Questions

HypnoBox FAQ

• What is hypnosis anyway?

  

  Hypnosis could be described as a completely natural state between being awake and sleeping. Your body is deeply relaxed, but your mind is highly focused and alert. Time is meaningless, your surroundings cease to matter, and you feel completely at ease. It’s like a kind of mini-break for your body and soul. Your subconscious is also more responsive, and it is possible to reprogram your mind.

  Here’s a brief overview of the most important facts:

  • Hypnosis is completely natural.
  • Hypnosis isn’t sleep, but focused relaxation. You are fully aware. Your conscious mind is always there. It just moves into the background for a short time.
  • 90-95% of our thoughts and actions originate from our subconscious, so it makes sense to change mental programs to our advantage here.
  • Your subconscious is more responsive during hypnosis and it can accept new suggestions.
  • You only accept the suggestions that you really want to accept.

  You will definitely not stay under hypnosis forever. You will automatically wake up by yourself at some point.

• What is the best way to start?

  

  Start with the ready-made suggestions. If you want to create your own suggestions, you can copy a pre-existing session and add as many elements to it as you like. As a starting point, we recommend the “Induction & Awakening Box”, the “Deepening Box”, and a box that corresponds to your issue. You can do a great deal with this content and it gives you total flexibility in designing your session.

  Guidance for starting:

  1. To begin with, focus on practising deep relaxation, combining additional inductions and deepenings, if necessary.
  2. Create a session with topics that are important to you. (Start with approx. 30 minutes. You can increase the length as you go on.)
  3. Choose whether you want to listen to a male or female voice. All of the suggestions are spoken in the first person (“I”), so if you are a man you might prefer a male voice and, if you are a woman you might prefer a female voice. As you gradually internalise the art of self-hypnosis, you can also record your own suggestions.
  4. Sit or lie down and relax (it’s better to sit if you tend to fall asleep quickly) and grab your most comfortable headphones. Take your time and choose a moment when you are not going to be disturbed. You can practise self-hypnosis at any time of day. Don’t forget to switch your mobile to flight mode.

  Our tip: You get the ready-made sessions free with almost every complete box that you purchase. You will automatically find them under your sessions after successful download. You can edit them by making a copy and then editing the copy. The only aspect of the ready-made sessions you can edit is the choice of speaker (male / female).

• How do I achieve the results I want with HypnoBox?

  

  The golden rule is: the more often and the more regularly you work with HypnoBox, the better. This will permanently anchor the suggestions in your subconscious.

  You will undoubtedly achieve sensational results if you undergo hypnotherapy or hypnosis coaching at the same time. Do not hesitate to start (online) hypnotherapy with me, Bernhard Tewes, or with my team. We are happy to advise you: Ticketing – Bernhard Tewes

• How often should I listen to self-hypnosis?

  

  As often as you like. The more frequently you listen, the more quickly you will feel yourself change. For many people, self-hypnosis becomes an essential part of their daily routine. Find out for yourself when suits you best and when you will not be disturbed. By the way: it’s perfectly okay to listen to HypnoBox when you are on the train or on your way to work, but you will achieve deeper relaxation at home when you will not be disturbed. Select and create your sessions to suit your needs!

• How long should a session be?

  

  Choose a total duration of around 30 minutes to begin with, and later decide your limit for yourself. HypnoBox allows you to experiment. Start by focusing on reaching a state of deep relaxation. Then gradually build up sessions with more suggestion content.

• Can I work on with several topics in one session?

  

  Absolutely! That’s precisely why we have developed HypnoBox with relatively short and direct suggestion blocks. Our experience has shown that with the right suggestions, you will experience change even if you cover completely different topics within one session. What’s crucial is your motivation to work on these topics.

  We have developed a new approach to working with audio suggestions, initially with lengthy experiments on ourselves and then together with clients. The old way of thinking about self-hypnosis was to listen to the same suggestion every day for at least 4-10 weeks and only then move onto the next topic.
  We found that can quickly become boring – and boredom impairs acceptance of suggestions.
  That’s why we now believe that change is most effective where the motivation to work on a specific topic is strongest.

  You should therefore create each session in the following way:

  1. Listen to yourself to discover which topics are currently most important to you.
  2. Browse the library and feel what resonates with you.

  Our tip: in some of the suggestion descriptions, we recommend suitable combinations of topics. It also makes sense to create sessions that focus on topics such as “weight loss and exercise”, “morning hypnosis” or “falling asleep”.

• When shouldn’t I use HypnoBox?

  

  Please never use HypnoBox in acute psychosis, schizophrenia and delusions. The benefits of HypnoBox are otherwise always present. If you have deep-seated problems, suicidal thoughts, fears, traumas, depressions or phobias, you should additionally consult a (hypnosis) therapist. We work, for example, cause-oriented, i.e. we go in hypnosis to the source of the problem and solve it. You are here in a protected setting and will be caught at any time if strong emotions arise. This is a fast and targeted form of hypnosis, which in combination with suggestions achieves amazing results. We are happy to advise you:Buchung – Bernhard Tewes

• What happens if I fall asleep while I’m listening?

  

  If you fall asleep, nothing will happen, other than perhaps sleeping better. You will wake up as you do after any normal night. However, for the suggestions to be most effective, you should listen to them consciously. If you find that you often fall asleep during these sessions, here are some tips:

  1. Choose an upright sitting position.
  2. Decide that you won’t fall asleep during your session.
  3. If you notice that you are going too deep, come back to our voice.

• What if I want to use HypnoBox to fall asleep?

  

  Of course, you can also use HypnoBox with the specific goal of falling asleep. To do so, don’t use an awakening at the end of the session, or instead choose “Awakening: falling asleep” from the Sleep Box. Using the other suggestions from the “Sleep Box” in this session will obviously be very helpful, too.

  Our tips:

  1. If you are putting together a session for falling asleep, you can put “5 minutes’ silence” (Free Box) under “Suggestions” at the end of the session, instead of an awakening, so that your chosen background sound (e.g. the sound of the sea) will continue to play, but you will no longer hear any suggestions.
  2. From the “Sleep Box”, you can program the element “Silence for falling asleep (5 min)” as an additional awakening at the end. This is helpful after “Awakening: falling asleep”.

• What happens if I am interrupted while I’m listening? Or if I need to go to the toilet?

  

  Then start again from the beginning. Nothing can go wrong. If in doubt, go to the toilet before the session and eliminate distractions, if possible.

• What if I don’t like some of the sentences within a suggestion?

  

  Your subconscious will accept what it considers to be important. It will filter out the rest.

• When will changes start to happen?

  

  Everybody is different. Some suggestions take a while to be effective and require constant repetition. Sometimes something will happen straight after the first session. Sometimes the changes are already so integrated into you that you might only notice positive changes when someone mentions them. In general, the following rule applies: give yourself time and stick with it. And always seek help from a therapist for dealing with big issues.

• I need more time to be able to relax. What can I do?

  

  Beginners will need a little practice. That’s completely normal. It can take a little longer at the beginning, especially for people who have never been hypnotised, or meditated, or done any other kind of relaxation. Imagine your brain as a muscle you are training to relax. HypnoBox gives you the best opportunity to design your own relaxation training. Be creative!

  Another concrete thing you can do is: combine several inductions and deepenings together.

• My issue isn’t covered by the suggestions. What now?

  

  The amazing thing about HypnoBox? You can record your own suggestions and incorporate them into your session. In the next section, we will tell you the best way to formulate your own suggestions.

  We are always working on recording new elements. As soon as any new content is available, you will see a message when you open the app. New contents will automatically be available to you if you have a subscription.

  Our tip: do a lot of work with the suggestions from the Self-Worth Box (e.g. “Self-worth” and “Self-love”). Loving yourself, valuing yourself and feeling confident is the ideal foundation for a liberated life free from worries. “Guideline for a fulfilled life” is just under 18 minutes long and packed with universal principles. Just give it a try!

  You’re welcome to send your requests, recommendations and questions to support@hypnobox.com.

• How do I create my own suggestions?

  

  First write them down. Always make them positive. Don’t write what you don’t want any more but what do you want now. Let your imagination have free rein. Think big, think imaginatively! Make use of your language. Exaggerate a little if you want. Correct grammar doesn’t matter. The main thing is that you feel your own words speak to you.

  Keep in mind the following principles when writing suggestions:

  1. Use the present tense (“I am relaxed and calm”).
  2. Formulate your suggestions positively and avoid negations such as “not” or “no”, etc.
  3. First person (I): Start sentences with the word “I” or “my” (“my life is beautiful”).
  4. Choose short sentences, e.g. “I am okay as I am. I feel confident when I…”.
  5. Avoid naming symptoms in detail, e.g. pain or anxiety. Describe what you want to achieve, e.g. confidence, relaxation, calm.
  6. Exaggerate a little but stay realistic and don’t stray into the absurd.
  7. Visualise your goals in the future: How do you look when you have achieved your target state? How do you feel? What do you radiate? “I see myself taking confidently and naturally with a stranger. I exude self-confidence and appeal. I feel good, free and strong.”

  Good luck!

• How do I use the “Trigger word” induction?

  

  The trigger word from the “Induction & Awakening Box” is a like code word that will quickly take you into your trance. This saves you time because you don’t have to do the induction and instead can immerse yourself in the suggestions. However, you must already be able to enter a deep trance for this to work.

  Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make sure that you can enter a deep trance with HypnoBox. You might need to do some practice with longer inductions or different combinations of inductions and deepenings. (If in doubt, do 2 weeks of intensive practice)
  2. Create sessions that contain “Trigger word installation” at the end. You should then be in a deep trance.
  3. After listening to the installation several times, use “Induction 5 (trigger word)” for new sessions.
  4. Repeat the installation if it doesn’t work or if you have had a long break.

  Our tip: We recommend using the suggestion “The right attitude” before the other suggestions, whatever induction you choose. This paves the way for your subconscious to successfully take on all of the suggestions that follow.

• How do I use “Induction: direct”?

  

  You can choose this induction if you have already learned to enter a deep trance quickly and independently. It can be a code word or a movement that tells your subconscious to go into hypnosis. If you do not have an anchor yet, ask your hypnotist to install a deep anchor for self-hypnosis for you. Then you can save time by starting the suggestions straightaway with “Induction: direct”. Discuss what your deep anchor should be with your hypnotist first. You could, for example, lower your arm – your subconscious will then be conditioned to enter a deep trance in response to this movement.

  Alternatively: Learn to enter a deep trance with HypnoBox and then, after a few weeks, incorporate “Trigger word installation” at the end of your sessions. Then use the “Trigger word” induction.

• What makes HypnoBox different from other hypnosis apps?

  

  Never before has it been possible to tailor self-hypnosis by audio-suggestion as individually as it is with HypnoBox. We came up with the idea of creating an app where you, the user, can decide what you want to listen to, in which order and how often.

  As opposed to meditation apps, HypnoBox will lead you into a much deeper trance where your subconscious is open to new thoughts and suggestions for behaviour. This will significantly increase your chances of successful change.

  Here are the benefits at a glance:

  • One app for all topics, instead of one app per topic
  • Modular system: you choose what you want to work on, when and how often
  • Individual choice of a man’s or woman’s voice for each suggestion or for the whole session
  • Work on several topics at the same time
  • Record and import your own suggestions
  • Brief, direct suggestions
  • Import your own music to play in the background
  • New contents are constantly being added

• Can I also use HypnoBox for affirmations?

  

  Of course! Just leave out the inductions, deepenings and awakenings, and listen to your topics when you are awake. For example, when you are doing housework or cooking. However, the effect is much more intense in a trance.

• How do I restore my purchases?

  

  In Settings, go to “Restore purchases” at the very top. Now your elements are available for download again.

  Important: you must be logged in with the App/Play Store user account you used to make the purchase.

• How do I record my own suggestions or music, or import them?

  

  In the menu, click on the + icon and follow the instructions.

  Please import MP3 or Wave files only.

  ONLY IOS: In order to import music or audio files, you have to copy them in advance to your iOS device via iTunes/Music using a Mac/PC. You can then import them into HypnoBox using the + icon.

• What should I do if I only want to listen to music?

  

  No problem. Simply create a session only with music and the playlist will be played without suggestions. Please note that loops will only run once because there are no spoken suggestions as reference. Simply set up the loop as many times in a row as you want to listen to it.

• How can I play my own music in the background?

  

  Simply create a playlist right in the session, as with any other audio player. It will then play automatically in a loop, regardless of how long the playlist is.

  First you need to upload your music onto the device you will be using for HypnoBox. In the next step, import it into the HypnoBox App using the + icon and follow the instructions. Now import or record your music. Your own music will now be available when you create your session under “My Contents”.

  Important tip: the nature sounds supplied are very short files that play in a loop. If you only want to have nature sounds in the background, choose a sound and don’t add any other files. You can either play your own music or a nature sound.

  ONLY IOS: In order to import music or audio files, you have to copy them in advance to your iOS device via iTunes/Music using a Mac/PC. You can then import them into HypnoBox using the + icon.

• Where can I find good relaxation music?

  

  We recommend searching for the genre “Ambient”. This kind of music often doesn’t have too many energising beats, but more soundscapes that are perfect for relaxation. Most music streaming services have ready-made playlists called “Ambient sounds for relaxation & meditation”, for example. Just have a listen and decide what is best for your hypnosis. Most songs are available as MP3 files on Amazon or iTunes, for example. Download them onto the device you are using for HypnoBox, and then import them into HypnoBox using the + icon in the main menu.

• I am changing from Android to iOS or vice versa. What happens to my purchases?

  

  Android (Google) and iOS (Apple) are two different operating systems with their own billing system. If you change to a device that uses the other system, you will have to buy the software licences again, as you would if you were changing from PC to Mac or vice versa. Unfortunately, there is no other solution for this. If you are staying with Android or iOS and you have a new device, all you need to do is tap the “Restore purchases” button in Settings and your contents will be available to download again.

• What are the positive effects of self-hypnosis?

  
  • Self-hypnosis lowers your adrenaline levels, widening your blood vessels and automatically reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  • Hypnosis causes neuronal relaxation and is healing for the whole organism because it stimulates the immune system.
  • New suggestions for thoughts and behaviour can be absorbed.

• How do I cancel my subscription?

  

  If you have a subscription, you will find the “Cancel subscription” button in Settings under “Subscription”.
  After you have cancelled your subscription, you will still be able to use the contents until your subscription period expires.
  Your subscription will continue unless you cancel it (at least one day before expiry). New contents will then be available for you to use free of charge, as soon as they are added.

  You will still have unlimited use of all individual purchases you may have made in earlier versions of the app, once the subscription has expired.

• Why can’t I see sessions for certain topic boxes?

  

  The “Induction & Awakening Box”, the “Deepening Box” and all music boxes do not have their own ready-made sessions because they are just modules for creating your own sessions and do not have any content elements.

  Not every element in a box is included in a ready-made session because they don’t always all go together. Just create your own individual session using the + icon in menu.

• Why can't I find all the suggestions from a topic box in the ready-made sessions?

  

  We have not always been able to pack all of the suggestions from a topic box into ready-made sessions as they are not always generally applicable. You should therefore make the most of the opportunity to create your own sessions in order to personalise your hypnosis.
  You should regard the ready-made sessions primarily as inspirational.

  There are no ready-made sessions in the “Induction & Awakening Box”, the “Deepening Box” or any of the music boxes: these are just modules for your own sessions, with no content elements.

• How do I change the language in HypnoBox?

  

  The HypnoBox App is currently available in German, English and Spanish.

  You can switch languages in Settings. Please also download the audio contents when prompted. If you’re only able to do this later, start the entire switching process again when you have a suitable internet connection and some time.

• Music cannot be imported. (iOS)

  

  Ensure that access rights for “Media & Apple Music” are enabled on your device for HypnoBox under Settings > Privacy.

  Streaming contents from Apple Music, Spotify etc. cannot be used. Please use music imported to your device via iTunes.

  In order to import music or audio files, you have to copy them in advance to your iOS device via iTunes/Music using a Mac/PC. You can then import them into HypnoBox using the + icon.

• When I tap the purchase buttons, nothing happens. (iOS)

  

  Please check your iOS Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes and App Store Purchases
  Allow in-app purchases.

• I signed up for a subscription, but I can still see the prices. (iOS)

  

  Sometimes, there are communication problems between the App Store and the app.

  In that case, please follow the steps below:

  1. Go to “Settings” and restore your purchases via the top button. If you can still see the prices in the library, then
  2. delete the app and re-install it. When prompted by the dialogue during this process, restore your purchases.

• How do I use the app for my patients / clients?

  

  We have designed the app so that it can be used by any therapist. You can ask your patient / client to download HypnoBox free of charge. You then have the following options:

  1. You can send your client an MP3 file with their very own suggestions, over the internet. You can record them during a session, for example, using an MP3 recorder.
  2. You say the suggestions straight into their smartphone / tablet as a recording.

  The patient / client can now create sessions independently and add to them as required.

• What does hypnosis feel like?

  

  Hypnosis is a completely natural state. Everybody goes into a natural trance at least twice a day: just before they fall asleep and just before waking up. You will almost certainly be familiar with the feeling of daydreaming, or when you are fully immersed in a film or book and forget everything around you. For some people, it’s a feeling of pleasant heaviness; for others one of lightness – or a combination of the two. Every time you relax with HypnoBox you will find it easier to fall deeper into relaxation.

  Our tip: Experiment with different inductions and deepenings and find out what relaxes you most.

• How is HypnoBox different from a hypnosis session with a hypnotist or therapist?

  

  The difference with our hypnosis sessions is that we look for the causes of your problems in order to solve them. We work not only with suggestions, but with very effective methods that can bring about profound changes. The suggestions on their own are a wonderful step towards your goals. The suggestions can be very varied: you might want to relax, become more self-confident, lose weight or cope better with everyday life. There is something for (almost) every concern. You can regard self-hypnosis as a great tool for fine-tuning your personal development. Therapists, however, are experienced in dealing with big issues.
  Use HypnoBox to support your therapy. Hypnosis performed by a hypnotist is deeper again because it is tailor-made to address your personal situation.
  Do not hesitate to start (online) hypnotherapy with me, Bernhard Tewes, or with my team. We are happy to advise you: Ticketing – Bernhard Tewes

• I find relaxing difficult. Is self-hypnosis for me?

  

  Definitely. Continually listening to self-hypnosis will teach you to relax better. If you find it difficult to begin with, be patient. It will happen.

  Our tip: imagine your brain as a muscle you are training to relax. As the saying goes: practice makes perfect.

• My mind always wanders, and I can’t concentrate. Will self-hypnosis even have any benefits for me?

  

  It’s completely natural for thoughts to come and go, even during hypnosis. After all, your subconscious doesn’t switch off, it just moves into the background. Notice the thoughts and let them move on. Try to listen to the words again. Sometimes you will find it easy; sometimes more difficult. Hypnosis also depends on how you are feeling on the day. The more often you use HypnoBox, the easier you will find it.

• Am I even under hypnosis?

  

  If you don’t fall asleep during your sessions (unless you want to), then you are already doing a lot right. Hypnosis, and how it feels, is very individual. In principle, the moment when you close your eyes and direct your attention inwards is already a trance. We just deepen it so that new the thoughts and suggestions can be absorbed even better. Despite what some people might say, hypnosis is not a psychedelic experience, so it feels completely natural. The depth of your hypnosis will probably vary depending on how you feel on the day. Sometimes you will go really deep; at other times more everyday thoughts will come to the surface. The more you practise, the better and easier it will be.

• What if I can’t see any images or find visualisation difficult?

  

  Visualise as well as you are able. Imagine what it would be like if you could do it well. Our suggestions aren’t just based on visualisation. Their power is in their words. Don’t worry. There is something for everyone.

• Could I be impossible to hypnotise?

  

  In principle, it is possible to hypnotise any healthy person. It’s important that you allow it and that you are patient. If you have any doubts, find a hypnotist that you trust. Many people who have experienced problems with self-hypnosis find it easier to enter a trance after hetero-hypnosis (being hypnotised by another person).

  Our tip: ask your hypnotist to set a deep anchor for self-hypnosis for you. Then you can start listening to the suggestions straightaway with “Induction: direct” and save time. Discuss what your deep anchor should be with your hypnotist first. You could, for example, lower your arm – your subconscious will then be conditioned to enter a deep trance in response to this movement.

• Is it possible not to “wake up” from hypnosis?

  

  This has never happened in hypnosis and it will not happen to you. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll fall asleep. And then? See the question above.

• Is it possible to take on suggestions that I don’t want?

  

  No. Suggestions will not cause you to do anything that goes against your morals. Your subconscious will only accept what it thinks is right. Your morals and value system remain intact under hypnosis. After all, you are still conscious.

• How do I use “Induction: direct”?

  

  You can choose this induction if you have already learned to enter a deep trance quickly and independently. It can be a code word or a movement that tells your subconscious to go into hypnosis. If you do not have an anchor yet, ask your hypnotist to install a deep anchor for self-hypnosis for you. Then you can save time by starting the suggestions straightaway with “Induction: direct”. Discuss what your deep anchor should be with your hypnotist first. You could, for example, lower your arm – your subconscious will then be conditioned to enter a deep trance in response to this movement.

  Alternatively: Learn to enter a deep trance with HypnoBox and then, after a few weeks, incorporate “Trigger word installation” at the end of your sessions. Then use the “Trigger word” induction.

• What is the difference between suggestions and affirmations?

  

  An affirmation is a sentence that you speak or listen to in your mind or aloud while you are awake. It has positive content and a positive intention that is repeated many times. Affirmations are effective because their content and intention gradually find their way into your subconscious. However, the necessity of frequent repetition makes affirmation a laborious process. This is where self-hypnosis comes in. In self-hypnosis, an affirmation becomes a suggestion because you are circumventing the critical factor that protects your subconscious from these changes. The words can be internalised, anchored and put into practice more directly than with normal affirmations.

• What happens to the brain during hypnosis?

  

  Unlike waking consciousness, where brain activity is evenly distributed, brain activity during hypnosis is concentrated in a central area. This results in very a sharp focus. That’s why we like to talk about “focused relaxation” in hypnosis.

  Two areas of the brain are shut down during a hypnotic trance:

  1. The “prefrontal cortex” – the part of the brain responsible for planning – that also controls decisions.
  2. The “precuneus” that is responsible for perception of the self.

  Consequently, we can bypass our everyday self and tune out obstructive beliefs such as “I can’t do it”. New experiences, thoughts and suggestions can be absorbed particularly well as a result. Therefore, the subconscious assesses situations different in reality too, and previously anxiety-provoking situations are assessed as neutral.

  Brainwaves i.e. the electrical activity in the brain, also change:
  Beta waves are predominantly active when we are awake. The proportion of alpha waves, also known as relaxation waves, increases during hypnosis. During a deeper trance, theta waves are also active. They occur in adults during sleep and in small children during wakefulness. Theta waves make us more suggestible: we absorb and process information with no filter. You could therefore say that hypnosis creates an open, childlike state.

• Why does my perception of time change during hypnosis?

  

  As described under “What happens to the brain during hypnosis?”, some areas of the brain are shut down. Time is processed in several areas of the brain simultaneously. If activity in the brain shifts, so can our perception of time.

• How does HypnoBox work?

  

  You can hypnotise yourself with our HypnoBox app. We help you to achieve a state of physical and mental relaxation that enables you to take on suggestions. The more motivated you are to change, the better your subconscious will accept the suggestions. Create your own sessions with issues that you are currently working on or that you would like to change.
  To do so, find a quiet place, switch your phone to flight mode, sit or lie back and relax, and listen to the individual session that you have designed yourself. Or use the microphone to record your own words so that they really speak to you. The benefit of self-hypnosis using our app is that you can get yourself on the right track with positive suggestions, any time, any place. The suggestions become absorbed in your subconscious, where new links are created. We, i.e. our voices, take on the role of a trainer who coaches you like an athlete to help you achieve your goal.