Hypnosis has long been a fascinating technique - often for all the wrong reasons. While it offers real relief to many people for a variety of conditions, there are still many misconceptions. Before you try hypnosis, it’s important to know what it is, and what it is not.

The stereotypical magician waving a gold watch while intoning “You are getting sleepy” is the stuff of legend and completely untrue. No reputable hypnotherapist (please, not hypnotist) would ever do that. Neither can a hypnotherapist control you in such a way that you would go out and rob someone or kill them. A hypnotherapist cannot make you go against your will.

So what can hypnosis do for you? Think of hypnosis as a technique to help you relax and also to focus intently on a specific task. You begin by being seated comfortably, closing your eyes and concentrating on the suggestions given by the therapist. At first these will be simple tasks such as controlling your breathing or relaxing certain body parts.

Gradually, the therapist will give suggestions that can distort your perception or your memories. For example, he or she may say you cannot lift your arm or open your eyes. These commands are given to test your responsiveness. The more you are able to accept these suggestions, the more likely it is the hypnotherapist will be able to help you.

As you and the hypnotherapist develop a rapport, you will be able to use his or her suggestions to solve real problems. For example, a hypnotherapist working with a smoker may suggest the smoker stretch a rubber band instead of lighting up. While the smoker may not consciously remember this suggestion later on, he or she may find stretching a rubber band more satisfying than smoking when the session is done. This preference may last even weeks after the hypnotherapy session.

Hypnotherapy has been used successful for a variety of problems, from smoking to pain relief and even to remove warts. Many patients who are afraid of the dentist have learned to hypnotize themselves to relax before a dental visit. Hypnosis has been used to reduce high blood pressure, headaches, depression and anxiety.

Do you want to try hypnosis? Check your phone book for local hypnotherapists. When you find one, make sure he or she is a real professional. If he or she makes outrageous claims as to what hypnosis can do for you, be suspicious and look elsewhere. A good hypnotherapist knows the therapy depends on a good therapist-client relationship and can’t be guaranteed.

If you don’t have the time and money to hire a professional, there are many books and other resources on self hypnosis. You can easily learn techniques that will help you relax and focus in your day-to-day life.

Hypnosis is not voodoo and it is not magic. It is a real therapeutic technique that has helped millions of people. If you want to quite smoking, lose weight or simply learn to relax and focus, give hypnosis a try.