To self-hypnotize or not self-hypnotize? While hypnosis can create powerful, lasting change in people, can it create that change when it's you doing the hypnotizing? A hypnotherapist might answer that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. While that's true, it omits the fact that a licensed hypnotist can lead you places you would never think to go while performing self-hypnosis. So here are the pros and cons of performing self-hypnosis compared to seeing a professional.

At first glance, seeing a professional hypnotist seems like a no-brainer. With a true pro, you get something you could never get when doing self-hypnosis: years of experience. Most hypnotists certified by one of the major boards have docked hundreds of clinical hours. So they come well-prepared for anything your subconscious mind might throw at them during a session. Furthermore, most self-hypnosis methods are pretty simple. A pro can bring more sophisticated hypnotic techniques that you won't find in a book. So you will achieve your desired outcomes more quickly.

Unfortunately, the cons of seeing a professional hypnotherapist are many. Setting aside the high cost of multiple sessions, there's the problem that many people simply don't live anywhere near a qualified hypnotherapist. Furthermore, no one organization exists to certify hypnosis professionals. So selecting the best one based on qualifications alone becomes a daunting task to say the least. You could ask around, if you didn't mind explaining to everyone in town why you want to get hypnotized. Or you can use trial and error. Not the best ideas.

Compare the self-hypnotist. Usually, you're working with ideas you found in a book, audio course, or video series. Many of these series are of extremely high quality (and they cost less than a few sessions on the couch). Still, they're not a person with hundreds of clinical hours. Furthermore, most self-hypnosis systems limit their sessions to ten or fifteen minutes and a series of relatively simple suggestions. This helps the beginning hypnotist keep some perspective: it's easier to take small steps before running a marathon, so to speak. Nonetheless, for programs of massive personal change, self-hypnosis might leave you wanting more.

However, there's one huge benefit to self-hypnosis that even a professional can't match. I began this article with the common claim that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Usually, people quote this to nervous subjects, to emphasize that hypnotists don't wield any arcane power over their subjects. The statement works in another direction. Because it's all self-hypnosis, you will discover a huge opportunity for self-determination. When you're the hypnotist and the subject both, you get a double shot of personal power. If you rely on a hypnotist to cause change in you, you risk becoming dependent on the hypnotherapist. That's no way to improve your life.

On the other hand, when you're the hypnotist who causes the change in your life, you have a sudden boost in your personal power. Now you know how to change yourself. So not only will change come quickly-- it will come whenever you want it to come. Seen in this light, a visit to the hypnotherapist looks like a visit to the doctor for a major surgery. Becoming your own hypnotist looks like a daily conditioning program you use to stay in perfect health-- so you'll never need to go to the doctor at all.