en him and
inquire if he remembered what happened. If the answer is, "No," I tell
him I'll "hypnotize" him again next week and this concludes the visit.
When he returns next week, I ask him, "How did you feel during the
week?" The answer is generally, "Much better." I keep repeating this
procedure until such time that the individual has attained the goals
that he seeks.

I know that the reader may be surprised that I would divulge such an
unconventional procedure. The principle is the same as the physician
using a placebo. I do so to illustrate the point that I made earlier in
this chapter that so long as certain of the subject's requirements are
met, whether valid or invalid, the subject's suggestibility is greatly
enhanced. Naturally, the unsuspecting subject equated the period of not
remembering, which was, as we know, true sleep, with the somnambulistic
state. Actually, he was helped by self-hypnosis because he felt he would
now make progress because he proved to be such an excellent subject. It
is true, he was not using self-hypnosis as has been outlined in this
book, but he had now achieved a heightened state of suggestibility
(hypnosis) and was using this state to further his own ends.

The attainment of self-hypnosis can be an intricate and elusive
procedure as I have already pointed out. The purpose of the entire book
is to instruct, point out and give you the necessary understanding and
knowledge required to achieve this end. Without this understanding, this
can become a very frustrating effort. It is hoped that by understanding
and being aware of some of the ramifications of hypnosis, you will be
able to achieve your goal in the quickest possible time. It should also
be pointed out that no two subjects react in the same way and that
different methods and requirements are necessary to suit the individual.
It is a mistake to try to make the subject adhere to a rigid
methodology. The greater flexibility of the hypnotic procedures, the
greater the chance for success. Let me, at this time, further discuss
some of the hypnotic aids that are used in the induction of hypnosis.

We have already discussed the use of the hypnodisc and crystal ball and
chain. The same principles are involved in any other object which is
used as a means of fixation or of tiring the eyes. Hypnotic phonograph
records and hypnotic tape recordings represent new devices that have
been instrumental in conditioning subjects for self-hypnosis.