First, lets define hypnosis: an artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction (Webster's, 2000). The best way to describe hypnosis is as a state of intense relaxation and concentration, in which the mind becomes remote and detached from everyday cares and concerns. In this relaxed state the subconscious part of the mind is best able to respond creatively to suggestion and imagery. It can focus on the things you wish to change and on the ways you can best do so, free from analytical or anxious thoughts (Lee, 4).
             You are, however, not asleep or unconscious. You are in an altered state of consciousness in which you let things happen through your subconscious mind rather than trying to make them happen with your conscious mind. Because you are deeply relaxed, the suggestions given to you by the hypnotist will be acted upon more easily by the subconscious (Lee, 9). Posthypnotic suggestions are those that will be carried out by you when you come out of the hypnotic state. First, it is important to understand how your mind works. We have three separate and distinct parts of our mind. These three parts are: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the unconscious mind. Each having different responsibilities, with very little communication among each other. Imagining that the parts of our mind are at different levels- first, we have a conscious mind. Our conscious mind is actively working right now. Below our conscious level of awareness, is where we will find our subconscious mind (Lee, 12).
             Pleasure Principle and the Reality Principle (II)
             The pleasure principle and the reality principle are the desire for immediate gratification vs. the deferral of that gratification. Quite simply, the pleasure principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one grows up, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gra...