Sounds like you are already ahead of most on understanding how it is done. The one piece of the puzzle I would add is his "fatherly" demeanor. Trust Daddy Clif, he would never lie to your inner two year old who is desperate for someone to lead them through these harrowing times... If you really want to delve, go take the free, online class here:
https://hypnosis.edu/
With your level of understanding, you will get a LOT more out of it than they intend to teach you.