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Title: A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis

Author: Melvin Powers

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A PRACTICAL
GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS ***

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
Copyright
1961
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
HOW TO AROUSE YOURSELF FROM THE SELF-
5. 45
HYPNOTIC STATE
6. HOW TO ATTAIN SELF-HYPNOSIS 49
7. DEEPENING THE SELF-HYPNOTIC STATE 57
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BECOMING AN
8. 67
EXCELLENT SUBJECT
TECHNIQUES FOR REACHING THE SOMNAMBULISTIC
9. 79
STATE
A NEW APPROACH TO SELF-HYPNOSIS WHEN ALL ELSE
10. 91
FAILS
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 of logical
thought processes, but the fact is that suggestion influences our thinking a
great deal more than logic. Consciously or unconsciously, our feelings
about almost everything are largely molded by ready-made opinions and
attitudes fostered by our mass methods of communication. We cannot buy a
bar of soap or a filtered cigarette without paying tribute to the impact of
suggestion. Right or wrong, most of us place more confidence in what
"they" say than we do in our own powers of reason. This is the basic reason
why psychiatrists are in short supply. We distrust our own mental processes
and want an expert to tell us what to think and feel.
Despite this tendency to adopt our attitudes from others, man has always
been dimly aware that he can influence his own destiny by directing his
thoughts and actions into constructive channels. He has always, to some
extent, known that his mind exerts a powerful influence on his body, and
that thoughts can have harmful or helpful effects on his emotional and
physical health. The ancient Egyptian sleep temples and the attempts by
early physicians to drive evil spirits out of the body were both attempts to
influence the body through the mind.
The unprecedented sale of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman
Vincent Peale and other inspirational literature proves that millions of
modern people recognize the efficacy of constructive thoughts. What most
of them do not recognize is that they are capable of implanting these
beneficial thoughts in their own minds without reference to any outside
agencies. This can be done through self-hypnosis.
In modern society we have many cults, religions and methodologies which
have mental discipline as their goal. The best example of a methodology is
psychosomatic medicine which deals with the interrelationship of the mind
and body in the production of mental or physical illness. The rapid growth
of hypnosis in the last few years is another example, and it is gratifying to

see that the emphasis in this field is now shifting from hetero-hypnosis to
self-hypnosis.
Self-hypnosis is a highly suggestible state wherein the individual can direct
suggestions to himself. It is a powerful tool in any therapeutic process, and
highly motivated subjects can parallel the success of hetero-hypnosis
through their own efforts. Self-hypnosis can be used as a palliative agent
and can even afford lasting results in many areas of the organism. Self-
hypnosis can alleviate distressing symptoms, substitute strong responses for
weak responses, help overcome bad habits, create good habits and help
one's power of concentration. The total personality is eventually changed to
the point where it can function adequately in an increasingly difficult
environment.
In learning self-hypnosis, the subject does not relinquish control of himself
as is commonly believed. Actually, more control is gained. Self-sufficiency
and self-confidence are inevitable results. It is well to remember, however,
that even good things may be overdone, and good judgment is necessary for
favorable results. Neither hypnosis nor self-hypnosis should ever be used
indiscriminately. The effectiveness of self-hypnosis depends upon many
factors. Strong motivation, intelligent application of suggestions and
diligence are prerequisites.
We are not suggesting that self-hypnosis can take the place of all forms of
psychotherapy. We do recommend it as an adjunct to therapy when
indicated. Used judiciously, it can contribute a great deal to the individual's
physical and emotional well-being and happiness.
As a professional hypnotist for many years, I have seen astounding and
apparently miraculous results by individuals using self-hypnosis. Many of
these cases seem unbelievable to those not familiar with hypnotic
phenomena. It should be remembered, though, that many individuals seek
hypnosis only when all other forms of therapy have failed. This is so
common that hypnosis has come to be known as a port of last call. Yet,
despite the seeming hopelessness of such cases, medical literature lists
thousands of remarkable recoveries.
There is nothing hit or miss about hypnosis. Used intelligently, the results
are the same for all those who are properly motivated. Nor are the results

singular to modern hypnotists alone. In reviewing the literature going back
more than 100 years, the same gratifying results were obtained. The reader
would do well to scan some out-of-print books on hypnosis at the library to
understand the point further.
This book is written in terms that are comprehensible to the layman. The
step-by-step instructions should afford the reader a means of acquiring self-
hypnosis. The necessary material is here. The reader need only follow the
instructions as they are given.
The author wishes to thank Robert S. Starrett, member of the American
Medical Writers' Association, for his valuable help in the editorial
preparation of this book.
It is the author's hope that you will, through the selective use of self-
hypnosis, arrive at a more rewarding, well-adjusted and fuller life.
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 in which
the subject is able to uncritically accept ideas for self-improvement and act
on them appropriately. When a hypnotist hypnotizes his subject, it is known
as hetero-hypnosis. When an individual puts himself into a state of
hypnosis, it is known as self-hypnosis. In both cases, the subject has
achieved a heightened state of suggestibility. Even in hetero-hypnosis, the
subject really controls the response to suggestions. Actually, all hypnosis is
really a matter of self-hypnosis. The subject enters into the hypnotic state
when he is completely ready to do so. This may require from one to many
attempts before it is achieved. Even if the subject insists that he wants to be
hypnotized immediately, he may be resisting hypnosis unconsciously.
In self-hypnosis the same thing usually takes place. The subject is anxious
to achieve self-hypnosis, but somehow the state eludes him. What's wrong?
It may be that he is unconsciously resisting it, hasn't conditioned himself
sufficiently, or has achieved the hypnotic state and doesn'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 be
hypnotized. My own feeling is that probably 99 percent can be hypnotized.
Who among us is not influenced by suggestion? Aren't we all, as we have
seen, influenced by the suggestions of advertising? Don't we all have a
tendency to believe what we read in the paper, hear on the radio or see on
television? Aren't we all convinced that a name-brand article is better than
one that is not so well-known?
Suggestion plays a tremendously important role in our daily lives. It begins
from naming the baby with an appropriate name to securing a suitable place
for interment. I would like to call the reader's attention to a fascinating book
dealing with the unconscious reasons why we do many of the things that we

do. You will be intrigued with every page of the book. It is called The
Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard.
My contention is that we are all suggestible and, therefore, being
hypnotized or hypnotizing ourselves is just a matter of increasing the
suggestibility that we already possess. Doesn't the hypnotist begin by
suggesting relaxation? Doesn't he usually begin by requesting the subject to
fix his attention on a particular object? Next, he suggests to the subject that
his eyes are becoming heavy and tired. As soon as the subject closes his
eyes, he suggests that he will be in a deep hypnotic state. I am sure that you
are familiar with this procedure. With each step, the hypnotist is guiding the
subject along directed lines to get him to accept further suggestions without
question or doubt. When the subject achieves the ultimate state in this
procedure, he has been hypnotized. He then accepts suggestions without
equivocation.
Let us continue with this same thought. Suppose I say to you, "I'm going to
stick you with this pin. It won't hurt." Would you let me stick you with the
pin? Obviously not. Let us suppose that you have been hypnotized and I
repeat the same suggestion. What happens then? You readily accept the
suggestion as being factual. Should I proceed to stick you with the pin, you
do not even flinch. In fact, you do not even feel the pain. Does this sound
incredible? Isn't this exactly the same procedure that the dentist uses with
his patient when he has hypnotized him for the purpose of painless
dentistry?
Achieving hypnosis, therefore, is a matter of directing this suggestibility
that we all possess into the channels that will finally produce the hypnotic
state. It can be much more complicated than this explanation in many cases,
but let us use this as a working premise.
Everyone can be hypnotized. The time required for achieving hypnosis will
vary from subject to subject. We will discuss some of the reasons for this in
a subsequent chapter, but for our discussion at this time we need to
understand this point. I have encountered numerous individuals who were
extremely disappointed because they did not respond to hypnosis
immediately or after several attempts. They wanted to know "what was
wrong." An explanation that nothing was wrong somehow did not satisfy

these individuals. "After all," they argued, "didn't I go to a hypnotist
especially to be hypnotized?" Some insinuated that perhaps the hypnotist
wasn't too good.
Let me explain that most subjects need to be conditioned for hypnosis, and
this conditioning is helped when the subject practices certain conditioning
exercises that I shall discuss in detail in chapter six, titled "How To Attain
Self-Hypnosis." In my teaching, I have found that about one out of ten
subjects responds to the first attempt at hypnosis. One cannot make a
definite statement as to the length of time necessary to learn self-hypnosis,
but it is my experience that this usually takes about one month. I have had
subjects learn self-hypnosis in about 30 minutes, but I must also relate that I
have worked with subjects for one year before they achieved it.
For the most part, the laws of learning apply to self-hypnosis as with
anything else that one would want to learn. It can be a relatively simple
procedure, or it can be very perplexing. The answer lies not so much with
the hypnotist as with the subject.
One question that arises is: "If I'm under hypnosis, how can I give myself
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 the self-hypnotic
state, the subject is in full control. Therefore, he can think, reason, act,
criticize, suggest or do whatever he desires. He can audibly give himself
suggestions, or he can mentally give himself suggestions. In either case, he
does not rouse from the hypnotic state until he gives himself specific
suggestions to do so. Many feel if they audibly give themselves
suggestions, they will "awaken." In hypno-analysis, the subject answers
questions during the hypnotic state. Having the subject talk does not
terminate the state. You can keep the talkative subject under hypnosis as
long as you want. Furthermore, the subject can be sitting erect with his eyes
open and still be under hypnosis. Carrying this further, the subject may not
even be aware that he is under hypnosis. He can be given a cue not to
remember when the therapist makes a certain motion or says a certain word
that he will go back into the hypnotic state but still keep his eyes open.
Only an experienced hypnotist could detect the change.

Another frequent question is: "How do I arouse myself from the self-
hypnotic state?" You merely say to yourself that upon counting to five you
will open your eyes and wake up feeling fine. Many times the subject falls
asleep while giving himself posthypnotic suggestions. This is not
undesirable since the suggestions will spill over into the subconscious mind
as he goes from consciousness to unconsciousness.
A popular opinion about hypnosis is that the subject surrenders his will to
the hypnotist in the process of being hypnotized. Furthermore, many
believe that once the subject is hypnotized, the hypnotist has complete
control of the subject and the subject is powerless to resist suggestion. Both
beliefs are erroneous. I believe the first misconception comes from seeing
techniques where the hypnotist requests the subject to look into his eyes.
The hypnotist suggests to the subject that as he continues to look into his
eyes he will fall into a deep hypnotic state. This, then, becomes a matter of
who can outstare whom. The subject usually begins to blink his eyes and
the hypnotist follows this up with rapid suggestions that the subject's eyes
are becoming watery and heavy and that the subject will fall into a deep
hypnotic sleep just as soon as he (the subject) closes his eyes. This
procedure gives the impression to the observer that the subject is "willed" to
go under hypnosis. It appears that once the hypnotist concentrates or wills
sufficiently, the subject succumbs. Actually, the hypnotist in this technique
is not looking into the eyes of the subject. He fixes his attention on the
bridge of the nose of the subject.
The concept that the subject is a helpless automaton stems from the weird
movies where the "mad scientist" has hypnotized subjects into behaving
like zombies. Naturally, there is usually a beautiful girl in the movie and
she, too, has been hypnotized. Even though the audience is sophisticated
enough to realize that this science-fiction drama is purely entertainment, the
theme is repeated sufficiently in novels, comics, and television to make an
indelible impression on the subconscious mind. It's the technique of telling
the "big lie" so many times that it becomes believable. We are all influenced
by this procedure. There is an excellent book explaining this very premise.
It is called Battle For The Mind by William Sargent. It describes in detail
the technique by which evangelists, psychiatrists, politicians and
advertising men can change your beliefs and behavior.

Following the reasoning that the subconscious mind can be affected, you
can see that a problem could present itself even though the subject
consciously wishes to be hypnotized. Unconsciously, there may be a poor
interrelationship with the hypnotist which can create an unfavorable climate
for hypnosis. When this is the case, the subject doesn't respond until such
time that he relates well to the hypnotist. Even the most calculated
procedures will fail until a positive transference relationship 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 feeling about him." Actually, your subconscious reactions are
influencing your thinking and you "feel" a certain way. The same thing
takes place in business transactions. You either like or dislike the
proposition presented to you. You may say, "I have a certain feeling about
this deal." You may not be conscious of the reasons, but your subconscious
has reacted automatically because of previous experience along similar
lines.
In giving you some insight into the hypnotic procedure, I am trying to point
out certain problems in regard to acquiring self-hypnosis. For the most part,
it is not a simple procedure that is accomplished immediately. You can't just
will it. It requires working toward a specific goal and following definite
procedures which eventually lead to success.
The hypnotist is usually endowed by the subject with an omniscience and
infallibility which logically is unjustified. The subject is naturally extremely
disappointed if he doesn't respond immediately. If he loses confidence in
the hypnotist, he may never achieve hypnosis with this particular hypnotist.
I have hypnotized subjects who have been to several other hypnotists
without success, and I have had some of my unsuccessful subjects
hypnotized by other hypnotists. How and why does it happen? I believe that
some of the reasons are so intangible that it would be impossible to explain
all of them with any degree of exactitude.
I once saw an individual about 12 times who wanted to learn self-hypnosis
and had been unsuccessful in every approach. I asked him if he would
volunteer as a subject for a class in techniques of hypnosis that I was
teaching for nurses. He readily volunteered and showed up at the designated
time. Much to my amazement as well as his own, he responded within a

relatively short time as one of the nurses hypnotized him before the group.
She had used a standard eye closure technique, requesting him to look at a
spinning hypnodisc that I had previously used with him every time he was
in the office. Her manner was extremely affable, she had used the identical
technique I had used unsuccessfully, and the subject responded excellently
to cap the climax. He was the first subject the nurse had ever hypnotized,
since this was only her third lesson.
How would you account for it? Here was one of my students with two
weeks' experience hypnotizing a subject where I had failed while using
every procedure that I felt would work. Was it because she was a better
hypnotist? Perhaps! However, I'd like to recall at this time our discussion
about subconscious responses. I'm inclined to feel that being hypnotized by
a middle-aged female nurse created certain favorable unconscious
responses which accounted for his going under hypnosis at that time. It
created the initial break-through which was needed. I was able to hypnotize
him easily at his next appointment, and he acquired self-hypnosis readily
from that time on.
I have tried the same approach with other subjects who did not respond
favorably and have failed to attain the success that I did in the above case.
Why the impasse? It is one of the difficulties that we encounter in hypnosis,
and as yet it has not been resolved.
We know that the easiest way to achieve self-hypnosis is to be hypnotized
and given a posthypnotic suggestion that you will respond to hypnosis by a
key word, phrase or gesture. I have tried to point out some problems that
can arise. Needless to say, these problems do not always arise, and the
attainment of self-hypnosis can be a relatively simple procedure. There is
usually some way of reaching a subject who does 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 would go
under hypnosis immediately. After all, isn't he controlling the hypnotic
session? Of course, this does happen time and time again, and the results
seem miraculous. I receive mail constantly from readers of several of my
other books on hypnosis telling me how they were able to achieve certain

goals that they never dreamed possible. They write that they have achieved
self-confidence and complete self-mastery and have been able to overcome
problems that have plagued them for many years. These problems not only
include strictly psychological troubles but many psychosomatic symptoms
as well. Many have remarked at the ease in which they were able to achieve
self-hypnosis and the results they wanted. For them it was as simple as
following a do-it-yourself book.
Others write about the difficulty they encounter and ask what to do about it.
It is my hope that this book will shed some light for those who have
experienced difficulty in learning self-hypnosis. We shall discuss many
phases of hypnosis with the emphasis on self-hypnosis. We'll discuss its
many ramifications and try not to leave out anything helpful in our
discussion.
If you follow the instructions and exercises that I give you assiduously, you
should be able to achieve a depth of self-hypnosis suitable 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 be dangerous
in the hands of those not trained in the psychodynamics of human behavior.
Inasmuch as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are the only ones who
are thoroughly trained in the analysis of human behavior, this objection, if
valid, could limit hypnosis to a comparative handful of therapists.
Fortunately, it is not valid. This was proved several years ago when the
"Bridey Murphy" craze gripped the country. Despite the fact that thousands
of amateur hypnotists were practicing hypnosis, little or no harm resulted. I
have personally instructed several thousand medical and non-medical
individuals and have yet to hear of a single case where a crisis was
precipitated or anything of a dangerous or detrimental nature occurred as a
result of hypnosis. I have also taught several thousand persons self-hypnosis
and can report the same findings.
Many patients who seek treatment from competent psychiatrists,
psychoanalysts and psychologists do not always obtain satisfactory results.
This doesn't mean that everyone should stop seeking help from these
specialists. Even a specialist doesn't have a perfect record of successful
therapy.
What then is the objection to hypnosis? The theory that if you get rid of one
symptom another symptom will take its place really holds no truth and is
usually advanced by those who have had little or no experience in the
hypnosis field. However, a difference of opinion does exist even with those
practicing hypnosis in this area. Some hypnotists "trade down" symptoms
by replacing a serious symptom with a minor one, while others just remove
the symptom. The latter is what a doctor does when he recommends aspirin
for arthritis. He knows the aspirin will not cure the arthritis, but he wants to
alleviate the symptom. To say that another symptom will replace the pain is
unscientific—and untrue. The same is true of hypnosis.

Lewis R. Wolberg, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, New York
Medical College, recently canvassed 30 experts in the field of hypnosis and
found a few who felt symptom removal was "irrational, temporary—or
outright dangerous." The large majority, however, "employed symptom
removal where indicated, and minimized or ridiculed any possible bad
effects."
A further objection to hypnosis is that the results are temporary as well as
symptomatic. It is well to remember that most medical therapy is
specifically directed to symptom removal. How permanent is most medical
treatment? Once you couple hetero-hypnosis with self-hypnosis, you afford
the patient the opportunity of utilizing suggestions for his own benefit any
time they are needed. This, of course, can make symptom relief permanent.
As an example, I would see no harm in teaching a patient self-hypnosis for
symptomatic relief from a problem of insomnia. It would certainly be better
than physically depressing the higher brain centers with sleeping pills to
produce unconsciousness every night. I needn't tell you that millions of
dollars are spent every year on sleeping pills and patients become
dependent upon them, needing more and more pills in order to produce
sleep. Many accidental suicides stem from an overdose of sleeping pills.
Yet, despite the inherent dangers of sleeping pills which are glaringly
apparent, they are prescribed by the millions, to say nothing of those that
reach the market through illegal channels. Furthermore, how much effort is
really made to get the patient off the sleeping pills? There are also more
voluntary suicides by sleeping pills than by any other method. Perhaps if
these drugs weren't so readily available, many of these unfortunate
individuals would be with 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 familiar with
the work of Emile Coué or at least has heard of his famous autosuggestion
formula of "Day by day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." During
our time, thousands upon thousands of seemingly helpless and hopeless
cases have been cured by repeating this affirmation over and over again,
day after day, as the individual falls asleep.
I think we should make it clear that whether we call it autosuggestion,
positive thinking, meditation, yoga, affirmations or self-hypnosis, we are, in

reality, talking about the same thing. All require certain basic prerequisites
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 filtered into
the subconscious mind which does not question, doubt, analyze or dispute
the efficacy of these beneficial thoughts. You can be sure that the constant
repetition will have its effect. Hasn't the mind, in the past, accepted the
individual's diagnosis when he said, "I'm sick," "I have an inferiority
complex," "I can't stop smoking," "I can't lose weight," "I can't
concentrate," "I can remember a person's face, but I can't remember names,"
"I have a difficult time falling asleep," "I just can't seem to relax." Isn't such
an individual, in effect, using self-hypnosis? And hasn't the person
convinced himself of the validity of his present state? This is truly
dangerous. It is negative hypnosis.
The question that I raise is: "Why shouldn't the subconscious mind be even
more convinced and respond strongly to suggestions which are in
conformity with the natural desire to be of sound body and mind?" I have
never been able to find a logical answer.
I think this is what happens many times. A person seeks help with a
problem which, in reality, has nothing to do with hypnosis. His cure is not
contingent on being hypnotized or on suggestions he or the hypnotist feel
are indicated. You will read in nearly every book and article dealing with
hypnosis that "hypnotism is not a cure-all." No one has suggested or
implied that it should be used exclusively for all emotional problems. You
may read a newspaper article warning about the "dangers" of hypnosis. It
may tell of a person who rid himself of one symptom and developed
another in its place. You usually get a grossly distorted picture of what
happened, with many aspects of the case not included. It's a matter of taking
what you want to prove out of context. Propagandists use this technique all
the time to get across their 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 and not
stem from an emotional reaction. You have probably heard the remark, "I
won't let anyone hypnotize me." What are they really saying, and what does

hypnosis represent to such an individual? To them, hypnosis represents
some sort of "magic spell" which invokes a state of complete helplessness
and dependency upon the hypnotist. We previously discussed how this
erroneous conception can take place because of the manner in which
hypnosis is usually interwoven with bizarre fictional stories.
For many, the hypnotic state represents a period in which the conscious
guard is dropped. They feel they may compulsively reveal the darker side of
their nature, confess their hostility or relate information they would never
voluntarily divulge to anyone. This is the real danger they see in hypnosis.
To protect themselves from it, they attack it. It is much like the fanatic vice
crusader who militantly attacks sin in order to alleviate his own feelings of
guilt stemming from the fact that vice actually attracts him.
Fear of hypnosis takes different forms, but basically it is the fear of
revealing one's true feelings. An employee, for instance, at a gathering
which included the employer he dislikes, would never volunteer as a subject
for hypnosis if the occasion arose. He would be afraid he would do or say
something which might endanger his position. Hypnosis for him would be
"dangerous" because he would be afraid to take the chance. The truth is,
however, that this individual would be taking no chance. The hypnotic state
is not a confessional period. The subject is aware at all times of what he is
saying. If the subject does not wish to pursue a line of questioning, he tells
the hypnotist. If the hypnotist persisted further along this line, the subject
would shake off the hypnotic state.
Another misconception about hypnosis is the widely held belief that the
subject is unconscious. This represents a threat to the security of the
individual. Actually, the hypnotic state is a period of extreme awareness in
which the subject is hyperacute. Furthermore, the subject is not asleep, nor
is he in a trance state in the correct meaning of that term. He is in an altered
state of awareness with his faculties and reasoning ability intact. Inducing
hypnosis merely creates a mood or state in which the powers of
suggestibility are heightened.
When the general public and the medical profession become familiar with
the true nature of hypnosis, we shall have a greater acceptance and
utilization of this power. It is a slow process but one which will finally

evolve. In the final analysis, I believe the only danger that exists is in the
mind of the individual who fears hypnosis because of whatever subjective
qualms he has about his own emotional involvement in the hypnotic
process.
Of course, all persons using hypnosis for the alleviation of pain should
consult their family physician. Pain is nature's way of indicating that
something is wrong with the organism. It would be foolish to suggest that a
pain in the stomach will disappear when this may be a sign of a needed
appendix operation. The same may be said of constant migraine headaches.
It must be determined that the headache is not a symptom of a brain tumor
or some other pathological condition. It may be of interest to know that
hypnosis is presently being used to relieve pain in terminal cancer patients.
There is an excellent article on this subject, and I recommend it to doctors
reading this book. It is called "The Use of Hypnosis in the Case of the
Cancer Patient" which appeared in the January 1954 issue of Cancer.[1]
There are at present several thousand dentists throughout the country using
hypnosis. They have formed their own society and publish a quarterly
journal, The Journal of the American Society of Psychosomatic Dentistry.
One of the best books in this field is called Dental Hypnosis 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 the medical use
of hypnosis. He concludes: "It is the author's opinion, based on an extensive
personal experience of over 15 years, that the use of hypnotherapy by a
physician or dentist who has been properly trained and who uses this
technique strictly within his field of competence carries with it no more
(and probably less) 'danger' than the use of many other techniques of
treatment used in medicine today."
[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.
[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 and
author of the book, Hypnotism, made the following two statements in a
paper called "The Future of Hypnosis" given as part of a program on "The
Nature of Hypnosis" at the annual meeting of the American Psychological
Association in 1959:
"It would be well to sound a word of caution against certain attitudes which
have become prevalent and which can be well illustrated in the field of
medicine. In this respect, direct suggestion is under the ban. For example, a
dictum, 'Never remove the symptom unless the cause is understood,' is
much emphasized. Its validity is greatly open to question, since much of
medical practice is direct symptom removal, as only a little thought makes
apparent.
"Another dictum generally followed is that the unconscious background of
symptom-complexes must necessarily be made conscious to effect a cure.
Reasonable and thoughtful consideration of the extensive role of the
unconscious in daily living and functioning renders this dictum much less
creditable."
I should like to discuss both of these statements in some detail as they
invariably arise in the mind of the individual seeking help through
hypnosis.
The first thought that comes to mind is that all the religious healings cited
in the Bible involve direct symptom removal. The cures that are effected by
religious devotees traveling to sacred shrines are also in the realm of direct
symptom removal. I have yet to hear a criticism of this type of treatment
directed at religious leaders or condemnation of the religious shrines. These
cures are accepted as evidence of the power of faith or attributed to the
super-natural. In these cases, nothing is ever done to make the person cured

understand the nature of the unconscious mechanisms which contributed to
his problem.
Religious healing cannot be dismissed by merely saying, "It isn't scientific."
A methodology is only scientific when it works. It is of no value if it doesn't
help the individual seeking help. We must face the fact that not all people
can be helped by the same psychological treatment. We can readily see this
in the following extreme example: An aborigine suffering from a
psychological problem certainly wouldn't be a candidate for psychoanalysis
as we know it. He could, no doubt, be helped much more readily by a witch
doctor. It also stands to reason that the sophisticated Westerner would not be
influenced by the incantations of a tribal medicine man.
Going further, we find there are many schools of psychotherapy and many
approaches to solving man's emotional problems. The cure rate for all of
them, however, is approximately the same. I think we must accept the fact
that there is no one sound, logical, scientific approach. I believe that so long
as the end result is achieved, the methodology was scientific for that
individual's needs. The goal of all therapies is to help the patient free
himself from whatever emotional problems beset him.
This approach, to some readers, may seem an oversimplification of a very
complex problem, but I think it's time that we had a simple, workable
formula devoid of technical jargon. Too often, complex technical terms and
theories have been glibly used to explain away failures. I believe we need
more and more emphasis on measures to make the patient feel better rather
than spending most of the time trying to find out why he doesn't feel well.
This, of course, is symptom removal again.
I should like to point out an interesting fact pertaining to Biblical healers.
So long as the fame of the healer preceded his arrival in any country, he was
able to heal the sick. However, where his fame as a healer was either
unknown or discredited, he found no faith and subsequently no cure. The
earliest reference to hypnosis is in the Bible, Genesis ii, 21. "And the Lord
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept..."
Dr. William Malamud, 86th president of the American Psychiatric
Association, in an address delivered at the annual meeting in 1960, stated

the following in a paper called "Psychiatric Research: Setting and
Motivation":
"During the last few years we have witnessed a growing trend of
overemphasizing the value of 'exact' methodology and uniformity of
standards. This trend, which could be characterized as a 'cult of objectivity,'
has already had an important influence on psychiatric research. It is true
that in its emphasis on critical judgment and valid criteria, it has helped to
curb unrestrained flights of imagination and sloppy methodology. But the
overglorification of objectivity and the insistence on rigidly single standards
of acceptable methods have resulted in a concentration on certain phases of
the science of human behavior at the expense of other very important ones."
I believe that most individuals have a fairly good understanding of how
they came to have the problem that they have. I have yet to encounter the
person who protests he has no idea why he doesn't function as he would like
to in a certain area. From a practical standpoint, not many have the time nor
money required to delve into the unconscious background of the problem.
The high cost of treatment is a very real objection and cannot be discounted
lightly. People suffering from emotional problems usually suffer financial
reverses as well. Who is to help these people? There are very few places in
the country where they can receive competent psychiatric help at a
reasonable fee. Is there this type of help in your own community? It is only
when the individual is destitute that the state provides whatever help it can.
However, at this point it's a long hard struggle back to good emotional
health.
The National Association for Mental Health and its affiliates issue about 10
million copies of 200 different pamphlets on various aspects of mental
health. To assess the value of these pamphlets, 47 mental hygiene experts
held a conference at Cornell University. A report on this outstanding
conference has been published. It is called "Mental Health Education: A
Critique." A feature by Ernest Havemann in the August 8, 1960 issue of Life
contains a very worthwhile article on this conference called "Who's
Normal? Nobody, But We All Keep On Trying. In Dissent From 'Mental
Health' Approach, Experts Decry Futile Search For An 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
have tried it, have profited from psychotherapy. Indeed, all the mental
health pamphlets, as a postscript to the self-help methods they advocate,
wind up by advising the reader to seek professional care if his problems are
serious enough. But the skeptics at Cornell cited statistics which to them
show that psychiatric treatment is as remote for the average person as a trip
to the moon. Aside from the expense, which most people would find
prohibitive, there simply are not enough therapists to go around. The U. S.
has around 11,000 psychiatrists and 10,000 clinical psychologists—in all,
about one for every 8,500 citizens. If everybody with emotional problems
decided to see a psychiatrist, the lines at the doctors' offices would stretch
for miles."
I assume that most readers of this book know that state hospitals are
understaffed 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 Other Bed. In
this book he tells us that every other hospital bed in the United States is
occupied by a mental case. Mental illness costs the country two and a half
billion dollars a year besides the more important untold human suffering
that can never be equated in dollars. The book is a shocking story of how
we have let this happen; are still letting it happen; and of how little, for the
most part, we, the general public as well as the medical and psychological
professions, are doing to correct this deplorable situation.
It is time that we re-examined the dictums that say a symptom can never be
removed unless the cause is understood and the unconscious background of
symptom-complexes must be made conscious and understood before a cure
is effected.
There are many positive thinking groups functioning in the religious field.
Many of these religious groups are in existence primarily because of the
dynamic philosophy or psychology they offer for every day living. Couple
this with a strong faith in God, and you have a combination which
approaches infallibility. Recently we have had a series of best-selling books
which expound this very theme. Does it work? Of course it does when used
properly.

You can be sure that there has been criticism of this religious psychology.
The criticism is that the basic causes of the problem are never dealt with
and the unconscious conflict is not resolved. It's the same argument over
and over again. What about the people helped? They seem to have made
tremendous strides and are leading lives as well adjusted as anyone else.
Once imbued with this spirit or feeling of well-being, it permeates every
phase of their relationships in a constructive manner. The only reason that
there isn't more criticism is that this type of psychotherapy is incorporated
into the religious tenets of these groups, and criticizing another man's
religion makes the detractor's entire philosophy unacceptable. I am strongly
in favor of these groups because I would prefer having a religion that keeps
pointing out the positive side of life and that "life can be beautiful" if you
put your faith in God and practice positive thinking. It is certainly better
than the cynical philosophy of its detractors or the grim religions which
stress punishment. Think of the guilt feelings involved in the latter. No one
can live up to such a formidable creed.
Of course, if you suggest to positive thinking, religious individuals that they
are using a form of self-hypnosis, they will emphatically deny and debate
the issue. Since we are primarily interested in mental hygiene and not in
winning a debate, it is well to leave the matter as it stands. The point to
keep in mind is that so long as a person feels that this methodology is the
answer to his needs and so long as no one is 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 in different semantic terms.
I would like to bring up another common example pertaining to the two
basic concepts that we have been discussing. It is the example of the many
individuals who have taken public speaking courses to overcome stage
fright. In most cases, the person involved hasn't had too much opportunity
to be a public speaker. Because of this, he suddenly feels he may not say the
right thing or forget what he wants to say. This anxiety can create the very
situation or block that he fears. What is the solution? Certainly not
psychoanalysis to find out why he functions the way he does. You could use
this approach, but I don't think it's the most constructive one. It is like
asking, "What am I doing that's wrong?" instead of "What can I do that's
right?" The most constructive approach is to take a course of instruction to
get the actual practice and experience in the techniques of public speaking.

Before proceeding further, I believe it is necessary to point out that I am not
just being critical of the convictions of other sincere and dedicated
individuals engaged in the field of mental hygiene. It is always good to re-
evaluate our present thinking on any subject, no matter how sincere or
convinced we may be that what we are doing is correct. At times, we can
become so immersed in our convictions that we cannot take criticism and
respond emotionally to ideas or interpretations that do not coincide with
logical thinking.
What, then, is the answer to mental health problems? There is no single
answer. It is a very complex situation. There are many promising drugs and
treatments which, if adequately developed and widely used, could do a
great deal toward promoting good mental health. Fundamentally, the
problem will always be that of trying to understand human behavior and
helping those in distress with an efficacious formula.
What is that formula? I believe hypnosis can contribute in part to the
answer. Needless to say, hypnosis is contraindicated in many emotional
problems because of the very nature of the problem itself. Some emotional
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, Helping Yourself
with Psychiatry, states the following: "A whole new world of self-
confidence and positive living is open to every person, young and old,
through hypnosis, self-hypnosis and self-suggestion or auto-hypnosis."

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 5
How to Arouse Yourself from the Self-Hypnotic State

You will note that this chapter precedes instruction on how to attain self-
hypnosis. The reason for this is to alleviate whatever anxiety you may have
in regard to the question, "If I'm hypnotized, how do I awaken myself?" It is
important to understand that even though you are hypnotized, you are in
control, are aware of your surroundings, what is going on about you, can
think clearly and can arouse yourself very easily. It is only necessary to say
or think, "I shall now open my eyes and wake up feeling fine." You could
also give yourself a specific count and say, "As I count to five, I'll open my
eyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well and refreshed. One ... two ...
three ... four ... five."
It should be remembered that while we sometimes use the word "sleep" to
describe the hypnotic state, we are not actually referring to true sleep. This
accounts for much of the confusion. The individual thinks, "If I'm asleep,
how can I awaken myself?" If the subject were asleep in the true sense of
the word, this would be impossible. Actually, the subject is in a special or
heightened state of awareness. In self-hypnosis, he is extremely conscious
although his general physical appearance is one of passiveness. In the self-
hypnotic state, the individual consciously gives himself whatever
suggestions he desires. This proves he is conscious and, therefore, can
awaken himself with the appropriate suggestions.
Occasionally, the subject falls asleep while giving himself suggestions or
while relaxing to get into the right psychological mood. Naturally, in this
case, the subject will awaken in due course. If the subject practices
hypnosis when he is normally set to fall asleep in bed, he would awaken
refreshed in the morning at his usual time.
Before beginning to give yourself therapeutic suggestions, you could give
yourself the following suggestions which give you a specific length of time
that you will work with self-hypnosis:

"I shall work with self-hypnosis for 15 minutes. At the end of that time, I
shall open my eyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well, wide awake,
confident, cheerful and optimistic. The moment I open my eyes, I'll feel
refreshed. In case of any outside danger, I'll be able to awaken immediately,
be fully alert and act accordingly."
You will notice that these suggestions take into consideration the possibility
of something happening of danger to the individual, such as fire, etc. These
points arise in the minds of most individuals attempting self-hypnosis and
are well taken. You could also set an alarm clock to awaken you at a
designated time.
Let us assume to arouse yourself you gave yourself a suggestion to open
your eyes and be wide awake at the count of five. You count to five and for
some reason you are unable to open your eyes. First of all, DON'T
WORRY. 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. You then
begin the count again reiterating between each number that you will
positively open your eyes at the count of five and be wide awake. This
should do it. Should this not do it, may I reassure you again, DON'T
BECOME ALARMED. Relax for a few minutes and try again. You'll be
able to open your eyes and wake up.
I hope I haven't frightened you with the prospect of not being able to
awaken. I bring this up only to acquaint you with the procedure to use.
Actually, the problem of dehypnotization is a rare one. I should point out a
very important fact. I have never had a subject practicing or using self-
hypnosis tell me he had the least bit of difficulty in awakening himself from
the self-induced hypnotic state.
I have had persons tell me that they heard or read of a case where the
hypnotist could not bring the subject out of the hypnotic state, and, as a
result, the subject slept for so many days. Not one of the stories could be
documented. Years ago, for publicity purposes, stage hypnotists would have
a subject sleep in a store window for several days. This was on a voluntary
basis, though, and should not be confused with what we are discussing.

In working with subjects, I have very rarely had a subject who did not
awaken at a specific count, but I have had this experience. I have usually
found that the subject is so relaxed that he just didn't want to awaken for
fear of losing this pleasant sensation. When the subject doesn't awaken, I
merely ask him in a calm manner, "Why don't you wish to wake up? You
can answer me without awakening from the hypnotic state." He usually
replies he'd like to remain in this state for another five minutes or so. I agree
to this extended period while getting a firm commitment from him that he
will awaken after this period. This is usually 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 could also deepen the
hypnotic state and then give suggestions to awaken at a specific count in a
very authoritarian manner. Every so often, I have found that the subject has
fallen into a natural sleep and just hasn't heard the instructions. In this case I
raise my voice which is usually sufficient or gently shake the subject
awakening him as you would any sleeping person.
I would like to relate a rather interesting experience that I had with a male
subject. I had worked with this particular subject six times previous to this
occasion. He was a good hypnotic subject, and he failed to awaken in the
usual manner. Since he had carried out several posthypnotic suggestions, it
was rather perplexing to analyze what had happened. After about ten
minutes, he finally agreed while he was under hypnosis to awaken at a
given count. I asked him what was the nature of the difficulty. He replied, "I
wanted to see how you would react."
In conclusion, having difficulty in dehypnotizing yourself is extremely rare.
Should it happen, keep calm, and repeat the suggestions with emphasis.
Even in hetero-hypnosis, where the hypnotist hypnotizes a subject, it is
extremely rare. There are explainable psychodynamic factors for this.
However, they can be met adequately while the subject is under hypnosis.

Chapter 6
How to Attain Self-Hypnosis

Let us begin with the hypothesis that anyone can learn and practice, to some
degree, the science of self-hypnosis. We shall assume that you have
carefully thought out what you want to accomplish. You have, through self-
analysis, come up with reasonable goals of therapy and self-improvement.
The next step is the acquisition of the hypnotic state, per se.
Before giving you the specific instructions, I would like to clarify a
question which invariably arises in teaching a student self-hypnosis. It is:
"Are the suggestions that I give myself as effective as the ones you would
give me in hetero-hypnosis?"
It is natural to assume that the suggestions of the hypnotist would be more
effective than those given by the subject himself, but both have the same
intrinsic value. It is well to remember that all hypnosis is really self-
hypnosis, and all hetero-suggestions are transposed into self-suggestions. If
the hypnotist firmly suggests, "From this moment, you will feel very
confident in all life situations," the subject automatically and unconsciously
rephrases the statement, "From this moment, 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 hypnotized and
given a posthypnotic suggestion to the effect that you will be able to put
yourself into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus whenever you desire to
do so. The hypnotist need not be a professional. Anyone understanding the
rudiments of hypnosis can do this. However, let us assume you want to
learn self-hypnosis and cannot find help. If you understand and consciously
practice the instructions that I shall outline, you will attain your goal.
Sit in an easy chair or recline on a sofa or bed. Next, choose a point of eye
fixation on the ceiling, preferably a spot behind you which would normally
cause eye fatigue or strain. Now, breathe very slowly and deeply. As you do

this, repeat, aloud or mentally, the word "sleep" as you inhale and "deep
sleep" as you exhale. Do this for several minutes in a very monotonous
manner until such time as you find yourself getting drowsy. Next, suggest
to yourself that your eyelids are becoming heavy and tired. The goal is to
acquire eye closure using this method. You want to reach a state where it is
uncomfortable to keep the eyes open. Once you get your eyes closing,
seemingly of their own volition, you have reached the first step in achieving
self-hypnosis.
You can repeat to yourself such suggestions as, "My eyelids are becoming
very heavy and tired ... My eyes are becoming very watery ... My eyelids
are blinking ... I just want to close my eyes ... The moment I close my
eyelids, I shall fall into a deep, sound, hypnotic sleep ... Even though in a
deep state of hypnosis, I shall be aware of my surroundings and be able to
direct posthypnotic suggestions to my subconscious mind."
When your eyelids actually become heavy or when your eyes actually begin
to water, you intensify these feelings by repeating affirmative suggestions
along these very lines. This is known as "the feed-back technique" and
helps to reinforce the actual condition that exists. Proceeding in this way
hastens the actual closing of the eyes and attainment of the hypnotic state,
per se.
Let us assume that you practice this procedure and seemingly nothing
happens. Continue to practice it again and again until such time as you are
able to achieve an eye closure. You will eventually be able to do this within
a relatively short period of time.
One of the best times to practice the technique just given is when you are
falling asleep at night. The lights are out and you are lying in bed. Choose
an imaginary spot above and behind your eye level so there is some strain
on the eye muscles. Now begin giving yourself suggestions that your
eyelids are becoming heavy, etc.
The reason this period is such an excellent time to practice self-hypnosis is
that the suggestions you give yourself spill over into your 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 consciously to waken. Using this approach,

you can give yourself dynamic, constructive suggestions at this time as well
as giving yourself the posthypnotic suggestion that the next time you
practice self-hypnosis, you will fall into a deeper, sound, hypnotic state at
the count of three. You also emphasize that your eyelids will close
involuntarily whenever you relax for five minutes and afterwards count to
three. This conditioning process will be augmented by the use of the sleep
period. The suggestions will tend to work unconsciously during this period
and hasten your attainment of the constructive goals as well as the self-
hypnotic goal itself.
Once you have achieved eye closure, deepen the hypnotic state by the
following suggestions: "As I count to three, I shall go deeper and deeper
into a profound, hypnotic state. As I count to three, I shall find myself
becoming more and more relaxed. As I count to three, I shall fall into a
deep, hypnotic sleep." You repeat these suggestions many times, actually
trying on a conscious level to feel sleepier, more relaxed, more at ease. In
doing this, you take on the characteristics of a deeply hypnotized subject.
Part of the difficulty in learning self-hypnosis is that the subject is aiming at
a state of mind in which he has no experience. If I say, "Act happy" or "Act
sad," there is an immediate reaction from your experiential background, and
you can react accordingly. If you have never seen anyone hypnotized and I
say, "Act as though you were hypnotized," you must, of necessity, act in a
manner that you would assume approximated that of hypnosis. If you had
actually seen someone hypnotized, you would naturally take on the
characteristics you had observed. This would either be done consciously or
unconsciously.
Some individuals describe the hypnotic state as a state of "complete
relaxation." Many get a feeling of "detachment;" others a feeling of
"disassociation," as though their entire being was only thought. Some get a
"floating" or "drifting" feeling, likening the experience to lying on deep
clouds. Others experience a heavy, pleasant, "sinking" feeling. Still others
get a feeling of "peace and serenity." Many describe the hypnotic state as
being akin to the state just prior to falling asleep or like daydreaming, and
they experience the same reactions. Yet, there are some who do not feel a
definite change. They describe it by saying, "I just felt that I had my eyes
closed. I heard everything and was completely aware at all times." Since it

is possible to direct your feelings (reactions), I would suggest that you aim
for a completely relaxed, comfortable state.
You have now reached the point where your eyes are closed, and you have
given yourself further suggestions to deepen the state of hypnosis. This has
taken from about six to ten minutes. You are not sure, though, that you are
under hypnosis. There are many ways to test this, and I shall outline one of
these tests later in this chapter; however, for your initial attempts, it isn't too
important whether or not you are under hypnosis. You are still to give
yourself the posthypnotic suggestion that the next time you attempt to
hypnotize yourself you will fall into a deeper and sounder state after you
have relaxed for about five minutes and counted to three.
In your initial attempts, you will be trying to establish a conditioned
response to the count of three which will subsequently cause your eyes to
close and put you under hypnosis. Eventually, you should react instantly to
the count of three or any other cue you may use to trigger the response. The
key words or stimulus become associated with the action that you seek.
Through repetition, just thinking about the stimulus can bring on the
response. This is known as ideomotor action and is present in the waking as
well as the hypnotic state. Pavlov's famous experiments which induced dogs
to salivate when a bell was rung after previously having had food fed to
them at the same time are examples of this type of conditioning. Don't we
generally become hungry if someone tells us it's noon and time for lunch
when, in fact, it's only 11 o'clock?
I had a common experience recently that I am sure many readers have
shared. One of my neighbors, seeing my car was parked in front of my
house and knowing I was home, called to say he was dropping in to see me.
While working on the manuscript of this book, I thought I heard the
doorbell 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 certain I
heard the bell. This is another example of an ideomotor action. I told my
friend about it when he arrived approximately 30 minutes later. He looked
at me rather whimsically, and we both shared a laugh. Haven't you thought
you heard the phone ring when you were waiting for a call?

In the chapter, "How Does Self-Hypnosis Work," stress was laid on the
importance of the visual-imagery technique. During every attempt to
achieve self-hypnosis, you attempt to visualize yourself going into the
hypnotic state. Once you have deepened the state, you begin the process of
visualizing yourself exactly the way you want to be. You may experience
difficulty at first, but as you keep at it, you will be able to picture yourself
the way you want. You use the visual-imagery technique whether you think
you are under hypnosis or not. These images become clear as you
constantly hammer home these suggestions. This is the exact procedure
necessary, and you needn't complicate it.
Let us suppose that you are getting your eyelids to close at the count of
three and have achieved a good state of relaxation. With these prerequisites,
you can anticipate going deeper into the hypnotic state. Actually, being able
to get the eyes to close at a specific count is the first test in determining if
the subject has gone under hypnosis. If you have conditioned yourself this
far, then you can go to the next step. The next test is called the
"swallowing" test. You mentally give yourself suggestions that as you
slowly, to yourself, count to 10, you will get an irresistible urge to swallow
one time. You further suggest that this will happen even before you reach
the count of 10. You then begin the count. "One ... My throat is parched,
and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow one time. Two ... My lips are
becoming very dry, and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow. Three ... My
throat feels 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 time will
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 as I swallow
one time, I shall fall into a deeper and sounder state of hypnosis." Continue
with similar suggestions, repeating and affirming the suggestions about
swallowing. Once you actually swallow, you discontinue the suggestions
and, instead, give yourself suggestions that you are falling deeper and
deeper into a sound hypnotic state and that the constructive suggestions you
now give yourself will work for you. Once again you practice visual-
imagery, seeing yourself the way you want to be, while fortifying this
image with forceful, positive suggestions. You close by giving yourself
suggestions that you will enter the hypnotic 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 giving suggestions
to themselves. I can only say that as you continue to work with yourself,
you will develop confidence in giving yourself suggestions. In order for the
suggestions to be effective, they cannot be given in a reticent or hesitant
manner. They must be given with enthusiasm and anticipation. If you
assiduously follow these instructions, you will derive the benefits you seek
in the shortest possible time and witness the positive, tangible results of
your suggestions and efforts. In the next chapter, you'll learn how to deepen
the self-hypnotic state.

Chapter 7
Deepening the Self-Hypnotic State

For each progressive test, it is usually necessary to have accomplished the
preceding tests. However, this is not an absolute rule. Frequently, a subject
responds to tests at the beginning of the depth scale and then to others at the
end of the depth scale. Certain tests in between do not work. I have had the
following experience more than once while teaching one of my classes in
self-hypnosis. In testing the depth of hypnosis, I run the gamut of all of the
tests from light to deep. In this way, the subject can ascertain how far he has
progressed. One frequent test for the deep state is to give the subject a
posthypnotic suggestion to the effect that the next cigarette he smokes will
have a vile taste and it will be absolutely impossible for him to take more
than three puffs. It is further suggested that after the third puff, the cigarette
taste will be so unbearable it will become necessary for him to extinguish
the cigarette.
We can expect an excellent hypnotic subject to comply with these
posthypnotic suggestions, but a subject who hasn't even passed the eye
closure test (test No. 1) or any other test may unexpectedly react perfectly
to the cigarette test which we know is a standard test for determining 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 we hadn't given him this
particular test, he would have felt that he wasn't making progress in his
determination to become a good hypnotic subject. Because of this, he might
not have given himself therapeutic suggestions because he would feel he
hadn't reached a state of hypnosis which would benefit him. Remember,
follow the instructions of giving yourself whatever therapeutic suggestions
you want, regardless of the fact that you feel that "nothing has happened." I
have seen many subjects who were bewildered because certain tests did not
work, yet were pleased because of very gratifying overall results from using
self-hypnosis. They were baffled because of their inability to pass certain
tests which they felt were a prerequisite to the success of constructive
suggestions they gave themselves.

It is commonly felt that the deeper the state of hypnosis, the better the
results. In actual practice, I have not found this to be so. I have had
excellent results in a relatively short period of time with subjects who only
achieved a light state, and it has been necessary to work with others who
achieved a deep state of hypnosis for a longer period before lasting results
were in evidence. Naturally, each individual presents a different set of needs
and even though the symptoms may be basically the same, each will
respond favorably when his requirements are met. This happens on a
conscious as well as unconscious level. For example, the mere assurance by
a physician that the patient is all right and has nothing to worry about is
often sufficient to bring about desirable results. Another example is the
mother who stops the sobbing of her hurt child by a loving kiss. A logical
approach, pointing out to the child that he really didn't hurt himself, would
never have worked. We have all heard stories of primitive tribesmen who
have died because they knew they 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 of the
visual-imagery technique. You "see" yourself going into the hypnotic state
deeper and deeper. You even picture yourself, using this technique, passing
various progressive hypnotic tests. The second part of the key lies in giving
yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that each succeeding attempt will put
you into a deeper state as a result of a given stimulus—such as the count of
three.
The following instructions should not be attempted usually unless you have
been successful in achieving the two basic tests—the eye closure as well as
the uncontrollable urge to swallow followed by the physical act of
swallowing at a specific count. If the conditioning process works for 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 is referred to as the "medium"
state. Generally, hypnosis is divided into three states: the lethargic (light
state); the cataleptic (medium state); and the somnambulistic (deep state).
As you deepen the hypnotic state, you can accomplish the progressive tests
that I shall outline for you. I'll also number these tests for the convenience

of having a reference. Deepening the hypnotic state requires the same type
of practice or conditioning as the first two steps. Let us call eye closure—
No. 1, and swallowing—No. 2. We are now ready to proceed to the "hand
tingling" test—No. 3.
You have just completed tests No. 1 and 2; you are in a completely relaxed
state. Now give yourself the following suggestions: "As I count to ten and
even before I reach the count of ten, I shall feel a light tingling or numb
feeling in my right hand." As you slowly begin the count of ten, you keep
repeating suggestions to the effect that your right hand is beginning to
tingle. Once again, you practice the technique of visual-imagery, tapping
your experiential background for this 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 the eye closure test. As you practice this procedure, it will
work with greater effectiveness. The following is a very important point to
remember. Be sure that you give yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that the
tingling, light or numb sensation will disappear as you continue to count to
15. For example, "As I count to 15, the tingling feeling in my right hand
will disappear, and I shall experience only normal sensations. Eleven ... The
tingling feeling is leaving. Twelve ... Now it is leaving faster. Thirteen ... I
can feel my hand returning to normal. Fourteen ... The tingling feeling has
left. Fifteen ... My right hand feels perfectly normal." You could try a
variation of this test by saying your nose or one of your toes will itch at a
specific count. Once this test is accomplished, you are ready for the "foot"
test—No. 4.
You will remember that the key to achieving a greater depth of hypnosis lies
in visualizing yourself going deeper with each attempt and accomplishing
progressive hypnotic tests. Keep this in mind. For a moment, let us go back
to the hand tingling test—No. 3. Once you have been successful in
accomplishing this test, use the visual-imagery technique to see yourself
successfully responding to the foot test. When you have actually
accomplished test No. 4, you see yourself accomplishing the "hand
levitation" test—No. 5. In other words, you use each step to enhance a
greater receptivity for the following progressive test. As you couple this
approach with posthypnotic suggestions that you will go deeper and deeper
into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus, you set into motion a

conditioned response mechanism which must ultimately guide you into a
profound state of hypnosis.
The foot test can be accomplished while sitting or lying down. The idea of
this test is to imagine that your feet are stuck to the floor or that your legs
are so heavy that they are impossible to raise until you reach a certain
count. It is best to begin this test by trying to capture a heavy, relaxed
feeling in your legs. You give yourself specific suggestions along these
lines: "As I count to five, I shall notice a very heavy, relaxed, pleasant
feeling in both legs. It will be a very comfortable feeling; a feeling of
complete relaxation." You then begin the count of ten, following out the
idea of the other tests you have successfully accomplished. You should
remember that there is no time limit 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 the visual-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 which is tightly tucked under the mattress, making it
impossible for you to raise your legs. If sitting up, I tell the subject to
imagine that his shoes are stuck to the floor with "iron glue," and since his
feet are in the shoes, it is impossible to lift them until the specific count
which will 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 impossible for me to raise
my legs. I shall try at the count of ten, but it will be absolutely impossible to
raise my legs until I count to 15. At that time, I shall be able to raise my
legs easily, and the heavy feeling will leave as well." You then continue
with the count, giving yourself appropriate suggestions. Once this test is
accomplished, you use the visual-imagery technique to see yourself
accomplishing the hand levitation test—No. 5. Be sure you give yourself
the posthypnotic suggestion that the next time you hypnotize yourself, you
will fall into a deeper and sounder state.
I'll assume that you have been able to get a relaxed, heavy feeling in your
legs. You have reached the count of five and are ready to proceed further.
Here are sample suggestions you can use: "Six ... My legs are becoming
extremely heavy. Seven ... I'll be unable to lift them until I count to 15.
Eight ... I feel very comfortable; my legs are becoming heavier and heavier.

Nine ... My entire body is completely relaxed, and my legs are so heavy that
they are impossible to lift. Ten ... I'm in a very deep hypnotic state, and it is
absolutely impossible for me to move my legs until I count to 15." At this
point, you actually try to raise your 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. All you
need to say is: "I can now move my legs." You could also say: "As I count
to three, I'll be able to move my legs." However, since we have elected
originally to be able to move the legs at the count of 15, it would be best to
follow out this pattern. You could at this time merely continue to count to
15, at which time you would be able to move your legs. I prefer giving
suggestions between each count as follows: "Eleven ... The heavy feeling is
leaving, and I shall be able to raise my legs at the count of 15. Twelve ... I
can feel the heavy, relaxed feeling leaving. Thirteen ... I am beginning to
move my legs. Fourteen ... I am lifting my legs more and more. Fifteen ... I
have perfect control over my bodily functions and legs; I am lifting and
moving my legs; the heavy feeling is dissipating; I am in complete control;
I can now give myself posthypnotic 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 were
unsuccessful. Perhaps this puzzles you, and you wonder why it didn't work.
Perhaps you were able to get a heavy feeling in the legs, but the second part
of the test didn't work. The following information will help you to
understand why you were unable to complete this cataleptic test. Either you
had not conditioned yourself sufficiently, or you weren't really "letting go"
enough to enter into a deeper state of hypnosis. Most subjects need to test
themselves and feel secure every step of the way. They don't just plunge
into the cataleptic or somnambulistic stages immediately. In this
connection, I believe it can be compared with the bather who goes into the
water one step at a time. Even the playful splashing directed at him by
friends does not compel him to duck under the water. Instead, he continues
to slowly go deeper and deeper until he is completely submerged. Wouldn't
it have been easier to duck under all at once? Perhaps, but I'm sure you have
either experienced the same thing yourself or seen it happen.

The analogy should be clear. The subject is reluctant to do what he
considers as "giving up his control" when, in reality, he is really more and
more in control of himself as he penetrates the deeper levels of hypnosis.
In reality, the subject who does not or cannot raise his feet really could
move in case of emergency, even without counting to 15. He has, in effect,
entered into a state in which it is too much bother to lift his feet. A common
example of this frame of mind is when you remain in bed in the morning
even though you know you will be late to work. You are just too
comfortable to move, and your initiative seems paralyzed.
Let us assume, at this point, that you have finally succeeded in getting the
foot test to work. You are now ready for the hand levitation test—No. 5. In
this test, the goal is to get your hand to slowly rise and touch your chin.
Once it touches your chin, you enter into a still deeper state and lower your
hand slowly to your side. This test is actually combined with the hand
tingling test—No. 3. Since you have been successful with test No. 3, the
rest is rather simple. This time as you work test No. 3, aim for a light,
pleasant feeling in your right hand. Once you get this reaction, you give
yourself suggestions that your 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 the suggestions that you can use: "As I count to ten and even
before I reach the count of ten, I shall have an irresistible impulse to slowly
raise my hand to my chin. As I progress with the counting, my hand will
slowly rise, and the impulse will become stronger and stronger. As soon as
my hand touches my chin, the impulse will leave. I will then lower my hand
and fall into a very deep hypnotic state. I shall be fully aware of what is
happening, my surroundings, and will be able to give myself beneficial
posthypnotic suggestions."
At this point you start counting to ten, giving yourself suggestions that your
right hand which already has a light feeling will begin to slowly rise to your
chin. Time the counting to coincide with the actual physical act of raising
your hand. You are trying to feel an involuntary urge to raise your hand.
The movement itself should also be of an unconscious rather than conscious
nature. A conscious raising of your hand to your chin is not what you are
looking for in this test. Should you experience difficulty in attaining the
first movement of your hand, you can give yourself assistance by

consciously and slowly raising your hand just to get it started. The rest of
the movement, as mentioned, must be automatic. Should you find it
necessary to start your hand rising, use the feed-back technique to continue
the movement. You can give yourself the following suggestions:
"One ... My right hand is beginning to rise. Two ... My right hand is very,
very light, and I am getting an irresistible urge to slowly raise it. Three ...
This feeling is getting stronger and stronger. Four ... My right hand is rising
more and more. Five ... My hand is rising toward my chin. Six ... As soon as
my hand touches my chin, I shall fall into a deeper and sounder state of
hypnosis. Seven ... My hand is rising closer and closer toward my chin.
Eight ... The feeling of lightness is becoming stronger and stronger. Nine ...
My right hand is about to touch my 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 and deeper into a sound hypnotic state; I'll now slowly lower
my hand and continue falling into a deep, sound, pleasant state of hypnosis.
The light feeling has left my hand."
You should not attempt to memorize the exact phraseology for any of the
tests. You are to merely use the suggestions that have been written out for
you as a guide. The timing of the suggestions is the paramount
consideration in attaining successful results. Don't be impatient. Take as
much time as you need. Should you find yourself unsuccessful after ten or
fifteen minutes, drop the test and come back to it another day. I haven't
found that working at a specific test all day long accomplishes the end
result.
It is best to work for a specific period every day. In this way, the
conditioned response pattern is established for the success of the tests as
well as the success of the posthypnotic suggestions that you have given
yourself. You should bear in mind that if you have been successful in
achieving the first five tests, you have reached a medium state of hypnosis,
and posthypnotic suggestions will be extremely effective. In the next
chapter, you'll learn, psychologically, how to go even deeper into hypnosis.
You'll learn those psychological factors that are important to know and that
can contribute to your development into an excellent hypnotic subject.
Following this, the subsequent chapter will give you further tests and
instructions for developing into a somnambulistic subject.

Chapter 8
What You Should Know About Becoming An Excellent Subject

Becoming an excellent subject follows the same general rules for becoming
proficient in any other endeavor. It depends upon your motivation,
persistence and willingness to devote time and study to the subject. Let us
agree that most individuals can learn to play a musical instrument to some
degree. This degree is usually sufficient for their own needs. To become a
virtuoso, however, it is necessary to study the instrument and devote a great
deal of energy and time to practice. The same example could be given for
most undertakings. Anyone can learn to hit a golf ball, but being able to
control the direction and distance and become a skilled golfer is quite
another matter.
If you have been successful in accomplishing the first five tests, you can
consider yourself a good hypnotic subject. Becoming an excellent subject
entails following the same procedure used in accomplishing the first five
tests. Some may proceed very easily into the somnambulistic state, and
others may have a difficult time reaching this deepest stage. Understanding
some of the psychology involved and assuming the right psychological
frame of mind for the attainment of the somnambulistic state is more
important than just working blindly in an attempt to get the somnambulistic
tests to work. Being irritable, disgusted and despondent because of your
inability to go further into hypnosis is not the answer and will only lead to
frustration and failure. The reader is not 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 under discussion now is brought up to prepare readers for
any contingency that may arise. It's like having a life preserver on a boat.
You hope you never need it, but you should be prepared to use it in case of
an emergency.
It is natural to assume that if you are willing and trying to go into the
lethargic, cataleptic or somnambulistic state, you will be able to do so in a
relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, this is by no means the case.

Many of the principles of learning and conditioning can be applied to
hypnosis, but with many subjects these laws do not seem applicable. Let us
assume you wanted to learn to become an excellent typist. This is a
reasonable goal and all that is necessary is to continue practicing until you
have reached the proficiency you set out to achieve. This proficiency
would, as a rule, follow application of the laws 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 classical manner, the
theory works admirably, but what happens when a subject cannot seem to
progress any further? He has reached a plateau and is unable to climb
higher. He seems to have reached a psychological impasse or stalemate. It is
easy to say that the subject is thwarted by a subconscious block and let it go
at that. This, however, doesn't help him in his dilemma. It's like telling the
stranded motorist that the reason his car has stalled is because the motor
isn't running. The following information will be helpful to those who
haven't been able to reach the first stages of hypnosis, as well as those who
apparently can go only so far. Actually, the same principles are involved.
If the subject doesn't respond or responds to a limited degree, there
evidently is a cause or reason for this poor response. In order to continue
this discussion, it will be necessary for us to agree that the resistance can be
either conscious or unconscious. If the subject insists that he is trying to "let
go," has nothing to hide, is not afraid of hypnosis, understands what is
involved and has strong motivation, we can only assume that the resistance
must be unconscious. Usually, it will be necessary to work through this
unconscious resistance before the subject responds. If the subject is
conditioning himself, this will involve a great deal of introspection, and
even then it is an extremely difficult job. One doesn't usually have proper
insight into one's own emotional make-up. The end result is that one can
only rationalize about his behavior.
Let us explore some interesting aspects of hypnosis with a view toward
helping you if you are having difficulty responding the way you desire. I
have had the following paradoxical situation happen many times. A subject
calls my office, requesting to be conditioned for self-hypnosis. He further
requests that he be allowed to bring along a member of his family or a

friend for the hypnotic session. These individuals usually ask if I object to
this procedure. I interpreted this request as a sign of distrust during my
early career as a professional hypnotist. I was affronted by the idea of the
unspoken insinuation verbalized by this request. Didn't they trust me?
Between trying to defend myself and assuring them that there was no need
for another person being present, since my secretary could observe the
procedure, I usually "won" the argument but lost the client. As I developed
understanding into the needs of these persons, I began to realize that the
request was not directed at my integrity, but was a safeguard for their ego.
Here is an interesting sidelight that has happened frequently in regard to the
foregoing situation. I would request the subject to sit near my desk and tell
the onlooker to sit in back and to the side of the subject, away from the
subject's view so as not to distract him. In this situation, I invariably place
the hypnodisc on a spinning, portable phonograph turntable and turn it
upright for the subject to look at. The hypnodisc, which is made of stiff
cardboard, looks like a 12-inch phonograph record and has concentric
heavy lines drawn on it. As it spins, the subject feels he is being pulled
toward the center. At the same time, it causes his eyes to become very tired.
I have included a drawing of it on this page for those who are not familiar
with this hypnotic device. The revolving hypnodisc causes a physiological
reaction and must work with everyone. You feed back certain known
physiological responses for the successful attainment of hypnosis.

The onlooker has no choice but to look at the hypnodisc as well. As I
suggest to the subject that his eyes are becoming heavy and tired and that
soon he'll have an irresistible impulse to close them, the onlooker is
naturally hearing the same suggestion. Because this person feels apart from
the hypnotic situation, there can be no conscious resistance. Since these
defenses are not hampering the attainment of hypnosis, the onlooker may
readily fall under hypnosis. More than once, the onlooker has confided to
me that he was getting a better night's sleep, was feeling wonderfully well
or had derived other benefits since coming to my office as an "observer."
The exact situation happens when the stage hypnotist is hypnotizing
subjects on the stage. Many times a person in the audience who had no
intention of becoming hypnotized becomes influenced in the same manner.
Incidentally, these individuals make the best subjects.
There are interesting theories as to why a subject responds or does not
respond to hypnosis. I think the reader would find some of these theories
interesting and perhaps gain some insight into his own hypnotic behavior.
These theories are based primarily on a psychoanalytical approach to
hypnosis.
The most prevalent theory is that the hypnotist represents either the father
image (paternal or fear hypnosis) or the mother image (maternal or love
hypnosis). The father usually represents an authoritarian figure. The
subject's identification can be on a conscious or subconscious level. Let us
suppose the subject has ambivalent feelings toward his father. Because of
this, he may not respond. Here is an opportunity to frustrate the
authoritative (father) figure. The only trouble with this theory is that if there
is an excellent relationship between the father and subject, it doesn't
necessarily mean that the subject will respond easily. The stage hypnotist
invariably uses a strong, authoritative approach with a great deal of success,
but this approach generally does not work best in private practice.
I have found that for the majority of subjects the maternal approach works
best. Perhaps the process of hypnosis awakens early unconscious memories
of being put to sleep as a child. Some techniques that are used in 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. The hypnotist even uses the same words that

the subject has heard as a child: "Sleep. Go to sleep. When you awaken,
you'll feel wonderfully well." In fact, I use some special music that I had
recorded for inducing hypnosis. The first musical selection is Brahms'
"Lullaby." Children's music boxes invariably contain this selection, and the
melody cannot help but activate a pleasant nostalgia. It is a memory
associated with love and tenderness. This brings us to the fact that hypnosis
may offer the subject a chance to escape from the reality of pressing
problems into a state of complete irresponsibility. In fact, one theory of
hypnosis equates the hypnotic state as a form of unconscious regression and
need for submission.
The male subject may have a strong, positive identification with his mother
rather than his father. It is part of the unresolved Oedipus complex. He sees
his mother as a kind, loving individual, always ready to help. Even if the
mother did something socially unacceptable, the individual would defend
her vehemently. The father who might do something wrong would rarely be
excused. Just the opposite is true with the 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 accept this transference of identification as
a normal process of growing up. When it isn't normally resolved, it can
account for severe personality problems. One might assume, therefore, that
a woman hypnotist could better hypnotize a male subject, and a male
hypnotist could better hypnotize a female subject, but this is not true except
for cases such as we have just mentioned.
One school of thought feels that there is a strong submissive tendency in all
of us and hypnosis gratifies this wish. The individual's need for dependence
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 upsetting experience, might want to be held
closely by an intimate friend or member of the family. Don't we frequently
put our arm around a friend in grief trying to comfort him? The inner
strength which is created by hypnosis within the total personality structure
of the subject lessens dependency upon the hypnotist, much in the same
fashion that we need the doctor less as we start to recover from an illness.
Self-hypnosis further lessens dependency for no authoritarian figure is used.

The subject's attitude towards authority is important to know. It is well-
known that officers in the army are more difficult to hypnotize than
noncommissioned men. The enlisted man, by a process of indoctrination
and conditioning, is taught to obey and follow orders without reasoning.
The transference of authority to the hypnotist is readily accomplished
because of this conditioning process. The army doctor, when treating
patients psychologically, replaces his army jacket with a regular white
medical jacket to increase rapport.
One interesting theory is that the subject responds as he thinks the hypnotist
would like him to. This is termed "role playing." When asking a subject
under hypnosis his name, you usually get a very slow, deliberate answer, as
though the subject were in a trance. You tell him that he can answer in a
normal speaking voice and tempo and his further replies are to be in the
same manner as his waking state.
Another theory along these lines is that the subject acts as he believes a
hypnotized person would act. This, too, is role playing, but it does not
explain analgesia, such as when the dentist hypnotizes the patient and
proceeds to drill a tooth. No one (with the possible exception of a highly
neurotic psychic masochist) is going to endure excruciating pain just to
please the doctor.
One theory about hypnosis states that it allows the subject an opportunity of
identifying with the hypnotist, whom he sees as a powerful figure. Through
this identification, the subject is able to gain inner strength. On the other
hand, the subject might rebel against the submissive nature of the hypnotic
setting. This could easily create anxiety which, in turn, could create hostility
resulting in resistance of various kinds. As a result of this, the subject might
begin to criticize the hypnotist, find fault with the way he (the subject) is
being handled, question the judgment of the hypnotist, or doubt the
effectiveness of the hypnotic procedure.
Many investigators assert that the "rapport," meaning the relationship
between the subject and hypnotist, is all important. This is true and the
relationship can and does have many ramifications. In psychotherapy, the
term "transference" is used to denote this relationship. The relationship is
further described as a good or bad transference. There is also a

countertransference which indicates the reaction of the therapist to the
patient. Naturally, in order for the subject to respond, there must be good
rapport.
I have tried to indicate that there are complexities that may arise in the
hypnotic setting. There are many conflicting theories as to why a subject
does or does not respond. There are no set rules to follow, and one's
intuition, experience and judgment help solve any problem that arises.
Let me relate another frequent incident. I have had subjects come to me
after they were unable to be hypnotized by several other professional
hypnotists. They have complained that the hypnotists weren't "good
hypnotists" because they couldn't hypnotize them. After all, they ask, hadn't
they been willing subjects? My usual answer is that the fault, if there is one,
is not with the hypnotists and really not with the subjects. It is a matter of
exploring what has happened and then deciding 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 to make
sure he is in control. He fears a reduction in his voluntary level of reality
attachment and control. Unresponsiveness proves to him that he has this
control. As long as he does this, which is a natural response, he never lets
go sufficiently to attain hypnosis. Hypnosis, as we know, is a very sensitive
state. It requires complete faith and trust in the hypnotist. If it is lacking, the
subject never does respond. The phenomenon of hypnosis is entirely
subjective in nature, and its success lies within the total personality
structure of the subject. If there is resistance to hypnosis itself or to
deepening the state, the subject by his own honest evaluation and
verbalization of his resistance can do much to become a better subject.
Hypnosis must begin with the acceptance by the subject of certain basic
fundamentals that we have already discussed rather than of the forcefulness
of the hypnotist. The deepening of the hypnotic state lies in the
intensification of the conditioned response mechanism once it has been
initiated.
You should not expect to achieve immediate results although sometimes
this does happen. As you continue to work with perseverance, intelligence

and enthusiasm, you will definitely achieve the goals that you have set for
yourself. It is well to remember that you guide yourself toward the
somnambulistic state, depending upon your belief and acceptance of those
principles that have been outlined for you.
I have attempted to point out some of the salient points and theories to keep
in mind in your attempt to develop into an excellent hypnotic subject. Some
of these only pertain to the situations where the hypnotist works with the
subject. Many of the problems inherent in this setting are not applicable to
the situation where the subject is hypnotizing himself. Both settings have
their advantages and disadvantages. As long as you proceed to follow the
instructions given you, you can feel assured that you will finally achieve
self-hypnosis.
It should be emphasized that it is vital to adopt the right frame of mind in
your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis, particularly a deep state. If you
approach hypnosis with a "prove-it-to-me" attitude, nothing is going to
happen. Self-hypnosis requires practicing a set of mental exercises or
mental gymnastics. To acquire the ultimate from this training requires
systematic conditioning. The word "training" is used quite extensively in
hypnotic literature. The use of the word implies that hypnosis can be
attained by a training period. The literature speaks frequently of a subject
being trained to respond in a certain way. Obviously, this means over a
certain period of time. It also means you train yourself to become a good
hypnotic subject. It is a skill that all can acquire.
There are four books dealing specifically with self-hypnosis that I would
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 Melvin Powers.

Chapter 9
Techniques for Reaching the Somnambulistic State

As indicated in the last chapter, the attainment of the somnambulistic stage
of hypnosis can represent an extremely intricate procedure. Because of
certain inherent characteristics of this stage, it is easier to attain by hetero-
hypnosis. However, this does not preclude the fact that it can be reached
without the aid of a hypnotist. More important than the testing and
deepening procedures that I shall outline for you in this chapter are an
understanding and an awareness of some of the complexities involved, first
in achieving the hypnotic state, then deepening, and, finally, reaching
somnambulism. There are no absolute or final answers to many of the
problems that can arise. You can become entangled with rationalization so
easily when you want the facts to fit a particular theory. I point this out to
the reader because, as the subject goes deeper, the procedure can become
more complicated.
There are many interesting phenomena which can be elicited in the
somnambulistic state. They are of interest for the most part, to students of
abnormal behavior and are pertinent from an academic viewpoint. They do
not fall within the province of this book or of hypnosis for therapeutic
purposes and might lead the reader astray. Should readers be interested in
further hypnotic phenomena, I refer them to 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—An Objective Study in Suggestibility by
André M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph.D.
As discussed previously, some individuals experience difficulty in attaining
the deeper hypnotic states. My advice is to be patient and to continue
working with yourself. It is not imperative or vital to reach the
somnambulistic stage for therapeutic results. It is a misconception on the
part of many students that they must go into the deepest state possible to
obtain results. Dramatic changes can come about at all levels of hypnosis.

The somnambulistic state is necessary in hypnotherapy when there is a need
for the patient to relive some traumatic episode. It is also useful when the
patient is reluctant to consciously discuss certain aspects of his problem.
Many hypnotherapeutic techniques such as amnesia, hypermnesia,
progression, paramnesia, automatic writing, dream induction, regression,
production of experimental conflicts and crystal or mirror gazing require a
somnambulistic state. For those of you interested in hypnotherapy, I can
recommend no finer book than Hypnotherapy of War Neuroses by John G.
Watkins, Ph.D. In this book, the theory of hypnotherapy has been
diagramatically presented for easy comprehension and shown to be an
amalgamation of concepts and practices from various schools of thought.
Most students of hypnosis equate the phenomenon of amnesia with the
somnambulistic state. The mistake they make is in trying to achieve
amnesia. It's similar to the dog trying to catch his tail. It is impossible for
the subject to effectively suggest amnesia to himself. If he remembers what
he was supposed to forget, he has failed. If he truly doesn't remember what
he was supposed to forget, he doesn't even remember the amnesia
suggestion and can take no satisfaction from his success because he is not
aware that he has accomplished the posthypnotic suggestion. Unless an
elaborate set of posthypnotic suggestions are worked out, it is an impossible
test for self-hypnosis.
I know the reader is anxious to begin his conditioning for the
somnambulistic state, but there are still a few pertinent remarks which
should be remembered before proceeding further. The reader should not
memorize verbatim any of the tests involved in proving the somnambulistic
state. All that is necessary to remember is the general form and the goal you
seek. The goal is to increase your suggestibility which, in turn, means
deepening of the hypnotic state. After each step, you are to give yourself
suggestions that you will go still deeper the next time. You should also
designate a specific length of time to work with self-hypnosis. The
suggestions are as follows: "I shall work with self-hypnosis for 15 minutes.
At the end of that time, I shall open my eyes and wake up feeling
wonderfully well. I'll be wide awake and refreshed. In case of any danger,
I'll be able to awaken immediately and act accordingly."

Some hypnotists tell their subjects to "make your mind a blank." I suppose
what they really mean is that you must try to think of only what the
hypnotist is saying. Have you ever tried to make your mind a blank? Try it
for a moment. It's an impossibility. Should the hypnotist persist along these
lines, he'll never be successful. It is the wrong approach. The subject,
because of his inability to comply with this suggestion, is fighting a losing
battle. It is also almost impossible for the subject to concentrate only on
what the hypnotist is saying. Any word the hypnotist says can start a
conscious as well as unconscious train of thought. Therefore, in reality, this,
too, is impossible. However, it really isn't necessary that the subject keep
his thoughts concentrated solely on what is being said so long as they are
kept in the general area. At times, the more you try to concentrate, the more
your thoughts become scattered. Suppose I say to you, "Forget the address
8721 Sunset Boulevard." What happens? The more you try to forget it, the
more you remember it. Therefore, don't be concerned if you experience
stray thoughts during the induction and deepening of hypnosis. You are now
ready to continue with further tests. The first five tests should be mastered
before continuing.
Test No. 6 is referred to as the "fly" test. In this test, once under hypnosis,
you picture that a fly is crawling on the back of your right or 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 your hand. When this
happens, you know, of course, that you are deeply hypnotized. 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 shall feel a fly
crawling on the back of my right hand. This illusion will seem very real to
me. One ... My right hand is completely relaxed. Two ... I feel completely at
ease. Three ... I am beginning to feel a pleasant tingling feeling on the back
of my right hand. Four ... This feeling is becoming strong. Five ... It feels as
though a fly is moving on 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
the fly, move your hand). Ten ... It is gone."
Test No. 7 is known as the "cigarette" test and naturally is only for those of
you who smoke. In this test, you give yourself posthypnotic suggestions

during the hypnotic state, awaken yourself, and then note the effects of the
posthypnotic suggestions. If the cigarette tastes bitter or has a repugnant
taste or odor, and if you furthermore find it impossible to smoke more than
three puffs, necessitating your putting out the cigarette, you know the
posthypnotic suggestions are working perfectly and that you are an
excellent hypnotic subject. Here are the suggestions to give yourself while
you are under hypnosis:
"When I count to three, I shall open my eyes and wake up feeling
wonderfully 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 the cigarette, the
distasteful effect will become stronger and stronger. Even though I realize
that I have given myself these posthypnotic suggestions, they will exert a
strong force outside of my conscious control, and I shall find it necessary to
extinguish the cigarette after three puffs. As I now count to three, I shall
open my eyes and wake up feeling fine. One, two, three."
Test No. 8 is called the "sun" test. In this test, you picture yourself in a
bathing suit, shorts or playsuit at the beach or some other familiar place
taking a sunbath. You imagine that it is a beautiful summer day. As you see
yourself relaxed, you imagine that a cloud is blocking out the sun, but as
you count to three, the cloud will move away and you will feel the warm,
pleasant glow of the sun's rays on your face and hands. Here are the
suggestions you can use:
"As I count to three, I shall feel the warm, pleasant rays of the sun on my
face and hands. One ... The cloud is moving, and I can begin to feel the
warm, pleasant rays of the sun. Two ... The cloud is moving more and more,
exposing more and more of the sun. I can feel the warmth of the sun's rays.
Three ... The cloud has moved away from the sun, and I can feel the full,
warm strength of the sun. It is a pleasant feeling, but as I continue to count
to five, the warm feeling will dissipate. Four ... The warm feeling is leaving.
Five ... The warm feeling has left, and I feel perfectly normal in every
respect."
A variation of this test is to see yourself lying comfortably in front of a
fireplace. In this instance, you imagine someone is adding wood to the fire.

As this is done, you feel the warm glow of the fire more and more. Should
you use the fireplace technique, try to incorporate the sound of rain into the
picture. If you "hear" rain you have created a positive auditory hallucination
and can consider yourself an excellent subject.
You can also visualize a situation where you would be cold. This is not as
pleasant as the picture that one can conjure up about a fireplace and thus
creates a bit more resistance since no one wants to feel uncomfortable.
Test No. 9 is the "breeze" test. It can be combined with the previous test.
After you attain the feeling of warmth, you give yourself a count of three
(or whatever number you want), suggesting that you will feel the 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 smell the odor of the salt water.
This is known as an olfactory illusion and should you be able to create this
effect, you can be sure that you are a somnambulistic subject. Here are
suggestions you can use:
"As I count to three, I shall gradually feel the cool ocean breeze coming
over the waves. It will be a very pleasant feeling. One ... I am beginning to
feel the cool ocean breeze, especially on my face and hands. Two ... The
breeze is becoming stronger and stronger. Three ... I can definitely feel the
cool ocean breeze. As I continue to count to five, I shall smell the pleasant,
healthy aroma of the salt water. Four ... I am beginning to smell the salt
water. Five ... I can definitely smell 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 be as simple as this:
"As I count to three, I shall open my eyes and awaken feeling very
refreshed. The feeling of the cool ocean breeze and smell of the salt air will
have vanished completely." At this point you count to three and open your
eyes.
Test No. 10 is the "handclasp" test. This is used frequently to test the depth
of hypnosis. You fold your hands with your fingers tightly interlocked and
place your palms together. You then give yourself a hypnotic suggestion
that at the count of three, it will be impossible for you to unlock your hands.
After you try and are unable to unlock your hands, you continue counting to
five, suggesting that you will be able to do so when you reach the count of

five. Incidentally, you should remove any ring you may be wearing before
trying this test. Here are the suggestions you can follow:
"As I complete the count of three, I shall try to unlock my hands but will be
unable to do so until I count to five. One ... My hands are locked tightly
together. Two ... My fingers are locked tighter and tighter. Three ... It is
impossible for me to unlock my hands until I count to five. Four ... As I
reach the count of five, I shall be able to unlock my hands very easily. Five
... I can now unlock my hands very easily."
Test No. 11 is the "arm" test. Here is another test used frequently to test the
receptiveness to hypnosis. Make a tight fist and extend your arm in front of
you as far as possible. Visualize your arm as one solid mass, 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 your arm when you complete the
count of three. As you continue to count to five, you will be able to bend
your arm very easily. Here is a form of suggestion you can use:
"As I reach the count of three, I shall try to bend my arm, but it will be
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 a bar of steel.
Two ... I can feel the rigidity in my arm. Three ... It is impossible for me to
bend my arm until I count to five. Four ... I can feel the stiffness slowly
leaving. Five ... I can now bend my arm easily and it feels normal in every
respect."
Test No. 12 is the "eye" test. This is probably the most widely used test in
hypnosis. Many subjects equate the inability to open the eyes with
hypnosis. Many assume that if they can open their eyes, they have not been
hypnotized. I must emphatically point out that this is not true. The subject
can fail the eye test and yet have been under hypnosis. In the deep,
somnambulistic state, the subject can open his eyes without affecting the
depth of the hypnotic state. In fact, this is done many times in getting the
subject to do automatic writing, crystal gazing, mirror gazing, hypnodrama
and revivification. In carrying out posthypnotic suggestions in any state, the
subject is frequently told that he will open his eyes and carry out the
suggestion.

I have found that there is more anxiety connected with the eye test than
with any other test. I feel that it is a normal reaction and one that must 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. His ability to open his eyes proves
to him that he is in control. One of the main fears that the subject has is his
belief that he will lose voluntary control of himself. The fact that he can
open his eyes lessens his anxiety.
If there seems to be too much threat to the individual, I use a method that
you can follow. Instead of suggesting that the subject will be unable to open
his eyes at a specific count, I suggest that he will be so relaxed that it will
be too much effort to open his eyes until a further count is given. Actually,
what could take less effort? Here are suggestions you can use:
"As I count to three, I shall try to open my eyes, but I shall be unable to do
so because I feel so relaxed. It will just take too much effort to open 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 now impossible for me to open my eyes.
I shall be able to open them though at the count of five. Four ... I shall be
able to open my eyes very easily at the count of five. Five ... I can now open
my eyes and wake up feeling alert and fully refreshed."
In accomplishing the eye test, you try to create a vivid picture of yourself
being completely and fully relaxed. If you really exerted a great deal of
effort, you could open your eyes, but because of the pleasantness 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 half asleep in bed instead of
getting up to close the window which has been left open too much. You can,
of course, get up and close the window, but it becomes a matter of
expending too much energy. Instead, you choose to endure the discomfort
or suggest that your spouse close the window.
For the following three tests, you give yourself the suggestions as outlined
in the previous tests. It should be pointed out again that at the conclusion of
the test, you give yourself a suggestion that you will feel normal in every
respect.

Test No. 13 is the "music" test. This test involves creating an auditory
hallucination. Give yourself the suggestion that at a specific count you will
hear your favorite song. It will last for one minute and then fade out.
Test No. 14 is the "dream" test. It is incorporated in a great deal of
hypnotherapy. The subject is told that as the hypnotist counts to three, the
subject will have a dream lasting for several minutes which he will
remember. This dream, furthermore, will call his attention to an important
incident that he has long forgotten, yet which will be relevant to his
problem. In self-hypnosis, you suggest to yourself that at a specific count
you will have a very pleasant dream lasting for several minutes, at the end
of which time you will awaken feeling refreshed. For those readers further
interested in producing dreams, I can highly recommend a very fascinating
book called The Experimental Production of Dreams During Hypnosis by
Professor David Ballin Klein.
Test No. 15 is the "anesthesia" test. This is conducted by telling yourself
that you will not feel the pain associated with the act of pinching yourself.
You suggest that you will feel the pressure of your fingers but will not feel
the pain involved. I urge the reader not to stick pins in himself to test the
anesthesia. This can be dangerous, lead to infection and cause other
harmful results. You should also not dig 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 for a
month or more but have failed. You have worked faithfully following the
instructions outlined in this book and other books on self-hypnosis, but
somehow the state of hypnosis eludes you. Should you give up in despair,
or is there still hope for you? Let me assure you that you can still become
an excellent subject. Let us examine several areas of this problem and a
new approach that will help you achieve your ends.
You must, first of all, ask yourself if you are feeling better and whether you
have made strides in the direction you desire while giving yourself
suggestions in whatever stage of hypnosis you have achieved. If your
evaluation is affirmative to any degree, you can expect even greater results.
"But," you may say, "how can I expect greater results when I haven't
achieved self-hypnosis?" My answer is you may be achieving self-hypnosis
and not know it! The change to the self-hypnotic state from the waking state
can be imperceptible. Many times, prior to testing subjects under hypnosis,
I ask them if they think they are in the hypnotic state. The answer is
invariably no. When asking the subjects for a cogent reason for this answer,
they usually exclaim that they are aware of what is going on and do not feel
any different than they did before I started working with them. They are
amazed to find that various tests work so perfectly.
Some subjects do not respond to hypnotic tests no matter how long you
work with them. For these persons, I usually de-emphasize the need for
passing the tests and concentrate on the therapeutic results which are
desired. This approach lessens anxiety and usually results in a deepening of
the hypnotic state. It is my feeling that many subjects resist any tests as the
implication is that once the tests work, the subject is under complete control
of the hypnotist. The subject may fear this supposed subjection on one hand
and yet want it on the other hand. These forces can work unconsciously, and
thus the attainment of hypnosis becomes a very intricate, perplexing and

trying procedure. Even though this may be so, I can assure you that the
problem and attainment of hypnosis can be resolved. It is only a matter of
motivation on the part of the subject. This is the main ingredient necessary
for successful hypnosis.
Let me now explain a technique which has worked admirably for many who
have been frustrated because of their inability to achieve self-hypnosis. It
involves pretending you are hypnotized and going through the motions of
the various tests as though you were a perfect subject. You will recall that
one theory of hypnosis is that the subject behaves in a manner that he
believes is in keeping with hypnotic behavior. This role playing is the basis
for our unique approach. As the subject continues this procedure, he takes
on the conditioned response mechanism necessary for self-hypnosis. Let us
look at the following examples of role playing.
During the war, many soldiers who wanted to leave the army would pretend
something was wrong with them. They would convince the authorities of
the authenticity of their "illness," and since nothing seemed to make them
better, they eventually were separated from the service because of the
incapacitating disorder. But what happened to many of these malingerers
after they were released from the service? I'm sure you know the rest of the
story. The constant malingering was transformed by this role playing into a
conditioned response pattern, eventually bringing about the very
undesirable condition responsible for their leaving the service. I saw some
of these individuals and more than once they told me that they had
unwittingly hypnotized themselves into having the ailment. They wanted
me to dehypnotize them. They actually turned out to be very easy subjects
as they had become highly suggestible. Unfortunately, their super-ego
structure was weak, they had difficulty in identifying strongly with anyone,
and the relationship in hypnosis was superficial and without depth.
I am going to relate another example which I hope will help you understand
the role-playing technique for self-hypnosis. I have had the following
experience many times in giving hypnotic demonstrations before various
organizations. For some reason, even though I carefully ask that only those
who desire to be hypnotized volunteer as subjects for the hypnotic
demonstrations, an individual who has no intention of cooperating comes
up on the stage to poke fun at the hypnotist. In giving public

demonstrations, I usually work with about ten subjects and simultaneously
give them the same suggestions and posthypnotic suggestions. Once the
subjects are hypnotized, I work with them with their eyes open. Using this
technique, with each subject carrying out a posthypnotic 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 let the
audience know about it by winking or making a grimace when I was not
looking at him. Observing laughter and other audience reactions which are
not in keeping with what is happening at the precise moment during my
lecture is my cue that I have an egocentric person on stage. You might ask,
"Can't you tell when someone is faking?" It is extremely difficult many
times to do so. Once you are aware of it, however, you give certain tests to
the group. The exhibitionist doesn't know how to respond 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 the lecture-demonstration; but I let
the audience know that I am aware of the situation. This is the interesting
part of this example. The bumptious subject, by giving himself
autosuggestions to comply with various posthypnotic suggestions, is
actually engaging in our technique of role playing. The inevitable happens.
He finds himself hypnotized despite his obvious intention not to be affected
in any way. Any hypnotist can recount similar incidents.
What can you learn by the example just presented? What if you purposely
set 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 worked with
many recalcitrant subjects. To follow this plan, go back to chapter six,
"How To Attain Self-Hypnosis," and use the role-playing technique. You'll
be pleasantly surprised at how this approach will act as a catalyst.
Remember, once you obtain the eye closure, give yourself whatever
therapeutic suggestion you desire plus the posthypnotic suggestion that the
next time you will fall into a deeper and sounder state of hypnosis at the
count of three or any other cue you desire.

I know you may protest using the role-playing technique with the question,
"If I'm not under hypnosis, why give myself therapeutic posthypnotic
suggestions to condition myself to go under hypnosis at a specific count?"
You may further protest that you are only fooling yourself. My answer is,
"What if you are?" What is lost by doing it? You have everything to gain
and nothing to lose. Are you not really interested in the end result and not
the means? The attainment of the self-hypnotic state is not in itself the end
result; it is a means to help you achieve your goal.
Don't many people carry or wear good-luck charms of a religious or
nonreligious nature? Don't we accept these items in our society? The four-
leaf clover and rabbit's foot as symbols of good luck have been part of our
culture for a long time. We are all sophisticated enough to know that they
do not have an intrinsic value, but don't they do something for our mental
attitude? This same pattern is precisely what you are to follow in using the
role-playing technique. If you believe, expect and imagine that you will be
successful in this approach to self-hypnosis, I can assure you that you will.
May I urge you not to reject this novel and unorthodox approach. Many
have had excellent results when other methods, even those of a professional
hypnotist, have failed. Some of you may recognize this approach 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 the right attitude. By the right attitude, I
mean that you should adopt the conviction that you are going to achieve
self-hypnosis even though you might have experienced difficulty up to now.
Hypnosis is a conviction phenomenon.
It is possible you may say you are not suggestible. Actually, your lack of
response proves your suggestibility. You have been influenced by negative
suggestions. Everyone is suggestible to some degree. You have become
extremely suggestible to conscious or unconscious stimuli which are
definitely affecting your ability to respond. You need only use this latent
suggestibility and make it work for you. What would you say about the
suggestibility of a person who doesn't want to talk about hypnosis? This
person has never read a book on hypnosis and absolutely doesn't want you
or anyone else to hypnotize him. Would you believe this person is a
potentially good hypnotic subject? I can tell you by practical experience

that once this person allows himself to be hypnotized, he turns out to be a
perfect subject. Responding to either end of the suggestibility scale is
indicative of success with hypnosis. It becomes a matter of manipulating
this suggestibility skillfully in order to achieve results.
Let me give you another example which may help. Which one of the two
lines drawn on this page is longer? Line AB or line CD?

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

Here's another interesting experiment. Would you say that lines AB and CD
were perfectly straight? I'll let you figure out what your response means to
this test by yourself. You can take a ruler to determine if the lines are
straight.
We all respond unconsciously to stimuli of some sort. Word association tests
are based on this principle. Aren't your reactions automatic to the following
terms: democratic party, republican party, communist party, mother, father,
movie star? If I mention the name of a famous person, city or country, the
same immediate unconscious reaction takes place. Let's try it. Theodore
Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Albert
Einstein, Albert Schweitzer, Eleanor Roosevelt, Boston, New York City,
Hollywood, Miami Beach, United States, England, France, Italy, Israel,
Africa, Russia, China, India and South America. The response and image
keep changing, don't they?
I am trying to point out that this reaction is automatic because of previous
conditioning. I could mention almost anything and the same automatic
reaction would take place. The reaction would always be the same unless
something had happened to change or alter your response. Let us mention
the word hypnosis. Some sort of reaction must take place. This can either be
positive, negative, or neutral for our purposes. You really don't have to think
about your response as it is automatic. The point to remember is that a
definite response has taken place which will either help or hinder your
attainment of hypnosis. If the response should be negative, it can be changed
by gaining knowledge and actual experience in hypnosis. It is natural to have
a bit of uneasiness when first experiencing or thinking about being
hypnotized. After all, you haven't been exposed to hypnosis in a therapeutic
setting and couldn't have formed a favorable reaction. Your response is
probably derived from a fictionization of hypnosis. The initial task of the
hypnotist is to create, by educating the prospective subject, a favorable
attitude so that the subject allows himself to be hypnotized.
What does this mean specifically to you if you are having difficulty learning
self-hypnosis? It means that through repeated exposures, you will finally
respond. You will realize there is no need for anxiety in regard to your
response. This inner feeling will, in turn, have a cumulative, favorable effect
upon your unconscious which will result in your finally responding to
hypnosis.

Suppose you still maintain and insist that you are not suggestible and wonder
if you will ever respond to hypnosis. Furthermore, the assurance I have
given you up to this point doesn't seem to convince you. If you have tried
diligently to achieve self-hypnosis, you cannot be blamed, but let's try an
experiment to test your suggestibility. It is well to ponder my statement that
if you do not respond, it is a sign of being suggestible, but in a negative
sense. Lack of response is a manifestation of this negative suggestibility. My
contention is that you are definitely suggestible. Let us see what happens to
you in trying the following classical experiment. It is called the Chevreul's
Pendulum test.
Draw a circle with about a six-inch diameter and mark it as shown in the
illustration.

Next, take a ring and attach a string to it. If you have a locket, it will do as
well. The hypnotist uses a crystal ball and chain for this experiment. Hold
the end of the string or chain and keep the ring or whatever object you are
using about three inches above the center of the circle.
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 a
circular manner following the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. Picture in your mind's
eye that this circular motion is becoming wider and wider. Work at this
image for several minutes. Did the object begin turning to the right
following the numbers? Did the circle become larger and larger? If it did,

you are absolutely suggestible, are influenced by your own suggestions and,
therefore, if you follow instructions, can learn self-hypnosis. You can be
trained to acquire this skill.
If the experience did not work, try it again. Concentrate harder and try to
visualize more intently the object revolving in a circular manner. You are not
to rotate the object consciously or help it in any way. The action must stem
from your subconscious. The thought of the crystal ball or ring revolving in
a clockwise or counterclockwise direction invariably causes an involuntary
muscular reflex action to take place. This phenomenon is known as an
ideomotor action. Usually, as the subject concentrates more intensely, the
reflex action becomes more profound, causing greater unconscious
movement of the hand which, in turn, is transmitted to the object in the form
of larger circles and greater momentum. The time required for the successful
accomplishment of this test depends upon the degree of suggestibility of the
subject. An interesting action is to see the object revolve in an opposite
direction than suggested. It gives a clue to the personality structure of the
individual.
The Ouija board works on the same principle as the Chevreul's Pendulum
test. Many times the aspirant will remark, "I swear I didn't make it move!"
Mentalists find hidden objects in an audience using basically the same
approach, combined with clever techniques of distraction. The term given
for this is "muscle reading."
This is the point in question. If the crystal ball, ring or locket moves without
conscious direction, you have successfully influenced your subconscious
mind. Self-hypnosis involves the same procedure. The goal is to consciously
cause a subconscious reaction. If the experiment does not work with your
eyes open, try it with your eyes closed for about five minutes. You will be
pleasantly surprised with the results. Should you want to prove to yourself
that you are suggestible with your eyes open, practice the technique every
day for a week or two. The idea of the practice sessions is to reinforce and
increase the response of the unconscious movement until you develop
proficiency. It follows the laws of 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 move
automatically whenever you attempt the experiment.

When this happens you will have proof of your suggestibility. It is highly
improbable that you will not be successful. It would be a rare occurrence. By
the same systematic efforts, I can assure you that you can achieve self-
hypnosis. If you are still not affected favorably, you might consider one of
the psychological means of inducing hypnosis. The next chapter will discuss
this topic.
I would recommend Pavlov's book called Conditioned Reflexes. Pavlov's
book will further explain and clarify the concept of the conditioned response
mechanism. It covers necessary conditions for the development of
conditioned responses, their formation by means of conditioned and direct
stimuli, plus a tremendous amount of material which will help you in your
understanding of the significance of the role-playing technique in
relationship to learning self-hypnosis.

Chapter 11
Psychological Aids and Their Function

Psychological or mechanical aids are used to help put the subject in a state of
hypnosis. The use of the aids helps increase the suggestibility of the subject
toward hypnosis. The two most widely used hypnotic aids are the crystal ball
and chain and the 12-inch hypnodisc. One reason is that these two items
have no other use or function outside of the area of hypnosis. Therefore,
when the hypnotist proceeds to use one of these hypnotic devices, it must
follow that a certain mental set, readiness, or receptivity must follow as a
result of its introduction into the hypnotic setting. If the subject is uneasy
about the hypnotic setting or his response, the introduction of the hypnotic
aid can mobilize the subject's defenses which may be on a conscious or
unconscious level. Generally, the mental set which follows helps augment
whatever hypnotic suggestions are given. Certainly the same mental set
would not follow if the hypnotist used a paper clip as a means of helping
with the induction of hypnosis. It would only start the subject wondering
about the relationship of the paper clip to hypnosis. It obviously isn't in
keeping with what the subject expects.
It is important to utilize the subject's expectation as to what he believes takes
place in the setting as long as this expectation does not hinder the induction
of hypnosis. The mere act of turning down the lights or drawing the curtains
before the hypnotist begins to work with the subject is a non-verbal
suggestion which can be considered as a psychological aid. The subject
knows that the hypnotist is ready to begin at this point. Actually, it isn't
necessary to darken the room at any time to induce hypnosis. Doesn't the
stage hypnotist work with glaring lights? The room is darkened (and I might
add that I use this procedure myself) mainly for the psychological effect. If I
feel that this procedure might cause anxiety, I proceed with the room
undarkened.
In discussing psychological aids, it is agreed that we are primarily interested
in seeing the subject feel better or achieve whatever goals he seeks through

the intelligent application of self-hypnosis. If a hypnotic aid will help the
subject achieve hypnosis, we can concur it is justified. It is not to be
considered a subterfuge. If the physician administers a placebo to a patient
with the remark, "Here is a new medication that can help your condition"
and if this technique does help alleviate the patient's condition, it is
considered good medicine.
You know beforehand that in using the 12-inch hypnodisc, the subject's eyes
must begin to water, his eyelids must get heavy, and eventually he must
close them. Even before you begin to use the hypnodisc, you suggest that
these conditions will take place. During the induction of hypnosis, as these
reactions are noted by the subject, a favorable, psychological attitude
automatically develops which, in turn, helps further suggestions. 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 which are therapeutic in nature. The
subject can relate better to the latter suggestions when he has seen proof of
his initial suggestibility. This approach works better than beginning
immediately with the latter suggestions. The build-up of suggestions
convinces the subject he is in a heightened state of suggestibility and can
benefit from the therapeutic suggestions of the hypnotist or his own. Perhaps
this needed assurance is so helpful because it eliminates the anxiety of the
subject concerning his suggestibility. He seeks and needs the satisfaction of
knowing he has attained the prerequisites necessary before any therapeutic
program can benefit him. The subject's prerequisites need not be actually
related to the hypnotic process, per se, but merely match his preconceived
ideas about what is necessary. Let me give you an example.
Many subjects feel that they must experience amnesia before they can
benefit from hypnotic suggestions. This premise is inaccurate since
favorable and lasting results can be achieved in any degree of hypnosis,
depending, of course, on the nature of the problem. Let me relate several
interesting occurrences that take place every so often in my own practice as
a professional hypnotist. A subject who is responding well to hypnosis, but
not to the point of amnesia, insists that he will not benefit until he is
"knocked out" and doesn't remember what happened. Trying to convince
him otherwise proves fatal. He just refuses to accept whatever explanation
you give him. My own method is not to insist that the subject is wrong, but
somehow to use his misconception in a constructive manner. After getting

him into a cataleptic state, I suggest that I am going to stop talking for five
minutes, during which time he is to mentally repeat "sleep" as he slowly and
deeply inhales and "deep sleep" as he slowly exhales. At the end of this time,
he'll be in a very deep hypnotic state. Instead of remaining quiet for five
minutes, I take ten minutes. I then begin to whisper suggestions to the
subject to determine if he is still under hypnosis or asleep. If he is asleep, I
let him remain asleep for a still longer period of time, after which interval I
awaken him. I ask him if he remembers what I said to him during the time he
was deeply hypnotized. If he says, "No," I remark, "Very good." I further
point out to him that he has now experienced amnesia and will now make
rapid strides. The subject, on the other hand, is pleased to see that I now
agree with him, and, in fact, the interesting result is that he does make
excellent progress because his preconceived requirements have been met. It
should be pointed out that I keep working with the subject until such time
that he falls asleep. The transition from hypnosis to sleep is normal. It is easy
for the subject to fall asleep because he is so relaxed.
Let me tell you of a similar experience. Before telling you of this
psychological technique, it is only fair to point out that the professional
hypnotist varies his approach from subject to subject, not only to suit the
needs of the subject but to break the monotony of using only a few
successful procedures. His experimentation helps develop not only new
procedures, but new concepts relative to the general nature of hypnosis and
its many ramifications. I was interested to see what would happen to a
subject if he thought he was deeply hypnotized without ever giving him
verbal suggestions or reassurance that he would feel better or overcome his
problem. Of course, if the technique did not work quickly, I would drop the
procedure for a more orthodox approach. Instead of trying to really
hypnotize the subject, my aim is to get him to 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 and inquire if he remembered what
happened. If the answer is, "No," I tell him 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 the week?" The answer is generally, "Much
better." I keep repeating this procedure until such time that the individual has
attained the goals that he seeks.

I know that the reader may be surprised that I would divulge such an
unconventional procedure. The principle is the same as the physician using a
placebo. I do so to illustrate the point that I made earlier in this chapter that
so long as certain of the subject's requirements are met, whether valid or
invalid, the subject's suggestibility is greatly enhanced. Naturally, the
unsuspecting subject equated the period of not remembering, which was, as
we know, true sleep, with the somnambulistic state. Actually, he was helped
by self-hypnosis because he felt he would now make progress because he
proved to be such an excellent subject. It is true, he was not using self-
hypnosis as has been outlined in this book, 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 elusive procedure as
I have already pointed out. The purpose of the entire book is to instruct,
point out and give you the necessary understanding and knowledge required
to achieve this end. Without this understanding, this can become a very
frustrating effort. It is hoped that by understanding and being aware of some
of the ramifications of hypnosis, you will be able to achieve your goal in the
quickest possible time. It should also be pointed out that no two subjects
react in the same way and that different methods and requirements are
necessary to suit the individual. It is a mistake to try to make the subject
adhere to a rigid methodology. The greater flexibility of the hypnotic
procedures, the greater the chance for success. Let me, at this time, further
discuss some of the hypnotic aids that are used in the induction of hypnosis.
We have already discussed the use of the hypnodisc and crystal ball and
chain. The same principles are involved in any other object which is used as
a means of fixation or of tiring the eyes. Hypnotic phonograph records and
hypnotic tape recordings represent new devices that have been instrumental
in conditioning subjects for self-hypnosis. The subject plays the record or
tape on his phonograph or tape recorder and is conditioned over a period of
time to respond to hypnosis at a given signal or phrase. He, in turn, can
change this key phrase to one of his own choosing. Should you own or have
access to a tape recorder, I would suggest recording an induction of hypnosis
and playing it back to yourself in this manner as though you were
hypnotizing someone else.

I have produced three different hypnotic records and a 30-minute hypnotic
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 induces hypnosis. The second
record, called the Metronome Hypnotic Record, incorporates the
monotonous and lulling beat of an electric metronome in the background.
The subject is instructed to mentally repeat "sleep" as he slowly inhales and
"deep sleep" as he slowly exhales in rhythm with the beat of the metronome.
While the subject is concentrating on this activity, the voice of the hypnotist
induces hypnosis. The third record, called Self-Hypnosis Record No. 3,
contains only the voice of the hypnotist inducing hypnosis. It features a
unique approach and technique.
I have had a great deal of correspondence with those who have used these
phonograph records and the hypnotic tape for conditioning themselves for
self-hypnosis. The results are quite interesting and run the range of
immediate results to no results. One person wrote that one of the records
hypnotized him at the first playing and conditioned him for self-hypnosis,
whereas he had failed to respond to hypnosis after many visits to one of the
country's foremost authorities. I have had similar experiences after having
failed to hypnotize a subject despite many attempts. I can only speculate that
the subjects in these cases unconsciously resist the hypnotist because they
feel a personal threat. Since the record is impersonal, they are better able to
relax and subsequently be hypnotized. Interestingly, this occurred when the
subject was convinced that he was a very difficult subject. It would seem
that only then was the conditioned response pattern finally established. The
basic function of the hypnotic records and hypnotic tape is to establish a
conditioned response pattern to a given stimulus. In time, most subjects are
conditioned by the intelligent and systematic use of these recordings.
Let me describe another varied approach to achieving self-hypnosis. One of
the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in his approach in
hypnotizing his subjects. As I have already pointed out, it is necessary many
times to adopt a technique that is suitable to the subject and not to make the
subject adapt himself to the method of induction.
We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put the
subject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete control of
his subject as the subject is able to put himself in the proper psychological

frame of mind for hypnosis. Unfortunately, most subjects do not respond at
the first session or sessions because of conscious or subconscious fears that
must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the subject 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 if we have the subject lie
down, this does not assure the hypnotic state as the subject can still be tense.
Our main problem is to get the subject relaxed. Our situation is similar to the
physician telling his patient to go home and forget about a certain problem.
I'm sure you'll agree that the advice is virtually impossible to follow.
One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject or in self-
hypnosis lies in the fact that although we use terms such as "relax," "let
yourself go," and others, the subject cannot readily put the meaning of these
words into effect. It is difficult for most people to let go when we live in a
society that beckons us to "look sharp," "be sharp," "be alert," "be on the
ball" and "make every minute count." Emphasis on productivity does not
lend to a society of relaxed individuals.
In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried many novel
innovations for inducing hypnosis and teaching individuals self-hypnosis.
Some have met with a great deal of success and others have failed. It is,
furthermore, difficult to determine the causal factors for success or failure.
We can only theorize.
I have used the following unorthodox technique for about a period of 15
years. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it, although it must
be admitted that it is not infallible. It is suggested to you as another good
technique. In order to help the subject relax, I have been using a phonograph
record or tape that I recorded containing the continuous sound of various
degrees of rain. One side has a half hour of very soft, light rainfall such as
you have experienced in listening to rain falling on grass, canvas or a tent
top. The other side or track contains a half hour of rain effects such as one
would hear in a heavy downfall with loud splatterings of water on the
pavement. The record and tape were originally designed to help insomnia
sufferers and later incorporated into the hypnotic procedure.

The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound of the rain
while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowing fireplace. As you can
note, the subject again incorporates the visual-imagery technique. The
relaxing effect thus produced over a period 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 use
for inducing hypnosis. Rather than present them all in this book, I have fully
described them and their technique of operation in a 144-page illustrated
catalog. This catalog not only contains a list of hypnotic aids, but a
description and listing of over 450 hypnotism and self-help books. Upon
request, I shall be pleased to send it to you. Write to: Melvin Powers, 12015
Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 and ask for Hypnotic
Catalog No. 7. Should you have any questions on self-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 incompletely
understood, there are a multitude of theories which attempt to explain its
mechanism and results. The most that can be done at this time is to explore
various views which are held by leading authorities at present. It can be said,
however, that a majority of authorities agree that hypnosis ensues as a result
of natural laws which have been incorporated in the human organism since
the beginning of man as he is today.
The older theories show almost as much disparity as today, but for the
purposes 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 the history of
hypnosis. Mesmer, an 18th century physician, believed that hypnosis
occurred as a result of "vital fluids" drawn from a magnet or lodestone and
which drew their unique qualities from the sun, moon and stars. Charcot, as
well as Pierre Janet and others, was convinced that hypnosis was a form of
hysteria and that only hysterics could be hypnotized. The former (Mesmer)
thought further that metal became imbued by the solar qualities, and his
system is also known as metalogy by which he meant the proper application
of metals. Naturally, these theories have been largely abandoned today,
although there are still a few who think that hypnosis is a form of hysteria.
Some pioneers, notably Dr. William S. Kroger, a psychiatrically-oriented
obstetrician and gynecologist who limits his practice to hypnotherapy,
believe hypnosis is a conviction phenomenon which produces results that
parallel the phenomena produced at Lourdes and other religious healing
shrines. His formula is that faith, hope, belief and expectation, all catalyzed
by the imagination, lead inevitably to hypnosis. He, like Emile Coué before
him, is convinced that you cannot "will" yourself to be hypnotized, and that
whenever the will and the imagination come into conflict, the imagination
wins out. This fits in perfectly, of course, with the author's already discussed

visual-imagery technique which requires a high degree of imagination. Dr.
Kroger, like a few others, has proved to his own satisfaction that all hypnotic
phenomena can be produced at a non-hypnotic level.
A large number of hypnotists, including the author, has come to believe that
hypnosis is a semantic problem in which words are the building blocks to
success. Not just any words, but words which "ring a bell" or tap the
experiential background of the subject. This is why "sleep" continues to be
in the lexicon of the hypnotist even though hypnosis is the antithesis of
sleep. The word is used because hypnosis superficially resembles sleep
inasmuch as the eyes usually are closed, the body in a posture of complete
relaxation. Actually, the mind is hyperacute. Pavlov, however, believed that
there was an analogy between sleep and hypnosis in that each involved
cerebral inhibition. Words, of course, would be of little use without the
added effect of his conditioned reflexology.
Probably the most widely held theory is that hypnosis is a transference
phenomenon in which the prestige of the hypnotist and his relationship to the
subject plays an important role. This theory is bolstered by the fact that all
schools of psychotherapy yield approximately the same results even though
the methods differ. This would logically indicate that the relationship
between the therapist and the subject was the determining factor. The only
trouble with this theory is that it does not explain self-hypnosis. On the other
hand, we know that a strong interpersonal relationship is necessary for
hypnosis.
In the opening chapter of the book, I explained that hypnosis was a state of
heightened suggestion in which the subject adopted an uncritical attitude,
allowing him to accept suggestions and to take appropriate action. This is
excellent as far as it goes, but it does not explain how suggestion works. This
is the crux of the hypnotic dilemma and the answer is far from solved.
Hypnotists are much like those who use electricity every day of their lives,
but have no idea of the nature of electricity. It is enough for them to know it
has been harnessed for their use.
If there is one thing virtually certain about hypnosis it is that some parts of
the brain are inhibited and other parts expanded by the process. Pin-point
concentration is given as the reason for this selective procedure which
narrows the horizon of the subject to what the hypnotist (or he, himself) is

saying, screening out all other stimuli. But why is this high order of
concentration so easy under hypnosis when Asians, notably the Chinese,
have been trying for centuries to concentrate on one subject for as long as
four or five seconds. We do not know the mechanics of this metamorphosis
of an ordinary brain into an organ of concentrated power. According to Janet,
this is accomplished through the formation of a group of unconscious
memories and activities which takes over the usual stream-of-consciousness
type of thinking. It is implied that the process may be atavistic.
One of the newer theories—one held by Dr. Lewis R. Wolberg, a
psychoanalyst—is that hypnosis is a psychosomatic process in that it is both
physiological and psychological in character. Physiologically, Wolberg
believes that hypnosis represents an inhibition of the higher cortical centers,
and a limitation of sensory channels such as takes place in sleep. He also
believes that the psychological process operates through transference. Others
agree that it is a transference process, but that it is more of an extension of
the subject's own psychic processes which is enlarged to include the voice of
the hypnotist or his own thoughts or voice. Incidentally, an excellent book
along these theoretical 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 those reading this
book inasmuch as it postulates that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, that the
patient always hypnotizes himself and that it is a wise hypnotist who knows
who is hypnotizing whom. This is a logical conclusion and it disperses any
ideas that hypnotic patients become dependent on their therapists. Actually,
hypnotists today always teach their subjects self-hypnosis so that any chance
of dependency is obviated.
Milton V. Kline, professor of psychology at Long Island University,
postulates that hypnosis is primarily retrogressive. He has written that the
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 in more infantile states
is also widely held. He also is a proponent of the idea that hypnosis is an
abnormal manifestation of a normal process, an opinion he shares with
many.

Dr. Kline thinks that retrogression and regression alter perceptions and
feelings, and, in the case of the latter, causes us to go backward in time to the
point where re-education may be employed. This is a legitimate use of
regression although it is not used so much these days to uncover past
traumatic incidents. Actually, regression, by duplicating the exact earlier age,
manner of speech and thought, etc., makes us once more as little children, a
condition to be desired for certain forms of therapy.
An atavistic theory, held to some extent by Dr. Jerome M. Schneck, clinical
associate professor of psychiatry, State University of New York College of
Medicine, is that hypnosis should be equated with states of immobilization
on the basis of his observation that some subjects equate hypnosis 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 and man.
Another widely-held theory is that hypnosis is a state of dissociation,
meaning that it constitutes a group of unconscious memories and activities
which may be dredged up to replace the stream of consciousness.
Automaticism, of course, is inherently part of this view, and is presumed to
negate volition. Activity of the cerebrum, which controls the conscious and
voluntary system, is rendered non-operational.
My own thoughts on the matter are that hypnosis results from, first of all, 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 the last-named line, I believe that
hypnotic suggestions have an autonomy of their own which supersede all
else in the hypnotic situation. There are many more theories I believe are
partially correct, but the ones named will do for the purposes of this volume.
Incidentally, all the hypnosis theories 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 who believe that
it is the monotonous intonations of the therapist that cause the subject to
lapse from the deeply relaxed state into true sleep. I have observed many
times, by comparing verbalization with silence, that the former gives the
subject's mind a focal point of attention which prevents him from entering a

sleep state where hypnotherapy is impossible. Like the man who cannot
sleep because of an active mind, sleep and myriad thoughts and suggestions
are incompatible, and I believe, once a hypnotic state has been attained, that
the subject is kept awake (unless definite sleep suggestions are given) by the
therapist's series of suggestions. We have discussed the effect of the
experiential background at length, and surely nothing connotates sleep more
than closing one's eyes—test No. 1. And so, in my view, you are doing two
things when you talk to the subject; you are giving him helpful suggestions,
but you are also keeping him awake and hyperacute so 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 in the
field of medicine, and new applications are being discovered every day. It
should not be necessary to add, however, that some of these uses should
remain as they are—in the hands of professionals with years of experience in
the area. One of the themes of this book has been that laymen should use
hypnosis discriminately and intelligently. No responsible therapist would
ever recommend masking or removing a symptom which was indicative of
organic disease. For that reason, the practical uses of self-hypnosis will be
limited to measures that can be taken safely by the layman. The only
possible exception to this will be instructions on how to curb obesity, but
even here it is suggested that a physician be consulted before embarking on a
weight-reducing program.
The foremost use of hypnosis has been for relaxation, and it becomes more
and more important as world tensions, anxiety and strain increase daily and
millions seek vainly to "get away from it all." Inasmuch as all methods of
hypnosis discussed in this book utilized relaxation as the 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 the
professional hypnotist is besieged with men and women who wish to curtail
or quit smoking. This is easier said than done because smoking, although
there are no physical withdrawal symptoms when one stops, is a strong,
conditioned reflex and cannot (except in rare instances) be accomplished by
the will alone. The best way to stop smoking is to make it an impossibility,
and that is exactly what you do when you follow the method touched on in
an earlier chapter.
All of us have tasted or smelled certain foods or medicines that nauseate us.
The subject who wishes to quit smoking is asked to conjure up the vision
and the actual taste and smell of the substances which upset his stomach and

offend his nostrils, transferring its properties to cigarettes. This, of course,
must be done under hypnosis. The subject then conditions himself in the
following manner: One ... This cigarette tastes and smells just like (mention
name of repugnant substance). Two ... It is the most vile and repugnant taste
I have ever encountered, and I 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 the cigarette any longer, and I will have to put it out.
This sounds like a simple procedure, and yet it has worked for thousands.
Some switch to chewing gum or candy, but the cure essentially lies in
substituting one conditioned reflex for another. This is comparatively easy
with hypnosis because, unlike narcotics, barbiturates or alcohol, smoking is
purely a psychological addiction. There is no need for tapering off.
Stopping drinking, unlike smoking, doesn't involve merely the creation of a
physical aversion to the drug. The patient's entire personality should be
changed and more mature viewpoints substituted for the unrealistic and
infantile viewpoints which lead to the addiction in the first place. The
subject should give himself suggestions that he will be able to "face up" to
the problems of every day life without recourse to the crutch of alcohol. It is
a well-known fact that nothing is as bad as we think it is going to be once we
confront it.
One of the strange aspects of drinking is that it is actually a form of self-
hypnosis, and the cure lies in substituting a new viewpoint for the old. This
fact can be demonstrated by the fact that drinking is begun in the first place
so that the individual can be "one of the boys" or because it is the thing to
do. Those who do not drink, at least as a social lubricant, according to this
code, are "squares." Because of this, self-hypnosis must be directed toward
reorienting one's sense of values. Sober reflection should convince anyone
that the truly intelligent person does not drink to excess.
Nail biting is an unsightly habit, one that may even hinder one's social
acceptance. The help lies in a therapeutic approach similar to that for
cigarettes.
It is not hard to predict that many of those reading these pages are suffering
from overweight. With 30 million Americans in this category, it has become
one of the nation's chief health problems, and it is the predisposing factor in

many other diseases such as heart trouble, diabetes, hypertension and
atherosclerosis. If you are overweight, it is well to remember that (unless
you are one in a million) you cannot blame your glands. The plain truth is
that you eat too much.
We know today that overeating for some is an emotional problem, stemming
from feelings of rejection and insecurity. Individuals who feel unloved,
whether this is truly the case or not, make up for this lack to themselves by
stuffing in large quantities of food. It would even appear that these people
are masochistic, making themselves even more unloved by their gross
gastronomical habits. A big factor in overweight in women is "raiding the
refrigerator" while doing their housework. Most of them do this so
unconsciously that they swear they eat less than most people.
There are a number of appetite-curbing drugs on the market today, but they
should not be necessary for anyone who has acquired self-hypnosis. If you
have learned to visualize yourself (visual-imagery) in different situations,
you will have no trouble in picturing yourself having a slim, attractive
figure, exactly as you were when you felt you looked your best. Keep this
figure ever in mind and use it along with conditioning yourself against
certain fatty and starchy foods. A trick used by some hypnotherapists is to
have the subject purchase a dress or suit 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 of competitiveness to the procedure.
Not all people overeat because of emotional problems. Some come from
families where "licking the platter clean" was the rule because food was
scarce. Others come from rich families where overeating by the parents
established a habit pattern in the children. Certain races and nationalities
look on fat as a badge of wealth and prestige, and children in such an
environment are likely to be deliberately overfed. Regardless of the reason
for overweight, however, the use of self-hypnosis is one of the answers to
the problem.
Simple headaches, arthritis, neuritis and other painful symptoms yield
readily to hypnotic suggestion. If physicians have given up on the problem
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 intractable pain
of cancer or some other incurable diseases. Although patients usually start
with hetero-hypnosis, they are put on self-hypnosis as soon as possible, and
there are many cases of women waiting too long and having their babies at
home painlessly through self-hypnosis. The father invariably is the only one
excited in such cases. The mother knows that she is an excellent subject and
has been instructed in prenatal classes about every contingency that could
arise. Inasmuch as stopping the birth pangs is similar to stopping other pain,
the method should be learned so that it can be accomplished in a minimum
of time.
The best way to stop pain is to let your right arm slowly rise while you are
under hypnotic suggestion. Do not help it. If the suggestions are strong
enough, it will "float" up. As soon as the arm is straight overhead, you
should give yourself the suggestion that it is as rigid and unbending as a bar
of steel. Following this, a suggestion is given that the hand is beginning to
tingle and become numb. As soon as the numbness has spread through the
entire hand, it will be insensible to pain. The hand is then placed against the
part of the body where pain exists, and you will feel the numbness flowing
from the hand to the affected area. This happens as a result of your
suggestions and is the method followed by most subjects. Only a deep
somnambulistic subject is able 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 with this
method. It is called How You Can Play Better Golf Using Self-Hypnosis by
Jack Heise (Wilshire Book Company—Publishers).
Dr. Huber Grimm, team physician of the Seattle University basketball team,
recently related the results when Dave Mills, a six-foot five-inch junior
forward, asked for his help because he "froze" during competition. He had
been benched on the eve of the West Coast Athletic Conference tournament
in San Francisco. Spectators made Mills so fearful that he was afraid he
would make mistakes—and in this frame of mind, of course, he did. Under
hypnosis, Dr. Grimm suggested to Dave that he would be unaware of the
spectators, be completely relaxed and would play exceedingly well. Dr.
Grimm asked coach Vince Cazzeta to allow Dave to play and the result was

astounding. Mills scored 60 points and cleared 63 re-bounds, and his
brilliant play led to his selection on the all-tournament team.
"All I did was free his spirit," Dr. Grimm reported. "He was in need of
confidence, and I gave it to him through hypnosis." The Associated Press
told the story as follows: "Dave Mills, a vacuum cleaner off the back-boards,
led a fast-breaking Seattle University team to victory last night. It was hard
to recognize Mills as the same player who has been with the Chieftains all
year."
Dr. William S. Kroger, a pioneer in hypnosis, undertook to improve the
batting of a professional baseball player with equally sensational results. The
player had been "beaned," and his fear of a recurrence was so strong that he
became "plate shy." He had changed his batting stance so that he always had
"one foot in the bucket" so that he could back away from the plate more
quickly. He was given a posthypnotic suggestion that such an event
happening again was exceedingly remote, and this was amplified by
suggestions of confidence that he would immediately start slugging 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 Physiologic Research in
Physical Education, Chicago, have proved that track men can far surpass
their best previous times under hypnosis. Their tests, incidentally, proved
that there is no danger of an athlete going beyond his physiologic limit while
bettering his former marks. They attribute the superior performances to the
removal of inhibitions, which psychologically prevent an athlete from doing
his best. This report was made before the International Congress on Health
and Fitness in the Modern World held in Rome during the last Olympic
games.
All reports, as a matter of fact, show that athletic performances are improved
by psychological, not physical, means, and that built-in automatic reflexes
protect the athlete against the danger of overexertion at all levels of
awareness—hypnotic or non-hypnotic.
Psychologists are using hypnosis more and more to facilitate concentration
and learning, and it is likely this use of the ancient science will become even
more popular than its medical applications. The reason one learns so quickly

under hypnosis is because of time distortion which allows you to obtain the
equivalent of many hours of study in a relatively short length of time.
Undoubtedly, you have had experience with time distortion in your daily
life. Remember how slowly time goes when you are not interested in what
you are doing and how fast it speeds by when you are? And the drowning
man, who sees his whole life go by, is an excellent example of this. Enough
people have been saved to know that this actually happens. The point is that
the subconscious mind does not record the passage of time the same way as
the conscious mind.
The conscious mind records time physically, by means of a clock. It is
objective and tells you that a thought or movement requires a certain number
of seconds, minutes, hours or days.
Your subconscious mind has an entirely different concept of time that has
nothing to do with the physical world. It is called subjective because your
own sense of the passage of time is used.
Personal time varies according to the circumstances in which you find
yourself. Haven't you noticed that when you are happy or extremely
interested in something, time passes quickly? On the other hand, if you are
sad or anxious, time seems to drag.
This is called time distortion. When you continue in a happy state, time is
automatically shortened. When you are in a state of unhappiness, pain or
anxiety, time automatically lengthens. This explains why the drowning man
can review his entire life within seconds. Psychologists know this is
possible, because your subconscious mind contains a complete record of
everything that has happened to you since birth. Therefore, in moments of
extreme distress your subconscious has the ability to distort and manipulate
time.
If you have ever encountered danger or had a narrow escape, you probably
experienced 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 on
February 11, 1958, which reported how movie actress Linda Darnell had

used hypnosis to help her with her first stage role. She had been asked to do
the part on short notice and had no time for preparation. Miss Darnell
telephoned her California physician for aid. He flew to Chicago.
Overnight, through hypnosis, Miss Darnell learned her part and astounded
the 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 the impression she had
been learning the part for a week although only about 48 hours were
involved and these hours were not continuous. After her first performance,
she said: "I never felt so secure about playing a role in my life. Hypnosis
helped me feel the part completely."
Imagine how much more we are going to be able to learn when study under
hypnosis becomes widespread. And the best part of it is that the learning is
in your mind for a long time. Forgetting or mental blocks that interfere with
your recall of the information at any time, are reduced to a minimum.
In conclusion, I should like to recommend the entire field of self-hypnosis to
everyone. It is a therapy which is positive, dynamic and constructive. An
excellent example of this is contained in the autobiography, Rachmaninoff's
Recollections. In this book, immortal Rachmaninoff describes in detail his
success in overcoming a severe case of mental depression. He had stopped
composing and kept to himself, seldom leaving his room. After meeting with
failure, using the available therapeutic remedies available at that time, he
was persuaded by his relatives, the Satins, to seek the help of a hypnotist
called Dr. Dahl. With much reluctance, he agreed to see Dr. Dahl and be
treated specifically with hypnosis. Rachmaninoff's own words read as
follows: "Although it may sound incredible, hypnosis really helped me.
Already at the beginning of the summer I began again to compose. The
material grew in bulk, and new musical ideas began to stir within me—far
more than I needed for my concerto. I felt that Dr. Dahl's treatment had
strengthened my nervous system to a miraculous degree. Out of gratitude, I
dedicated my second concerto to him. As the piece had a great success in
Moscow, everyone began to wonder what possible connection it could have
with Dr. Dahl. The truth, however, was known to Dr. Dahl, the Satins, and
myself."

Does this story sound incredible? You have the word of one of the world's
greatest musical composers that hypnosis alleviated his severe despondency.
This is proof that the emotions of the individual can be changed 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 damaging evidence of disease,
yet it can be so strong as to disable the person in all his daily activities." The
entire field of psychosomatic medicine, which deals with the
interrelationship between body and mind, has as one of its basic tenets that
suggestion not only can cause psychological personality disorders, but many
physical disorders as well.
It is, therefore, logical to conclude that the systematic use of positive mental
attitudes in an organized, progressive, self-improvement program 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 locate
reputable hypnotherapists in their area. You may consult your family
physician, county medical society or mental hygiene society. The chairman
of the psychology department at your nearest college or university would
usually have this information. I maintain a file of over 4,000 doctors located
all over the world who practice hypnosis and would 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
Here is an original technique that can be used very successfully in
inducing hypnosis. The technique consists of using two glass eyes with
eyelashes that close as you rotate the mechanism that holds the eyes in
place. This action is similar to closing your eyes when falling asleep.
You suggest to the subject as you hold these two eyes between your
thumb and first finger that his eyes will become extremely heavy and
tired as the eyes that you are holding begin to close. You then gradually
begin to rotate your hand which causes the eyes to partially close. The
subject, finding it extremely difficult to look at the eyes, begins to close
his own eyes in unison with those that you are holding. You continue
giving suggestions of hypnosis and before you know it the subject is
under hypnosis. The eyes are the size of human eyes and are colored
blue with brown eyelashes in order to give the exact effect of looking
into real eyes.
The advantage comes in the fact that the subject begins to blink his
eyes immediately and you suggest to him that this is the beginning of
the hypnosis. It is just about impossible to look into anyone's eyes
without blinking and this technique accomplishes this purpose. Using
this knowledge, you incorporate it into your technique and induce the
deep hypnosis accordingly. You can, of course, use this technique for
self-hypnosis as well.
The Powers Hypnotic Eyes (1 pair) $1

HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL & CHAIN
I have had many requests for a hypnotic crystal ball and
chain. I finally have been able to secure these and am
offering them now for the first time. The crystal ball
measures one inch in diameter and is actually made of
genuine methacrylate which is crystal clear. A ten inch
chain is secured to the crystal ball. You use this device the
same as the regular crystal ball but this time you
incorporate the pendulum effect which naturally causes
the quick tiring of the eyes.

Professional Size—Hypnotic Crystal Ball & Chain $2.00

THE HAND HYPNODISC
The hand hypnodisc is the size
of the hypnodisc illustrated in
this circular. It is rigid with a
special lens-like plastic
surface. The miniature
hypnodisc is held between the
first finger and thumb like the
crystal ball and is used
incorporating the techniques of
the large hypnodisc as well as
the crystal ball.
As you slowly revolve this
hypnodisc, the lens-like surface
causes a series of optical illusions to appear before the eyes of the
subject. These moving illusions are ever present as you change the
slightest distance of the hypnodisc from the subject.
This remarkable effect is achieved by the use of countless plastic linear
lenses which separate the multiple images laminated behind them,
permitting a different picture to change continuously as you change the
angle of view or distance. Naturally this device is extremely helpful in
capturing the full attention of the conscious mind of the subject and
helps you to achieve the hypnotic state in the shortest possible time.

Send for
THE HAND HYPNODISC
Price $1

POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL
The Powers hypnotic crystal ball is
extremely useful as an aid in inducing the
hypnotic state. It is desirable to use it as an
object of concentration for your subject
while he is being hypnotized.
The crystal ball lends an air of
"mysticism" to the attainment of the
hypnotic sleep and for some of your
subjects this is the best approach in
obtaining hypnotic control. There are
individuals who will not react to a strict
scientific approach to hypnosis and it is
with these subjects that the use of such a
device as the crystal ball is of inestimable
value.
The crystal ball is held between your
thumb and first finger, about twelve inches
from the subject's eyes and slightly above eye level. The hypnotic
crystal ball can easily be carried with you at all times.
As you know, the employment of a crystal to induce the hypnotic sleep
is one of the oldest methods used in hypnosis. I personally favor this
device and my students as well as myself have always had excellent
results using this technique.

Send for POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL
BALL
Price $1

THE POWERS HYPNODISC
Copyright 1951
by Melvin
Powers
An effective yet
inexpensive
method of
inducing hypnosis
is with the aid of
the hypnodisc
spiral. In my
book,
"Hypnotism
Revealed," a
picture of the
hypnodisc unit
with the
hypnodisc spiral
attached is shown. Above is a picture of my latest hypnodisc spiral. I
am now offering the hypnodisc spiral as a separate unit which can be
used with your phonograph turntable.
The spinning spiral will cause a series of optical illusions, causing
immediate eye strain and fatigue. The subject feels that he is being
drawn into a deep, dark revolving cone. By your suggestions of
hypnotic sleep, you can place your subject in the somnambulistic state
very easily. With some subjects, hypnosis will take place almost
instantaneously. This technique is often employed in stage hypnotism.
The use of the hypnodisc spiral is also an excellent method of
achieving self-hypnosis. As you concentrate on the revolving
hypnodisc spiral, you give yourself suggestions of hypnotic sleep. You
will note the optical illusions as they occur and the pleasant, relaxing
feeling that accompanies these illusions. Giving yourself further

suggestions of hypnotic sleep, you find that you are easily able to attain
the desired state of self-hypnosis. This method is one of the most
successful and popular techniques yet known for achieving hetero-
hypnosis and self-hypnosis. At the Wilshire School of Hypnotism, all
students in the self-hypnosis class are conditioned with the aid of the
hypnodisc spiral.
During my lectures, I place the entire hypnodisc unit on the platform
without having the spiral revolve. Continuing with the lecture, I note
individuals in the audience gazing intently at the hypnodisc spiral.
Invariably before the end of the lecture, many will have put themselves
into a deep hypnotic state. This group self-hypnosis was achieved
without my mentioning anything about the hypnodisc. These
individuals assumed that the unit is used to induce hypnosis and their
looking at it with that thought in mind produced the hypnotic state.
The hypnodisc spiral is printed on firm cardboard, measures twelve
inches in diameter, and has a hole in the center so you can place it on
your own phonograph turntable. It has the general appearance of a
twelve-inch phonograph record. I am sure that you will be pleased with
your purchase of the hypnodisc.
The hypnodisc is also available with four of the white spiraling areas
colored in four different shades. The coloring is extremely interesting,
fascinating, and very effective in inducing hypnosis as the hypnodisc
revolves. The COLORED HYPNODISC sells for $3.00.
Send for POWERS HYPNODISC
Price $2.00

CASSETTE TAPES
ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RECORDS ON CASSETTE
$10.00
TAPE
ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD ON
5.00
CASSETTE TAPE
TWO HOURS OF MENTAL POWER RECORDS ON
10.00
CASSETTE TAPE

ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN TAPE (3-3/4
IPS)
One of the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in his
approach in hypnotizing his subjects. As you know, it is necessary
many times to adapt a technique that is suitable to the subject, and not
to make the subject adapt himself to the method of induction.
We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put the
subject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete
control of his subject just as fast as he wants. Unfortunately, most
subjects do not respond at the first session because of conscious or
subconscious fears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the
subject 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 or to "let go" is not sufficient,
as a rule, to bring about this desired state. The subject, at this point,
cannot turn on or off his mental and physical state of being this easily.
Even if we have the subject lie down, this does not assure the hypnotic
state, as the subject can still be tense. Our problem is how to get the
subject to relax. Our situation is similar to the physician telling his
patient to go home and forget about a certain problem. I'm sure that
you'll agree that the advice is virtually impossible to follow.
One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject, or in self-
hypnosis, lies in the fact that although we use words such as: "relax,"
"let yourself go," and other similar terminology, the subject cannot
readily put the meaning of these words into effect. It is difficult for
most people to "let go" when we live in a society that beckons us to
"look sharp," "be sharp," "be alert," "be on the ball" and "make every
minute count." Emphasis on productivity does not lend to a society of
relaxed individuals.
In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried many
novel innovations for inducing hypnosis. Some have met with a great

deal of success and others have failed. It is difficult to determine the
causative factors for success or failure. We can only theorize.
I have used, over the last ten years, a technique that I shall describe
now. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it; however, it
is not infallible. It is suggested to you as another good technique. In
order to help the subject relax, I have been using a one hour tape
recorder recording containing the continuous sound of various degrees
of rain. One half hour has a rain effect of very soft, light rainfall, as on
grass, canvas or tent top. The other side contains a half hour of a rain
effect such as one would hear in a heavy downfall with prominent
patter of water on pavement.
The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound of the
rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowing fireplace.
The relaxing effect thus produced enhances our chances for success in
attaining a deep, hypnotic state.
The tape will play on all standard recorders and comes recorded at a
speed of 3-3/4 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)
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 15 minutes 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
3.00
Heindel
ASTROLOGY: YOUR PERSONAL SUN-SIGN GUIDE Beatrice
3.00
Ryder
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
4.00
Norvell
MY WORLD OF ASTROLOGY Sydney Omarr 5.00
THOUGHT DIAL Sydney Omarr 3.00
WHAT THE STARS REVEAL ABOUT THE MEN IN YOUR
3.00
LIFE Thelma White
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
4.00
Kaplan
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
3.00
Winnikoff
INCREASE YOUR LEARNING POWER Geoffrey A. Dudley 2.00
MAGIC OF NUMBERS Robert Tocquet 2.00
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BETTER CONCENTRATION Melvin
2.00
Powers
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING Maurice Forley 3.00
7 DAYS TO FASTER READING William S. Schaill 3.00
SONGWRITERS RHYMING DICTIONARY Jane Shaw
5.00
Whitfield
SPELLING MADE EASY Lester D. Basch & Dr. Milton
2.00
Finkelstein
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.
5.00
Moller
YOUR WILL & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT Attorney Samuel G.
3.00
Kling

CALLIGRAPHY

ADVANCED CALLIGRAPHY Katherine Jeffares 6.00
CALLIGRAPHY—The Art of Beautiful Writing Katherine
5.00
Jeffares

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
3.00
Fred Reinfeld
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
3.00
Evans Doole
HOME GARDEN COOKBOOK—Delicious Natural Food
3.00
Recipes Ken Kraft
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
2.00
Veronica Vezza
VEGETARIAN DELIGHTS—A Happy Cookbook for Health K.
2.00
R. Mehta
VEGETARIAN GOURMET COOKBOOK Joyce McKinnel 3.00

GAMBLING & POKER

ADVANCED POKER STRATEGY & WINNING PLAY A. D.
3.00
Livingston
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.
1.50
G. Lindner, M.D.
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
3.00
Caldwell
MIND OVER PLATTER Peter G. Lindner, M.D. 3.00
NATURE'S WAY TO NUTRITION & VIBRANT HEALTH
3.00
Robert J. Scrutton
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
2.00
Reinfeld
ENTERTAINING WITH ESP Tony 'Doc' Shiels 2.00

400 FASCINATING MAGIC TRICKS YOU CAN DO Howard
3.00
Thurston
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
3.00
Cammarano

HUMOR

HOW TO BE A COMEDIAN FOR FUN & PROFIT King &
2.00
Laufer
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
3.00
S. Caprio, M.D.
HOW TO STOP SMOKING THRU SELF-HYPNOSIS Leslie M.
3.00
LeCron
HOW TO USE AUTO-SUGGESTION EFFECTIVELY John
3.00
Duckworth
HOW YOU CAN BOWL BETTER USING SELF-HYPNOSIS
3.00
Jack Heise
HOW YOU CAN PLAY BETTER GOLF USING SELF-
2.00
HYPNOSIS Jack Heise
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
3.00
Arnold Furst
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
2.00
Powers
SELF-HYPNOSIS A Conditioned-Response Technique Laurence
4.00
Sparks
THERAPY THROUGH HYPNOSIS edited by Raphael H. Rhodes 4.00

JUDAICA

HOW TO LIVE A RICHER & FULLER LIFE Rabbi Edgar F.
2.00
Magnin
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
3.00
Helen Gurley Brown
COSMOPOLITAN'S HANG-UP HANDBOOK Foreword by
4.00
Helen Gurley Brown
COSMOPOLITAN'S LOVE BOOK—A Guide to Ecstasy in Bed 3.00
COSMOPOLITAN'S NEW ETIQUETTE GUIDE Fwd. by Helen
4.00
Gurley Brown
I AM A COMPLEAT WOMAN Doris Hagopian & Karen
3.00
O'Connor Sweeney
JUST FOR WOMEN—A Guide to the Female Body Richard E.
4.00
Sand, M.D.

NEW APPROACHES TO SEX IN MARRIAGE John E.
3.00
Eichenlaub, M.D.
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
4.00
Macandrew
GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE Drs. Albert Ellis &
4.00
Robert Harper
HOW TO RAISE AN EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY, HAPPY
3.00
CHILD A. Ellis
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
4.00
William Pavitt
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
5.00
Alex Horne
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
3.00
Taylor
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
5.00
History W. B. Crow
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.
3.00
Paul Kurtz
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,
3.00
Ph.D.
GUIDE TO LIVING IN BALANCE Frank S. Caprio, M.D. 2.00
HELPING YOURSELF WITH APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY R.
2.00
Henderson
HELPING YOURSELF WITH PSYCHIATRY Frank S. Caprio,
2.00
M.D.
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
3.00
Panzer
HOW TO DEVELOP AN EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY Young &
4.00
Gibson
HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR FEARS M. P. Leahy, M.D. 3.00
HOW YOU CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE AND POWER Les
3.00
Giblin
HUMAN PROBLEMS & HOW TO SOLVE THEM Dr. Donald
3.00
Curtis
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
2.00
Powers
NEW GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING Albert Ellis, Ph.D. & R.
3.00
Harper, Ph.D.
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.
2.50
Johnson, Ph.D.
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
3.00
Curtis

SPORTS

ARCHERY—An Expert's Guide Dan Stamp 2.00
BICYCLING FOR FUN AND GOOD HEALTH Kenneth E.
2.00
Luther
BILLIARDS—Pocket · Carom · Three Cushion Clive Cottingham,
3.00
Jr.
CAMPING-OUT 101 Ideas & Activities Bruno Knobel 2.00
COMPLETE GUIDE TO FISHING Vlad Evanoff 2.00
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR RACQUETBALL Lubarsky,
3.00
Kaufman, & Scagnetti

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 &
3.00
Jack Scagnetti
SECRET OF BOWLING STRIKES Dawson Taylor 3.00
SECRET OF PERFECT PUTTING Horton Smith & Dawson
3.00
Taylor
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 &
2.00
Analysis C. Wilson
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
3.00
Bill Talbert
WINNING WITH PERCENTAGE TENNIS—Smart Strategy Jack
2.00
Lowe

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,
2.00
Jr.

The books listed above can be obtained from your book dealer or directly
from Melvin Powers. When ordering, please remit 50¢ per book postage &
handling. Send for our free illustrated catalog of self-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
3.00
Cabell Self
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
2.00
Kenoyer
BITS—THEIR HISTORY, USE AND MISUSE Louis Taylor 3.00

BREAKING & TRAINING THE DRIVING HORSE Doris
2.00
Ganton
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
4.00
Podhaisky
DISORDERS OF THE HORSE & WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
3.00
E. Hanauer
DRESSAGE—A Study of the Finer Points in Riding Henry
4.00
Wynmalen
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.
3.00
Belschner
HORSE OWNER'S CONCISE GUIDE Elsie V. Hanauer 2.00
HORSE SELECTION & CARE FOR BEGINNERS George H.
3.00
Conn
HORSE SENSE—A complete guide to riding and care Alan
4.00
Deacon
HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS Louis Taylor 4.00
HORSEBACK RIDING MADE EASY & FUN Sue Henderson
3.00
Coen
HORSES—Their Selection, Care & Handling Margaret Cabell
3.00
Self
HOW TO BUY A BETTER HORSE & SELL THE HORSE YOU
3.00
OWN
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 (8-1/2" × 11") 10.00
ILLUSTRATED HORSE MANAGEMENT—400 Illustrations Dr.
6.00
E. Mayhew
ILLUSTRATED HORSE TRAINING Captain M. H. Hayes 5.00
ILLUSTRATED HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS
2.00
Jeanne Mellin
JUMPING—Learning & Teaching Jean Froissard 3.00
KNOW ALL ABOUT HORSES Harry Disston 3.00
LAME HORSE—Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Dr. James R.
3.00
Rooney
LAW & YOUR HORSE Edward H. Greene 3.00
LIPIZZANERS & THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL W. Reuter
2.50
(4-1/4" × 6")
MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP Harold Black 5.00
MORGAN HORSE IN PICTURES Margaret Cabell Self 2.00
MOVIE HORSES—The Fascinating Techniques of Training
2.00
Anthony Amaral
POLICE HORSES Judith Campbell 2.00
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HORSESHOEING 3.00
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO OWNING YOUR OWN HORSE Steven
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D. Price
PRACTICAL HORSE PSYCHOLOGY Moyra Williams 3.00
PROBLEM HORSES Guide for Curing Serious Behavior Habits
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Summerhays
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
4.00
Wheatley
STALLION MANAGEMENT—A Guide for Stud Owners A. C.
3.00
Hardman
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.
3.00
George H. Conn
TREATING HORSE AILMENTS G. W. Serth 2.00
WESTERN HORSEBACK RIDING Glen Balch 3.00
YOU AND YOUR PONY Pepper Mainwaring Healey (8-1/2" ×
6.00
11")
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 or directly
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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. The addresses for the American Group
Psychotherapy Association and the National Council on
Alcoholism are the same in the original; it is unclear
whether this is intentional.

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A PRACTICAL
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