The truth of the matter is there is nothing mystical or magical about hypnosis. It is simply a state of concentration and focused attention. Actually, it is a state of consciousness that we enter naturally, but we usually don't call it hypnosis or trance. Most of us spend a good part of our day in trance and I find it rather amusing when I explain this to people. In actuality, hypnosis is not something someone does to you.
All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis.
You are the one who induces the hypnotic state with the professional working with you as a facilitator. A good hypnotist will always teach you how to affect various levels of trance for yourself, and how to program your subconscious mind for positive changes by utilizing hypnotic tools. Some of these tools are visualization, imagery, and imaginology. There are specific tools for diminishing emotional responses, pain, old beliefs and memories which are no longer appropriate in our lives. Hypnosis is widely utilized for weight management, as well as smoking cessation, but it's uses are very wide indeed.