Self-Hypnosis
Milton Erickson, Ericksonian hypnosis
What is Self-Hypnosis?
Self-Hypnosis — Ericksonian gentle induction: staircase, truisms, choice. Ericksonian self-hypnosis — gentle immersion without directive commands: focusing attention, staircase 10→1, truisms, and providing choice to the unconscious.
Ericksonian self-hypnosis — gentle immersion without directive commands: focusing attention, staircase 10→1, truisms, and providing choice to the unconscious. Not 'falling asleep', but expanded inner attention. In DreamsFlow — entry and deepening at the peak of the image, with post-hypnotic suggestion.
Key facts
| Origin | Milton Erickson, Ericksonian hypnosis |
|---|---|
| Role in DreamsFlow | Practice entrance |
| Best for | Hypnotizable people with good imagination; Before sleep — natural deepening |
Techniques and elements
- Attention fixation: point, sound of breathing, voice
- Dissociation: 'eyes look outward, attention inward'
- Hypnotic staircase 10→1 with exhalation
- Truisms: 'you hear sounds... and silence within'
- Providing choice to the unconscious — without commands
- Post-hypnotic suggestion and gentle exit
Pros
- Deep relaxation without 'struggling' with thoughts
- Suitable for those who dislike directive meditations
- Enhances suggestibility for positive suggestions
- Gentle exit — without 'sudden awakening'
Cons
- Fear of 'losing control' in some people
- Requires trust in the process
- Does not replace clinical hypnosis for trauma
Who it suits
Best for
- Hypnotizable people with good imagination
- Before sleep — natural deepening
- In combination with visualization for enhancement
- Those who get tired of 'struggling' with the mind
With caution or not suitable
- Fear of hypnosis and loss of control
- Epilepsy — consult a doctor
- Psychosis and severe disorders — only with a specialist
Notable followers
- Milton Erickson — Founder of Ericksonian hypnosis
- Dave Elman — Popularizer of medical hypnosis
- Michael Yapko — Clinical hypnosis in depression therapy
- Athletes and musicians — Pre-performance self-hypnosis
Popular exercises
Staircase 10→15 min
- Look at a point or close your eyes
- With each exhalation — step down the staircase: 10… 9… 8…
- Shoulders become heavier, eyelids softer
- At '1' — the inner space is ready for the image
Truism Induction3 min
- 'You hear sounds around… and silence within'
- 'You feel your clothes… and the warmth of support under your body'
- 'The unconscious will remember the needed state… now… or a little later'
FAQ
What is Self-Hypnosis — a method or a practice?
Self-Hypnosis is a psychotechnique (method) that DreamsFlow weaves into daily personal meditations and affirmations. Ericksonian self-hypnosis — gentle immersion without directive commands: focusing attention, staircase 10→1, truisms, and providing choice to the unconscious. Not 'falling asleep', but expanded inner attention. In DreamsFlow — entry and deepening at the peak of the image, with post-hypnotic suggestion.
Who is the “Self-Hypnosis” method for?
Best for: Hypnotizable people with good imagination; Before sleep — natural deepening; In combination with visualization for enhancement; Those who get tired of 'struggling' with the mind. Use with caution: Fear of hypnosis and loss of control; Epilepsy — consult a doctor; Psychosis and severe disorders — only with a specialist
What exercises and practices does “Self-Hypnosis” include?
Staircase 10→1, Truism Induction. Step-by-step instructions are on this DreamsFlow technique page.
What are the pros and cons of “Self-Hypnosis”?
Pros: Deep relaxation without 'struggling' with thoughts; Suitable for those who dislike directive meditations; Enhances suggestibility for positive suggestions; Gentle exit — without 'sudden awakening'. Cons: Fear of 'losing control' in some people; Requires trust in the process; Does not replace clinical hypnosis for trauma
Is there a quiz for the “Self-Hypnosis” method?
Yes. DreamsFlow has a compatibility quiz for “Self-Hypnosis” — a short survey that shows how well the technique fits you and what may block practice. Take it in Tests or from this page.
Can I practice “Self-Hypnosis” online?
Yes. In DreamsFlow “Self-Hypnosis” is available online as part of personal evening meditations and morning affirmations — after you add goals and choose techniques in your account.