _specificlength of time_ that you will work with self-hypnosis:

"I shall work with self-hypnosis for 15 minutes. At the end of thattime, I shall open my eyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well, wideawake, confident, cheerful and optimistic. The moment I open my eyes, I'll feel refreshed. In case of any outside danger, I'll be able toawaken immediately, be fully alert and act accordingly. "

You will notice that these suggestions take into consideration thepossibility of something happening of danger to the individual, such asfire, etc. These points arise in the minds of most individualsattempting self-hypnosis and are well taken. You could also set an alarmclock to awaken you at a designated time. 

Let us assume to arouse yourself you gave yourself a suggestion to openyour eyes and be wide awake at the count of five. You count to five andfor some reason you are unable to open your eyes. First of all, DON'TWORRY. Remain relaxed and give yourself the suggestions over again, emphasizing to yourself that at the count of five you will absolutely, positively be able to open your eyes very easily and will feel fine. Youthen begin the count again reiterating between each number that you willpositively open your eyes at the count of five and be wide awake. Thisshould do it. Should this not do it, may I reassure you again, DON'TBECOME ALARMED. Relax for a few minutes and try again. You'll be able toopen your eyes and wake up. 

I hope I haven't frightened you with the prospect of not being able toawaken. I bring this up only to acquaint you with the procedure to use. Actually, the problem of dehypnotization is a rare one. I should pointout a very important fact. _I have never had a subject practicing orusing self-hypnosis tell me he had the least bit of difficulty inawakening himself from the self-induced hypnotic state. _

I have had persons tell me that they heard or read of a case where thehypnotist could not bring the subject out of the hypnotic state, and, asa result, the subject slept for so many days. Not one of the storiescould be documented. Years ago, for publicity purposes, stage hypnotistswould have a subject sleep in a store window for several days. This wason a voluntary basis, though, and should not be confused with what weare discussing. 

In working with subjects, I have _very rarely_ had a subject who did notawaken at a specific count, but I have had this experience. I haveusually found that the subject is so relaxed that he just didn't want toawaken for fear of losing this pleasant sensation. When the subjectdoesn't awaken, I merely ask him in a calm manner, "Why don't you wishto wake up? You can answer me without awakening from the hypnoticstate. " He usually replies he'd like to remain in this state for anotherfive minutes or so. I agree to this extended period while getting a firmcommitment from him that he will awaken after this period. This isusually sufficient to bring the subject out of the hypnotic state. 

Occasionally, the instructions to wake up are not clear to the subject. If this is the case, clearer instructions should be given. You couldalso deepen the hypnotic state and then give suggestions to awaken at aspecific count in a very authoritarian manner. Every so often, I havefound that the subject has fallen into a natural sleep and just hasn'theard the instructions. In this case I raise my voice which is usuallysufficient or gently shake the subject awakening him as you would anysleeping person. 

I would like to relate a rather interesting experience that I had with amale subject. I had worked with this particular subject six timesprevious to this occasion. He was a good hypnotic subject, and he failedto awaken in the usual manner. Since he had carried out severalposthypnotic suggestions, it was rather perplexing to analyze what hadhappened. After about ten minutes, he finally agreed while he was underhypnosis to awaken at a given count. I asked him what was the nature ofthe difficulty. He replied, "I wanted to see how you would react. "

In conclusion, having difficulty in dehypnotizing yourself is extremelyrare. Should it happen, _keep calm_, and repeat the suggestions withemphasis. Even in hetero-hypnosis, where the hypnotist hypnotizes asubject, it is extremely rare. There are explainable psychodynamicfactors for this. However, they can be met adequately while the subjectis under hypnosis. 

Chapter 6

How to Attain Self-Hypnosis

Let us begin with the hypothesis that anyone can learn and practice, tosome degree, the science of self-hypnosis. We shall assume that you havecarefully thought out what you want to accomplish. You have, throughself-analysis, come up with reasonable goals of therapy andself-improvement. The next step is the acquisition of the hypnoticstate, per se. 

Before giving you the specific instructions, I would like to clarify aquestion which invariably arises in teaching a student self-hypnosis. Itis: "Are the suggestions that I give myself as effective as the ones youwould give me in hetero-hypnosis?"

It is natural to assume that the suggestions of the hypnotist would bemore effective than those given by the subject himself, but both havethe same intrinsic value. It is well to remember that all hypnosis isreally self-hypnosis, and all hetero-suggestions are transposed intoself-suggestions. If the hypnotist firmly suggests, "From this moment, you will feel very confident in all life situations, " the subjectautomatically and unconsciously rephrases the statement, "From thismoment, I will feel very confident in all life situations. " The subject, ordinarily, mentally or aloud, repeats all suggestions using the pronoun"I" instead of "you". 

The easiest and quickest way to learn self-hypnosis is to be hypnotizedand given a posthypnotic suggestion to the effect that you will be ableto put yourself into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus whenever youdesire to do so. The hypnotist need not be a professional. Anyoneunderstanding the rudiments of hypnosis can do this. However, let usassume you want to learn self-hypnosis and cannot find help. If youunderstand and consciously practice the instructions that I shalloutline, you will attain your goal. 

Sit in an easy chair or recline on a sofa or bed. Next, choose a pointof eye fixation on the ceiling, preferably a spot behind you which wouldnormally cause eye fatigue or strain. Now, breathe very slowly anddeeply. As you do this, repeat, aloud or mentally, the word "sleep" asyou inhale and "deep sleep" as you exhale. Do this for several minutesin a very monotonous manner until such time as you find yourself gettingdrowsy. Next, suggest to yourself that your eyelids are becoming heavyand tired. The goal is to acquire eye closure using this method. Youwant to reach a state where it is uncomfortable to keep the eyes open. Once you get your eyes closing, seemingly of their own volition, youhave reached the first step in achieving self-hypnosis. 

You can repeat to yourself such suggestions as, "My eyelids are becomingvery heavy and tired . .. My eyes are becoming very watery . .. My eyelidsare blinking . .. I just want to close my eyes . .. The moment I close myeyelids, I shall fall into a deep, sound, hypnotic sleep . .. Even thoughin a deep state of hypnosis, I shall be aware of my surroundings and beable to direct posthypnotic suggestions to my subconscious mind. "

When your eyelids actually become heavy or when your eyes actually beginto water, you intensify these feelings by repeating affirmativesuggestions along these very lines. This is known as "the feed-backtechnique" and helps to reinforce the actual condition that exists. Proceeding in this way hastens the actual closing of the eyes andattainment of the hypnotic state, per se. 

Let us assume that you practice this procedure and seemingly nothinghappens. Continue to practice it again and again until such time as youare able to achieve an eye closure. You will eventually be able to dothis within a relatively short period of time. 

One of the best times to practice the technique just given is when youare falling asleep at night. The lights are out and you are lying inbed. Choose an imaginary spot above and behind your eye level so thereis some strain on the eye muscles. Now begin giving yourself suggestionsthat your eyelids are becoming heavy, etc. 

The reason this period is such an excellent time to practiceself-hypnosis is that the suggestions you give yourself spill over intoyour subconscious as you drift from consciousness to unconsciousness. It's like telling yourself to wake up at a certain time in the morning. The suggestion reaches your subconscious and activates you consciouslyto waken. Using this approach, you can give yourself dynamic, constructive suggestions at this time as well as giving yourself theposthypnotic suggestion that the next time you practice self-hypnosis, you will fall into a deeper, sound, hypnotic state at the count ofthree. You also emphasize that your eyelids will close involuntarilywhenever you relax for five minutes and afterwards count to three. Thisconditioning process will be augmented by the use of the sleep period. The suggestions will tend to work unconsciously during this period andhasten your attainment of the constructive goals as well as theself-hypnotic goal itself. 

Once you have achieved eye closure, deepen the hypnotic state by thefollowing suggestions: "As I count to three, I shall go deeper anddeeper into a profound, hypnotic state. As I count to three, I shallfind myself becoming more and more relaxed. As I count to three, I shallfall into a deep, hypnotic sleep. " You repeat these suggestions manytimes, actually trying on a conscious level to feel sleepier, morerelaxed, more at ease. In doing this, you take on the characteristics ofa deeply hypnotized subject. 

Part of the difficulty in learning self-hypnosis is that the subject isaiming at a state of mind in which he has no experience. If I say, "Acthappy" or "Act sad, " there is an immediate reaction from yourexperiential background, and you can react accordingly. If you havenever seen anyone hypnotized and I say, "Act as though you werehypnotized, " you must, of necessity, act in a manner that you wouldassume approximated that of hypnosis. If you had actually seen someonehypnotized, you would naturally take on the characteristics you hadobserved. This would either be done consciously or unconsciously. 

Some individuals describe the hypnotic state as a state of "completerelaxation. " Many get a feeling of "detachment;" others a feeling of"disassociation, " as though their entire being was only thought. Someget a "floating" or "drifting" feeling, likening the experience tolying on deep clouds. Others experience a heavy, pleasant, "sinking"feeling. Still others get a feeling of "peace and serenity. " Manydescribe the hypnotic state as being akin to the state just prior tofalling asleep or like daydreaming, and they experience the samereactions. Yet, there are some who do not feel a definite change. Theydescribe it by saying, "I just felt that I had my eyes closed. I heardeverything and was completely aware at all times. " Since it is possibleto direct your feelings (reactions), I would suggest that you aim for acompletely relaxed, comfortable state. 

You have now reached the point where your eyes are closed, and you havegiven yourself further suggestions to deepen the state of hypnosis. Thishas taken from about six to ten minutes. You are not sure, though, thatyou are under hypnosis. There are many ways to test this, and I shalloutline one of these tests later in this chapter; however, for yourinitial attempts, it isn't too important whether or not you are underhypnosis. You are still to give yourself the posthypnotic suggestionthat the next time you attempt to hypnotize yourself you will fall intoa deeper and sounder state after you have relaxed for about five minutesand counted to three. 

In your initial attempts, you will be trying to establish a conditionedresponse to the count of three which will subsequently cause your eyesto close and put you under hypnosis. Eventually, you should reactinstantly to the count of three or any other cue you may use to triggerthe response. The key words or stimulus become associated with theaction that you seek. Through repetition, just thinking about thestimulus can bring on the response. This is known as ideomotor actionand is present in the waking as well as the hypnotic state. Pavlov'sfamous experiments which induced dogs to salivate when a bell was rungafter previously having had food fed to them at the same time areexamples of this type of conditioning. Don't we generally become hungryif someone tells us it's noon and time for lunch when, in fact, it'sonly 11 o'clock?

I had a common experience recently that I am sure many readers haveshared. One of my neighbors, seeing my car was parked in front of myhouse and knowing I was home, called to say he was dropping in to seeme. While working on the manuscript of this book, I thought I heard thedoorbell as I was typing. I went to the front door and no one was there. I even walked around the house looking for him because I was so certainI heard the bell. This is another example of an ideomotor action. I toldmy friend about it when he arrived approximately 30 minutes later. Helooked at me rather whimsically, and we both shared a laugh. Haven't youthought you heard the phone ring when you were waiting for a call?

In the chapter, "How Does Self-Hypnosis Work, " stress was laid on theimportance of the visual-imagery technique. During every attempt toachieve self-hypnosis, you attempt to visualize yourself going into thehypnotic state. Once you have deepened the state, you begin the processof visualizing yourself exactly the way you want to be. You mayexperience difficulty at first, but as you keep at it, you will be ableto picture yourself the way you want. _You use the visual-imagerytechnique whether you think you are under hypnosis or not. _ These imagesbecome clear as you constantly hammer home these suggestions. This isthe exact procedure necessary, and you needn't complicate it. 

Let us suppose that you are getting your eyelids to close at the countof three and have achieved a good state of relaxation. With theseprerequisites, you can anticipate going deeper into the hypnotic state. Actually, being able to get the eyes to close at a specific count is thefirst test in determining if the subject has gone under hypnosis. If youhave conditioned yourself this far, then you can go to the next step. The next test is called the "swallowing" test. You mentally giveyourself suggestions that as you slowly, to yourself, count to 10, youwill get an irresistible urge to swallow one time. You further suggestthat this will happen even before you reach the count of 10. You thenbegin the count. "One . .. My throat is parched, and I feel anirresistible urge to swallow one time. Two . .. My lips are becoming verydry, and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow. Three . .. My throatfeels very dry, and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow one time. Four . .. Before I reach the count of 10, the urge to swallow one timewill become irresistible because my lips and throat are so dry. Five . .. Once I swallow, I shall no longer have the urge to swallow again, and asI swallow one time, I shall fall into a deeper and sounder state ofhypnosis. " Continue with similar suggestions, repeating and affirmingthe suggestions about swallowing. Once you actually swallow, youdiscontinue the suggestions and, instead, give yourself suggestions thatyou are falling deeper and deeper into a sound hypnotic state and thatthe constructive suggestions you now give yourself will work for you. Once again you practice visual-imagery, seeing yourself the way you wantto be, while fortifying this image with forceful, positive suggestions. You close by giving yourself suggestions that you will enter thehypnotic state whenever you relax for five minutes and count to three. 

The suggestions are just as effective whether given aloud or mentally. Many subjects report that they are reluctant when it comes to givingsuggestions to themselves. I can only say that as you continue to workwith yourself, you will develop confidence in giving yourselfsuggestions. In order for the suggestions to be effective, they cannotbe given in a reticent or hesitant manner. They must be given withenthusiasm and anticipation. If you assiduously follow theseinstructions, you will derive the benefits you seek in the shortestpossible time and witness the positive, tangible results of yoursuggestions and efforts. In the next chapter, you'll learn how to deepenthe self-hypnotic state. 

Chapter 7

Deepening the Self-Hypnotic State

For each progressive test, it is usually necessary to have accomplishedthe preceding tests. However, this is not an absolute rule. Frequently, a subject responds to tests at the beginning of the depth scale and thento others at the end of the depth scale. Certain tests in between do notwork. I have had the following experience more than once while teachingone of my classes in self-hypnosis. In testing the depth of hypnosis, Irun the gamut of all of the tests from light to deep. In this way, thesubject can ascertain how far he has progressed. One frequent test forthe deep state is to give the subject a posthypnotic suggestion to theeffect that the next cigarette he smokes will have a vile taste and itwill be absolutely impossible for him to take more than three puffs. Itis further suggested that after the third puff, the cigarette taste willbe so unbearable it will become necessary for him to extinguish thecigarette. 

We can expect an excellent hypnotic subject to comply with theseposthypnotic suggestions, but a subject who hasn't even passed the eyeclosure test (test No. 1) or any other test may unexpectedly reactperfectly to the cigarette test which we know is a standard test fordetermining if the subject has entered into a deep state of hypnosis. How can you account for it? There is no simple or positive answer. If wehadn't given him this particular test, he would have felt that he wasn'tmaking progress in his determination to become a good hypnotic subject. Because of this, he might not have given himself therapeutic suggestionsbecause he would feel he hadn't reached a state of hypnosis which wouldbenefit him. Remember, follow the instructions of giving yourselfwhatever therapeutic suggestions you want, regardless of the fact thatyou feel that "nothing has happened. " I have seen many subjects who werebewildered because certain tests did not work, yet were pleased becauseof very gratifying overall results from using self-hypnosis. They werebaffled because of their inability to pass certain tests which they feltwere a prerequisite to the success of constructive suggestions they gavethemselves. 

It is commonly felt that the deeper the state of hypnosis, the betterthe results. In actual practice, I have not found this to be so. I havehad excellent results in a relatively short period of time with subjectswho only achieved a light state, and it has been necessary to work withothers who achieved a deep state of hypnosis for a longer period beforelasting results were in evidence. Naturally, each individual presents adifferent set of needs and even though the symptoms may be basically thesame, each will respond favorably when his requirements are met. Thishappens on a conscious as well as unconscious level. For example, themere assurance by a physician that the patient is all right and hasnothing to worry about is often sufficient to bring about desirableresults. Another example is the mother who stops the sobbing of her hurtchild by a loving kiss. A logical approach, pointing out to the childthat he really didn't hurt himself, would never have worked. We have allheard stories of primitive tribesmen who have died because they knewthey were the objects of "death wishes" by another member of the tribe. 

The key to achieving a greater depth of self-hypnosis lies in the use ofthe visual-imagery technique. You "see" yourself going into the hypnoticstate deeper and deeper. You even picture yourself, using thistechnique, passing various progressive hypnotic tests. The second partof the key lies in giving yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that eachsucceeding attempt will put you into a deeper state as a result of agiven stimulus--such as the count of three. 

The following instructions should not be attempted usually unless youhave been successful in achieving the two basic tests--the eye closureas well as the uncontrollable urge to swallow followed by the physicalact of swallowing at a specific count. If the conditioning process worksfor these two tests, you have achieved the lethargic state of hypnosis. This is the first state of hypnosis and is generally referred to as the"light" state. Therapeutic suggestions can work admirably in this state. The next stage of hypnosis is known as the cataleptic state and isreferred to as the "medium" state. Generally, hypnosis is divided intothree states: the lethargic (light state); the cataleptic (mediumstate); and the somnambulistic (deep state). 

As you deepen the hypnotic state, you can accomplish the progressivetests that I shall outline for you. I'll also number these tests for theconvenience of having a reference. Deepening the hypnotic state requiresthe same type of practice or conditioning as the first two steps. Letus call eye closure--No. 1, and swallowing--No. 2. We are now ready toproceed to the "hand tingling" test--No. 3. 

You have just completed tests No. 1 and 2; you are in a completelyrelaxed state. Now give yourself the following suggestions: "As I countto ten and even before I reach the count of ten, I shall feel a lighttingling or numb feeling in my right hand. " As you slowly begin thecount of ten, you keep repeating suggestions to the effect that yourright hand is beginning to tingle. Once again, you practice thetechnique of visual-imagery, tapping your experiential background forthis feeling. You can recall how it feels when your hand goes to sleep. Once you get an initial feeling of lightness, tingling or numbness, reinforce this feeling by the feed-back technique as you did with theeye closure test. As you practice this procedure, it will work withgreater effectiveness. The following is a very important point toremember. Be sure that you give yourself a posthypnotic suggestion thatthe tingling, light or numb sensation will disappear as you continue tocount to 15. For example, "As I count to 15, the tingling feeling in myright hand will disappear, and I shall experience only normalsensations. Eleven . .. The tingling feeling is leaving. Twelve . .. Nowit is leaving faster. Thirteen . .. I can feel my hand returning tonormal. Fourteen . .. The tingling feeling has left. Fifteen . .. My righthand feels perfectly normal. " You could try a variation of this test bysaying your nose or one of your toes will itch at a specific count. Oncethis test is accomplished, you are ready for the "foot" test--No. 4. 

You will remember that the key to achieving a greater depth of hypnosislies in visualizing yourself going deeper with each attempt andaccomplishing progressive hypnotic tests. Keep this in mind. For amoment, let us go back to the hand tingling test--No. 3. Once you havebeen successful in accomplishing this test, use the visual-imagerytechnique to see yourself successfully responding to the foot test. Whenyou have actually accomplished test No. 4, you see yourselfaccomplishing the "hand levitation" test--No. 5. In other words, you useeach step to enhance a greater receptivity for the following progressivetest. As you couple this approach with posthypnotic suggestions that youwill go deeper and deeper into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus, you set into motion a conditioned response mechanism which mustultimately guide you into a profound state of hypnosis. 

The foot test can be accomplished while sitting or lying down. The ideaof this test is to imagine that your feet are stuck to the floor or thatyour legs are so heavy that they are impossible to raise until you reacha certain count. It is best to begin this test by trying to capture aheavy, relaxed feeling in your legs. You give yourself specificsuggestions along these lines: "As I count to five, I shall notice avery heavy, relaxed, pleasant feeling in both legs. It will be a verycomfortable feeling; a feeling of complete relaxation. " You then beginthe count of ten, following out the idea of the other tests you havesuccessfully accomplished. You should remember that there is no timelimit and you take as much time as you need in order to get the relaxed, heavy feeling. Once you get the relaxed, heavy feeling, you use thevisual-imagery technique to try to picture your legs stuck to the floor. If you are lying down, imagine you are covered by a heavy blanket whichis tightly tucked under the mattress, making it impossible for you toraise your legs. If sitting up, I tell the subject to imagine that hisshoes are stuck to the floor with "iron glue, " and since his feet are inthe shoes, it is impossible to lift them until the specific count whichwill enable him to do so. 

Here are the suggestions you can use for the second part of this test. "As I continue to count to ten, I shall find that it will be impossiblefor me to raise my legs. I shall try at the count of ten, but it will beabsolutely impossible to raise my legs until I count to 15. At thattime, I shall be able to raise my legs easily, and the heavy feelingwill leave as well. " You then continue with the count, giving yourselfappropriate suggestions. Once this test is accomplished, you use thevisual-imagery technique to see yourself accomplishing the handlevitation test--No. 5. Be sure you give yourself the posthypnoticsuggestion that the next time you hypnotize yourself, you will fall intoa deeper and sounder state. 

I'll assume that you have been able to get a relaxed, heavy feeling inyour legs. You have reached the count of five and are ready to proceedfurther. Here are sample suggestions you can use: "Six . .. My legs arebecoming extremely heavy. Seven . .. I'll be unable to lift them until Icount to 15. Eight . .. I feel very comfortable; my legs are becomingheavier and heavier. Nine . .. My entire body is completely relaxed, andmy legs are so heavy that they are impossible to lift. Ten . .. I'm in avery deep hypnotic state, and it is absolutely impossible for me to movemy legs until I count to 15. " At this point, you actually try to raiseyour legs. If you can't do it, you have reached the cataleptic stage. 

Should you not be able to raise your legs, don't become frightened. Allyou need to say is: "I can now move my legs. " You could also say: "As Icount to three, I'll be able to move my legs. " However, since we haveelected originally to be able to move the legs at the count of 15, itwould be best to follow out this pattern. You could at this time merelycontinue to count to 15, at which time you would be able to move yourlegs. I prefer giving suggestions between each count as follows: "Eleven. .. The heavy feeling is leaving, and I shall be able to raise my legsat the count of 15. Twelve . .. I can feel the heavy, relaxed feelingleaving. Thirteen . .. I am beginning to move my legs. Fourteen . .. I amlifting my legs more and more. Fifteen . .. I have perfect control overmy bodily functions and legs; I am lifting and moving my legs; the heavyfeeling is dissipating; I am in complete control; I can now give myselfposthypnotic suggestions that will be very effective and beneficial. "Give yourself whatever suggestions you want at this time. 

Let us suppose that you tried the foot test for some time and wereunsuccessful. Perhaps this puzzles you, and you wonder why it didn'twork. Perhaps you were able to get a heavy feeling in the legs, but thesecond part of the test didn't work. The following information will helpyou to understand why you were unable to complete this cataleptic test. Either you had not conditioned yourself sufficiently, or you weren'treally "letting go" enough to enter into a deeper state of hypnosis. Most subjects need to test themselves and feel secure every step of theway. They don't just plunge into the cataleptic or somnambulistic stagesimmediately. In this connection, I believe it can be compared with thebather who goes into the water one step at a time. Even the playfulsplashing directed at him by friends does not compel him to duck underthe water. Instead, he continues to slowly go deeper and deeper until heis completely submerged. Wouldn't it have been easier to duck under allat once? Perhaps, but I'm sure you have either experienced the samething yourself or seen it happen. 

The analogy should be clear. The subject is reluctant to do what heconsiders as "giving up his control" when, in reality, he is really moreand more in control of himself as he penetrates the deeper levels ofhypnosis. 

In reality, the subject who does not or cannot raise his feet reallycould move in case of emergency, even without counting to 15. He has, ineffect, entered into a state in which it is too much bother to lift hisfeet. A common example of this frame of mind is when you remain in bedin the morning even though you know you will be late to work. You arejust too comfortable to move, and your initiative seems paralyzed. 

Let us assume, at this point, that you have finally succeeded in gettingthe foot test to work. You are now ready for the hand levitationtest--No. 5. In this test, the goal is to get your hand to slowly riseand touch your chin. Once it touches your chin, you enter into a stilldeeper state and lower your hand slowly to your side. This test isactually combined with the hand tingling test--No. 3. Since you havebeen successful with test No. 3, the rest is rather simple. This time asyou work test No. 3, aim for a light, pleasant feeling in your righthand. Once you get this reaction, you give yourself suggestions thatyour right hand will now rise and touch your chin. As soon as it does, you will fall into a deeper state and lower your hand. Here are thesuggestions that you can use: "As I count to ten and even before I reachthe count of ten, I shall have an irresistible impulse to slowly raisemy hand to my chin. As I progress with the counting, my hand will slowlyrise, and the impulse will become stronger and stronger. As soon as myhand touches my chin, the impulse will leave. I will then lower my handand fall into a very deep hypnotic state. I shall be fully aware of whatis happening, my surroundings, and will be able to give myselfbeneficial posthypnotic suggestions. "

At this point you start counting to ten, giving yourself suggestionsthat your right hand which already has a light feeling will begin toslowly rise to your chin. Time the counting to coincide with the actualphysical act of raising your hand. You are trying to feel an involuntaryurge to raise your hand. The movement itself should also be of anunconscious rather than conscious nature. A conscious raising of yourhand to your chin is not what you are looking for in this test. Shouldyou experience difficulty in attaining the first movement of your hand, you can give yourself assistance by consciously and slowly raising yourhand just to get it started. The rest of the movement, as mentioned, must be automatic. Should you find it necessary to start your handrising, use the feed-back technique to continue the movement. You cangive yourself the following suggestions:

"One . .. My right hand is beginning to rise. Two . .. My right hand isvery, very light, and I am getting an irresistible urge to slowly raiseit. Three . .. This feeling is getting stronger and stronger. Four . .. Myright hand is rising more and more. Five . .. My hand is rising toward mychin. Six . .. As soon as my hand touches my chin, I shall fall into adeeper and sounder state of hypnosis. Seven . .. My hand is rising closerand closer toward my chin. Eight . .. The feeling of lightness isbecoming stronger and stronger. Nine . .. My right hand is about to touchmy chin; as soon as it does, I'll fall into a very deep hypnotic state. Ten . .. My right hand is touching my chin; I'm falling deeper anddeeper into a sound hypnotic state; I'll now slowly lower my hand andcontinue falling into a deep, sound, pleasant state of hypnosis. Thelight feeling has left my hand. "

You should not attempt to memorize the exact phraseology for any of thetests. You are to merely use the suggestions that have been written outfor you as a guide. The timing of the suggestions is the paramountconsideration in attaining successful results. Don't be impatient. Takeas much time as you need. Should you find yourself unsuccessful afterten or fifteen minutes, drop the test and come back to it another day. Ihaven't found that working at a specific test all day long accomplishesthe end result. 

It is best to work for a specific period every day. In this way, theconditioned response pattern is established for the success of the testsas well as the success of the posthypnotic suggestions that you havegiven yourself. You should bear in mind that if you have been successfulin achieving the first five tests, you have reached a medium state ofhypnosis, and posthypnotic suggestions will be extremely effective. Inthe next chapter, you'll learn, psychologically, how to go even deeperinto hypnosis. You'll learn those psychological factors that areimportant to know and that can contribute to your development into anexcellent hypnotic subject. Following this, the subsequent chapter willgive you further tests and instructions for developing into asomnambulistic subject. 

Chapter 8

What You Should Know About Becoming An Excellent Subject

Becoming an excellent subject follows the same general rules forbecoming proficient in any other endeavor. It depends upon yourmotivation, persistence and willingness to devote time and study to thesubject. Let us agree that most individuals can learn to play a musicalinstrument to some degree. This degree is usually sufficient for theirown needs. To become a virtuoso, however, it is necessary to study theinstrument and devote a great deal of energy and time to practice. Thesame example could be given for most undertakings. Anyone can learn tohit a golf ball, but being able to control the direction and distanceand become a skilled golfer is quite another matter. 

If you have been successful in accomplishing the first five tests, youcan consider yourself a good hypnotic subject. Becoming an excellentsubject entails following the same procedure used in accomplishing thefirst five tests. Some may proceed very easily into the somnambulisticstate, and others may have a difficult time reaching this deepest stage. Understanding some of the psychology involved and assuming the rightpsychological frame of mind for the attainment of the somnambulisticstate is more important than just working blindly in an attempt to getthe somnambulistic tests to work. Being irritable, disgusted anddespondent because of your inability to go further into hypnosis is notthe answer and will only lead to frustration and failure. The reader isnot to assume he will be a difficult subject. If you have come this far, you'll be able to continue in the same manner. The topic underdiscussion now is brought up to prepare readers for any contingency thatmay arise. It's like having a life preserver on a boat. You hope younever need it, but you should be prepared to use it in case of anemergency. 

It is natural to assume that if you are willing and trying to go intothe lethargic, cataleptic or somnambulistic state, you will be able todo so in a relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, this is by nomeans the case. Many of the principles of learning and conditioning canbe applied to hypnosis, but with many subjects these laws do not seemapplicable. Let us assume you wanted to learn to become an excellenttypist. This is a reasonable goal and all that is necessary is tocontinue practicing until you have reached the proficiency you set outto achieve. This proficiency would, as a rule, follow application of thelaws of learning and conditioning. 

This isn't always so in a subject's attempt to become somnambulistic. When the subject progresses from one stage to another in a classicalmanner, the theory works admirably, but what happens when a subjectcannot seem to progress any further? He has reached a plateau and isunable to climb higher. He seems to have reached a psychologicalimpasse or stalemate. It is easy to say that the subject is thwarted bya subconscious block and let it go at that. This, however, doesn't helphim in his dilemma. It's like telling the stranded motorist that thereason his car has stalled is because the motor isn't running. Thefollowing information will be helpful to those who haven't been able toreach the first stages of hypnosis, as well as those who apparently cango only so far. Actually, the same principles are involved. 

If the subject doesn't respond or responds to a limited degree, thereevidently is a cause or reason for this poor response. In order tocontinue this discussion, it will be necessary for us to agree that theresistance can be either conscious or unconscious. If the subjectinsists that he is trying to "let go, " has nothing to hide, is notafraid of hypnosis, understands what is involved and has strongmotivation, we can only assume that the resistance must be unconscious. Usually, it will be necessary to work through this unconsciousresistance before the subject responds. If the subject is conditioninghimself, this will involve a great deal of introspection, and even thenit is an extremely difficult job. One doesn't usually have properinsight into one's own emotional make-up. The end result is that one canonly rationalize about his behavior. 

Let us explore some interesting aspects of hypnosis with a view towardhelping you if you are having difficulty responding the way you desire. I have had the following paradoxical situation happen many times. Asubject calls my office, requesting to be conditioned for self-hypnosis. He further requests that he be allowed to bring along a member of hisfamily or a friend for the hypnotic session. These individuals usuallyask if I object to this procedure. I interpreted this request as a signof distrust during my early career as a professional hypnotist. I wasaffronted by the idea of the unspoken insinuation verbalized by thisrequest. Didn't they trust me? Between trying to defend myself andassuring them that there was no need for another person being present, since my secretary could observe the procedure, I usually "won" theargument but lost the client. As I developed understanding into theneeds of these persons, I began to realize that the request was notdirected at my integrity, but was a safeguard for their ego. 

[Illustration]

Here is an interesting sidelight that has happened frequently in regardto the foregoing situation. I would request the subject to sit near mydesk and tell the onlooker to sit in back and to the side of thesubject, away from the subject's view so as not to distract him. In thissituation, I invariably place the hypnodisc on a spinning, portablephonograph turntable and turn it upright for the subject to look at. Thehypnodisc, which is made of stiff cardboard, looks like a 12-inchphonograph record and has concentric heavy lines drawn on it. As itspins, the subject feels he is being pulled toward the center. At thesame time, it causes his eyes to become very tired. I have included adrawing of it on this page for those who are not familiar with thishypnotic device. The revolving hypnodisc causes a physiologicalreaction and must work with everyone. You feed back certain knownphysiological responses for the successful attainment of hypnosis. 

The onlooker has no choice but to look at the hypnodisc as well. As Isuggest to the subject that his eyes are becoming heavy and tired andthat soon he'll have an irresistible impulse to close them, the onlookeris naturally hearing the same suggestion. Because this person feelsapart from the hypnotic situation, there can be no conscious resistance. Since these defenses are not hampering the attainment of hypnosis, theonlooker may readily fall under hypnosis. More than once, the onlookerhas confided to me that he was getting a better night's sleep, wasfeeling wonderfully well or had derived other benefits since coming tomy office as an "observer. " The exact situation happens when the stagehypnotist is hypnotizing subjects on the stage. Many times a person inthe audience who had no intention of becoming hypnotized becomesinfluenced in the same manner. Incidentally, these individuals make thebest subjects. 

There are interesting theories as to why a subject responds or does notrespond to hypnosis. I think the reader would find some of thesetheories interesting and perhaps gain some insight into his own hypnoticbehavior. These theories are based primarily on a psychoanalyticalapproach to hypnosis. 

The most prevalent theory is that the hypnotist represents either thefather image (paternal or fear hypnosis) or the mother image (maternalor love hypnosis). The father usually represents an authoritarianfigure. The subject's identification can be on a conscious orsubconscious level. Let us suppose the subject has ambivalent feelingstoward his father. Because of this, he may not respond. Here is anopportunity to frustrate the authoritative (father) figure. The onlytrouble with this theory is that if there is an excellent relationshipbetween the father and subject, it doesn't necessarily mean that thesubject will respond easily. The stage hypnotist invariably uses astrong, authoritative approach with a great deal of success, but thisapproach generally does not work best in private practice. 

I have found that for the majority of subjects the maternal approachworks best. Perhaps the process of hypnosis awakens early unconsciousmemories of being put to sleep as a child. Some techniques that are usedin hypnosis are quite similar to this. The subject, who is lying down, is told to close his eyes and is spoken to in a quiet, reassuring, monotonous tone of voice. The hypnotist is seated near him. Thehypnotist even uses the same words that the subject has heard as achild: "Sleep. Go to sleep. When you awaken, you'll feel wonderfullywell. " In fact, I use some special music that I had recorded forinducing hypnosis. The first musical selection is Brahms' "Lullaby. "Children's music boxes invariably contain this selection, and the melodycannot help but activate a pleasant nostalgia. It is a memory associatedwith love and tenderness. This brings us to the fact that hypnosis mayoffer the subject a chance to escape from the reality of pressingproblems into a state of complete irresponsibility. In fact, one theoryof hypnosis equates the hypnotic state as a form of unconsciousregression and need for submission. 

The male subject may have a strong, positive identification with hismother rather than his father. It is part of the unresolved Oedipuscomplex. He sees his mother as a kind, loving individual, always readyto help. Even if the mother did something socially unacceptable, theindividual would defend her vehemently. The father who might dosomething wrong would rarely be excused. Just the opposite is true withthe female subject. When asking the female child, "Whose girl are you?", the answer is invariably, "Daddy's girl. " When asking the male child, "Whose boy are you?", the answer is invariably, "Momma's boy. " We acceptthis transference of identification as a normal process of growing up. When it isn't normally resolved, it can account for severe personalityproblems. One might assume, therefore, that a woman hypnotist couldbetter hypnotize a male subject, and a male hypnotist could betterhypnotize a female subject, but this is not true except for cases suchas we have just mentioned. 

One school of thought feels that there is a strong submissive tendencyin all of us and hypnosis gratifies this wish. The individual's need fordependence is also met. In this case, the hypnotist becomes omnipotent, being able to alter feelings that ordinarily distress the individual. Normally, adults, when confronted by a particularly upsettingexperience, might want to be held closely by an intimate friend ormember of the family. Don't we frequently put our arm around a friend ingrief trying to comfort him? The inner strength which is created byhypnosis within the total personality structure of the subject lessensdependency upon the hypnotist, much in the same fashion that we need thedoctor less as we start to recover from an illness. Self-hypnosisfurther lessens dependency for no authoritarian figure is used. 

The subject's attitude towards authority is important to know. It iswell-known that officers in the army are more difficult to hypnotizethan noncommissioned men. The enlisted man, by a process ofindoctrination and conditioning, is taught to obey and follow orderswithout reasoning. The transference of authority to the hypnotist isreadily accomplished because of this conditioning process. The armydoctor, when treating patients psychologically, replaces his army jacketwith a regular white medical jacket to increase rapport. 

One interesting theory is that the subject responds as he thinks thehypnotist would like him to. This is termed "role playing. " When askinga subject under hypnosis his name, you usually get a very slow, deliberate answer, as though the subject were in a trance. You tell himthat he can answer in a normal speaking voice and tempo and his furtherreplies are to be in the same manner as his waking state. 

Another theory along these lines is that the subject acts as he believesa hypnotized person would act. This, too, is role playing, but it doesnot explain analgesia, such as when the dentist hypnotizes the patientand proceeds to drill a tooth. No one (with the possible exception of ahighly neurotic psychic masochist) is going to endure excruciating painjust to please the doctor. 

One theory about hypnosis states that it allows the subject anopportunity of identifying with the hypnotist, whom he sees as apowerful figure. Through this identification, the subject is able togain inner strength. On the other hand, the subject might rebel againstthe submissive nature of the hypnotic setting. This could easily createanxiety which, in turn, could create hostility resulting in resistanceof various kinds. As a result of this, the subject might begin tocriticize the hypnotist, find fault with the way he (the subject) isbeing handled, question the judgment of the hypnotist, or doubt theeffectiveness of the hypnotic procedure. 

Many investigators assert that the "rapport, " meaning the relationshipbetween the subject and hypnotist, is all important. This is true andthe relationship can and does have many ramifications. In psychotherapy, the term "transference" is used to denote this relationship. Therelationship is further described as a good or bad transference. Thereis also a countertransference which indicates the reaction of thetherapist to the patient. Naturally, in order for the subject torespond, there must be good rapport. 

I have tried to indicate that there are complexities that may arise inthe hypnotic setting. There are many conflicting theories as to why asubject does or does not respond. There are no set rules to follow, andone's intuition, experience and judgment help solve any problem thatarises. 

Let me relate another frequent incident. I have had subjects come to meafter they were unable to be hypnotized by several other professionalhypnotists. They have complained that the hypnotists weren't "goodhypnotists" because they couldn't hypnotize them. After all, they ask, hadn't they been willing subjects? My usual answer is that the fault, ifthere is one, is not with the hypnotists and really not with thesubjects. It is a matter of exploring what has happened and thendeciding on a course of action to insure success. 

I am firmly convinced that the subject responds when he is positively, without equivocation, ready to do so. He keeps testing the response tomake sure he is in control. He fears a reduction in his voluntary levelof reality attachment and control. Unresponsiveness proves to him thathe has this control. As long as he does this, which is a naturalresponse, he never lets go sufficiently to attain hypnosis. Hypnosis, as we know, is a very sensitive state. It requires complete faith andtrust in the hypnotist. If it is lacking, the subject never doesrespond. The phenomenon of hypnosis is entirely subjective in nature, and its success lies within the total personality structure of thesubject. If there is resistance to hypnosis itself or to deepening thestate, the subject by his own honest evaluation and verbalization of hisresistance can do much to become a better subject. Hypnosis must beginwith the acceptance by the subject of certain basic fundamentals that wehave already discussed rather than of the forcefulness of the hypnotist. The deepening of the hypnotic state lies in the intensification of theconditioned response mechanism once it has been initiated. 

You should not expect to achieve immediate results although sometimesthis does happen. As you continue to work with perseverance, intelligence and enthusiasm, you will definitely achieve the goals thatyou have set for yourself. It is well to remember that you guideyourself toward the somnambulistic state, depending upon your belief andacceptance of those principles that have been outlined for you. 

I have attempted to point out some of the salient points and theories tokeep in mind in your attempt to develop into an excellent hypnoticsubject. Some of these only pertain to the situations where thehypnotist works with the subject. Many of the problems inherent in thissetting are not applicable to the situation where the subject ishypnotizing himself. Both settings have their advantages anddisadvantages. As long as you proceed to follow the instructions givenyou, you can feel assured that you will finally achieve self-hypnosis. 

It should be emphasized that it is vital to adopt the right frame ofmind in your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis, particularly a deepstate. If you approach hypnosis with a "prove-it-to-me" attitude, nothing is going to happen. Self-hypnosis requires practicing a set ofmental exercises or mental gymnastics. To acquire the ultimate from thistraining requires systematic conditioning. The word "training" is usedquite extensively in hypnotic literature. The use of the word impliesthat hypnosis can be attained by a training period. The literaturespeaks frequently of a subject being trained to respond in a certainway. Obviously, this means over a certain period of time. It also meansyou train yourself to become a good hypnotic subject. It is a skill thatall can acquire. 

There are four books dealing specifically with self-hypnosis that Iwould recommend to you for further reading. They are: _What is Hypnosis_by Andrew Salter, _Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis_ by Bernard Hollander, M. D. , _Autogenic Training_ by Johannes H. Schultz, M. D. , and_Self-Hypnosis--Its Theory, Technique and Application_ by MelvinPowers. 

Chapter 9

Techniques for Reaching the Somnambulistic State

As indicated in the last chapter, the attainment of the somnambulisticstage of hypnosis can represent an extremely intricate procedure. Because of certain inherent characteristics of this stage, it is easierto attain by hetero-hypnosis. However, this does not preclude the factthat it can be reached without the aid of a hypnotist. More importantthan the testing and deepening procedures that I shall outline for youin this chapter are an _understanding_ and an _awareness_ of some of thecomplexities involved, first in achieving the hypnotic state, thendeepening, and, finally, reaching somnambulism. There are no absolute orfinal answers to many of the problems that can arise. You can becomeentangled with rationalization so easily when you want the facts to fita particular theory. I point this out to the reader because, as thesubject goes deeper, the procedure can become more complicated. 

There are many interesting phenomena which can be elicited in thesomnambulistic state. They are of interest for the most part, tostudents of abnormal behavior and are pertinent from an academicviewpoint. They do not fall within the province of this book or ofhypnosis for therapeutic purposes and might lead the reader astray. Should readers be interested in further hypnotic phenomena, I refer themto _Modern Hypnosis_ by Leslie Kuhn and Salvadore Russo, Ph. D. , _Experimental Hypnosis_ by Leslie LeCron, _Time Distortion in Hypnosis_by Milton Erickson, M. D. And Lynn F. Cooper, M. D. , and _Hypnotism--AnObjective Study in Suggestibility_ by André M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph. D. 

As discussed previously, some individuals experience difficulty inattaining the deeper hypnotic states. My advice is to be patient and tocontinue working with yourself. It is not imperative or vital to reachthe somnambulistic stage for therapeutic results. It is a misconceptionon the part of many students that they must go into the deepest statepossible to obtain results. Dramatic changes can come about at alllevels of hypnosis. The somnambulistic state is necessary inhypnotherapy when there is a need for the patient to relive sometraumatic episode. It is also useful when the patient is reluctant toconsciously discuss certain aspects of his problem. Manyhypnotherapeutic techniques such as amnesia, hypermnesia, progression, paramnesia, automatic writing, dream induction, regression, productionof experimental conflicts and crystal or mirror gazing require asomnambulistic state. For those of you interested in hypnotherapy, I canrecommend no finer book than _Hypnotherapy of War Neuroses_ by John G. Watkins, Ph. D. In this book, the theory of hypnotherapy has beendiagramatically presented for easy comprehension and shown to be anamalgamation of concepts and practices from various schools of thought. 

Most students of hypnosis equate the phenomenon of amnesia with thesomnambulistic state. The mistake they make is in trying to achieveamnesia. It's similar to the dog trying to catch his tail. It isimpossible for the subject to effectively suggest amnesia to himself. Ifhe remembers what he was supposed to forget, he has failed. If he trulydoesn't remember what he was supposed to forget, he doesn't evenremember the amnesia suggestion and can take no satisfaction from hissuccess because he is not aware that he has accomplished theposthypnotic suggestion. Unless an elaborate set of posthypnoticsuggestions are worked out, it is an impossible test for self-hypnosis. 

I know the reader is anxious to begin his conditioning for thesomnambulistic state, but there are still a few pertinent remarks whichshould be remembered before proceeding further. The reader should notmemorize verbatim any of the tests involved in proving thesomnambulistic state. All that is necessary to remember is the generalform and the goal you seek. The goal is to increase your suggestibilitywhich, in turn, means deepening of the hypnotic state. After each step, you are to give yourself suggestions that you will go still deeper thenext time. You should also designate a specific length of time to workwith self-hypnosis. The suggestions are as follows: "I shall work withself-hypnosis for 15 minutes. At the end of that time, I shall open myeyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well. I'll be wide awake andrefreshed. In case of any danger, I'll be able to awaken immediately andact accordingly. "

Some hypnotists tell their subjects to "make your mind a blank. " Isuppose what they really mean is that you must try to think of only whatthe hypnotist is saying. Have you ever tried to make your mind a blank?Try it for a moment. It's an impossibility. Should the hypnotistpersist along these lines, he'll never be successful. It is the wrongapproach. The subject, because of his inability to comply with thissuggestion, is fighting a losing battle. It is also almost impossiblefor the subject to concentrate only on what the hypnotist is saying. Anyword the hypnotist says can start a conscious as well as unconscioustrain of thought. Therefore, in reality, this, too, is impossible. However, it really isn't necessary that the subject keep his thoughtsconcentrated solely on what is being said so long as they are kept inthe general area. At times, the more you try to concentrate, the moreyour thoughts become scattered. Suppose I say to you, "Forget theaddress 8721 Sunset Boulevard. " What happens? The more you try to forgetit, the more you remember it. Therefore, don't be concerned if youexperience stray thoughts during the induction and deepening ofhypnosis. You are now ready to continue with further tests. The firstfive tests should be mastered before continuing. 

Test No. 6 is referred to as the "fly" test. In this test, once underhypnosis, you picture that a fly is crawling on the back of your rightor left hand. Once you feel the fly, you know you are deeply hypnotized. You might even get an urge to move your hand and flick the fly off yourhand. When this happens, you know, of course, that you are deeplyhypnotized. Here is a sample of the type of suggestions to give:

"As I count to ten and even before I reach the count of ten, I shallfeel a fly crawling on the back of my right hand. This illusion willseem very real to me. One . .. My right hand is completely relaxed. Two. .. I feel completely at ease. Three . .. I am beginning to feel apleasant tingling feeling on the back of my right hand. Four . .. Thisfeeling is becoming strong. Five . .. It feels as though a fly is movingon the back of my hand. Six . .. I have had this same feeling before. Seven . .. I can feel the fly. Eight . .. The feeling is very definite. Nine . .. As I flick my hand the fly will disappear (If you have felt thefly, move your hand). Ten . .. It is gone. "

Test No. 7 is known as the "cigarette" test and naturally is only forthose of you who smoke. In this test, you give yourself posthypnoticsuggestions during the hypnotic state, awaken yourself, and then notethe effects of the posthypnotic suggestions. If the cigarette tastesbitter or has a repugnant taste or odor, and if you furthermore find itimpossible to smoke more than three puffs, necessitating your puttingout the cigarette, you know the posthypnotic suggestions are workingperfectly and that you are an excellent hypnotic subject. Here are thesuggestions to give yourself while you are under hypnosis:

"When I count to three, I shall open my eyes and wake up feelingwonderfully well and shall have a strong desire to smoke a cigarette. Upon lighting the cigarette, I shall notice that there is a very bitter, strong and repugnant taste to the cigarette. As I continue to smoke thecigarette, the distasteful effect will become stronger and stronger. Even though I realize that I have given myself these posthypnoticsuggestions, they will exert a strong force outside of my consciouscontrol, and I shall find it necessary to extinguish the cigarette afterthree puffs. As I now count to three, I shall open my eyes and wake upfeeling fine. One, two, three. "

Test No. 8 is called the "sun" test. In this test, you picture yourselfin a bathing suit, shorts or playsuit at the beach or some otherfamiliar place taking a sunbath. You imagine that it is a beautifulsummer day. As you see yourself relaxed, you imagine that a cloud isblocking out the sun, but as you count to three, the cloud will moveaway and you will feel the warm, pleasant glow of the sun's rays on yourface and hands. Here are the suggestions you can use:

"As I count to three, I shall feel the warm, pleasant rays of the sun onmy face and hands. One . .. The cloud is moving, and I can begin to feelthe warm, pleasant rays of the sun. Two . .. The cloud is moving more andmore, exposing more and more of the sun. I can feel the warmth of thesun's rays. Three . .. The cloud has moved away from the sun, and I canfeel the full, warm strength of the sun. It is a pleasant feeling, butas I continue to count to five, the warm feeling will dissipate. Four. .. The warm feeling is leaving. Five . .. The warm feeling has left, andI feel perfectly normal in every respect. "

A variation of this test is to see yourself lying comfortably in frontof a fireplace. In this instance, you imagine someone is adding wood tothe fire. As this is done, you feel the warm glow of the fire more andmore. Should you use the fireplace technique, try to incorporate thesound of rain into the picture. If you "hear" rain you have created apositive auditory hallucination and can consider yourself an excellentsubject. 

You can also visualize a situation where you would be cold. This is notas pleasant as the picture that one can conjure up about a fireplace andthus creates a bit more resistance since no one wants to feeluncomfortable. 

Test No. 9 is the "breeze" test. It can be combined with the previoustest. After you attain the feeling of warmth, you give yourself a countof three (or whatever number you want), suggesting that you will feelthe cool ocean breeze (if you are at the beach) on your face and hands. You can even carry this step further, suggesting that you'll even smellthe odor of the salt water. This is known as an olfactory illusion andshould you be able to create this effect, you can be sure that you are asomnambulistic subject. Here are suggestions you can use:

"As I count to three, I shall gradually feel the cool ocean breezecoming over the waves. It will be a very pleasant feeling. One . .. I ambeginning to feel the cool ocean breeze, especially on my face andhands. Two . .. The breeze is becoming stronger and stronger. Three . .. Ican definitely feel the cool ocean breeze. As I continue to count tofive, I shall smell the pleasant, healthy aroma of the salt water. Four. .. I am beginning to smell the salt water. Five . .. I can definitelysmell the salt water. "

Now you give yourself appropriate suggestions that the feeling(illusion) will vanish as you awaken or at a specific count. It can beas simple as this: "As I count to three, I shall open my eyes and awakenfeeling very refreshed. The feeling of the cool ocean breeze and smellof the salt air will have vanished completely. " At this point you countto three and open your eyes. 

Test No. 10 is the "handclasp" test. This is used frequently to test thedepth of hypnosis. You fold your hands with your fingers tightlyinterlocked and place your palms together. You then give yourself ahypnotic suggestion that at the count of three, it will be impossiblefor you to unlock your hands. After you try and are unable to unlockyour hands, you continue counting to five, suggesting that you will beable to do so when you reach the count of five. Incidentally, you shouldremove any ring you may be wearing before trying this test. Here are thesuggestions you can follow:

"As I complete the count of three, I shall try to unlock my hands butwill be unable to do so until I count to five. One . .. My hands arelocked tightly together. Two . .. My fingers are locked tighter andtighter. Three . .. It is impossible for me to unlock my hands until Icount to five. Four . .. As I reach the count of five, I shall be able tounlock my hands very easily. Five . .. I can now unlock my hands veryeasily. "

Test No. 11 is the "arm" test. Here is another test used frequently totest the receptiveness to hypnosis. Make a tight fist and extend yourarm in front of you as far as possible. Visualize your arm as one solidmass, as stiff and rigid as a bar of steel. After your arm is extended, give yourself a hypnotic suggestion that you will be unable to bend yourarm when you complete the count of three. As you continue to count tofive, you will be able to bend your arm very easily. Here is a form ofsuggestion you can use:

"As I reach the count of three, I shall try to bend my arm, but it willbe impossible to do so until I count to five. No matter how hard I try, it will be absolutely impossible. One . .. My arm is stiff and rigid as abar of steel. Two . .. I can feel the rigidity in my arm. Three . .. It isimpossible for me to bend my arm until I count to five. Four . .. I canfeel the stiffness slowly leaving. Five . .. I can now bend my arm easilyand it feels normal in every respect. "

Test No. 12 is the "eye" test. This is probably the most widely usedtest in hypnosis. Many subjects equate the inability to open the eyeswith hypnosis. Many assume that if they can open their eyes, they havenot been hypnotized. I must emphatically point out that this is nottrue. The subject can fail the eye test and yet have been underhypnosis. In the deep, somnambulistic state, the subject can open hiseyes without affecting the depth of the hypnotic state. In fact, this isdone many times in getting the subject to do automatic writing, crystalgazing, mirror gazing, hypnodrama and revivification. In carrying outposthypnotic suggestions in any state, the subject is frequently toldthat he will open his eyes and carry out the suggestion. 

I have found that there is more anxiety connected with the eye test thanwith any other test. I feel that it is a normal reaction and one thatmust be anticipated by the hypnotist as well as the subject. Occasionally, while hypnotizing a new subject, he will open his eyes. This can happen when the subject feels he is losing consciousness. Hisability to open his eyes proves to him that he is in control. One of themain fears that the subject has is his belief that he will losevoluntary control of himself. The fact that he can open his eyes lessenshis anxiety. 

If there seems to be too much threat to the individual, I use a methodthat you can follow. Instead of suggesting that the subject will beunable to open his eyes at a specific count, I suggest that he will beso relaxed that it will be too much effort to open his eyes until afurther count is given. Actually, what could take less effort? Here aresuggestions you can use:

"As I count to three, I shall try to open my eyes, but I shall be unableto do so because I feel so relaxed. It will just take too much effort toopen my eyes until I reach the count of five or tell myself to awaken. One . .. My eyes are closed, and I am in a very deep state of hypnosis. Two . .. My eyelids are stuck tightly together. Three . .. It is nowimpossible for me to open my eyes. I shall be able to open them thoughat the count of five. Four . .. I shall be able to open my eyes veryeasily at the count of five. Five . .. I can now open my eyes and wakeup feeling alert and fully refreshed. "

In accomplishing the eye test, you try to create a vivid picture ofyourself being completely and fully relaxed. If you really exerted agreat deal of effort, you could open your eyes, but because of thepleasantness of the completely relaxed state, you prefer not to do so. It can be likened to your enduring the cold winter air when you are halfasleep in bed instead of getting up to close the window which has beenleft open too much. You can, of course, get up and close the window, butit becomes a matter of expending too much energy. Instead, you choose toendure the discomfort or suggest that your spouse close the window. 

For the following three tests, you give yourself the suggestions asoutlined in the previous tests. It should be pointed out again that atthe conclusion of the test, you give yourself a suggestion that you willfeel normal in every respect. 

Test No. 13 is the "music" test. This test involves creating an auditoryhallucination. Give yourself the suggestion that at a specific count youwill hear your favorite song. It will last for one minute and then fadeout. 

Test No. 14 is the "dream" test. It is incorporated in a great deal ofhypnotherapy. The subject is told that as the hypnotist counts to three, the subject will have a dream lasting for several minutes which he willremember. This dream, furthermore, will call his attention to animportant incident that he has long forgotten, yet which will berelevant to his problem. In self-hypnosis, you suggest to yourself thatat a specific count you will have a very pleasant dream lasting forseveral minutes, at the end of which time you will awaken feelingrefreshed. For those readers further interested in producing dreams, Ican highly recommend a very fascinating book called _The ExperimentalProduction of Dreams During Hypnosis_ by Professor David Ballin Klein. 

Test No. 15 is the "anesthesia" test. This is conducted by tellingyourself that you will not feel the pain associated with the act ofpinching yourself. You suggest that you will feel the pressure of yourfingers but will not feel the pain involved. _I urge the reader not tostick pins in himself to test the anesthesia. This can be dangerous, lead to infection and cause other harmful results. _ You should also notdig your nails into your skin to make sure that you don't feel pain. 

Chapter 10

A New Approach to Self-Hypnosis When All Else Fails

Let us assume that you have tried diligently to learn self-hypnosis fora month or more but have failed. You have worked faithfully followingthe instructions outlined in this book and other books on self-hypnosis, but somehow the state of hypnosis eludes you. Should you give up indespair, or is there still hope for you? Let me assure you that you canstill become an excellent subject. Let us examine several areas of thisproblem and a new approach that will help you achieve your ends. 

You must, first of all, ask yourself if you are feeling better andwhether you have made strides in the direction you desire while givingyourself suggestions in whatever stage of hypnosis you have achieved. Ifyour evaluation is affirmative to any degree, you can expect evengreater results. "But, " you may say, "how can I expect greater resultswhen I haven't achieved self-hypnosis?" My answer is you may beachieving self-hypnosis and not know it! The change to the self-hypnoticstate from the waking state can be imperceptible. Many times, prior totesting subjects under hypnosis, I ask them if they think they are inthe hypnotic state. The answer is invariably no. When asking thesubjects for a cogent reason for this answer, they usually exclaim thatthey are aware of what is going on and do not feel any different thanthey did before I started working with them. They are amazed to findthat various tests work so perfectly. 

Some subjects do not respond to hypnotic tests no matter how long youwork with them. For these persons, I usually de-emphasize the need forpassing the tests and concentrate on the therapeutic results which aredesired. This approach lessens anxiety and usually results in adeepening of the hypnotic state. It is my feeling that many subjectsresist any tests as the implication is that once the tests work, thesubject is under complete control of the hypnotist. The subject may fearthis supposed subjection on one hand and yet want it on the other hand. These forces can work unconsciously, and thus the attainment of hypnosisbecomes a very intricate, perplexing and trying procedure. Even thoughthis may be so, I can assure you that the problem and attainment ofhypnosis can be resolved. It is only a matter of motivation on the partof the subject. This is the main ingredient necessary for successfulhypnosis. 

Let me now explain a technique which has worked admirably for many whohave been frustrated because of their inability to achieveself-hypnosis. It involves _pretending you are hypnotized_ and goingthrough the motions of the various tests _as though you were a perfectsubject_. You will recall that one theory of hypnosis is that thesubject behaves in a manner that he believes is in keeping with hypnoticbehavior. This role playing is the basis for our unique approach. Asthe subject continues this procedure, he takes on the conditionedresponse mechanism necessary for self-hypnosis. Let us look at thefollowing examples of role playing. 

During the war, many soldiers who wanted to leave the army would pretendsomething was wrong with them. They would convince the authorities ofthe authenticity of their "illness, " and since nothing seemed to makethem better, they eventually were separated from the service because ofthe incapacitating disorder. But what happened to many of thesemalingerers after they were released from the service? I'm sure you knowthe rest of the story. The constant malingering was transformed by thisrole playing into a conditioned response pattern, eventually bringingabout the very undesirable condition responsible for their leaving theservice. I saw some of these individuals and more than once they told methat they had unwittingly hypnotized themselves into having the ailment. They wanted me to dehypnotize them. They actually turned out to be veryeasy subjects as they had become highly suggestible. Unfortunately, their super-ego structure was weak, they had difficulty in identifyingstrongly with anyone, and the relationship in hypnosis was superficialand without depth. 

I am going to relate another example which I hope will help youunderstand the role-playing technique for self-hypnosis. I have had thefollowing experience many times in giving hypnotic demonstrations beforevarious organizations. For some reason, even though I carefully ask thatonly those who desire to be hypnotized volunteer as subjects for thehypnotic demonstrations, an individual who has no intention ofcooperating comes up on the stage to poke fun at the hypnotist. Ingiving public demonstrations, I usually work with about ten subjectsand simultaneously give them the same suggestions and posthypnoticsuggestions. Once the subjects are hypnotized, I work with them withtheir eyes open. Using this technique, with each subject carrying out aposthypnotic suggestion, intensifies the responses of other subjects. There is also competitiveness to become the best subject. 

In the meantime, the individual who is really not under hypnosis has letthe audience know about it by winking or making a grimace when I was notlooking at him. Observing laughter and other audience reactions whichare not in keeping with what is happening at the precise moment duringmy lecture is my cue that I have an egocentric person on stage. Youmight ask, "Can't you tell when someone is faking?" It is extremelydifficult many times to do so. Once you are aware of it, however, yougive certain tests to the group. The exhibitionist doesn't know how torespond each time and you soon pick him out. 

Even when I know specifically who it is, I do not dismiss him. Interestingly, it is invariably a man. I continue with thelecture-demonstration; but I let the audience know that I am aware ofthe situation. This is the interesting part of this example. Thebumptious subject, by giving himself autosuggestions to comply withvarious posthypnotic suggestions, is actually engaging in our techniqueof role playing. The inevitable happens. He finds himself hypnotizeddespite his obvious intention not to be affected in any way. Anyhypnotist can recount similar incidents. 

What can you learn by the example just presented? What if you purposelyset about doing the same thing in your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis?The obvious answer is that the technique has a good chance of working, and as a result you will achieve self-hypnosis. This method has workedwith many recalcitrant subjects. To follow this plan, go back to chaptersix, "How To Attain Self-Hypnosis, " and use the role-playing technique. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how this approach will act as acatalyst. Remember, once you obtain the eye closure, give yourselfwhatever therapeutic suggestion you desire plus the posthypnoticsuggestion that the next time you will fall into a deeper and sounderstate of hypnosis at the count of three or any other cue you desire. 

I know you may protest using the role-playing technique with thequestion, "If I'm not under hypnosis, why give myself therapeuticposthypnotic suggestions to condition myself to go under hypnosis at aspecific count?" You may further protest that you are only foolingyourself. My answer is, "What if you are?" What is lost by doing it? Youhave everything to gain and nothing to lose. Are you not reallyinterested in the end result and not the means? The attainment of theself-hypnotic state is not in itself the end result; it is a means tohelp you achieve your goal. 

Don't many people carry or wear good-luck charms of a religious ornonreligious nature? Don't we accept these items in our society? Thefour-leaf clover and rabbit's foot as symbols of good luck have beenpart of our culture for a long time. We are all sophisticated enough toknow that they do not have an intrinsic value, but don't they dosomething for our mental attitude? This same pattern is precisely whatyou are to follow in using the role-playing technique. If you believe, expect and imagine that you will be successful in this approach toself-hypnosis, I can assure you that you will. 

May I urge you not to reject this novel and unorthodox approach. Manyhave had excellent results when other methods, even those of aprofessional hypnotist, have failed. Some of you may recognize thisapproach as another means of applying the visual-imagery technique. Whatever you choose to call it, I reiterate you can expect good results. It is only necessary that you follow the instructions and adopt theright attitude. By the right attitude, I mean that you should adopt theconviction that you are going to achieve self-hypnosis even though youmight have experienced difficulty up to now. Hypnosis is a convictionphenomenon. 

It is possible you may say you are not suggestible. Actually, your lackof response proves your suggestibility. You have been influenced bynegative suggestions. Everyone is suggestible to some degree. You havebecome extremely suggestible to conscious or unconscious stimuli whichare definitely affecting your ability to respond. You need only use thislatent suggestibility and make it work for you. What would you say aboutthe suggestibility of a person who doesn't want to talk about hypnosis?This person has never read a book on hypnosis and absolutely doesn'twant you or anyone else to hypnotize him. Would you believe this personis a potentially good hypnotic subject? I can tell you by practicalexperience that once this person allows himself to be hypnotized, heturns out to be a perfect subject. Responding to either end of thesuggestibility scale is indicative of success with hypnosis. It becomesa matter of manipulating this suggestibility skillfully in order toachieve results. 

Let me give you another example which may help. Which one of the twolines drawn on this page is longer? Line AB or line CD?

[Illustration]

What is your answer? Did you think both were the same? Take a ruler andactually measure them. You'll find line AB longer than CD. "But, " youreply, "every other time both lines were the same. " This is a familiaroptical illusion which is used many times in basic courses inpsychology. It is known as the Muller-Lyer illusion. My contention isthat if you said, "Both are the same size, " you are potentially a goodsubject. You respond perfectly to previous conditioning; thus, you areresponding as anticipated. If, on the other hand, you picked line AB, you are normally suggestible. If you honestly picked line CD, you areextremely cautious and respond best to "reverse psychology. " Once againyou are highly suggestible, but toward one extreme. 

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Here's another interesting experiment. Would you say that lines AB andCD were perfectly straight? I'll let you figure out what your responsemeans to this test by yourself. You can take a ruler to determine if thelines are straight. 

We all respond unconsciously to stimuli of some sort. Word associationtests are based on this principle. Aren't your reactions automatic tothe following terms: democratic party, republican party, communistparty, mother, father, movie star? If I mention the name of a famousperson, city or country, the same immediate unconscious reaction takesplace. Let's try it. Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, Albert Schweitzer, EleanorRoosevelt, Boston, New York City, Hollywood, Miami Beach, United States, England, France, Italy, Israel, Africa, Russia, China, India and SouthAmerica. The response and image keep changing, don't they?

I am trying to point out that this reaction is automatic because ofprevious conditioning. I could mention almost anything and the sameautomatic reaction would take place. The reaction would always be thesame unless something had happened to change or alter your response. Letus mention the word hypnosis. Some sort of reaction must take place. This can either be positive, negative, or neutral for our purposes. Youreally don't have to think about your response as it is automatic. Thepoint to remember is that a definite response has taken place which willeither help or hinder your attainment of hypnosis. If the responseshould be negative, it can be changed by gaining knowledge and actualexperience in hypnosis. It is natural to have a bit of uneasiness whenfirst experiencing or thinking about being hypnotized. After all, youhaven't been exposed to hypnosis in a therapeutic setting and couldn'thave formed a favorable reaction. Your response is probably derived froma fictionization of hypnosis. The initial task of the hypnotist is tocreate, by educating the prospective subject, a favorable attitude sothat the subject allows himself to be hypnotized. 

What does this mean specifically to you if you are having difficultylearning self-hypnosis? It means that through repeated exposures, youwill finally respond. You will realize there is no need for anxiety inregard to your response. This inner feeling will, in turn, have acumulative, favorable effect upon your unconscious which will result inyour finally responding to hypnosis. 

Suppose you still maintain and insist that you are not suggestible andwonder if you will ever respond to hypnosis. Furthermore, the assuranceI have given you up to this point doesn't seem to convince you. If youhave tried diligently to achieve self-hypnosis, you cannot be blamed, but let's try an experiment to test your suggestibility. It is well toponder my statement that if you do not respond, it is a sign of beingsuggestible, but in a negative sense. Lack of response is amanifestation of this negative suggestibility. My contention is that youare definitely suggestible. Let us see what happens to you in trying thefollowing classical experiment. It is called the Chevreul's Pendulumtest. 

Draw a circle with about a six-inch diameter and mark it as shown in theillustration. 

[Illustration]

Next, take a ring and attach a string to it. If you have a locket, itwill do as well. The hypnotist uses a crystal ball and chain for thisexperiment. Hold the end of the string or chain and keep the ring orwhatever object you are using about three inches above the center of thecircle. 

Now, concentrate and fix your gaze on the ring, crystal ball, or locket. Mentally suggest to yourself that the object will begin to revolve in acircular manner following the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. Picture in yourmind's eye that this circular motion is becoming wider and wider. Workat this image for several minutes. Did the object begin turning to theright following the numbers? Did the circle become larger and larger? Ifit did, you are absolutely suggestible, are influenced by your ownsuggestions and, therefore, if you follow instructions, can learnself-hypnosis. You can be trained to acquire this skill. 

If the experience did not work, try it again. Concentrate harder and tryto visualize more intently the object revolving in a circular manner. You are not to rotate the object consciously or help it in any way. Theaction must stem from your subconscious. The thought of the crystal ballor ring revolving in a clockwise or counterclockwise directioninvariably causes an involuntary muscular reflex action to take place. This phenomenon is known as an ideomotor action. Usually, as the subjectconcentrates more intensely, the reflex action becomes more profound, causing greater unconscious movement of the hand which, in turn, istransmitted to the object in the form of larger circles and greatermomentum. The time required for the successful accomplishment of thistest depends upon the degree of suggestibility of the subject. Aninteresting action is to see the object revolve in an opposite directionthan suggested. It gives a clue to the personality structure of theindividual. 

The Ouija board works on the same principle as the Chevreul's Pendulumtest. Many times the aspirant will remark, "I swear I didn't make itmove!" Mentalists find hidden objects in an audience using basically thesame approach, combined with clever techniques of distraction. The termgiven for this is "muscle reading. "

This is the point in question. If the crystal ball, ring or locket moveswithout conscious direction, you have successfully influenced yoursubconscious mind. Self-hypnosis involves the same procedure. The goalis to consciously cause a subconscious reaction. If the experiment doesnot work with your eyes open, try it with your eyes closed for aboutfive minutes. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Shouldyou want to prove to yourself that you are suggestible with your eyesopen, practice the technique every day for a week or two. The idea ofthe practice sessions is to reinforce and increase the response of theunconscious movement until you develop proficiency. It follows the lawsof the conditioned reflex theory expounded by Dr. Ivan P. Pavlov(1849-1936), the famous Russian psychologist. If, after several weeks, you should still not be successful, use the role-playing technique. Consciously make the object revolve. After a while, it will moveautomatically whenever you attempt the experiment. 

When this happens you will have proof of your suggestibility. It ishighly improbable that you will not be successful. It would be a rareoccurrence. By the same systematic efforts, I can assure you that youcan achieve self-hypnosis. If you are still not affected favorably, youmight consider one of the psychological means of inducing hypnosis. Thenext chapter will discuss this topic. 

I would recommend Pavlov's book called _Conditioned Reflexes_. Pavlov'sbook will further explain and clarify the concept of the conditionedresponse mechanism. It covers necessary conditions for the developmentof conditioned responses, their formation by means of conditioned anddirect stimuli, plus a tremendous amount of material which will help youin your understanding of the significance of the role-playing techniquein relationship to learning self-hypnosis. 

Chapter 11

Psychological Aids and Their Function

Psychological or mechanical aids are used to help put the subject in astate of hypnosis. The use of the aids helps increase the suggestibilityof the subject toward hypnosis. The two most widely used hypnotic aidsare the crystal ball and chain and the 12-inch hypnodisc. One reason isthat these two items have no other use or function outside of the areaof hypnosis. Therefore, when the hypnotist proceeds to use one of thesehypnotic devices, it must follow that a certain mental set, readiness, or receptivity must follow as a result of its introduction into thehypnotic setting. If the subject is uneasy about the hypnotic setting orhis response, the introduction of the hypnotic aid can mobilize thesubject's defenses which may be on a conscious or unconscious level. Generally, the mental set which follows helps augment whatever hypnoticsuggestions are given. Certainly the same mental set would not follow ifthe hypnotist used a paper clip as a means of helping with the inductionof hypnosis. It would only start the subject wondering about therelationship of the paper clip to hypnosis. It obviously isn't inkeeping with what the subject expects. 

It is important to utilize the subject's expectation as to what hebelieves takes place in the setting as long as this expectation does nothinder the induction of hypnosis. The mere act of turning down thelights or drawing the curtains before the hypnotist begins to work withthe subject is a non-verbal suggestion which can be considered as apsychological aid. The subject knows that the hypnotist is ready tobegin at this point. Actually, it isn't necessary to darken the room atany time to induce hypnosis. Doesn't the stage hypnotist work withglaring lights? The room is darkened (and I might add that I use thisprocedure myself) mainly for the psychological effect. If I feel thatthis procedure might cause anxiety, I proceed with the room undarkened. 

In discussing psychological aids, it is agreed that we are primarilyinterested in seeing the subject feel better or achieve whatever goalshe seeks through the intelligent application of self-hypnosis. If ahypnotic aid will help the subject achieve hypnosis, we can concur it isjustified. It is not to be considered a subterfuge. If the physicianadministers a placebo to a patient with the remark, "Here is a newmedication that can help your condition" and if this technique does helpalleviate the patient's condition, it is considered good medicine. 

You know beforehand that in using the 12-inch hypnodisc, the subject'seyes must begin to water, his eyelids must get heavy, and eventually hemust close them. Even before you begin to use the hypnodisc, you suggestthat these conditions will take place. During the induction of hypnosis, as these reactions are noted by the subject, a favorable, psychologicalattitude automatically develops which, in turn, helps furthersuggestions. If the subject reacts favorably to suggestions A, B, and C, it follows that he is more prone to accept suggestions D, E, and F whichare therapeutic in nature. The subject can relate better to the lattersuggestions when he has seen proof of his initial suggestibility. Thisapproach works better than beginning immediately with the lattersuggestions. The build-up of suggestions convinces the subject he is ina heightened state of suggestibility and can benefit from thetherapeutic suggestions of the hypnotist or his own. Perhaps this neededassurance is so helpful because it eliminates the anxiety of the subjectconcerning his suggestibility. He seeks and needs the satisfaction ofknowing he has attained the prerequisites necessary before anytherapeutic program can benefit him. The subject's prerequisites neednot be actually related to the hypnotic process, per se, but merelymatch his preconceived ideas about what is necessary. Let me give you anexample. 

Many subjects feel that they must experience amnesia before they canbenefit from hypnotic suggestions. This premise is inaccurate sincefavorable and lasting results can be achieved in any degree of hypnosis, depending, of course, on the nature of the problem. Let me relateseveral interesting occurrences that take place every so often in my ownpractice as a professional hypnotist. A subject who is responding wellto hypnosis, but not to the point of amnesia, insists that he will notbenefit until he is "knocked out" and doesn't remember what happened. Trying to convince him otherwise proves fatal. He just refuses to acceptwhatever explanation you give him. My own method is not to insist thatthe subject is wrong, but somehow to use his misconception in aconstructive manner. After getting him into a cataleptic state, Isuggest that I am going to stop talking for five minutes, during whichtime he is to mentally repeat "sleep" as he slowly and deeply inhalesand "deep sleep" as he slowly exhales. At the end of this time, he'll bein a very deep hypnotic state. Instead of remaining quiet for fiveminutes, I take ten minutes. I then begin to whisper suggestions to thesubject to determine if he is still under hypnosis or asleep. If he isasleep, I let him remain asleep for a still longer period of time, afterwhich interval I awaken him. I ask him if he remembers what I said tohim during the time he was deeply hypnotized. If he says, "No, " Iremark, "Very good. " I further point out to him that he has nowexperienced amnesia and will now make rapid strides. The subject, on theother hand, is pleased to see that I now agree with him, and, in fact, the interesting result is that he does make excellent progress becausehis preconceived requirements have been met. It should be pointed outthat I keep working with the subject until such time that he fallsasleep. The transition from hypnosis to sleep is normal. It is easy forthe subject to fall asleep because he is so relaxed. 

Let me tell you of a similar experience. Before telling you of thispsychological technique, it is only fair to point out that theprofessional hypnotist varies his approach from subject to subject, notonly to suit the needs of the subject but to break the monotony of usingonly a few successful procedures. His experimentation helps develop notonly new procedures, but new concepts relative to the general nature ofhypnosis and its many ramifications. I was interested to see what wouldhappen to a subject if he thought he was deeply hypnotized without evergiving him verbal suggestions or reassurance that he would feel betteror overcome his problem. Of course, if the technique did not workquickly, I would drop the procedure for a more orthodox approach. Instead of trying to really hypnotize the subject, my aim is to get himto sleep. Once he is asleep, I let him remain so for about 30 minutes. Without having ever given him a therapeutic suggestion, I awaken him andinquire if he remembered what happened. If the answer is, "No, " I tellhim I'll "hypnotize" him again next week and this concludes the visit. When he returns next week, I ask him, "How did you feel during theweek?" The answer is generally, "Much better. " I keep repeating thisprocedure until such time that the individual has attained the goalsthat he seeks. 

I know that the reader may be surprised that I would divulge such anunconventional procedure. The principle is the same as the physicianusing a placebo. I do so to illustrate the point that I made earlier inthis chapter that so long as certain of the subject's requirements aremet, whether valid or invalid, the subject's suggestibility is greatlyenhanced. Naturally, the unsuspecting subject equated the period of notremembering, which was, as we know, true sleep, with the somnambulisticstate. Actually, he was helped by self-hypnosis because he felt he wouldnow make progress because he proved to be such an excellent subject. Itis true, he was not using self-hypnosis as has been outlined in thisbook, but he had now achieved a heightened state of suggestibility(hypnosis) and was using this state to further his own ends. 

The attainment of self-hypnosis can be an intricate and elusiveprocedure as I have already pointed out. The purpose of the entire bookis to instruct, point out and give you the necessary understanding andknowledge required to achieve this end. Without this understanding, thiscan become a very frustrating effort. It is hoped that by understandingand being aware of some of the ramifications of hypnosis, you will beable to achieve your goal in the quickest possible time. It should alsobe pointed out that no two subjects react in the same way and thatdifferent methods and requirements are necessary to suit the individual. It is a mistake to try to make the subject adhere to a rigidmethodology. The greater flexibility of the hypnotic procedures, thegreater the chance for success. Let me, at this time, further discusssome of the hypnotic aids that are used in the induction of hypnosis. 

We have already discussed the use of the hypnodisc and crystal ball andchain. The same principles are involved in any other object which isused as a means of fixation or of tiring the eyes. Hypnotic phonographrecords and hypnotic tape recordings represent new devices that havebeen instrumental in conditioning subjects for self-hypnosis. Thesubject plays the record or tape on his phonograph or tape recorder andis conditioned over a period of time to respond to hypnosis at a givensignal or phrase. He, in turn, can change this key phrase to one of hisown choosing. Should you own or have access to a tape recorder, I wouldsuggest recording an induction of hypnosis and playing it back toyourself in this manner as though you were hypnotizing someone else. 

I have produced three different hypnotic records and a 30-minutehypnotic tape containing the three records which are sold commercially. One record, called the Musical Hypnotic Record, has a very pleasant, relaxing musical background as the voice of the hypnotist induceshypnosis. The second record, called the Metronome Hypnotic Record, incorporates the monotonous and lulling beat of an electric metronome inthe background. The subject is instructed to mentally repeat "sleep" ashe slowly inhales and "deep sleep" as he slowly exhales in rhythm withthe beat of the metronome. While the subject is concentrating on thisactivity, the voice of the hypnotist induces hypnosis. The third record, called Self-Hypnosis Record No. 3, contains only the voice of thehypnotist inducing hypnosis. It features a unique approach andtechnique. 

I have had a great deal of correspondence with those who have used thesephonograph records and the hypnotic tape for conditioning themselves forself-hypnosis. The results are quite interesting and run the range ofimmediate results to no results. One person wrote that one of therecords hypnotized him at the first playing and conditioned him forself-hypnosis, whereas he had failed to respond to hypnosis after manyvisits to one of the country's foremost authorities. I have had similarexperiences after having failed to hypnotize a subject despite manyattempts. I can only speculate that the subjects in these casesunconsciously resist the hypnotist because they feel a personal threat. Since the record is impersonal, they are better able to relax andsubsequently be hypnotized. Interestingly, this occurred when thesubject was convinced that he was a very difficult subject. It wouldseem that only then was the conditioned response pattern finallyestablished. The basic function of the hypnotic records and hypnotictape is to establish a conditioned response pattern to a given stimulus. In time, most subjects are conditioned by the intelligent and systematicuse of these recordings. 

Let me describe another varied approach to achieving self-hypnosis. Oneof the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in hisapproach in hypnotizing his subjects. As I have already pointed out, itis necessary many times to adopt a technique that is suitable to thesubject and not to make the subject adapt himself to the method ofinduction. 

We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put thesubject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete controlof his subject as the subject is able to put himself in the properpsychological frame of mind for hypnosis. Unfortunately, most subjectsdo not respond at the first session or sessions because of conscious orsubconscious fears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get thesubject to relax, or "let go, " he will naturally succumb to hypnosis. This is the problem that confronts all hypnotists. 

Merely suggesting to the subject to relax is not sufficient, as a rule, to bring about this desired mental state. The subject, at this point, cannot easily turn on or off his mental and physical feelings. Even ifwe have the subject lie down, this does not assure the hypnotic state asthe subject can still be tense. Our main problem is to get the subjectrelaxed. Our situation is similar to the physician telling his patientto go home and forget about a certain problem. I'm sure you'll agreethat the advice is virtually impossible to follow. 

One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject or inself-hypnosis lies in the fact that although we use terms such as"relax, " "let yourself go, " and others, the subject cannot readily putthe meaning of these words into effect. It is difficult for most peopleto let go when we live in a society that beckons us to "look sharp, " "besharp, " "be alert, " "be on the ball" and "make every minute count. "Emphasis on productivity does not lend to a society of relaxedindividuals. 

In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried manynovel innovations for inducing hypnosis and teaching individualsself-hypnosis. Some have met with a great deal of success and othershave failed. It is, furthermore, difficult to determine the causalfactors for success or failure. We can only theorize. 

I have used the following unorthodox technique for about a period of 15years. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it, althoughit must be admitted that it is not infallible. It is suggested to you asanother good technique. In order to help the subject relax, I have beenusing a phonograph record or tape that I recorded containing thecontinuous sound of various degrees of rain. One side has a half hour ofvery soft, light rainfall such as you have experienced in listening torain falling on grass, canvas or a tent top. The other side or trackcontains a half hour of rain effects such as one would hear in a heavydownfall with loud splatterings of water on the pavement. The record andtape were originally designed to help insomnia sufferers and laterincorporated into the hypnotic procedure. 

The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound ofthe rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowingfireplace. As you can note, the subject again incorporates thevisual-imagery technique. The relaxing effect thus produced over aperiod of time enhances his chances of success in attaining a deep, hypnotic state. 

There are many other interesting and unique devices and aids you can usefor inducing hypnosis. Rather than present them all in this book, I havefully described them and their technique of operation in a 144-pageillustrated catalog. This catalog not only contains a list of hypnoticaids, but a description and listing of over 450 hypnotism and self-helpbooks. Upon request, I shall be pleased to send it to you. Write to:Melvin Powers, 12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 andask for Hypnotic Catalog No. 7. Should you have any questions onself-hypnosis or hetero-hypnosis, I shall be pleased to answer you. 

Chapter 12

The Nature of Hypnosis

Although the nature and phenomena of hypnosis are still incompletelyunderstood, there are a multitude of theories which attempt to explainits mechanism and results. The most that can be done at this time is toexplore various views which are held by leading authorities at present. It can be said, however, that a majority of authorities agree thathypnosis ensues as a result of natural laws which have been incorporatedin the human organism since the beginning of man as he is today. 

The older theories show almost as much disparity as today, but for thepurposes of history it is probably necessary to enumerate only the"animal magnetism" of Frederick Anton Mesmer, and a mention of the"hysteria syndrome" of Jean Martin Charcot. Both names loom large in thehistory of hypnosis. Mesmer, an 18th century physician, believed thathypnosis occurred as a result of "vital fluids" drawn from a magnet orlodestone and which drew their unique qualities from the sun, moon andstars. Charcot, as well as Pierre Janet and others, was convinced thathypnosis was a form of hysteria and that only hysterics could behypnotized. The former (Mesmer) thought further that metal became imbuedby the solar qualities, and his system is also known as metalogy bywhich he meant the proper application of metals. Naturally, thesetheories have been largely abandoned today, although there are still afew who think that hypnosis is a form of hysteria. 

Some pioneers, notably Dr. William S. Kroger, a psychiatrically-orientedobstetrician and gynecologist who limits his practice to hypnotherapy, believe hypnosis is a conviction phenomenon which produces results thatparallel the phenomena produced at Lourdes and other religious healingshrines. His formula is that faith, hope, belief and expectation, allcatalyzed by the imagination, lead inevitably to hypnosis. He, likeEmile Coué before him, is convinced that you cannot "will" yourself tobe hypnotized, and that whenever the will and the imagination come intoconflict, the imagination wins out. This fits in perfectly, of course, with the author's already discussed visual-imagery technique whichrequires a high degree of imagination. Dr. Kroger, like a few others, has proved to his own satisfaction that all hypnotic phenomena can beproduced at a non-hypnotic level. 

A large number of hypnotists, including the author, has come to believethat hypnosis is a semantic problem in which words are the buildingblocks to success. Not just any words, but words which "ring a bell" ortap the experiential background of the subject. This is why "sleep"continues to be in the lexicon of the hypnotist even though hypnosis isthe antithesis of sleep. The word is used because hypnosis superficiallyresembles sleep inasmuch as the eyes usually are closed, the body in aposture of complete relaxation. Actually, the mind is hyperacute. Pavlov, however, believed that there was an analogy between sleep andhypnosis in that each involved cerebral inhibition. Words, of course, would be of little use without the added effect of his conditionedreflexology. 

Probably the most widely held theory is that hypnosis is a transferencephenomenon in which the prestige of the hypnotist and his relationshipto the subject plays an important role. This theory is bolstered by thefact that all schools of psychotherapy yield approximately the sameresults even though the methods differ. This would logically indicatethat the relationship between the therapist and the subject was thedetermining factor. The only trouble with this theory is that it doesnot explain self-hypnosis. On the other hand, we know that a stronginterpersonal relationship is necessary for hypnosis. 

In the opening chapter of the book, I explained that hypnosis was astate of heightened suggestion in which the subject adopted anuncritical attitude, allowing him to accept suggestions and to takeappropriate action. This is excellent as far as it goes, but it does notexplain how suggestion works. This is the crux of the hypnotic dilemmaand the answer is far from solved. Hypnotists are much like those whouse electricity every day of their lives, but have no idea of the natureof electricity. It is enough for them to know it has been harnessed fortheir use. 

If there is one thing virtually certain about hypnosis it is that someparts of the brain are inhibited and other parts expanded by theprocess. Pin-point concentration is given as the reason for thisselective procedure which narrows the horizon of the subject to what thehypnotist (or he, himself) is saying, screening out all other stimuli. But why is this high order of concentration so easy under hypnosis whenAsians, notably the Chinese, have been trying for centuries toconcentrate on one subject for as long as four or five seconds. We donot know the mechanics of this metamorphosis of an ordinary brain intoan organ of concentrated power. According to Janet, this is accomplishedthrough the formation of a group of unconscious memories and activitieswhich takes over the usual stream-of-consciousness type of thinking. Itis implied that the process may be atavistic. 

One of the newer theories--one held by Dr. Lewis R. Wolberg, apsychoanalyst--is that hypnosis is a psychosomatic process in that it isboth physiological and psychological in character. Physiologically, Wolberg believes that hypnosis represents an inhibition of the highercortical centers, and a limitation of sensory channels such as takesplace in sleep. He also believes that the psychological process operatesthrough transference. Others agree that it is a transference process, but that it is more of an extension of the subject's own psychicprocesses which is enlarged to include the voice of the hypnotist or hisown thoughts or voice. Incidentally, an excellent book along thesetheoretical lines is _Hypnotism--An Objective Study in Suggestibility_by André M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph. D. 

The newest theory in the field is of particular interest to thosereading this book inasmuch as it postulates that all hypnosis isself-hypnosis, that the patient always hypnotizes himself and that it isa wise hypnotist who knows who is hypnotizing whom. This is a logicalconclusion and it disperses any ideas that hypnotic patients becomedependent on their therapists. Actually, hypnotists today always teachtheir subjects self-hypnosis so that any chance of dependency isobviated. 

Milton V. Kline, professor of psychology at Long Island University, postulates that hypnosis is primarily retrogressive. He has written thatthe organism functions differently on various levels of behavior(regression), and that the behavior breaks down into component parts. The theory that regression can spotlight personality disorders found inmore infantile states is also widely held. He also is a proponent of theidea that hypnosis is an abnormal manifestation of a normal process, anopinion he shares with many. 

Dr. Kline thinks that retrogression and regression alter perceptions andfeelings, and, in the case of the latter, causes us to go backward intime to the point where re-education may be employed. This is alegitimate use of regression although it is not used so much these daysto uncover past traumatic incidents. Actually, regression, byduplicating the exact earlier age, manner of speech and thought, etc. , makes us once more as little children, a condition to be desired forcertain forms of therapy. 

An atavistic theory, held to some extent by Dr. Jerome M. Schneck, clinical associate professor of psychiatry, State University of New YorkCollege of Medicine, is that hypnosis should be equated with states ofimmobilization on the basis of his observation that some subjects equatehypnosis with "death. " He suggests this is comparable to the"death-feint" of animals to avoid danger. Others, primarily Europeans, have pointed out the analogy between the hypnotic state of animals andman. 

Another widely-held theory is that hypnosis is a state of dissociation, meaning that it constitutes a group of unconscious memories andactivities which may be dredged up to replace the stream ofconsciousness. Automaticism, of course, is inherently part of this view, and is presumed to negate volition. Activity of the cerebrum, whichcontrols the conscious and voluntary system, is renderednon-operational. 

My own thoughts on the matter are that hypnosis results from, first ofall, a good transference; secondly, from a conditioned reflex; thirdly, from the person acting as a hypnotized person (role playing), and, fourthly, from a suspension of the critical faculties. Along thelast-named line, I believe that hypnotic suggestions have an autonomy oftheir own which supersede all else in the hypnotic situation. There aremany more theories I believe are partially correct, but the ones namedwill do for the purposes of this volume. Incidentally, all the hypnosistheories presented are equally applicable to self-hypnosis except where, as in transference, it is obvious a therapist is needed. 

In conclusion, the author would like to take issue with those whobelieve that it is the monotonous intonations of the therapist thatcause the subject to lapse from the deeply relaxed state into truesleep. I have observed many times, by comparing verbalization withsilence, that the former gives the subject's mind a focal point ofattention which prevents him from entering a sleep state wherehypnotherapy is impossible. Like the man who cannot sleep because of anactive mind, sleep and myriad thoughts and suggestions are incompatible, and I believe, once a hypnotic state has been attained, that the subjectis kept awake (unless definite sleep suggestions are given) by thetherapist's series of suggestions. We have discussed the effect of theexperiential background at length, and surely nothing connotates sleepmore than closing one's eyes--test No. 1. And so, in my view, you aredoing two things when you talk to the subject; you are giving himhelpful suggestions, but you are also keeping him awake and hyperacuteso that these suggestions will sink in. 

Chapter 13

Practical Applications of Self-Hypnosis

With hypnosis on the march, there is practically no limit to its uses inthe field of medicine, and new applications are being discovered everyday. It should not be necessary to add, however, that some of these usesshould remain as they are--in the hands of professionals with years ofexperience in the area. One of the themes of this book has been thatlaymen should use hypnosis discriminately and intelligently. Noresponsible therapist would ever recommend masking or removing a symptomwhich was indicative of organic disease. For that reason, the practicaluses of self-hypnosis will be limited to measures that can be takensafely by the layman. The only possible exception to this will beinstructions on how to curb obesity, but even here it is suggested thata physician be consulted before embarking on a weight-reducing program. 

The foremost use of hypnosis has been for relaxation, and it becomesmore and more important as world tensions, anxiety and strain increasedaily and millions seek vainly to "get away from it all. " Inasmuch asall methods of hypnosis discussed in this book utilized relaxation asthe first step, it should not be necessary to go over this material. Simply review the many induction techniques. 

Lung cancer has become a very real threat to many people today, and theprofessional hypnotist is besieged with men and women who wish tocurtail or quit smoking. This is easier said than done because smoking, although there are no physical withdrawal symptoms when one stops, is astrong, conditioned reflex and cannot (except in rare instances) beaccomplished by the will alone. The best way to stop smoking is to makeit an impossibility, and that is exactly what you do when you follow themethod touched on in an earlier chapter. 

All of us have tasted or smelled certain foods or medicines thatnauseate us. The subject who wishes to quit smoking is asked to conjureup the vision and the actual taste and smell of the substances whichupset his stomach and offend his nostrils, transferring its propertiesto cigarettes. This, of course, must be done under hypnosis. The subjectthen conditions himself in the following manner: One . .. This cigarettetastes and smells just like (mention name of repugnant substance). Two. .. It is the most vile and repugnant taste I have ever encountered, andI shall not be able to continue after the third puff. At the third puff, I will develop a paroxysm of coughing. Three . .. I cannot smoke thecigarette any longer, and I will have to put it out. 

This sounds like a simple procedure, and yet it has worked forthousands. Some switch to chewing gum or candy, but the cure essentiallylies in substituting one conditioned reflex for another. This iscomparatively easy with hypnosis because, unlike narcotics, barbituratesor alcohol, smoking is purely a psychological addiction. There is noneed for tapering off. 

Stopping drinking, unlike smoking, doesn't involve merely the creationof a physical aversion to the drug. The patient's entire personalityshould be changed and more mature viewpoints substituted for theunrealistic and infantile viewpoints which lead to the addiction in thefirst place. The subject should give himself suggestions that he will beable to "face up" to the problems of every day life without recourse tothe crutch of alcohol. It is a well-known fact that nothing is as bad aswe think it is going to be once we confront it. 

One of the strange aspects of drinking is that it is actually a form ofself-hypnosis, and the cure lies in substituting a new viewpoint for theold. This fact can be demonstrated by the fact that drinking is begun inthe first place so that the individual can be "one of the boys" orbecause it is the thing to do. Those who do not drink, at least as asocial lubricant, according to this code, are "squares. " Because ofthis, self-hypnosis must be directed toward reorienting one's sense ofvalues. Sober reflection should convince anyone that the trulyintelligent person does not drink to excess. 

Nail biting is an unsightly habit, one that may even hinder one's socialacceptance. The help lies in a therapeutic approach similar to that forcigarettes. 

It is not hard to predict that many of those reading these pages aresuffering from overweight. With 30 million Americans in this category, it has become one of the nation's chief health problems, and it is thepredisposing factor in many other diseases such as heart trouble, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. If you are overweight, it iswell to remember that (unless you are one in a million) you cannotblame your glands. The plain truth is that you eat too much. 

We know today that overeating for some is an emotional problem, stemmingfrom feelings of rejection and insecurity. Individuals who feel unloved, whether this is truly the case or not, make up for this lack tothemselves by stuffing in large quantities of food. It would even appearthat these people are masochistic, making themselves even more unlovedby their gross gastronomical habits. A big factor in overweight in womenis "raiding the refrigerator" while doing their housework. Most of themdo this so unconsciously that they swear they eat less than most people. 

There are a number of appetite-curbing drugs on the market today, butthey should not be necessary for anyone who has acquired self-hypnosis. If you have learned to visualize yourself (visual-imagery) in differentsituations, you will have no trouble in picturing yourself having aslim, attractive figure, exactly as you were when you felt you lookedyour best. Keep this figure ever in mind and use it along withconditioning yourself against certain fatty and starchy foods. A trickused by some hypnotherapists is to have the subject purchase a dress orsuit several sizes too small and then work toward being able to wear it. This actually has worked in many cases because it adds the element ofcompetitiveness to the procedure. 

Not all people overeat because of emotional problems. Some come fromfamilies where "licking the platter clean" was the rule because food wasscarce. Others come from rich families where overeating by the parentsestablished a habit pattern in the children. Certain races andnationalities look on fat as a badge of wealth and prestige, andchildren in such an environment are likely to be deliberately overfed. Regardless of the reason for overweight, however, the use ofself-hypnosis is one of the answers to the problem. 

Simple headaches, arthritis, neuritis and other painful symptoms yieldreadily to hypnotic suggestion. If physicians have given up on theproblem and placed a subject on a maintenance drug dosage for pain, hypnosis can potentiate the drugs or even obviate them. 

Two of the major uses of hypnosis are in childbirth and for intractablepain of cancer or some other incurable diseases. Although patientsusually start with hetero-hypnosis, they are put on self-hypnosis assoon as possible, and there are many cases of women waiting too long andhaving their babies at home painlessly through self-hypnosis. The fatherinvariably is the only one excited in such cases. The mother knows thatshe is an excellent subject and has been instructed in prenatal classesabout every contingency that could arise. Inasmuch as stopping the birthpangs is similar to stopping other pain, the method should be learned sothat it can be accomplished in a minimum of time. 

The best way to stop pain is to let your right arm slowly rise while youare under hypnotic suggestion. Do not help it. If the suggestions arestrong enough, it will "float" up. As soon as the arm is straightoverhead, you should give yourself the suggestion that it is as rigidand unbending as a bar of steel. Following this, a suggestion is giventhat the hand is beginning to tingle and become numb. As soon as thenumbness has spread through the entire hand, it will be insensible topain. The hand is then placed against the part of the body where painexists, and you will feel the numbness flowing from the hand to theaffected area. This happens as a result of your suggestions and is themethod followed by most subjects. Only a deep somnambulistic subject isable to remove pain by direct suggestion to the painful part. 

There are many people today using self-hypnosis in the realm of sports, and an entire book has been written on improving one's golf game withthis method. It is called _How You Can Play Better Golf UsingSelf-Hypnosis_ by Jack Heise (Wilshire Book Company--Publishers). 

Dr. Huber Grimm, team physician of the Seattle University basketballteam, recently related the results when Dave Mills, a six-foot five-inchjunior forward, asked for his help because he "froze" duringcompetition. He had been benched on the eve of the West Coast AthleticConference tournament in San Francisco. Spectators made Mills so fearfulthat he was afraid he would make mistakes--and in this frame of mind, ofcourse, he did. Under hypnosis, Dr. Grimm suggested to Dave that hewould be unaware of the spectators, be completely relaxed and would playexceedingly well. Dr. Grimm asked coach Vince Cazzeta to allow Dave toplay and the result was astounding. Mills scored 60 points and cleared63 re-bounds, and his brilliant play led to his selection on theall-tournament team. 

"All I did was free his spirit, " Dr. Grimm reported. "He was in need ofconfidence, and I gave it to him through hypnosis. " The Associated Presstold the story as follows: "Dave Mills, a vacuum cleaner off theback-boards, led a fast-breaking Seattle University team to victory lastnight. It was hard to recognize Mills as the same player who has beenwith the Chieftains all year. "

Dr. William S. Kroger, a pioneer in hypnosis, undertook to improve thebatting of a professional baseball player with equally sensationalresults. The player had been "beaned, " and his fear of a recurrence wasso strong that he became "plate shy. " He had changed his batting stanceso that he always had "one foot in the bucket" so that he could backaway from the plate more quickly. He was given a posthypnotic suggestionthat such an event happening again was exceedingly remote, and this wasamplified by suggestions of confidence that he would immediately startslugging as well as ever. His batting average soared immediately. 

Dr. Michio Ikai, professor of physiology at Tokyo University, and Dr. Arthur H. Steinhaus of the George Williams Laboratory of PhysiologicResearch in Physical Education, Chicago, have proved that track men canfar surpass their best previous times under hypnosis. Their tests, incidentally, proved that there is no danger of an athlete going beyondhis physiologic limit while bettering his former marks. They attributethe superior performances to the removal of inhibitions, whichpsychologically prevent an athlete from doing his best. This report wasmade before the International Congress on Health and Fitness in theModern World held in Rome during the last Olympic games. 

All reports, as a matter of fact, show that athletic performances areimproved by psychological, not physical, means, and that built-inautomatic reflexes protect the athlete against the danger ofoverexertion at all levels of awareness--hypnotic or non-hypnotic. 

Psychologists are using hypnosis more and more to facilitateconcentration and learning, and it is likely this use of the ancientscience will become even more popular than its medical applications. Thereason one learns so quickly under hypnosis is because of timedistortion which allows you to obtain the equivalent of many hours ofstudy in a relatively short length of time. 

Undoubtedly, you have had experience with time distortion in your dailylife. Remember how slowly time goes when you are not interested in whatyou are doing and how fast it speeds by when you are? And the drowningman, who sees his whole life go by, is an excellent example of this. Enough people have been saved to know that this actually happens. Thepoint is that the subconscious mind does not record the passage of timethe same way as the conscious mind. 

The conscious mind records time physically, by means of a clock. It isobjective and tells you that a thought or movement requires a certainnumber of seconds, minutes, hours or days. 

Your subconscious mind has an entirely different concept of time thathas nothing to do with the physical world. It is called subjectivebecause your own sense of the passage of time is used. 

Personal time varies according to the circumstances in which you findyourself. Haven't you noticed that when you are happy or extremelyinterested in something, time passes quickly? On the other hand, if youare sad or anxious, time seems to drag. 

This is called time distortion. When you continue in a happy state, timeis automatically shortened. When you are in a state of unhappiness, painor anxiety, time automatically lengthens. This explains why the drowningman can review his entire life within seconds. Psychologists know thisis possible, because your subconscious mind contains a complete recordof everything that has happened to you since birth. Therefore, inmoments of extreme distress your subconscious has the ability to distortand manipulate time. 

If you have ever encountered danger or had a narrow escape, you probablyexperienced time distortion. Everything about you went into slow motion, and time seemed to stand still until the action was over. At that point, objective time started up again and everything returned to normal. 

Many of you no doubt read an Associated Press report from Chicago onFebruary 11, 1958, which reported how movie actress Linda Darnell hadused hypnosis to help her with her first stage role. She had been askedto do the part on short notice and had no time for preparation. MissDarnell telephoned her California physician for aid. He flew to Chicago. 

Overnight, through hypnosis, Miss Darnell learned her part and astoundedthe cast by knowing everyone's lines. Not only did she learn the part, but she was coached in the character of the artist she was portraying. As a result, "Late Love" was a hit play. Miss Darnell was under theimpression she had been learning the part for a week although only about48 hours were involved and these hours were not continuous. After herfirst performance, she said: "I never felt so secure about playing arole in my life. Hypnosis helped me feel the part completely. "

Imagine how much more we are going to be able to learn when study underhypnosis becomes widespread. And the best part of it is that thelearning is in your mind for a long time. Forgetting or mental blocksthat interfere with your recall of the information at any time, arereduced to a minimum. 

In conclusion, I should like to recommend the entire field ofself-hypnosis to everyone. It is a therapy which is positive, dynamicand constructive. An excellent example of this is contained in theautobiography, _Rachmaninoff's Recollections_. In this book, immortalRachmaninoff describes in detail his success in overcoming a severe caseof mental depression. He had stopped composing and kept to himself, seldom leaving his room. After meeting with failure, using the availabletherapeutic remedies available at that time, he was persuaded by hisrelatives, the Satins, to seek the help of a hypnotist called Dr. Dahl. With much reluctance, he agreed to see Dr. Dahl and be treatedspecifically with hypnosis. Rachmaninoff's own words read as follows:"Although it may sound incredible, hypnosis really helped me. Already atthe beginning of the summer I began again to compose. The material grewin bulk, and new musical ideas began to stir within me--far more than Ineeded for my concerto. I felt that Dr. Dahl's treatment hadstrengthened my nervous system to a miraculous degree. Out of gratitude, I dedicated my second concerto to him. As the piece had a great successin Moscow, everyone began to wonder what possible connection it couldhave with Dr. Dahl. The truth, however, was known to Dr. Dahl, theSatins, and myself. "

Does this story sound incredible? You have the word of one of theworld's greatest musical composers that hypnosis alleviated his severedespondency. This is proof that the emotions of the individual can bechanged by the ideas he builds up about himself. 

Dr. Leland E. Hinsie, professor of psychiatry, Columbia University, writing in his book, _The Person in the Body_, (W. W. Norton & Co. )states, "In some persons the fear of disease is often the only damagingevidence of disease, yet it can be so strong as to disable the person inall his daily activities. " The entire field of psychosomatic medicine, which deals with the interrelationship between body and mind, has as oneof its basic tenets that suggestion not only can cause psychologicalpersonality disorders, but many physical disorders as well. 

It is, therefore, logical to conclude that the systematic use ofpositive mental attitudes in an organized, progressive, self-improvementprogram can be a vital influence in helping you lead a healthier life, both emotionally and physically. 

Many people in need of help are at a loss as to where they can locatereputable hypnotherapists in their area. You may consult your familyphysician, county medical society or mental hygiene society. Thechairman of the psychology department at your nearest college oruniversity would usually have this information. I maintain a file ofover 4, 000 doctors located all over the world who practice hypnosis andwould be pleased to refer you to doctors located in your locality. 

The following national organizations maintain a specialized list:

 American Academy of Child Psychiatry 335 S. Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 

 American Academy of Psychoanalysis 750 Park Avenue New York 21, N. Y. 

 American Group Psychotherapy Association 2 E. 103rd St. New York 29, N. Y. 

 American Psychiatric Association 1700 18th St. , N. W. Washington 9, D. C. 

 American Psychological Association 1333 16th St. , N. W. Washington, D. C. 

 American Speech and Hearing Association 10801 Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852

 National Association for Mental Health 10 Columbus Circle New York 19, New York

 National Association for Retarded Children, Inc. 99 University Place New York 3, New York

 National Council on Alcoholism, Inc. 2 E. 103rd St. New York 29, N. Y. 

 National Health Council 1790 Broadway New York 19, N. Y. 

 National Institute of Mental Health U. S. Public Health Service Bethesda 14, Maryland

 Veterans' Administration Psychiatry & Neurology Service Department of Medicine

THE POWERS HYPNOTIC EYES

[Illustration]

Here is an original technique that can be used very successfully ininducing hypnosis. The technique consists of using two glass eyes witheyelashes that close as you rotate the mechanism that holds the eyes inplace. This action is similar to closing your eyes when falling asleep. You suggest to the subject as you hold these two eyes between your thumband first finger that his eyes will become extremely heavy and tired asthe eyes that you are holding begin to close. You then gradually beginto rotate your hand which causes the eyes to partially close. Thesubject, finding it extremely difficult to look at the eyes, begins toclose his own eyes in unison with those that you are holding. Youcontinue giving suggestions of hypnosis and before you know it thesubject is under hypnosis. The eyes are the size of human eyes and arecolored blue with brown eyelashes in order to give the exact effect oflooking into real eyes. 

The advantage comes in the fact that the subject begins to blink hiseyes immediately and you suggest to him that this is the beginning ofthe hypnosis. It is just about impossible to look into anyone's eyeswithout blinking and this technique accomplishes this purpose. Usingthis knowledge, you incorporate it into your technique and induce thedeep hypnosis accordingly. You can, of course, use this technique forself-hypnosis as well. 

The Powers Hypnotic Eyes (1 pair) $1

HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL & CHAIN

[Illustration]

I have had many requests for a hypnotic crystal ball and chain. Ifinally have been able to secure these and am offering them now for thefirst time. The crystal ball measures one inch in diameter and isactually made of genuine methacrylate which is crystal clear. A ten inchchain is secured to the crystal ball. You use this device the same asthe regular crystal ball but this time you incorporate the pendulumeffect which naturally causes the quick tiring of the eyes. 

Professional Size--Hypnotic Crystal Ball & Chain $2. 00

THE HAND HYPNODISC

[Illustration]

The hand hypnodisc is the size of the hypnodisc illustrated in thiscircular. It is rigid with a special lens-like plastic surface. Theminiature hypnodisc is held between the first finger and thumb like thecrystal ball and is used incorporating the techniques of the largehypnodisc as well as the crystal ball. 

As you slowly revolve this hypnodisc, the lens-like surface causes aseries of optical illusions to appear before the eyes of the subject. These moving illusions are ever present as you change the slightestdistance of the hypnodisc from the subject. 

This remarkable effect is achieved by the use of countless plasticlinear lenses which separate the multiple images laminated behind them, permitting a different picture to change continuously as you change theangle of view or distance. Naturally this device is extremely helpful incapturing the full attention of the conscious mind of the subject andhelps you to achieve the hypnotic state in the shortest possible time. 

Send forTHE HAND HYPNODISC

Price $1

POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL

[Illustration]

The Powers hypnotic crystal ball is extremely useful as an aid ininducing the hypnotic state. It is desirable to use it as an object ofconcentration for your subject while he is being hypnotized. 

The crystal ball lends an air of "mysticism" to the attainment of thehypnotic sleep and for some of your subjects this is the best approachin obtaining hypnotic control. There are individuals who will not reactto a strict scientific approach to hypnosis and it is with thesesubjects that the use of such a device as the crystal ball is ofinestimable value. 

The crystal ball is held between your thumb and first finger, abouttwelve inches from the subject's eyes and slightly above eye level. Thehypnotic crystal ball can easily be carried with you at all times. 

As you know, the employment of a crystal to induce the hypnotic sleep isone of the oldest methods used in hypnosis. I personally favor thisdevice and my students as well as myself have always had excellentresults using this technique. 

Send for POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL

Price $1

THE POWERS HYPNODISC

[Illustration]

Copyright 1951 by Melvin Powers

An effective yet inexpensive method of inducing hypnosis is with the aidof the hypnodisc spiral. In my book, "Hypnotism Revealed, " a picture ofthe hypnodisc unit with the hypnodisc spiral attached is shown. Above isa picture of my latest hypnodisc spiral. I am now offering the hypnodiscspiral as a separate unit which can be used with your phonographturntable. 

The spinning spiral will cause a series of optical illusions, causingimmediate eye strain and fatigue. The subject feels that he is beingdrawn into a deep, dark revolving cone. By your suggestions of hypnoticsleep, you can place your subject in the somnambulistic state veryeasily. With some subjects, hypnosis will take place almostinstantaneously. This technique is often employed in stage hypnotism. 

The use of the hypnodisc spiral is also an excellent method of achievingself-hypnosis. As you concentrate on the revolving hypnodisc spiral, yougive yourself suggestions of hypnotic sleep. You will note the opticalillusions as they occur and the pleasant, relaxing feeling thataccompanies these illusions. Giving yourself further suggestions ofhypnotic sleep, you find that you are easily able to attain the desiredstate of self-hypnosis. This method is one of the most successful andpopular techniques yet known for achieving hetero-hypnosis andself-hypnosis. At the Wilshire School of Hypnotism, all students in theself-hypnosis class are conditioned with the aid of the hypnodiscspiral. 

During my lectures, I place the entire hypnodisc unit on the platformwithout having the spiral revolve. Continuing with the lecture, I noteindividuals in the audience gazing intently at the hypnodisc spiral. Invariably before the end of the lecture, many will have put themselvesinto a deep hypnotic state. This group self-hypnosis was achievedwithout my mentioning anything about the hypnodisc. These individualsassumed that the unit is used to induce hypnosis and their looking at itwith that thought in mind produced the hypnotic state. 

The hypnodisc spiral is printed on firm cardboard, measures twelveinches in diameter, and has a hole in the center so you can place it onyour own phonograph turntable. It has the general appearance of atwelve-inch phonograph record. I am sure that you will be pleased withyour purchase of the hypnodisc. 

The hypnodisc is also available with four of the white spiraling areascolored in four different shades. The coloring is extremely interesting, fascinating, and very effective in inducing hypnosis as the hypnodiscrevolves. The COLORED HYPNODISC sells for $3. 00. 

Send for POWERS HYPNODISC

Price $2. 00

CASSETTE TAPES

 ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RECORDS ON CASSETTE TAPE $10. 00 ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD ON CASSETTE TAPE 5. 00 TWO HOURS OF MENTAL POWER RECORDS ON CASSETTE TAPE 10. 00

ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN TAPE (3¾ IPS)

One of the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in hisapproach in hypnotizing his subjects. As you know, it is necessary manytimes to adapt a technique that is suitable to the subject, and not tomake the subject adapt himself to the method of induction. 

We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put thesubject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete controlof his subject just as fast as he wants. Unfortunately, most subjects donot respond at the first session because of conscious or subconsciousfears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the subject torelax, or "let go, " he will naturally succumb to hypnosis. This is theproblem that confronts all hypnotists. 

Merely suggesting to the subject to relax or to "let go" is notsufficient, as a rule, to bring about this desired state. The subject, at this point, cannot turn on or off his mental and physical state ofbeing this easily. Even if we have the subject lie down, this does notassure the hypnotic state, as the subject can still be tense. Ourproblem is how to get the subject to relax. Our situation is similar tothe physician telling his patient to go home and forget about a certainproblem. I'm sure that you'll agree that the advice is virtuallyimpossible to follow. 

One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject, or inself-hypnosis, lies in the fact that although we use words such as:"relax, " "let yourself go, " and other similar terminology, the subjectcannot readily put the meaning of these words into effect. It isdifficult for most people to "let go" when we live in a society thatbeckons us to "look sharp, " "be sharp, " "be alert, " "be on the ball" and"make every minute count. " Emphasis on productivity does not lend to asociety of relaxed individuals. 

In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried manynovel innovations for inducing hypnosis. Some have met with a great dealof success and others have failed. It is difficult to determine thecausative factors for success or failure. We can only theorize. 

I have used, over the last ten years, a technique that I shall describenow. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it; however, itis not infallible. It is suggested to you as another good technique. Inorder to help the subject relax, I have been using a one hour taperecorder recording containing the continuous sound of various degrees ofrain. One half hour has a rain effect of very soft, light rainfall, ason grass, canvas or tent top. The other side contains a half hour of arain effect such as one would hear in a heavy downfall with prominentpatter of water on pavement. 

The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound ofthe rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowingfireplace. The relaxing effect thus produced enhances our chances forsuccess in attaining a deep, hypnotic state. 

The tape will play on all standard recorders and comes recorded at aspeed of 3¾ IPS. The tape alone is worth $2. 50. You therefore only pay$2. 50 for the actual recording. 

ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN TAPE $5

HALF-HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD (33-1/3 RPM)

[Illustration]

Should you not have a tape recorder we have a record (33-1/3 RPM)containing the sound of 15 minutes of light rain on one side and 15minutes of heavy rain on the other side. The record sells for $5. 

HALF-HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD $5

A PERSONAL WORD FROM MELVIN POWERS

PUBLISHER, WILSHIRE BOOK COMPANY

 Dear Friend:

 My goal is to publish interesting, informative, and inspirational books. You can help me accomplish this by answering the following questions, either by phone or by mail. Or, if convenient for you, I would welcome the opportunity to visit with you in my office and hear your comments in person. 

 Did you enjoy reading this book? Why?

 Would you enjoy reading another similar book?

 What idea in the book impressed you the most?

 If applicable to your situation, have you incorporated this idea in your daily life?

 Is there a chapter that could serve as a theme for an entire book? Please explain. 

 If you have an idea for a book, I would welcome discussing it with you. If you already have one in progress, write or call me concerning possible publication. I can be reached at (213) 875-1711 or (213) 983-1105. 

 Sincerely yours, MELVIN POWERS 12015 Sherman Road North Hollywood, California 91605

MELVIN POWERS SELF-IMPROVEMENT LIBRARY

ASTROLOGY

 ASTROLOGY: HOW TO CHART YOUR HOROSCOPE _Max Heindel_ 3. 00 ASTROLOGY: YOUR PERSONAL SUN-SIGN GUIDE _Beatrice Ryder_ 3. 00 ASTROLOGY FOR EVERYDAY LIVING _Janet Harris_ 2. 00 ASTROLOGY MADE EASY _Astarte_ 3. 00 ASTROLOGY MADE PRACTICAL _Alexandra Kayhle_ 3. 00 ASTROLOGY, ROMANCE, YOU AND THE STARS _Anthony Norvell_ 4. 00 MY WORLD OF ASTROLOGY _Sydney Omarr_ 5. 00 THOUGHT DIAL _Sydney Omarr_ 3. 00 WHAT THE STARS REVEAL ABOUT THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE _Thelma White_ 3. 00 ZODIAC REVEALED _Rupert Gleadow_ 2. 00

BRIDGE

 BRIDGE BIDDING MADE EASY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 5. 00 BRIDGE CONVENTIONS _Edwin B. Kantar_ 5. 00 BRIDGE HUMOR _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3. 00 COMPETITIVE BIDDING IN MODERN BRIDGE _Edgar Kaplan_ 4. 00 DEFENSIVE BRIDGE PLAY COMPLETE _Edwin B. Kantar_ 10. 00 HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE _Alfred Sheinwold_ 2. 00 INTRODUCTION TO DEFENDER'S PLAY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3. 00 SHORT CUT TO WINNING BRIDGE _Alfred Sheinwold_ 3. 00 TEST YOUR BRIDGE PLAY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3. 00 WINNING DECLARER PLAY _Dorothy Hayden Truscott_ 4. 00

BUSINESS, STUDY & REFERENCE

 CONVERSATION MADE EASY _Elliot Russell_ 2. 00 EXAM SECRET _Dennis B. Jackson_ 2. 00 FIX-IT BOOK _Arthur Symons_ 2. 00 HOW TO DEVELOP A BETTER SPEAKING VOICE _M. Hellier_ 2. 00 HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE IN REAL ESTATE _Albert Winnikoff_ 3. 00 INCREASE YOUR LEARNING POWER _Geoffrey A. Dudley_ 2. 00 MAGIC OF NUMBERS _Robert Tocquet_ 2. 00 PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BETTER CONCENTRATION _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING _Maurice Forley_ 3. 00 7 DAYS TO FASTER READING _William S. Schaill_ 3. 00 SONGWRITERS RHYMING DICTIONARY _Jane Shaw Whitfield_ 5. 00 SPELLING MADE EASY _Lester D. Basch & Dr. Milton Finkelstein_ 2. 00 STUDENT'S GUIDE TO BETTER GRADES _J. A. Rickard_ 2. 00 TEST YOURSELF--Find Your Hidden Talent _Jack Shafer_ 2. 00 WORLD WIDE MAIL ORDER SHOPPER'S GUIDE _Eugene V. Moller_ 5. 00 YOUR WILL & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT _Attorney Samuel G. Kling_ 3. 00

CALLIGRAPHY

 ADVANCED CALLIGRAPHY _Katherine Jeffares_ 6. 00 CALLIGRAPHY--The Art of Beautiful Writing _Katherine Jeffares_ 5. 00

CHESS & CHECKERS

 BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WINNING CHESS _Fred Reinfeld_ 3. 00 BETTER CHESS--How to Play _Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 CHECKERS MADE EASY _Tom Wiswell_ 2. 00 CHESS IN TEN EASY LESSONS _Larry Evans_ 3. 00 CHESS MADE EASY _Milton L. Hanauer_ 3. 00 CHESS MASTERY--A New Approach _Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 CHESS PROBLEMS FOR BEGINNERS _edited by Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 CHESS SECRETS REVEALED _Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 CHESS STRATEGY--An Expert's Guide _Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 CHESS TACTICS FOR BEGINNERS _edited by Fred Reinfeld_ 3. 00 CHESS THEORY & PRACTICE _Morry & Mitchell_ 2. 00 HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS _Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 1001 BRILLIANT WAYS TO CHECKMATE _Fred Reinfeld_ 3. 00 1001 WINNING CHESS SACRIFICES & COMBINATIONS _Fred Reinfeld_ 3. 00 SOVIET CHESS _Edited by R. G. Wade_ 3. 00

COOKERY & HERBS

 CULPEPER'S HERBAL REMEDIES _Dr. Nicholas Culpeper_ 2. 00 FAST GOURMET COOKBOOK _Poppy Cannon_ 2. 50 GINSENG The Myth & The Truth _Joseph P. Hou_ 3. 00 HEALING POWER OF HERBS _May Bethel_ 3. 00 HEALING POWER OF NATURAL FOODS _May Bethel_ 3. 00 HERB HANDBOOK _Dawn MacLeod_ 3. 00 HERBS FOR COOKING AND HEALING _Dr. Donald Law_ 2. 00 HERBS FOR HEALTH--How to Grow & Use Them _Louise Evans Doole_ 3. 00 HOME GARDEN COOKBOOK--Delicious Natural Food Recipes _Ken Kraft_ 3. 00 MEDICAL HERBALIST _edited by Dr. J. R. Yemm_ 3. 00 NATURAL FOOD COOKBOOK _Dr. Harry C. Bond_ 3. 00 NATURE'S MEDICINES _Richard Lucas_ 3. 00 VEGETABLE GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS _Hugh Wiberg_ 2. 00 VEGETABLES FOR TODAY'S GARDENS _R. Milton Carleton_ 2. 00 VEGETARIAN COOKERY _Janet Walker_ 3. 00 VEGETARIAN COOKING MADE EASY & DELECTABLE _Veronica Vezza_ 2. 00 VEGETARIAN DELIGHTS--A Happy Cookbook for Health _K. R. Mehta_ 2. 00 VEGETARIAN GOURMET COOKBOOK _Joyce McKinnel_ 3. 00

GAMBLING & POKER

 ADVANCED POKER STRATEGY & WINNING PLAY _A. D. Livingston_ 3. 00 HOW NOT TO LOSE AT POKER _Jeffrey Lloyd Castle_ 3. 00 HOW TO WIN AT DICE GAMES _Skip Frey_ 3. 00 HOW TO WIN AT POKER _Terence Reese & Anthony T. Watkins_ 2. 00 SECRETS OF WINNING POKER _George S. Coffin_ 3. 00 WINNING AT CRAPS _Dr. Lloyd T. Commins_ 3. 00 WINNING AT GIN _Chester Wander & Cy Rice_ 3. 00 WINNING AT POKER--An Expert's Guide _John Archer_ 3. 00 WINNING AT 21--An Expert's Guide _John Archer_ 3. 00 WINNING POKER SYSTEMS _Norman Zadeh_ 3. 00

HEALTH

 DR. LINDNER'S SPECIAL WEIGHT CONTROL METHOD _P. G. Lindner, M. D. _ 1. 50 HELP YOURSELF TO BETTER SIGHT _Margaret Darst Corbett_ 3. 00 HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION _Dr. Robert A. Kraskin_ 3. 00 HOW YOU CAN STOP SMOKING PERMANENTLY _Ernest Caldwell_ 3. 00 MIND OVER PLATTER _Peter G. Lindner, M. D. _ 3. 00 NATURE'S WAY TO NUTRITION & VIBRANT HEALTH _Robert J. Scrutton_ 3. 00 NEW CARBOHYDRATE DIET COUNTER _Patti Lopez-Pereira_ 1. 50 PSYCHEDELIC ECSTASY _William Marshall & Gilbert W. Taylor_ 2. 00 REFLEXOLOGY _Dr. Maybelle Segal_ 2. 00 YOU CAN LEARN TO RELAX _Dr. Samuel Gutwirth_ 2. 00 YOUR ALLERGY--What To Do About It _Allan Knight, M. D. _ 3. 00

HOBBIES

 BEACHCOMBING FOR BEGINNERS _Norman Hickin_ 2. 00 BLACKSTONE'S MODERN CARD TRICKS _Harry Blackstone_ 3. 00 BLACKSTONE'S SECRETS OF MAGIC _Harry Blackstone_ 2. 00 BUTTERFLIES 2. 50 COIN COLLECTING FOR BEGINNERS _Burton Hobson & Fred Reinfeld_ 2. 00 ENTERTAINING WITH ESP _Tony 'Doc' Shiels_ 2. 00 400 FASCINATING MAGIC TRICKS YOU CAN DO _Howard Thurston_ 3. 00 HOW I TURN JUNK INTO FUN AND PROFIT _Sari_ 3. 00 HOW TO WRITE A HIT SONG & SELL IT _Tommy Boyce_ 7. 00 JUGGLING MADE EASY _Rudolf Dittrich_ 2. 00 MAGIC MADE EASY _Byron Wels_ 2. 00 STAMP COLLECTING FOR BEGINNERS _Burton Hobson_ 2. 00 STAMP COLLECTING FOR FUN & PROFIT _Frank Cetin_ 2. 00

HORSE PLAYERS' WINNING GUIDES

 BETTING HORSES TO WIN _Les Conklin_ 3. 00 ELIMINATE THE LOSERS _Bob McKnight_ 3. 00 HOW TO PICK WINNING HORSES _Bob McKnight_ 3. 00 HOW TO WIN AT THE RACES _Sam (The Genius) Lewin_ 3. 00 HOW YOU CAN BEAT THE RACES _Jack Kavanagh_ 3. 00 MAKING MONEY AT THE RACES _David Barr_ 3. 00 PAYDAY AT THE RACES _Les Conklin_ 3. 00 SMART HANDICAPPING MADE EASY _William Bauman_ 3. 00 SUCCESS AT THE HARNESS RACES _Barry Meadow_ 3. 00 WINNING AT THE HARNESS RACES--An Expert's Guide _Nick Cammarano_ 3. 00

HUMOR

 HOW TO BE A COMEDIAN FOR FUN & PROFIT _King & Laufer_ 2. 00 HOW TO FLATTEN YOUR TUSH _Coach Marge Reardon_ 2. 00 JOKE TELLER'S HANDBOOK _Bob Orben_ 3. 00 JOKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS _Al Schock_ 3. 00

HYPNOTISM

 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES OF HYPNOSIS _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 BRAINWASHING AND THE CULTS _Paul A. Verdier, Ph. D. _ 3. 00 CHILDBIRTH WITH HYPNOSIS _William S. Kroger, M. D. _ 3. 00 HOW TO SOLVE Your Sex Problems with Self-Hypnosis _Frank S. Caprio, M. D. _ 3. 00 HOW TO STOP SMOKING THRU SELF-HYPNOSIS _Leslie M. LeCron_ 3. 00 HOW TO USE AUTO-SUGGESTION EFFECTIVELY _John Duckworth_ 3. 00 HOW YOU CAN BOWL BETTER USING SELF-HYPNOSIS _Jack Heise_ 3. 00 HOW YOU CAN PLAY BETTER GOLF USING SELF-HYPNOSIS _Jack Heise_ 2. 00 HYPNOSIS AND SELF-HYPNOSIS _Bernard Hollander, M. D. _ 3. 00 HYPNOTISM (Originally published in 1893) _Carl Sextus_ 3. 00 HYPNOTISM & PSYCHIC PHENOMENA _Simeon Edmunds_ 3. 00 HYPNOTISM MADE EASY _Dr. Ralph Winn_ 3. 00 HYPNOTISM MADE PRACTICAL _Louis Orton_ 3. 00 HYPNOTISM REVEALED _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 HYPNOTISM TODAY _Leslie LeCron and Jean Bordeaux, Ph. D. _ 4. 00 MODERN HYPNOSIS _Lesley Kuhn & Salvatore Russo, Ph. D. _ 5. 00 NEW CONCEPTS OF HYPNOSIS _Bernard C. Gindes, M. D. _ 4. 00 NEW SELF-HYPNOSIS _Paul Adams_ 3. 00 POST-HYPNOTIC INSTRUCTIONS--Suggestions for Therapy _Arnold Furst_ 3. 00 PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS _Melvin Powers_ 3. 00 PRACTICAL HYPNOTISM _Philip Magonet, M. D. _ 2. 00 SECRETS OF HYPNOTISM _S. J. Van Pelt, M. D. _ 3. 00 SELF-HYPNOSIS Its Theory, Technique & Application _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 SELF-HYPNOSIS A Conditioned-Response Technique _Laurence Sparks_ 4. 00 THERAPY THROUGH HYPNOSIS _edited by Raphael H. Rhodes_ 4. 00

JUDAICA

 HOW TO LIVE A RICHER & FULLER LIFE _Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin_ 2. 00 MODERN ISRAEL _Lily Edelman_ 2. 00 ROMANCE OF HASSIDISM _Jacob S. Minkin_ 2. 50 SERVICE OF THE HEART _Evelyn Garfiel, Ph. D. _ 4. 00 STORY OF ISRAEL IN COINS _Jean & Maurice Gould_ 2. 00 STORY OF ISRAEL IN STAMPS _Maxim & Gabriel Shamir_ 1. 00 TONGUE OF THE PROPHETS _Robert St. John_ 3. 00 TREASURY OF COMFORT _edited by Rabbi Sidney Greenberg_ 4. 00

JUST FOR WOMEN

 COSMOPOLITAN'S GUIDE TO MARVELOUS MEN Fwd. By _Helen Gurley Brown_ 3. 00 COSMOPOLITAN'S HANG-UP HANDBOOK Foreword by _Helen Gurley Brown_ 4. 00 COSMOPOLITAN'S LOVE BOOK--A Guide to Ecstasy in Bed 3. 00 COSMOPOLITAN'S NEW ETIQUETTE GUIDE Fwd. By _Helen Gurley Brown_ 4. 00 I AM A COMPLEAT WOMAN _Doris Hagopian & Karen O'Connor Sweeney_ 3. 00 JUST FOR WOMEN--A Guide to the Female Body _Richard E. Sand, M. D. _ 4. 00 NEW APPROACHES TO SEX IN MARRIAGE _John E. Eichenlaub, M. D. _ 3. 00 SEXUALLY ADEQUATE FEMALE _Frank S. Caprio, M. D. _ 3. 00 YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE _Dr. Tom McGinnis_ 3. 00

MARRIAGE, SEX & PARENTHOOD

 ABILITY TO LOVE _Dr. Allan Fromme_ 5. 00 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MODERN SEX & LOVE TECHNIQUES _Macandrew_ 4. 00 GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE _Drs. Albert Ellis & Robert Harper_ 4. 00 HOW TO RAISE AN EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY, HAPPY CHILD _A. Ellis_ 3. 00 IMPOTENCE & FRIGIDITY _Edwin W. Hirsch, M. D. _ 3. 00 SEX WITHOUT GUILT _Albert Ellis, Ph. D. _ 3. 00 SEXUALLY ADEQUATE MALE _Frank S. Caprio, M. D. _ 3. 00

METAPHYSICS & OCCULT

 BOOK OF TALISMANS, AMULETS & ZODIACAL GEMS _William Pavitt_ 4. 00 CONCENTRATION--A Guide to Mental Mastery _Mouni Sadhu_ 3. 00 CRITIQUES OF GOD _Edited by Peter Angeles_ 7. 00 DREAMS & OMENS REVEALED _Fred Gettings_ 3. 00 EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION _Simeon Edmunds_ 2. 00 EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE--The First Encounter 6. 00 FORTUNE TELLING WITH CARDS _P. Foli_ 2. 00 HANDWRITING ANALYSIS MADE EASY _John Marley_ 3. 00 HANDWRITING TELLS _Nadya Olyanova_ 5. 00 HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DREAMS _Geoffrey A. Dudley_ 2. 00 ILLUSTRATED YOGA _William Zorn_ 3. 00 IN DAYS OF GREAT PEACE _Mouni Sadhu_ 3. 00 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE IN THE MASONIC TRADITION _Alex Horne_ 5. 00 LSD--THE AGE OF MIND _Bernard Roseman_ 2. 00 MAGICIAN--His training and work _W. E. Butler_ 3. 00 MEDITATION _Mouni Sadhu_ 4. 00 MODERN NUMEROLOGY _Morris C. Goodman_ 3. 00 NUMEROLOGY--ITS FACTS AND SECRETS _Ariel Yvon Taylor_ 3. 00 NUMEROLOGY MADE EASY _W. Mykian_ 3. 00 PALMISTRY MADE EASY _Fred Gettings_ 3. 00 PALMISTRY MADE PRACTICAL _Elizabeth Daniels Squire_ 3. 00 PALMISTRY SECRETS REVEALED _Henry Frith_ 3. 00 PRACTICAL YOGA _Ernest Wood_ 3. 00 PROPHECY IN OUR TIME _Martin Ebon_ 2. 50 PSYCHOLOGY OF HANDWRITING _Nadya Olyanova_ 3. 00 SUPERSTITION--Are you superstitious? _Eric Maple_ 2. 00 TAROT _Mouni Sadhu_ 5. 00 TAROT OF THE BOHEMIANS _Papus_ 5. 00 TEST YOUR ESP _Martin Ebon_ 2. 00 WAYS TO SELF-REALIZATION _Mouni Sadhu_ 3. 00 WHAT YOUR HANDWRITING REVEALS _Albert E. Hughes_ 2. 00 WITCHCRAFT, MAGIC & OCCULTISM--A Fascinating History _W. B. Crow_ 5. 00 WITCHCRAFT--THE SIXTH SENSE _Justine Glass_ 3. 00 WORLD OF PSYCHIC RESEARCH _Hereward Carrington_ 2. 00 YOU CAN ANALYZE HANDWRITING _Robert Holder_ 2. 00

SELF-HELP & INSPIRATIONAL

 CYBERNETICS WITHIN US _Y. Saparina_ 3. 00 DAILY POWER FOR JOYFUL LIVING _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3. 00 DOCTOR PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS _Maxwell Maltz, M. D. _ 3. 00 DYNAMIC THINKING _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 EXUBERANCE--Your Guide to Happiness & Fulfillment _Dr. Paul Kurtz_ 3. 00 GREATEST POWER IN THE UNIVERSE _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 GROW RICH WHILE YOU SLEEP _Ben Sweetland_ 3. 00 GROWTH THROUGH REASON _Albert Ellis, Ph. D. _ 4. 00 GUIDE TO DEVELOPING YOUR POTENTIAL _Herbert A. Otto, Ph. D. _ 3. 00 GUIDE TO LIVING IN BALANCE _Frank S. Caprio, M. D. _ 2. 00 HELPING YOURSELF WITH APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY _R. Henderson_ 2. 00 HELPING YOURSELF WITH PSYCHIATRY _Frank S. Caprio, M. D. _ 2. 00 HOW TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK _A. H. Z. Carr_ 3. 00 HOW TO CONTROL YOUR DESTINY _Norvell_ 3. 00 HOW TO DEVELOP A WINNING PERSONALITY _Martin Panzer_ 3. 00 HOW TO DEVELOP AN EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY _Young & Gibson_ 4. 00 HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR FEARS _M. P. Leahy, M. D. _ 3. 00 HOW YOU CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE AND POWER _Les Giblin_ 3. 00 HUMAN PROBLEMS & HOW TO SOLVE THEM _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3. 00 I CAN _Ben Sweetland_ 4. 00 I WILL _Ben Sweetland_ 3. 00 LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE _Michael Barsley_ 3. 00 MAGIC IN YOUR MIND _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 MAGIC OF THINKING BIG _Dr. David J. Schwartz_ 3. 00 MAGIC POWER OF YOUR MIND _Walter M. Germain_ 4. 00 MENTAL POWER THROUGH SLEEP SUGGESTION _Melvin Powers_ 2. 00 NEW GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING _Albert Ellis, Ph. D. & R. Harper, Ph. D. _ 3. 00 OUR TROUBLED SELVES _Dr. Allan Fromme_ 3. 00 PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS _Maxwell Maltz, M. D. _ 2. 00 SCIENCE OF MIND IN DAILY LIVING _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3. 00 SECRET OF SECRETS _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 SECRET POWER OF THE PYRAMIDS _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 STUTTERING AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT _W. Johnson, Ph. D. _ 2. 50 SUCCESS-CYBERNETICS _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 10 DAYS TO A GREAT NEW LIFE _William E. Edwards_ 3. 00 THINK AND GROW RICH _Napoleon Hill_ 3. 00 THREE MAGIC WORDS _U. S. Andersen_ 4. 00 TREASURY OF THE ART OF LIVING _Sidney S. Greenberg_ 5. 00 YOU ARE NOT THE TARGET _Laura Huxley_ 3. 00 YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS POWER _Charles M. Simmons_ 4. 00 YOUR THOUGHTS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3. 00

SPORTS

 ARCHERY--An Expert's Guide _Dan Stamp_ 2. 00 BICYCLING FOR FUN AND GOOD HEALTH _Kenneth E. Luther_ 2. 00 BILLIARDS--Pocket · Carom · Three Cushion _Clive Cottingham, Jr. _ 3. 00 CAMPING-OUT 101 Ideas & Activities _Bruno Knobel_ 2. 00 COMPLETE GUIDE TO FISHING _Vlad Evanoff_ 2. 00 HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR RACQUETBALL _Lubarsky, Kaufman, & Scagnetti_ 3. 00 HOW TO WIN AT POCKET BILLIARDS _Edward D. Knuchell_ 3. 00 JOY OF WALKING _Jack Scagnetti_ 3. 00 LEARNING & TEACHING SOCCER SKILLS _Eric Worthington_ 3. 00 MOTORCYCLING FOR BEGINNERS _I. G. Edmonds_ 2. 00 RACQUETBALL MADE EASY _Steve Lubarsky, Rod Delson & Jack Scagnetti_ 3. 00 SECRET OF BOWLING STRIKES _Dawson Taylor_ 3. 00 SECRET OF PERFECT PUTTING _Horton Smith & Dawson Taylor_ 3. 00 SOCCER--The game & how to play it _Gary Rosenthal_ 3. 00 STARTING SOCCER _Edward F. Dolan, Jr. _ 2. 00 TABLE TENNIS MADE EASY _Johnny Leach_ 2. 00

TENNIS LOVERS' LIBRARY

 BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WINNING TENNIS _Helen Hull Jacobs_ 2. 00 HOW TO BEAT BETTER TENNIS PLAYERS _Loring Fiske_ 4. 00 HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR TENNIS--Style, Strategy & Analysis _C. Wilson_ 2. 00 INSIDE TENNIS--Techniques of Winning _Jim Leighton_ 3. 00 PLAY TENNIS WITH ROSEWALL _Ken Rosewall_ 2. 00 PSYCH YOURSELF TO BETTER TENNIS _Dr. Walter A. Luszki_ 2. 00 SUCCESSFUL TENNIS _Neale Fraser_ 2. 00 TENNIS FOR BEGINNERS _Dr. H. A. Murray_ 2. 00 TENNIS MADE EASY _Joel Brecheen_ 2. 00 WEEKEND TENNIS--How to have fun & win at the same time _Bill Talbert_ 3. 00 WINNING WITH PERCENTAGE TENNIS--Smart Strategy _Jack Lowe_ 2. 00

WILSHIRE PET LIBRARY

 DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING _Gust Kessopulos_ 3. 00 DOG TRAINING MADE EASY & FUN _John W. Kellogg_ 3. 00 HOW TO BRING UP YOUR PET DOG _Kurt Unkelbach_ 2. 00 HOW TO RAISE & TRAIN YOUR PUPPY _Jeff Griffen_ 2. 00 PIGEONS: HOW TO RAISE & TRAIN THEM _William H. Allen, Jr. _ 2. 00

_The books listed above can be obtained from your book dealer ordirectly from Melvin Powers. When ordering, please remit 50¢ per bookpostage & handling. Send for our free illustrated catalog ofself-improvement books. _

 Melvin Powers 12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605

WILSHIRE HORSE LOVERS' LIBRARY

 AMATEUR HORSE BREEDER _A. C. Leighton Hardman_ 3. 00 AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3. 00 APPALOOSA HORSE _Donna & Bill Richardson_ 3. 00 ARABIAN HORSE _Reginald S. Summerhays_ 2. 00 ART OF WESTERN RIDING _Suzanne Norton Jones_ 3. 00 AT THE HORSE SHOW _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3. 00 BACK-YARD FOAL _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3. 00 BACK-YARD HORSE _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3. 00 BASIC DRESSAGE _Jean Froissard_ 2. 00 BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO HORSEBACK RIDING _Sheila Wall_ 2. 00 BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE WESTERN HORSE _Natlee Kenoyer_ 2. 00 BITS--THEIR HISTORY, USE AND MISUSE _Louis Taylor_ 3. 00 BREAKING & TRAINING THE DRIVING HORSE _Doris Ganton_ 2. 00 BREAKING YOUR HORSE'S BAD HABITS _W. Dayton Sumner_ 3. 00 CAVALRY MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP _Gordon Wright_ 3. 00 COMPLETE TRAINING OF HORSE AND RIDER _Colonel Alois Podhaisky_ 4. 00 DISORDERS OF THE HORSE & WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM _E. Hanauer_ 3. 00 DRESSAGE--A Study of the Finer Points in Riding _Henry Wynmalen_ 4. 00 DRIVING HORSES _Sallie Walrond_ 3. 00 ENDURANCE RIDING _Ann Hyland_ 2. 00 EQUITATION _Jean Froissard_ 4. 00 FIRST AID FOR HORSES _Dr. Charles H. Denning, Jr. _ 2. 00 FUN OF RAISING A COLT _Rubye & Frank Griffith_ 3. 00 FUN ON HORSEBACK _Margaret Cabell Self_ 4. 00 GYMKHANA GAMES _Natlee Kenoyer_ 2. 00 HORSE DISEASES--Causes, Symptoms & Treatment _Dr. H. G. Belschner_ 3. 00 HORSE OWNER'S CONCISE GUIDE _Elsie V. Hanauer_ 2. 00 HORSE SELECTION & CARE FOR BEGINNERS _George H. Conn_ 3. 00 HORSE SENSE--A complete guide to riding and care _Alan Deacon_ 4. 00 HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS _Louis Taylor_ 4. 00 HORSEBACK RIDING MADE EASY & FUN _Sue Henderson Coen_ 3. 00 HORSES--Their Selection, Care & Handling _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3. 00 HOW TO BUY A BETTER HORSE & SELL THE HORSE YOU OWN 3. 00 HOW TO ENJOY YOUR QUARTER HORSE _Williard H. Porter_ 3. 00 HUNTER IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 2. 00 ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE HORSE _S. Sidney_ (8½" × 11") 10. 00 ILLUSTRATED HORSE MANAGEMENT--400 Illustrations _Dr. E. Mayhew_ 6. 00 ILLUSTRATED HORSE TRAINING _Captain M. H. Hayes_ 5. 00 ILLUSTRATED HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS _Jeanne Mellin_ 2. 00 JUMPING--Learning & Teaching _Jean Froissard_ 3. 00 KNOW ALL ABOUT HORSES _Harry Disston_ 3. 00 LAME HORSE--Causes, Symptoms & Treatment _Dr. James R. Rooney_ 3. 00 LAW & YOUR HORSE _Edward H. Greene_ 3. 00 LIPIZZANERS & THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL _W. Reuter_ (4¼" × 6") 2. 50 MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP _Harold Black_ 5. 00 MORGAN HORSE IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 2. 00 MOVIE HORSES--The Fascinating Techniques of Training _Anthony Amaral_ 2. 00 POLICE HORSES _Judith Campbell_ 2. 00 PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HORSESHOEING 3. 00 PRACTICAL GUIDE TO OWNING YOUR OWN HORSE _Steven D. Price_ 2. 00 PRACTICAL HORSE PSYCHOLOGY _Moyra Williams_ 3. 00 PROBLEM HORSES Guide for Curing Serious Behavior Habits _Summerhays_ 2. 00 REINSMAN OF THE WEST--BRIDLES & BITS _Ed Connell_ 4. 00 RESCHOOLING THE THOROUGHBRED _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3. 00 RIDE WESTERN _Louis Taylor_ 3. 00 SCHOOLING YOUR YOUNG HORSE _George Wheatley_ 2. 00 STABLE MANAGEMENT FOR THE OWNER-GROOM _George Wheatley_ 4. 00 STALLION MANAGEMENT--A Guide for Stud Owners _A. C. Hardman_ 3. 00 TEACHING YOUR HORSE TO JUMP _W. J. Froud_ 2. 00 TRAIL HORSES & TRAIL RIDING _Anne & Perry Westbrook_ 2. 00 TRAINING YOUR HORSE TO SHOW _Neale Haley_ 3. 00 TREATING COMMON DISEASES OF YOUR HORSE _Dr. George H. Conn_ 3. 00 TREATING HORSE AILMENTS _G. W. Serth_ 2. 00 WESTERN HORSEBACK RIDING _Glen Balch_ 3. 00 YOU AND YOUR PONY _Pepper Mainwaring Healey_ (8½" × 11") 6. 00 YOUR FIRST HORSE _George C. Saunders, M. D. _ 3. 00 YOUR PONY BOOK _Hermann Wiederhold_ 2. 00 YOUR WESTERN HORSE _Nelson C. Nye_ 2. 00

_The books listed above can be obtained from your book dealer ordirectly from Melvin Powers. When ordering, please remit 50¢ per bookpostage & handling. Send for our free illustrated catalog of selfimprovement books. _

Melvin Powers12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605

[Transcriber's notes:The heading "Chapter 13" was missing in the original and has been added. 

In the same chapter there is a list of addresses for organisations. Theaddresses for the American Group Psychotherapy Association and theNational Council on Alcoholism are the same in the original; it isunclear whether this is intentional. ]