The subconscious mind is a complex and powerful place. It is where all of your values, beliefs, habits and patterns reside. It is also your body’s control center; regulating your breathing, heart rate and the thousands of metabolic functions that occur automatically everyday of your life.

The subconscious mind is active when you daydream, stare at a television or computer screen, and when you sleep. It is also active when you are hypnotized. Having access to this powerful level of thought is the reason hypnosis is so effective in offering long-term solutions for so many physical and emotional concerns.

Think of the hypnotherapist as a tour guide. Since hypnosis is the language of the mind, they skillfully use nothing more than words to point clients toward relaxing vacation spots in their minds. The hypnotherapist has no power over the client at all; it is completely up to them as to how relaxed they choose to become or if they wish to become relaxed at all. So essentially, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a natural, peaceful moment of inner stillness. Some clients describe it as a peaceful heaviness, as though they are sinking or melting into the surface beneath them. Others describe sensations of floating or a mind–body separation. For most, hypnosis is a combination of deep physical relaxation and heightened focus.

Today, hypnosis is widely used in 21st century medicine, psychotherapy, athletics and dentistry. It helps with smoking cessation, weight loss, allergies, pain and stress. Hypnosis enhances general health, academic, sales and creative performances. It can help improve public speaking skills, confidence and self-esteem. Hypnosis helps clients to sleep better, improve concentration, memory and relationships.

It also helps students ace exams; supports complication-free surgery and helps mothers comfortably deliver babies without the need for any medication. With hypnosis, clients are involved with the process of creating positive change, which is as empowering as it is rewarding.

The keys to success with hypnosis are fairly simple: you need to be an open and willing participant; you need to be truly motivated and you should be with someone who is professional and capable. In most states hypnosis is not a regulated profession, which means there are no professional standards ensuring competence or accountability.

A good direction to take when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist is to find someone who is also a licensed healthcare provider such as a physician, registered nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker. These individuals are educated and certified in their field and are more likely able to offer professional quality care.

You should also ask your primary physician for a referral. Although most doctors know very little about hypnosis, it is a good base to cover and they may just surprise you with a referral.

From the initial phone conversation with a prospective hypnotherapist, you should be able to gauge if they are generally interested in your concerns, how long they have been in business and what their qualifications are. You might ask if they are affiliated with any particular organization. There are many reputable governing associations that have their own code of ethics. One example is The National Guild of Hypnotists (www.NGH.net )

Also ask if the session(s) will be specific to your needs and if you will receive a recording for reinforcement. Ask if they will teach you how to self-induce a hypnotic trance, which is a great way to help you own the process even more. The hypnotherapist should be able to give you a good idea of the number of sessions you will need. You should also ask for references.

If you get the right answers to these questions and feel good about the person you are speaking with, the last thing is to make sure their rates are in line with the area they practice in. The rates vary greatly from one part of the country to the next. But, don’t let a few dollars dictate your decision. If you feel good about how they describe their services and they seem to respect you and your concerns don’t let money get in the way of a positive experience.

Now that you have chosen a hypnotherapist, the last step is to evaluate their office. You will know right away if it is clean and professional in appearance. You should feel safe and protected. The hypnotherapist should make you feel welcome and cared for. There should also be a comfortable place for you to relax during your session.

If everything meets your approval, just relax and enjoy yourself! Hypnotherapy is a wonderful experience on many levels. You may discover greater clarity and understanding. You may experience new freedom, control and fulfillment.

In life, we all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts--hypnosis lets you choose your thoughts and reframe your world.

Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH is the founder of www.HealthyHypnosis.com. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit www.HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972 for a free video.