Hypnosis, NLP, Brainwave Entrainment and Visualization - What's The Difference?

There are many references to hypnosis, NLP, brainwave entrainment and visualization in the context of self improvement, but what are the pros and cons of each of these methods and for what are they found to be most useful?

Hypnosis enables mind changing behaviour by accessing the subject's subconscious directly and implanting suggestions which will help to facilitate a new pattern of behaviour. This is done by using a guided script to reach a deeply relaxed state which will incorporate positive suggestions. Hypnosis can be performed by a trained professional hypnotherapist, or a willing subject can use self hypnosis downloads, now available in mp3 format, or self hypnosis CDs. There are hundreds of hypnosis titles available for both self improvement and for addictions and removing negative behaviour.

NLP is a modern extension of hypnosis, but is not strictly considered to be a hypnotic technique. NLP, or Neuro Linguistic programming, as its full name suggests is a technique using the language of psychology to manipulate and subconsciously affect a new pattern of behaviour.

There are 5 main sub categories of NLP, each of which work effectively depending on the issue to be resolved:-

1. Dissociation - This works best for dealing with phobias and similar behaviour by identifying the feelings associated with the phobia or negative event and neutralizing them so that they no longer have the power to trigger the way you react.
2. Content reframing - This technique can be used in a situation that makes us feel disempowered and by looking for any positives that could come out of the situation we can stop the event having any power over us. By believing that 'every cloud has a silver lining' we can react positively and thus feel empowered that we have control over how we react to negative conditions rather than feeling the victim of circumstance.
3. Anchoring - This particular technique associates an emotional response with a specific gesture. In this way our reaction to an event can be triggered by recreating the gesture. As an example, by anchoring a feeling of confidence to maybe touching two fingers together, we can recreate that feeling of confidence whenever we repeat the gesture.
4. Rapport - Essentially rapport is mirroring another person's actions, but in a subtle way. By evaluating their body language one can copy their breathing pattern, hand gestures and if you can identify their main sensory perception (auditory, visual or kinaesthetic) you can relate to them at a deeper level.
5. Belief change - Often it is difficult to use content reframing in negative circumstances, and this leads to us forming negative beliefs based on our past experiences. The three main beliefs are about cause, meaning and identity. To effectively change your beliefs you can repeat positive affirmations whilst solely concentrating on the meaning behind the words, which will put you in a semi hypnotic trance state and make it easier to make the change.

Brainwave entrainment uses recorded frequencies to synchronize the brain's pattern to certain frequencies which are known to have a positive affect, similar to when meditating.
There are 3 different types of entrainment downloads:-

1. Binaural beats - probably the best known of entrainment techniques, they offer different frequencies in each channel resulting in a perceived single beat relating to the frequency required. Hence to produce a 10hz frequency, tones of 110hz and 100 hz could be played. This can produce levels perceived below the normal threshold of hearing (around 20hz) and because of their nature headphones must be used.
2. Monaural tones - A single tone played into each channel to create a single predetermined frequency can be played into headphones or loudspeakers, so they are more flexible.
3. Isochronic tones - These are generally the most effective and can be produced to a high quality. They can also be played through speakers or headphones and will have accompanying natural ambient sounds.

By listening to any of these brainwave entrainment downloads, the brain's frequency can be trained to a particular level which in turn brings about a change in physical behaviour, or thinking patterns. There are brainwave entrainment downloads which can be applied, for example to raise your mood, improve your immune system or meditate at alpha or theta level.

Visualization is a method of affecting external events by forming strong images in the mind. By generating the emotion attached to the outcome as if it has already happened, more power is attached to the visualization and using this technique both physical and mental changes can be attracted to manifest in reality. Visualization is most effective if performed in a state of concentration and because of this, using brainwave entrainment in conjunction can boost its effectiveness.

These are the latest developments in self improvement techniques and choosing the appropriate technique is an important first step for anyone serious about changing their life for the better.

Find out more information at http://www.goodnews-only.com. For information on how to apply any of these these techniques and access free trial downloads, you will discover over 300 uniquely targeted hypnosis and brainwave entrainment downloads, all available to immediately download for a free trial.