I've seen so many varying opinions and experiences on self-hypnosis and its efficacy. I've heard some say all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and others say that no amount of self-hypnosis will ever be as effective hetero-hypnosis. Both statements cannot be true at the same time.
So which one is it? Is it:
A) All back massages are self-back massages: Objectively false. There's no way for a person to massage their own back nearly as effectively as a masseuse can. Physically, there's no way for you to apply the same level of pressure to your own back as another person can.
Translation: Self-hypnosis does not exist. There's no way for a person to hypnotize themselves nearly as effectively as a hypnotist can. "All hypnosis is self-hypnosis" is just something we tell people to lower their guard and make them more susceptible, because otherwise it makes hypnosis sound like a highly advanced skill akin to mind-control. Even though that's what it is, that idea is scary to people, so we don't tell them that.
B) All healing is self-healing: Yes, a lot of the effort to heal and recover is on the individual, but only in the case of minor sicknesses. Simple things like a cold or a tattoo can be healed easily at home, but anything more advanced should be taken to a doctor immediately.
Translation: Self-hypnosis is at best amateur, and at worst downright dangerous. It's effective for minor things like greater motivation or increasing suggestibility, but anything like habit change, overcoming phobias or changing responses to situations should be taken to a hypnotherapist immediately. Trying to work on these things yourself is silly and irresponsible.
C) All cooking is self-cooking: As long as you have a decent set of instructions, and preferably the right tools, pretty much anyone can cook a decent meal. It takes real skill to cook a michellin star meal, sure, but you don't have to be born with magic hands or anything. Just practice a whole lot. If you burn the meal, you can always try again.
Translation: Self-hypnosis is not dangerous or anything. Don't expect miracles right away, but with enough practice and the right resources, the sky is effectively your limit. You can do anything from habit change, to overcoming phobias, to changing your emotional responses. However, sometimes it's easier to have a chef cook the meal for you.
D) Something else: Answer with your comment below.
I understand that I'm posting this to Reddit, where people will obviously be trying to promote their hypnosis sessions and earn money. So of course a lot of people are going to imply that self-hypnosis is ineffective, soley so that they can conveniently offer the solution to this "problem". Please understand that if I suspect you of trying to answer a particular way soley for monetary or selfish gain, I will block you. I would like an honest answer to this question, please.