The experience is different for each person, and will differ for that individual from session to session.

You may be aware of two or more aspects of consciousness functioning at the same time. For example, you may be simultaneously aware of inner happenings and outer happenings.

If you find that you have an ‘inner critic’ at work during the process you can mentally assign this part of yourself a new job description, telling it that it will now be a neutral witness, saving judgment for later.

Similarly, if your outer hypnotist gives you a suggestion which does not match your internal experience, you can let your ‘inner hypnotist’ change the instructions to fit your experience without breaking your rapport with the outer hypnotist.

You may experience fluctuations in your attention to the hypnotist. Don’t worry about this, your subconscious is most likely still in rapport.

Most people are surprised by what this process reveals to them about themselves

You will still be able to talk to the therapist.

You may experience fluctuations in the level of trance depth. Allow yourself to move through these fluctuations without judging one level as being better than another. At one instant you might be at a very light level, then move quickly into a much deeper level.

Your experience will be affected by the level to which you are able to go with the flow, and not need to remain in ‘control.’ Hypnosis is a state that can be achieved by everyone, if they are willing to go there.

Keep in mind, that thought, memory, and imagination are all part of the same continuum of inner experience. Ultimately, what really matters, is whether the experience is personally meaningful to you. The sub-conscious may employ many types of imagery to speak with your conscious mind. Try not to evaluate the experience while you are in it.

A feeling of body numbness or dissociation [not being aware of it, or conscious of it] is not unusual during the experience.

Generally, the experience of hypnosis is very restful and relaxing.