Hi Amie.

I love this question because I have a lengthy personal experience with hypnosis.

When I was 12 years old, my parents took me to a licensed hypnotherapist to try and get me to be more confident, focused and relaxed in a group of people. Being very shy when I was younger was a struggle for numerous reasons.

Upon my first visit to this hypnotherapist, he quickly 'put me under' which I have to say was quite fascinating. Why? While being hypnotized, he had me open my eyes and hold out my right arm. He then proceeded to tell me that I would not feel anything on this arm. A few seconds later, he took a round pizza cutter and rolled it up and down my arm. I did not feel anything even though I was watching it roll up and down the full length of my arm. He did a few other tests to make sure I could be hypnotized and believed in the process.

Once this was completed, he created two audio cassettes for me in future sessions. The first was titled "Concentration" and the second was "Exo-Strength." I can tell you that even today, 30 years later, the effect of listening to them repeatedly as a youngster still affects me today (for the better). Whether consciously or subconsciously, his hypnotic suggestions are obviously still there.

Cool, huh!

So YES, in answer to your question whether hypnosis works. It does.

Will it work for you?

I suggest if you want to try it, click here. This is an extremely popular and well-respected hypnosis company with hundreds of downloads on a lot of topics. Whether you want more self-confidence, need to overcome a fear or want to improve your life in some way, this is a great place to start.

The one thing you MUST remember is that you have to listen to the session REPEATEDLY and REGULARLY. Otherwise, it will not work for you as it should. Choose a time (I prefer before bed) and listen daily.

3 Common Misconceptions About Hypnosis.

1. Hypnosis will not make you tell secrets. When in a hypnotic state, you're merely open to suggestions. You still have a choice and won't divulge anything you wouldn't ordinarily divulge.

• You might bring forward some inner truths, which is what hypnosis is generally used for. These might shed light on some self-sabotage or some other situations you're currently placing yourself in.

2. Hypnosis cannot make you do something against your will. Those people you see on stage have a desire to do something outrageous, which is why certain suggestions work on them. If you don't have that same desire, those suggestions would not have the same effect on you.

3. You can't be stuck in a permanent hypnotic state. Hypnosis is merely a relaxed and focused state so it's impossible to be "stuck" there.

• For instance, if the specialist left the room, one of two things would happen. Either you would fall asleep and wake up naturally or your mind would realize nothing is happening and bring you out of your focused state.

    
Hypnosis can be helpful in many ways, from remembering people's names to completely changing your life. Many people use hypnosis to change habits, such as quitting smoking, and form new habits, like exercising daily.