One question that arises is: “If I’m under hypnosis, how can I give myself suggestions?” During the hypnotic state, it must be remembered, the subject is always aware of what is going on. You hear what is said, follow directions and terminate the state when told to do so. In the self-hypnotic state, you are in full control. Therefore, you can think, reason, act, criticize, suggest or do whatever you desire. You can audibly give yourself suggestions, or you can mentally give yourself suggestions. In either case, you do not rouse from the hypnotic state until you give yourself specific suggestions to do so.
Many feel if they audibly give themselves suggestions, they will “awaken.” In hypno-analysis, the subject answers questions during the hypnotic state. Having the subject talk does not terminate the state. You can keep the talkative subject under hypnosis as long as you want. Furthermore, the subject can be sitting erect with his eyes open and still be under hypnosis. Carrying this further, the subject may not even be aware that
he is under hypnosis. He can be given a cue not to remember when the therapist makes a certain motion or says a certain word that he will go back into the hypnotic state but still keep his eyes open. Only an experienced hypnotist could detect the change.
Another frequent question is: “How do I arouse myself from the self-hypnotic state?” You merely say to yourself that upon counting to five you will open your eyes and wake up feeling fine. Many times the subject falls asleep while giving himself posthypnotic suggestions. This is not undesirable since the suggestions will spill over into the subconscious mind as he goes from consciousness to unconsciousness.