Hypnosis is an entirely natural state that provides direct access to the subconscious mind, home to our learned behavior and pattern-making mechanisms. Therefore, we can use hypnosis to avoid what would otherwise require a lengthy or tortuous relearning procedure in our fully conscious state. There is no physical intrusion; it is merely a self-inflicted shift in mental consciousness. Thus, hypnosis is a condition of suggestibility that is purposefully intensified, similar to sleep. However, it is not sleeping. A state of consciousness in which the individual clearly senses a qualitative shift in their pattern of mental activity is referred to as an altered state of consciousness.

The subconscious mind represents programming formed from our life experiences since childhood, what we have learned, and input from sources such as family, instructors, friends, and the media. Habits take hold, and we may begin to assume that we are confined and helpless victims of unchangeable circumstances.

The remedy, then, is for the conscious and subconscious minds to be more in sync. With the client's agreement, hypnosis involves direct communication with the subconscious mind and the implementation of unique tactics.

It is a powerful technique for generating positive adjustments at the subconscious level in damaging behaviors and beliefs that will suit the requirements and wishes and accept the old ways of behaving no longer applying.