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A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Melvin Powers, Chapter 4. How Does Self-Hypnosis Work?

Chapter 4. How Does Self-Hypnosis Work?

There's an old Chinese proverb that states: "One picture is worth a thousand words.

In conveying suggestions to the subconscious, we have found that picture images are more effective than the words that are implanted. For example, it isn't sufficient to say, "I will be confident." The words must be augmented by a picture of yourself as the confident person you want to be. If you say, "I can't visualize myself as a confident person because I have never been that way," you can "borrow" those personality traits that you want for yourself. Imagine yourself endowed with the characteristics of some confident person that you know. The qualities that you seek may even be borrowed from a famous person. If this isn't possible, make up a personality which is a composite of all the things you want to be. See yourself walking, talking and carrying on activities. Keep fortifying this image with the mental suggestions that are needed. It won't be long before these mental impressions give rise to the confident feelings that you seek. As you keep implanting these images, they will become a natural part of your conscious personality. Dr.

S. J. Van Pelt, president of the British Society of Medical Hypnotists and editor of the British Journal of Medical Hypnotism , writes about this technique in his book, Secrets of Hypnotism . He calls it "'3-D' Technique in Medical Hypnotherapy." As you read the following paragraph, it would be well to remember that it contains the essence of making the self-hypnosis technique work once you have achieved the hypnotic state, per se. Incidentally, the same procedure can be used in attaining the hypnotic state itself. You see yourself entering the state of hypnosis in your initial attempts. This, in turn, sets up a conditioned response and a favorable emotional reaction which is necessary. "The writer has found (visualization) of the greatest value in the re-education of the patient, which is an essential part of hypnotherapy.

In this method, after the cause of the trouble has been discovered and as a part of his re-education, the patient is instructed while under only light hypnosis to 'form a picture' in his mind. He is asked to imagine a movie screen and to see himself 'just like an actor' on this screen playing a part. He is told that the picture looks 'very real'—'3-D' in fact—and that he can see himself acting and looking the way he really wants to look and act. Various scenes are suggested such as ... the patient will have to face in real life. In each he is instructed to see himself—'as in real life'—always succeeding. For instance, the stammerer might be asked to picture himself speaking easily to people, and feeling perfectly at ease. The patient is also instructed how to form these 'success pictures' for himself, and it is stressed that he will only be able to see himself as he wants to be—successful. Since the pictures give rise to the appropriate feelings, it is not long before the patient begins to show the benefit of his private '3-D' film shows. After explaining this technique to students, many have inquired, "Is that all there is to it?

It seems so simple." Of course, there is more to it in that the individual must follow through with the instruction. This is one of the difficult aspects of this type of program. Let me enumerate some of the problems I have encountered in teaching self-hypnosis. As mentioned, one of the difficulties is that the technique seems too simple.

Students become skeptical. They feel it should be more complicated and involved in order to get results. I suppose people better appreciate something that comes only after a hard struggle. This procedure is devoid of this. Of course, I am not saying that once a person begins to use this technique his problems will automatically vanish and his life will be cheery forever after. We have been conditioned to think that success in anything can only come after a long, hard struggle. This is the basic theme of the American way of life. We have been accustomed to believe that conflict and struggle are part of life and large doses of it are necessary before we achieve success in any field. I can only reiterate that the information contained in this book is all you need to get results. It is necessary that you follow through and not give up after you have tried the program for a short while and have obtained no appreciable results. This brings us to another point. Many persons expect immediate results when they begin to use self-hypnosis.

If they don't get the results they anticipated immediately, they want to know "what's wrong?" My answer is usually that "nothing is wrong" and that they need only keep steadily applying the instructions. Certainly, one doesn't become a proficient typist, musician, actor or sportsman because he has mastered the basic techniques. It takes time to acquire proficiency. Let me assure you that anyone using and applying this technique can benefit from it.

One of the troubles in dealing with any problem is routing defeatism and hopelessness. You can incorporate posthypnotic corrective measures in the suggestions that you give yourself. However, I believe that they must be dealt with on a conscious level as well. You must believe that you can conquer your difficulties no matter how long you have had them. If you are prepared to work with self-hypnosis in an unremitting manner, you will achieve the self-help that you seek. Now and then, you can anticipate a setback in your progress, but this needn't discourage you from your overall task. Recount the progress already made. If you have a "let-down" because you expected quicker and more dramatic results, remember that this is a common feeling shared by many with emotional problems. Remember, also, how long you have had the problem. No doubt, you have tried other methods and became discouraged because you weren't making the progress you had anticipated.

You dropped the idea and landed back where you started. Make up your mind, consciously, that you will work with untiring sincerity and a perseverance that will not falter because your chosen goal is not achieved immediately. I know of no therapy that leads straight to positive results without obstacles and intermittent failure. Success comes in spite of intervening failures because the ultimate direction has been clearly thought out and charted. Self-hypnosis will finally work because you are constantly conditioning your subconscious to react in a positive, constructive manner. The program must, of necessity, become automatic in nature. When it does, you will suddenly find yourself feeling the way you wanted to and doing the things that you set out to do with the aid of self-hypnosis. You actually cultivate those feelings that you want. Hypnosis will not work with skeptics.

Every so often such a person comes to my office seeking help. He tells me that his family physician or his spouse feels he should take my course in self-hypnosis. I inquire if he feels 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, I still feel he is not ready for the course, I suggest another mode of treatment for him. The reason for this is that unless the person is optimistic and enthusiastic about self-hypnosis, it just isn't going to work as effectively as it would otherwise. The very nature of a skeptical attitude limits the constructive forces that we wish to harness. Occasionally, individuals want indisputable proof that hypnosis is going to help them.

It is impossible to give them the proof and unqualified reassurance that they seek. Yet, these same people do not require proof from their physicians. No one can guarantee success. However, I do point out that the continued and intelligent use of self-hypnosis can be instrumental in directing the healing, curative, constructive forces of nature. Many times, a metaphysical rather than a scientific approach is required.

It's a matter of trying to satisfy the patient's needs. At times, it is helpful to allow the patient to attend a class in self-hypnosis. Being able to communicate and identify with other individuals seeking self-hypnosis often is enough to change his attitude. This is especially true when one or more of the students relates dramatic changes. Self-hypnosis works because we are able to condition ourselves to various stimuli.

We condition ourselves consciously and unconsciously to many activities. When we experience anxiety, it stems from a conditioning process which could have been conscious or unconscious. In self-hypnosis, the individual consciously works toward implementing and strengthening 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 know that placebos work admirably in numerous cases. The dictionary defines the word placebo as, "an inactive substance or preparation, administered to please or gratify a patient, also used in controlled studies to determine the efficiency of medicinal substances." Many controlled experiments have shown that people achieve similar results whether they take a placebo (which they think is the real medication) or real medication that was prescribed. Several years ago many such tests were carried out with antihistamines to prevent colds. The results were always the same. We are interested in what makes the placebo act as effectively as the true 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 the marvelous new medicine. A recent scientific study by one of the leading pharmaceutical houses concluded that one third of the effectiveness of any medication depends upon the faith and trust that the patient has in the prescribing physician. I am sure that the placebo results and the patient's faith in the physician as contributing factors to the effectiveness of medications do not come as a revelation.

We are all aware of such information. Our problem is how to harness this unconscious process for constructive goals. The answer is through self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis, as we have explained it, uses a technique called visual-imagery.

This has been referred to by many different names, but for our purposes we'll call it visual-imagery. Within this technique lies one of the keys for achieving the goals that you want. There have been many famous books written incorporating this technique as a basis for achievement. Perhaps the most famous of all is called Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. In recent years, The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol and The Power of Positive Thinking , already mentioned, have become well-known. The book which gives direction to most of the books in this field is called Self-Mastery Through Conscious Auto-Suggestion by Dr. Emile Coué. I am sure the older readers of this book have heard of his famous saying, which I will repeat here for emphasis. "Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better." Invariably, in all these books, there is reference to the Biblical quotation, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. As the reader can deduce, we are not theorizing about a startling new discovery.

The technique is as ancient as man himself and his dream of a better tomorrow. All books using the visual-imagery technique tell you to paint a vivid, mental picture of the material things you wish to acquire, if it is a case of material wealth. For personal improvement, they tell you to paint a vivid picture of the individual you want to be. In most cases, you are told to do this in a relaxed or meditative state with as few distractions as possible. The next two requirements are 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 they describing precisely the techniques of self-hypnosis? The terminology is different, but the approach is the same. With these techniques there is an aim to direct thinking, picturization, positive thinking, suggestions and constructive thoughts or images to the "inner self" or "real self." Aren't they once again really talking about the subconscious mind? I have no argument with any workable approach to emotional maturity, but in many cases we are actually becoming involved with the meaning of words (semantics). The quickest way to the subconscious is through self-hypnosis. In this self-hypnotic state, you are able to consciously direct suggestions to your subconscious mind.


Chapter 4. How Does Self-Hypnosis Work? Kapitel 4. Wie funktioniert die Selbsthypnose? Capítulo 4. ¿Cómo funciona la autohipnosis? ¿Cómo funciona la autohipnosis? Rozdział 4. Jak działa autohipnoza? Capítulo 4. Como é que a Auto-Hipnose funciona?

There’s an old Chinese proverb that states: "One picture is worth a thousand words.

In conveying suggestions to the subconscious, we have found that picture images are more effective than the words that are implanted. Bei der Übermittlung von Vorschlägen an das Unterbewusstsein haben wir festgestellt, dass Bilder effektiver sind als die eingepflanzten Worte. 在向潜意识传达建议方面,我们发现图片比植入的文字更有效。 For example, it isn’t sufficient to say, "I will be confident." Es reicht zum Beispiel nicht aus zu sagen: „Ich werde zuversichtlich sein.“ The words must be augmented by a picture of yourself as the confident person you want to be. Die Worte müssen durch ein Bild von dir als der selbstbewussten Person ergänzt werden, die du sein möchtest. If you say, "I can’t visualize myself as a confident person because I have never been that way," you can "borrow" those personality traits that you want for yourself. Wenn du sagst: „Ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, selbstbewusst zu sein, weil ich nie so war“, dann kannst du dir die Persönlichkeitsmerkmale „ausleihen“, die du dir wünschst. Imagine yourself endowed with the characteristics of some confident person that you know. Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie wären mit den Eigenschaften einer selbstbewussten Person ausgestattet, die Sie kennen. The qualities that you seek may even be borrowed from a famous person. Die Qualitäten, die Sie suchen, können sogar von einer berühmten Person ausgeliehen werden. If this isn’t possible, make up a personality which is a composite of all the things you want to be. Wenn dies nicht möglich ist, erschaffe eine Persönlichkeit, die eine Zusammensetzung all dessen ist, was du sein möchtest. See yourself walking, talking and carrying on activities. Sehen Sie, wie Sie gehen, sprechen und Aktivitäten ausführen. Keep fortifying this image with the mental suggestions that are needed. Verstärke dieses Bild weiterhin mit den nötigen mentalen Vorschlägen. It won’t be long before these mental impressions give rise to the confident feelings that you seek. Es wird nicht lange dauern, bis diese mentalen Eindrücke zu den selbstbewussten Gefühlen führen, die Sie suchen. As you keep implanting these images, they will become a natural part of your conscious personality. Wenn Sie diese Bilder weiterhin implantieren, werden sie zu einem natürlichen Teil Ihrer bewussten Persönlichkeit. Dr. DR.

S. J. Van Pelt, president of the British Society of Medical Hypnotists and editor of the British Journal of Medical Hypnotism , writes about this technique in his book, Secrets of Hypnotism . SJ Van Pelt, Präsident der British Society of Medical Hypnotists und Herausgeber des British Journal of Medical Hypnotism, schreibt in seinem Buch Secrets of Hypnotism über diese Technik. He calls it "'3-D' Technique in Medical Hypnotherapy." Er nennt es "'3-D'-Technik in der medizinischen Hypnotherapie". As you read the following paragraph, it would be well to remember that it contains the essence of making the self-hypnosis technique work once you have achieved the hypnotic state, per se. Wenn Sie den folgenden Abschnitt lesen, sollten Sie sich daran erinnern, dass er die Essenz der Selbsthypnosetechnik enthält, sobald Sie den hypnotischen Zustand per se erreicht haben. Incidentally, the same procedure can be used in attaining the hypnotic state itself. Übrigens kann das gleiche Verfahren zum Erreichen des hypnotischen Zustands selbst verwendet werden. You see yourself entering the state of hypnosis in your initial attempts. Sie sehen sich bei Ihren ersten Versuchen in den Zustand der Hypnose eintreten. This, in turn, sets up a conditioned response and a favorable emotional reaction which is necessary. Dies wiederum führt zu einer konditionierten Reaktion und einer günstigen emotionalen Reaktion, die notwendig ist. "The writer has found (visualization) of the greatest value in the re-education of the patient, which is an essential part of hypnotherapy. „Der Autor hat (Visualisierung) den größten Wert in der Umerziehung des Patienten gefunden, die ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Hypnotherapie ist.

In this method, after the cause of the trouble has been discovered and as a part of his re-education, the patient is instructed while under only light hypnosis to 'form a picture' in his mind. Bei dieser Methode wird der Patient, nachdem die Ursache der Beschwerden entdeckt wurde und als Teil seiner Umerziehung, angewiesen, während er nur unter leichter Hypnose steht, sich „ein Bild zu machen“ in seinem Kopf. He is asked to imagine a movie screen and to see himself 'just like an actor' on this screen playing a part. Er wird aufgefordert, sich eine Kinoleinwand vorzustellen und sich „wie ein Schauspieler“ auf dieser Leinwand eine Rolle spielend zu sehen. He is told that the picture looks 'very real'—'3-D' in fact—and that he can see himself acting and looking the way he really wants to look and act. Ihm wird gesagt, dass das Bild „sehr echt“ aussieht – tatsächlich „3-D“ – und dass er sehen kann, wie er so handelt und aussieht, wie er wirklich aussehen und handeln möchte. Various scenes are suggested such as ... the patient will have to face in real life. Es werden verschiedene Szenen vorgeschlagen, wie z. B. ... dem Patienten im wirklichen Leben begegnen wird. In each he is instructed to see himself—'as in real life'—always succeeding. In jedem wird er angewiesen, sich – „wie im wirklichen Leben“ – immer erfolgreich zu sehen. For instance, the stammerer might be asked to picture himself speaking easily to people, and feeling perfectly at ease. Zum Beispiel könnte der Stotterer gebeten werden, sich vorzustellen, wie er leicht mit Menschen spricht und sich vollkommen wohl fühlt. The patient is also instructed how to form these 'success pictures' for himself, and it is stressed that he will only be able to see himself as he wants to be—successful. Der Patient wird auch angeleitet, wie er sich diese „Erfolgsbilder“ machen kann, und es wird betont, dass er sich nur so sehen kann, wie er sein will – erfolgreich. Since the pictures give rise to the appropriate feelings, it is not long before the patient begins to show the benefit of his private '3-D' film shows. Da die Bilder die entsprechenden Gefühle hervorrufen, dauert es nicht lange, bis der Patient beginnt, den Nutzen seines privaten „3-D“-Films zu zeigen. After explaining this technique to students, many have inquired, "Is that all there is to it? Nachdem sie den Schülern diese Technik erklärt hatten, fragten viele: „Ist das alles?

It seems so simple." Es scheint so einfach." Of course, there is more to it in that the individual must follow through with the instruction. Natürlich gehört noch mehr dazu, dass der Einzelne die Anweisung befolgen muss. This is one of the difficult aspects of this type of program. Dies ist einer der schwierigen Aspekte dieser Art von Programm. Let me enumerate some of the problems I have encountered in teaching self-hypnosis. Lassen Sie mich einige der Probleme aufzählen, auf die ich beim Unterrichten von Selbsthypnose gestoßen bin. As mentioned, one of the difficulties is that the technique seems too simple. Wie bereits erwähnt, besteht eine der Schwierigkeiten darin, dass die Technik zu einfach erscheint.

Students become skeptical. Die Schüler werden skeptisch. They feel it should be more complicated and involved in order to get results. Sie sind der Meinung, dass es komplizierter und komplizierter sein sollte, um Ergebnisse zu erzielen. I suppose people better appreciate something that comes only after a hard struggle. Ich nehme an, die Leute schätzen besser etwas, das nur nach einem harten Kampf kommt. This procedure is devoid of this. Dieses Verfahren ist davon frei. Of course, I am not saying that once a person begins to use this technique his problems will automatically vanish and his life will be cheery forever after. Natürlich sage ich nicht, dass sobald jemand anfängt, diese Technik anzuwenden, seine Probleme automatisch verschwinden und sein Leben danach für immer fröhlich sein wird. We have been conditioned to think that success in anything can only come after a long, hard struggle. Wir wurden darauf konditioniert zu denken, dass Erfolg in allem nur nach einem langen, harten Kampf kommen kann. This is the basic theme of the American way of life. Das ist das Grundthema des American Way of Life. We have been accustomed to believe that conflict and struggle are part of life and large doses of it are necessary before we achieve success in any field. Wir sind daran gewöhnt zu glauben, dass Konflikte und Kämpfe Teil des Lebens sind und große Dosen davon notwendig sind, bevor wir in irgendeinem Bereich Erfolg haben. I can only reiterate that the information contained in this book is all you need to get results. Ich kann nur wiederholen, dass die in diesem Buch enthaltenen Informationen alles sind, was Sie brauchen, um Ergebnisse zu erzielen. It is necessary that you follow through and not give up after you have tried the program for a short while and have obtained no appreciable results. Es ist notwendig, dass Sie es durchziehen und nicht aufgeben, nachdem Sie das Programm für kurze Zeit ausprobiert haben und keine nennenswerten Ergebnisse erzielt haben. This brings us to another point. Dies bringt uns zu einem weiteren Punkt. Many persons expect immediate results when they begin to use self-hypnosis. Viele Menschen erwarten sofortige Ergebnisse, wenn sie mit der Selbsthypnose beginnen.

If they don’t get the results they anticipated immediately, they want to know "what’s  wrong?" Wenn sie nicht sofort die erwarteten Ergebnisse erzielen, möchten sie wissen, "was ist falsch?" My answer is usually that "nothing is wrong" and that they need only keep steadily applying the instructions. Meine Antwort ist normalerweise, dass "nichts falsch ist" und dass sie nur die Anweisungen konsequent anwenden müssen. Certainly, one doesn’t become a proficient typist, musician, actor or sportsman because he has mastered the basic techniques. Gewiss wird man kein geübter Schreiber, Musiker, Schauspieler oder Sportler, weil man die Grundtechniken beherrscht. It takes time to acquire proficiency. Es braucht Zeit, um sich Kenntnisse anzueignen. Let me assure you that anyone using and applying this technique can benefit from it. Lassen Sie mich Ihnen versichern, dass jeder, der diese Technik verwendet und anwendet, davon profitieren kann.

One of the troubles in dealing with any problem is routing defeatism and hopelessness. Eines der Probleme im Umgang mit jedem Problem ist das Leiten von Defätismus und Hoffnungslosigkeit. You can incorporate posthypnotic corrective measures in the suggestions that you give yourself. Sie können posthypnotische Korrekturmaßnahmen in die Suggestionen einbauen, die Sie selbst geben. However, I believe that they must be dealt with on a conscious level as well. Ich glaube aber, dass man auch bewusst damit umgehen muss. You must believe that you can conquer your difficulties no matter how long you have had them. Sie müssen glauben, dass Sie Ihre Schwierigkeiten überwinden können, egal wie lange Sie sie schon haben. If you are prepared to work with self-hypnosis in an unremitting manner, you will achieve the self-help that you seek. Wenn Sie bereit sind, unermüdlich mit Selbsthypnose zu arbeiten, werden Sie die Selbsthilfe erreichen, die Sie suchen. Now and then, you can anticipate a setback in your progress, but this needn’t discourage you from your overall task. Hin und wieder können Sie mit einem Rückschlag in Ihrem Fortschritt rechnen, aber das muss Sie nicht von Ihrer Gesamtaufgabe abhalten. Recount the progress already made. Erzählen Sie von den bereits erzielten Fortschritten. If you have a "let-down" because you expected quicker and more dramatic results, remember that this is a common feeling shared by many with emotional problems. Wenn Sie eine „Enttäuschung“ haben, weil Sie schnellere und dramatischere Ergebnisse erwartet haben, denken Sie daran, dass dies ein häufiges Gefühl ist, das von vielen mit emotionalen Problemen geteilt wird. Remember, also, how long you have had the problem. Denken Sie auch daran, wie lange Sie das Problem schon haben. No doubt, you have tried other methods and became discouraged because you weren’t making the progress you had anticipated. Zweifellos haben Sie andere Methoden ausprobiert und wurden entmutigt, weil Sie nicht die erwarteten Fortschritte gemacht haben.

You dropped the idea and landed back where you started. Sie haben die Idee fallen gelassen und sind wieder dort gelandet, wo Sie angefangen haben. Make up your mind, consciously, that you will work with untiring sincerity and a perseverance that will not falter because your chosen goal is not achieved immediately. Entscheiden Sie sich bewusst dafür, dass Sie mit unermüdlicher Aufrichtigkeit und einer Ausdauer arbeiten, die nicht daran scheitern wird, dass Ihr gewähltes Ziel nicht sofort erreicht wird. I know of no therapy that leads straight to positive results without obstacles and intermittent failure. Ich kenne keine Therapie, die ohne Hindernisse und zeitweiliges Versagen direkt zu positiven Ergebnissen führt. Success comes in spite of intervening failures because the ultimate direction has been clearly thought out and charted. Der Erfolg stellt sich trotz zwischenzeitlicher Misserfolge ein, weil die endgültige Richtung klar durchdacht und festgelegt wurde. Self-hypnosis will finally work because you are constantly conditioning your subconscious to react in a positive, constructive manner. Selbsthypnose wird endlich funktionieren, weil Sie Ihr Unterbewusstsein ständig darauf konditionieren, positiv und konstruktiv zu reagieren. The program must, of necessity, become automatic in nature. Das Programm muss zwangsläufig automatischer Natur werden. When it does, you will suddenly find yourself feeling the way you wanted to and doing the things that you set out to do with the aid of self-hypnosis. Wenn dies der Fall ist, werden Sie sich plötzlich so fühlen, wie Sie es wollten, und mit Hilfe der Selbsthypnose die Dinge tun, die Sie sich vorgenommen haben. You actually cultivate those feelings that you want. Sie kultivieren tatsächlich die Gefühle, die Sie wollen. Hypnosis will not work with skeptics. Hypnose funktioniert nicht mit Skeptikern.

Every so often such a person comes to my office seeking help. Hin und wieder kommt eine solche Person in mein Büro und sucht Hilfe. He tells me that his family physician or his spouse feels he should take my course in self-hypnosis. Er sagt mir, dass sein Hausarzt oder sein Ehepartner meint, er solle meinen Kurs in Selbsthypnose machen. I inquire if he feels he might benefit from the course. Ich frage ihn, ob er glaubt, dass er von dem Kurs profitieren könnte. If his answer is not positive, and if after talking to him at length about the benefits of hypnosis, I still feel he is not ready for the course, I suggest another mode of treatment for him. Wenn seine Antwort nicht positiv ist und ich nach einem ausführlichen Gespräch über die Vorteile der Hypnose immer noch das Gefühl habe, dass er für den Kurs nicht bereit ist, schlage ich ihm eine andere Behandlungsmethode vor. The reason for this is that unless the person is optimistic and enthusiastic about self-hypnosis, it just isn’t going to work as effectively as it would otherwise. Der Grund dafür ist, dass, wenn die Person nicht optimistisch und begeistert von der Selbsthypnose ist, sie einfach nicht so effektiv funktionieren wird, wie sie es sonst tun würde. The very nature of a skeptical attitude limits the constructive forces that we wish to harness. Die Natur einer skeptischen Haltung begrenzt die konstruktiven Kräfte, die wir nutzen möchten. Occasionally, individuals want indisputable proof that hypnosis is going to help them. Gelegentlich wollen Menschen einen unbestreitbaren Beweis, dass Hypnose ihnen helfen wird.

It is impossible to give them the proof and unqualified reassurance that they seek. Es ist unmöglich, ihnen den Beweis und die uneingeschränkte Bestätigung zu liefern, die sie suchen. Yet, these same people do not require proof from their physicians. Dieselben Personen benötigen jedoch keinen Nachweis von ihren Ärzten. No one can guarantee success. Niemand kann den Erfolg garantieren. However, I do point out that the continued and intelligent use of self-hypnosis can be instrumental in directing the healing, curative, constructive forces of nature. Ich weise jedoch darauf hin, dass der fortgesetzte und intelligente Einsatz von Selbsthypnose dazu beitragen kann, die heilenden, heilenden und aufbauenden Kräfte der Natur zu lenken. Many times, a metaphysical rather than a scientific approach is required. Oft ist eher ein metaphysischer als ein wissenschaftlicher Ansatz erforderlich.

It’s a matter of trying to satisfy the patient’s needs. Es geht darum, die Bedürfnisse des Patienten zu befriedigen. At times, it is helpful to allow the patient to attend a class in self-hypnosis. Manchmal ist es hilfreich, dem Patienten zu erlauben, an einem Kurs in Selbsthypnose teilzunehmen. Being able to communicate and identify with other individuals seeking self-hypnosis often is enough to change his attitude. In der Lage zu sein, mit anderen Personen, die Selbsthypnose suchen, zu kommunizieren und sich mit ihnen zu identifizieren, reicht oft aus, um seine Einstellung zu ändern. This is especially true when one or more of the students relates dramatic changes. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn einer oder mehrere der Schüler dramatische Veränderungen berichten. Self-hypnosis works because we are able to condition ourselves to various stimuli. Selbsthypnose funktioniert, weil wir in der Lage sind, uns auf verschiedene Reize einzustellen.

We condition ourselves consciously and unconsciously to many activities. Wir konditionieren uns bewusst und unbewusst auf viele Aktivitäten. When we experience anxiety, it stems from a conditioning process which could have been conscious or unconscious. Wenn wir Angst erleben, stammt sie aus einem Konditionierungsprozess, der bewusst oder unbewusst gewesen sein kann. In self-hypnosis, the individual consciously works toward implementing and strengthening his own inherent strength and resources. In der Selbsthypnose arbeitet der Einzelne bewusst daran, seine eigenen Kräfte und Ressourcen einzusetzen und zu stärken. These objectives, when attained, result in feelings of confidence, relaxation, self-mastery and well-being. Furthermore, hypnosis utilizes a natural mental process. Darüber hinaus nutzt Hypnose einen natürlichen mentalen Prozess.

We all know that placebos work admirably in numerous cases. Wir alle wissen, dass Placebos in zahlreichen Fällen bewundernswert wirken. The dictionary defines the word placebo as, "an inactive substance or preparation, administered to please or gratify a patient, also used in controlled studies to determine the efficiency of medicinal substances." Das Wörterbuch definiert das Wort Placebo als "eine inaktive Substanz oder Zubereitung, die verabreicht wird, um einen Patienten zu erfreuen oder zu befriedigen, die auch in kontrollierten Studien verwendet wird, um die Wirksamkeit von Arzneimitteln zu bestimmen." Many controlled experiments have shown that people achieve similar results whether they take a placebo (which they think is the real medication) or real medication that was prescribed. Viele kontrollierte Experimente haben gezeigt, dass Menschen ähnliche Ergebnisse erzielen, unabhängig davon, ob sie ein Placebo (das ihrer Meinung nach das echte Medikament ist) oder ein echtes verschriebenes Medikament einnehmen. Several years ago many such tests were carried out with antihistamines to prevent colds. Vor einigen Jahren wurden viele solcher Tests mit Antihistaminika durchgeführt, um Erkältungen vorzubeugen. The results were always the same. Die Ergebnisse waren immer gleich. We are interested in what makes the placebo act as effectively as the true medication. Uns interessiert, warum das Placebo genauso effektiv wirkt wie das echte Medikament.

It stands to reason that a chain reaction is set up, actually causing a physiological result from a psychological reaction. Es liegt nahe, dass eine Kettenreaktion aufgebaut wird, die tatsächlich ein physiologisches Ergebnis aus einer psychologischen Reaktion hervorruft. The unsuspecting patient declares, "I’ve never felt so good in my life." Der ahnungslose Patient erklärt: "Ich habe mich noch nie in meinem Leben so gut gefühlt." Yet, this would never have happened if he didn’t think he was taking the marvelous new medicine. Doch das wäre nie passiert, wenn er nicht geglaubt hätte, dass er die wunderbare neue Medizin nimmt. A recent scientific study by one of the leading pharmaceutical houses concluded that one third of the effectiveness of any medication depends upon the faith and trust that the patient has in the prescribing physician. Eine kürzlich von einem der führenden Pharmaunternehmen durchgeführte wissenschaftliche Studie kam zu dem Schluss, dass ein Drittel der Wirksamkeit eines Medikaments vom Glauben und Vertrauen des Patienten in den verschreibenden Arzt abhängt. I am sure that the placebo results and the patient’s faith in the physician as contributing factors to the effectiveness of medications do not come as a revelation. Ich bin mir sicher, dass die Placebo-Ergebnisse und das Vertrauen des Patienten in den Arzt als Faktoren, die zur Wirksamkeit von Medikamenten beitragen, keine Offenbarung sind.

We are all aware of such information. Wir alle kennen solche Informationen. Our problem is how to harness this unconscious process for constructive goals. Unser Problem ist, wie wir diesen unbewussten Prozess für konstruktive Ziele nutzen können. The answer is through self-hypnosis. Die Antwort ist durch Selbsthypnose. Self-hypnosis, as we have explained it, uses a technique called visual-imagery. Selbsthypnose, wie wir sie erklärt haben, verwendet eine Technik, die visuelle Vorstellung genannt wird.

This has been referred to by many different names, but for our purposes we’ll call it visual-imagery. Dies wurde mit vielen verschiedenen Namen bezeichnet, aber für unsere Zwecke nennen wir es visuelle Bilder. Within this technique lies one of the keys for achieving the goals that you want. In dieser Technik liegt einer der Schlüssel zum Erreichen der gewünschten Ziele. There have been many famous books written incorporating this technique as a basis for achievement. Es wurden viele berühmte Bücher geschrieben, die diese Technik als Grundlage für Erfolge beinhalten. Perhaps the most famous of all is called Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Das vielleicht berühmteste von allen heißt Think and Grow Rich von Napoleon Hill. In recent years, The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol and The Power of Positive Thinking , already mentioned, have become well-known. Bekannt geworden sind in den letzten Jahren die bereits erwähnten Werke The Magic of B believeing von Claude M. Bristol und The Power of Positive Thinking. The book which gives direction to most of the books in this field is called Self-Mastery Through Conscious Auto-Suggestion by Dr. Emile Coué. Das Buch, das den meisten Büchern auf diesem Gebiet eine Richtung gibt, heißt Self-Mastery Through Conscious Auto-Suggestion von Dr. Emile Coué. I am sure the older readers of this book have heard of his famous saying, which I will repeat here for emphasis. Ich bin sicher, dass die älteren Leser dieses Buches von seinem berühmten Ausspruch gehört haben, den ich hier zur Betonung wiederhole. "Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better." "Von Tag zu Tag werde ich in jeder Hinsicht besser und besser." Invariably, in all these books, there is reference to the Biblical quotation, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. In all diesen Büchern findet sich ausnahmslos ein Hinweis auf das biblische Zitat: „Wie ein Mensch in seinem Herzen denkt, so ist er. As the reader can deduce, we are not theorizing about a startling new discovery. Wie der Leser erkennen kann, theoretisieren wir nicht über eine verblüffende neue Entdeckung.

The technique is as ancient as man himself and his dream of a better tomorrow. Die Technik ist so alt wie der Mensch selbst und sein Traum von einem besseren Morgen. All books using the visual-imagery technique tell you to paint a vivid, mental picture of the material things you wish to acquire, if it is a case of material wealth. Alle Bücher, die die Technik der visuellen Vorstellung verwenden, fordern Sie auf, ein lebendiges, mentales Bild der materiellen Dinge zu malen, die Sie erwerben möchten, wenn es sich um materiellen Reichtum handelt. For personal improvement, they tell you to paint a vivid picture of the  individual you want to be. Zur persönlichen Verbesserung sagen sie Ihnen, dass Sie ein lebendiges Bild von der Person zeichnen sollen, die Sie sein möchten. In most cases, you are told to do this in a relaxed or meditative state with as few distractions as possible. In den meisten Fällen wird Ihnen gesagt, dass Sie dies in einem entspannten oder meditativen Zustand mit so wenig Ablenkungen wie möglich tun sollen. The next two requirements are constant repetition (conditioning) and a "burning desire" (motivation) to achieve what you set out to do. Die nächsten beiden Voraussetzungen sind ständige Wiederholung (Konditionierung) und ein „brennendes Verlangen“ (Motivation), um das zu erreichen, was man sich vorgenommen hat. Aren’t these books really talking about self-hypnosis? Sprechen diese Bücher nicht wirklich über Selbsthypnose?

Aren’t they describing precisely the techniques of self-hypnosis? Beschreiben sie nicht genau die Techniken der Selbsthypnose? The terminology is different, but the approach is the same. Die Terminologie ist anders, aber die Herangehensweise ist die gleiche. With these techniques there is an aim to direct thinking, picturization, positive thinking, suggestions and constructive thoughts or images to the "inner self" or "real self." Mit diesen Techniken besteht das Ziel, Denken, Bildgebung, positives Denken, Vorschläge und konstruktive Gedanken oder Bilder auf das „innere Selbst“ oder „wirkliche Selbst“ zu lenken. Aren’t they once again really talking about the subconscious mind? Sprechen sie nicht wieder einmal wirklich über das Unterbewusstsein? I have no argument with any workable approach to emotional maturity, but in many cases we are actually becoming involved with the meaning of words (semantics). Ich habe kein Argument gegen einen praktikablen Ansatz zur emotionalen Reife, aber in vielen Fällen beschäftigen wir uns tatsächlich mit der Bedeutung von Wörtern (Semantik). The quickest way to the subconscious is through self-hypnosis. Der schnellste Weg zum Unterbewusstsein führt über Selbsthypnose. In this self-hypnotic state, you are able to consciously direct suggestions to your subconscious mind. In diesem selbsthypnotischen Zustand sind Sie in der Lage, bewusst Suggestionen an Ihr Unterbewusstsein zu richten.