Hypnosis downloads are generally delivered in MP3 format from the website of hypnotherapists and are aimed at the more common problems we face, such as, managing anxiety, weight loss, gaining more confidence and self-esteem.
Typically, they have 3 aspects; a relaxing introduction to get you relaxed and ‘hypnotized’ a middle section where suggestions are given to make the appropriate changes you are looking for, and finally, a wake up section at the end with further suggestions about taking more action in your life.
The theory behind how hypnosis CD’s work is reasonably simple; if we are consciously trying to change ourselves and we can’t, it stands to reason that our are actions are being generated unconsciously and no matter how hard we think about changing it is out of our grasp.
Through hypnosis the hypnotist relaxes the individual’s conscious mind which seems to cause it to ‘let its guard down’ which allows access to the unconscious mind.
Once the unconscious mind has been accessed useful new suggestions can be offered that can break the old out of date responses that were currently being experienced.
In my experience the unconscious mind is very much the animal part of us and wants us to be safe, it seems to generate our emotions and uses strategies very much like a child to keep us safe, often using simple strategies that do keep us safe, however, seem to ‘cut our nose off to spite our face.’
Often these unhelpful strategies were installed much earlier in our lives, perhaps during childhood and made sense at that time, so we received love or some form of reward; however, they usually are not right for this time of our life and just get in the way.
By accessing the unconscious and delivering new information and examples of more appropriate responses through storytelling and metaphor the unconscious seems to say ‘that’s a bit like me. Perhaps I could do that too….’ And change often follows.
It’s a little like accessing the child within us and growing her up, helping her to let go of old out of date anxieties and safety strategies.
Very few therapists give away free hypnosis downloads that are of high quality; usually they are purchasable for a small fee, perhaps $20 or so. I would recommend that you try to listen to a clip before purchasing as the quality can vary hugely.
So, are these hypnosis downloads worthwhile? Some are, but it depends a great deal on the skills of therapist and we will need to accept that these solutions will be quite general, as opposed to face to face therapy where you specific issues are explored. On the whole I’d say they certainly get you moving in the right direction.
For quality self help recordings and Hypnosis Downlaods, then visit John Glanvill’s site on therapy and Personal Growth.
Here is what we recommend for learning hypnosis. The best self hypnosis products we've come across are by Dr. Mike Mandel. Get them here recordings.
For learning how to do hypnosis (including covert or conversational hypnosis), I recommend Igor Ledochowski.
To see our entire list of hypnosis downloads visit this page
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Great post, I have tried a bunch of self help products, some can be ok, some not so great.