CMH Self-Hypnosis Training Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which breathing technique is most commonly recommended to deepen self-hypnosis induction?
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Diaphragmatic slow breathing with extended exhale (Correct answer)
- Breath holding for 10 seconds
- Alternating nostril breathing only
Correct answer: Diaphragmatic slow breathing with extended exhale
Diaphragmatic slow breathing with an extended exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating deeper hypnotic relaxation.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a 'deepener' in a self-hypnosis session?
- To end the trance state safely
- To amplify the depth of hypnotic relaxation after initial induction (Correct answer)
- To test whether the subject is truly hypnotized
- To introduce post-hypnotic suggestions
Correct answer: To amplify the depth of hypnotic relaxation after initial induction
A deepener is used after induction to increase the depth of trance, making the subconscious more receptive to suggestions.
Question 3: In self-hypnosis, the 'staircase' visualization technique is used to:
- Rehearse physical fitness goals
- Progressively deepen the trance state step by step (Correct answer)
- Recall past memories for regression work
- Create anchors for waking life
Correct answer: Progressively deepen the trance state step by step
The staircase deepener uses the imagery of descending steps, with each step representing greater relaxation and depth of trance.
Question 4: A self-hypnosis practitioner notices difficulty achieving trance when practicing at night. The BEST adjustment is to:
- Increase the length of induction scripts
- Switch to a morning or early afternoon practice time (Correct answer)
- Use louder background music to stay alert
- Avoid all deepeners to prevent sleep
Correct answer: Switch to a morning or early afternoon practice time
Practicing self-hypnosis when naturally alert (morning or early afternoon) reduces the risk of falling asleep before completing suggestions.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes 'fractionation' as used in self-hypnosis?
- Dividing a session into unrelated segments
- Repeatedly entering and exiting trance to deepen subsequent states (Correct answer)
- Using fractional breathing to slow heart rate
- Applying partial suggestions over multiple days
Correct answer: Repeatedly entering and exiting trance to deepen subsequent states
Fractionation involves cycling in and out of trance multiple times, with each re-entry achieving a deeper level than the last.
Question 6: When crafting self-hypnosis affirmations, using the present tense rather than future tense is important because:
- Future tense grammar confuses the conscious mind
- The subconscious responds better to statements framed as current reality (Correct answer)
- Present tense is easier to memorize
- Future tense activates critical factor resistance more strongly
Correct answer: The subconscious responds better to statements framed as current reality
The subconscious mind processes present-tense statements as existing truths, making them more effective than future-oriented phrasing.
Question 7: What is the role of an 'anchor' established during self-hypnosis for use in daily life?
- To physically record the session for later review
- To trigger a conditioned hypnotic or relaxation response in waking state (Correct answer)
- To remind the practitioner to schedule future sessions
- To connect the hypnotic state to a specific location only
Correct answer: To trigger a conditioned hypnotic or relaxation response in waking state
An anchor is a sensory trigger (touch, word, image) conditioned during trance to rapidly recall the associated state during waking life.
CMH Self-Hypnosis Training Methods 2
Which breathing technique is most commonly recommended to deepen self-hypnosis induction?