If you really want to try hypnosis, but don't feel comfortable going to a hypnotherapist, or can't afford to see one, there is an alternative.
Just do it yourself.
There are many books on the subject of self hypnosis that can help you learn the techniques.
It's actually a very natural thing to do.
Before hypnotizing yourself, you need to have a purpose.
Why are you doing this? What goal are you trying to accomplish by using self hypnosis? It's best to only focus on one goal at a time.
For example, if you wanted to quit smoking and lose weight, you would need to focus on only one of those.
After you've identified a specific goal, you'll then want to formulate some affirmations, or suggestions, around that goal.
I'd go with no more than five.
There are many sources, both online and off, which can help you develop effective affirmations.
Write these down.
The next step is to relax.
This is a must when doing self hypnosis, and can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Progressive relaxation techniques are the best, however, in my experience.
Start with finding a relaxing position.
This can be in a chair, sofa, or even a comfortable spot on the floor.
I would advise against doing this in bed, as you would be tempted to drift off into sleep.
Then, bring your focus to your feet.
Imagine them relaxing.
All the muscles in your feet are just letting go.
Allow this feeling to move into your calves, and up into your thighs.
Continue this until your entire body has been completely relaxed in this way.
Then, imagine you're at the top of a staircase.
There are ten stairs leading down.
As you descend the stairs, begin counting 10, down to 9, all the way down to 1.
With each step you take, you relax deeper.
When you reach 1, you will be very relaxed.
Then, imagine a scene.
This can be a place you've been before, a place you'd like to go, or a purely imaginary place.
Completely immerse yourself in the scene.
For example, if you're walking on a beach really feel the sand under your feet.
Hear the gulls above you.
See the clear blue sky, and smell the water coming off the ocean.
When you've been in this scene for a little while, start reciting your affirmations.
You might say them aloud, or you might be so relaxed you can barely move your lips and engage your vocal cords.
Personally, I kind of mumble.
I hear the words in my head, but I'm to relaxed to actually form words with my lips.
Say the affirmations over and over for as long as it seems necessary.
For a variation on this technique, you might also record your affirmations on a CD or tape, and play them during this part of your session.
You could also record the entire relaxation sequence.
Your results probably won't be instantaneous.
It takes an average of 30 to 90 days for these sessions to take effect.
Once they do, however, it's a powerful change that takes place in your life.