What is hypnosis Doing a recent search for the definition of hypnosis on the Internet, I received close to 3 million results!        My definition Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness where the subconscious level of the mind is in a state of hyper-suggestibility. The conscious versus the subconscious mind There are literally hundreds of differences in the function of the conscious and subconscious mind. In a hypnotic session, a consulting hypnotist is directing suggestions to the subconscious, and although the conscious is aware, it is not reacting in a normal conscious way. Outside of a hypnotic state, the conscious is responding to suggestions with the subconscious being aware of the suggestions. Behaviors and habits Most of our behaviors and habits begin with a conscious decision, and then through repetition become subconscious. We become conditioned to respond both consciously and subconsciously to stimulants, whether external or internal. It is the consulting hypnotists job to determine if behaviors are conscious or subconscious, or a combination of both - in order to attack the problem. Preliminary sessions Most behaviors can be pre-categorized, however there are always exceptions. Those exceptions are discovered in a preliminary session that the consulting hypnotist conducts with each patient prior to inducing a hypnotic state.