Self hypnosis has become a popular way to treat anxiety, phobias, and destructive habits. In recent years it has become so popular that you can even purchase do it yourself kits at the store. However, for many people, self hypnosis does not fit the "standard" procedure, and some techniques may work for some and not for others. For instance, a woman who has had a traumatic incident caused by a man may have difficulty entering a hypnotic state with a male hypnotist. Plus, some kits may be designed for a particular purpose - and stop smoking kit may not help you if you want to lose weight, and vice versa.

Instead, you can create your own self hypnosis kit. Here are some of the things that you will want to consider including.

Start with a progressive relaxation tape or CD. Progression relaxation starts at your feet and leads you into relaxing every muscle group up to your head. Once you have relaxed completely, you can get deeper into the trance by stepping down methods or suggestions of becoming sleepy. You can chose from ones that have male readers or female, with no background noise, white noise in the background, or relaxing music. You may want to get a couple of CDs or tapes and see which one works best for you. Or, if you prefer, you can create your own tape or CD using a friend or family member that has a comforting voice and your own background sound selections.

Next, you will want a list of affirmations or images. Before you start your self hypnosis session, it is essential that you are focused on what you want to get out of it. Many people focus on things that they want to change, while others are just interested in deep relaxation. Write down everything that you are going to say to yourself as well as the images that you plan to use (such as a wall that symbolizes barriers). You will want to keep all messages in a positive tone. Instead of saying that you want to stop smoking, say or picture yourself doing the things that you could do if you were not a smoker.

Another thing to do include in your kit are things that make you most comfortable. If you use the same environment each time, you will find it easier and easier to enter the hypnotic state as you practice. So in your kit include the items that will make you at home - a blanket for your lab, the same scented candles, a sign for the door - whatever it is you need to strive for the same experience with each session.

Once your kit is complete, all you will have to do is set aside some time each day to practice. Thirty minutes is a good place to start, though it can be more or less according to your needs. Once you have gotten going, it will be no time at all until you are starting to see results.