Given the rich history of hypnosis, it's surprising that few people actively practice it. There is no real difference between "hypnosis" and "self-hypnosis," as all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis: the former is guided with a therapist and the latter is self-administered. However, one can't be hypnotized without one's full participation - thus self-hypnosis is perhaps more valuable, since you can do it at home without paying the $100 an hour to a shrink. Powers' A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis offers the basics of the techniques, explains what it is and is not, and how to perform it on oneself. It is a good book for learning the basics. Anything that affects the mind can be fixed or enhanced with self-hypnosis: learn to control fear, quit smoking, be more confident, lose weight, and strengthen your creative energies. That said, self-hypnosis isn't something you do once and are done. One must repeat the processes over and over to achieve results. This book is written in terms that are comprehensible to the layman. The step-by-step instructions should afford the reader a means of acquiring self-hypnosis. The necessary material is here. The reader need only follow the instructions as they are given. It is the author's hope that you will, through the selective use of self-hypnosis, arrive at a more rewarding, well-adjusted, and fuller life.