There are a variety of applications for hypnosis - but for the purpose of self-help we use what is called hypnotherapy. As the name implies, hypnotherapy is simply the use of hypnosis in a therapeutic context.

While hypnotherapy is most frequently used to rid people of bad habits like smoking and over-eating; it has been proven useful in a variety of therapeutic areas; from overcoming sexual issues to pain relief.

How Hypnosis Works:

Hypnosis generally begins by putting the recipient into a hypnotic state. The process of inducing this state is known as an induction procedure. In old movies this was frequently shown being done with a pocket watch and some soft words - but these days most hypnotists use a combination of calming techniques and more sophisticated audio (and sometimes visual) triggers. Self-hypnosis also first puts the user into a receptive state, using audio techniques in combination with the same calming methodology, albeit pre-recorded. Commonly used are Binaural Beats - designed to guide the users brain wave patterns towards a certain state (Usually Alpha or Theta), as well as calming audio backgrounds such as ocean waves, a waterfall, etc.

Once the user is in a receptive state, hypnotic suggestions are spoken to them. The particular suggestions will vary depending on the users goals; but will generally work best when:

The suggestions are believable to the user:
Being in a receptive state doesn't mean the listener is receptive to anything - i.e. you can't suggest someone stop smoking for fear they'll burst into flames or get bitten by a snake each time they light a cigarette.

The suggestions are desirable to the user:
This is usually the case with hypnotherapy, as the user has already decided to get help with what they consider problematic. Most people, even in the deepest hypnotic state simply won't do things they really don't want to do.

Because the user is in a receptive state the suggestions given to them and more readily accepted, as the more cynical thought processes present in a "normal" state are simply bypassed by the process of hypnosis.