**2.2 Modern hypnosis**

The modern approach to hypnosis was developed by a renowned American psychiatrist and psychologist named Dr. Milton Erikson, thus named Eriksonian hypnosis. This method is built around understanding the client's unique situation and needs. The modern hypnosis approach will assist clients to build better cognitive skills and change the way they perceive a situation in and around challenging circumstances. Interventions are tailored toward the individuals' need, and this approach achieves a much higher success rate. Modern hypnosis particularly is an excellent approach for those who are skeptical of hypnosis as it uses metaphors

rather than just direct suggestions [24]. Metaphors allow the brain to think creatively and arrive at conclusions that may not be reached by employing the more unilateral form of traditional hypnosis. Rather than simple commands and suggestions, metaphors work by comparing and contrasting two things in a more complex way [24]. The mind is allowed to wrap around an idea or thought in a more organic way than direct suggestion, skeptics are often able to be hypnotized using this approach than the traditional one. Modern Ericksonian hypnosis uses interspersal and isomorphic metaphors. Interspersal metaphors use embedded commands that distract the conscious mind, allowing the unconscious mind to process the message of the metaphors. Isomorphic metaphors tell a story that has a moral, which makes the unconscious mind draw a one-to-one comparison between the moral of the story and a problem or issue that it is already familiar with [24].

Neuro-linguistic programing (NLP) is a form of hypnosis used along with selfhypnosis to deal with issues such as self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall mental well-being. It is used also to conquer phobias and fears and to quell anxieties [24]. In NLP, the same thought process as a fear or problem is used to reverse or get rid of the problem; it is an effective method. Reframe, flash, and anchoring are the three different techniques used with NLP. NLP is most effective when the techniques are used all together or separately [24].

Self-hypnosis allows the mind when relaxed to reach a hypnotic state without a hypnotist or hypnotherapist. This form of hypnosis is performed by oneself to achieve a deep state of relaxation [8]. Suggestions and commands are made by oneself, or by an MP3 or a CD player that guides oneself in the hypnosis session. A lot of people who do not trust others with influential subconscious and fragile mind prefer self-hypnosis instead of the guided hypnosis [24].
