Meditation and Hypnosis, which one to choose?

This article presents both meditation and hypnosis methods, their similarities and differences, to help better understand and choose what suits us best.

• Definitions of hypnosis and meditation

What is hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy is a method that uses the natural trance state to find within oneself, into the subconscious, one's own solutions. It allows access to the immense amount of resources and skills that each person has within them, but which sometimes seem inaccessible or that they are unaware of possessing.

Ericksonian hypnosis is the most widely used form of hypnosis today, in personal development, therapy, and medical care. Dr. Milton Erickson was a psychiatrist who developed this discipline, which he used for himself (in managing his polio-related pain and symptoms), for his patients, and for the many professionals he trained.

What is meditation?

Mindfulness meditation exercises are focused on practicing attention to what is happening here and now. Indeed, our thoughts are rarely in the present, and more often in the past and future, which generates stress. Meditation is about training ourselves to be in the present.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a psychiatrist from Massachusetts, developed a mindfulness meditation method (MBSR - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), based on the ancient meditation practices of Buddhism, which was then secularized, and has been widely spread worldwide, recognized and taught in many centers and hospitals.

• Differences and similarities between the two methods

  
  

Both methods use trance. This is the state where one is connected to oneself, as in an inner journey, in our thoughts. These two techniques allow us to reconnect with ourselves and our body, to refocus, and to be in our inner world.

With hypnosis, the trance state will be an opportunity to bring positive and helpful suggestions, which will facilitate the path towards solutions. It helps us connect with our resources that will allow us to move forward. Guided hypnosis and self-hypnosis allow us to install and move towards what is helpful for now.

In meditation, we stay with what is. We learn to be in the present and return to the present. We practice letting go of thoughts and staying with ourselves. We train to "be" rather than to "do," in contrast to the frenzy of everyday life.

• What to choose?

Depending on the moment, how you feel, or what you want to work on, it may be relevant to have access to both methods.

Hypnosis is an effective way to access our resources and move toward solutions. For example, to prepare for an exam or a sporting event, to quit smoking, to improve health or sleep, or for personal development, etc.

Meditation is valuable when you want to reduce stress, calm the mind, increase concentration, or reconnect with your body. Studies show that meditation increases altruism and empathy. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's methods are focused on stress reduction and preventing relapses after depression.

In sessions, I offer one or the other method, or both, and everyone can choose what suits them. Sometimes one method is more appropriate than the other depending on the goal. Also, meditation requires practicing alone at home, just like self-hypnosis, and it is daily repetition, if possible, that will make it effective. On the other hand, guided hypnosis is mainly practiced in sessions, and then we allow its effects to settle. Some clients appreciate having exercises to do on their own and some others prefer not to and then it also depends on life circumstances. Everything is possible, and I tailor all the exercises for you.

If you are curious to try any of these methods, feel free to contact me!

Laura Tchernin

Hypnotherapist based in Geneva