1470
hypnosis induction method and specific self-instructions for several
specific problems, like self-confidence, pain relief, weight loss, phobia
reduction, etc.
It is not necessary to be hypnotized in order to have vivid
imaginary experiences. Daydreams are vivid. The basic idea of
hypnosis and mental imagery is this: if you want to do something,
imagine yourself doing it over and over. This is also called goal
rehearsal. The idea is father to the act. Books by Lazarus (1977) and
Fanning (1988) are filled with examples of visualization (without
hypnosis) serving many purposes.
Purposes
By using hypnosis or mental imagery (without hypnosis) a person
can sometimes produce impressive results. Perhaps the most
astonishing is the control of pain. Many people (not everybody can)
have had dental work, surgery, and babies without pain. One of the
easiest experiences to have is relaxation which can counteract fears
and stress. If your behavior or someone else's is hard to understand,
the key is likely to be uncovering the thoughts and images occurring
between perceiving the situation and responding. Example: One
paraplegic sees only misery, another plans on going to graduate
school. Developing new intervening images and self-suggestions can
change certain behaviors, such as studying and concentration, help
control anger and sadness, build self-esteem, reduce bad habits, and
so on.
Steps
STEP ONE: Become familiar with self-hypnosis and/or mental
imagery.
There are several things to learn. First, you need to get a "feel" for
what is involved--some basic understanding. Second, you learn a
simple procedure for inducing self-hypnosis or using visualization.
Third, you practice these procedures several times. Fourth, you make
plans of exactly how to use hypnosis or visualization to change the
things that concern you. Only after this preparation do you start
actually trying to use hypnosis or visualization as a self-help method.
Almost all of us daydream. Our daydreams tend to be helpful re-
living of the past or rehearsing for the future, i.e. useful stuff. Very
few of our daydreams are self-aggrandizing or erotic fantasies.
Sometimes they relieve the boredom, but most of the time they
involve some emotion--a important event, a threat, a frustration, a
hope, etc. Daydreaming is like brainstorming, a chance to mentally
test out and practice different solutions. There is evidence that
daydreamers concentrate better, are more empathic, less fearful,
more lively and alert, may enjoy sex more, and generally are more fun
