Hypnosis vs. Meditation

Woman lying on sofa reading laptop

woman sitting on yoga mat meditating

What’s the Difference?

I sometimes get asked this question, and I think it’s a good one: What’s the difference between Hypnosis and meditation?

While there are many different kinds of meditation, usually the goal is to achieve a state of mindfulness or awareness with no preconceived goal. It’s more of a passive attentiveness: noticing what arises and letting it go.  (Sometimes easier said then done!)

All we are is changing. –John Overdurf

With Hypnosis, it’s more strategic. You’re intentionally focusing on a specific outcome or goal (e.g reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, increasing confidence, quitting smoking, etc.). Specific changes in how you’re feeling are actively pursued and explored so you can make positive changes in certain behaviors or ways of thinking. Basically, you’re more in control, and as the brilliant Hypnosis coach/teacher John Overdurf points out: it’s all about changing.

In other words, with meditation you’re focused on clearing your mind, with Hypnosis you’re purposely using suggestions to redirect your attention to predetermined positive outcomes.
You can learn more about Hypnosis and what kinds of things it can help with here.

Combining Hypnosis & Meditation: Double Your Relaxation

Hypnosis and meditation also share a few similarities: they both require focused attention, promote a state of relaxation, and can be deeply beneficial.

I like to use them both for different things. Or even combine them.

So many clients tell me how difficult it is for them to meditate. They often compare a Reiki session to someone helping them meditate. Others find Hypnosis to be a good way to quiet their thoughts, an entry point to starting a meditation practice.

Need support?

I work with high-achieving women all over the world through my virtual one-on-one Soul-Powered Breakthrough Program and we’ll use Hypnosis, guided meditation, Distance Reiki, and Tao Hands as part of my intuitive, multidisciplinary approach.

If you’re ready to STOP feeling stressed and anxious, so that you can feel confident and calm, tap here to get started.

Related Posts:

Featured in Oprah Magazine

Burned out by an all-consuming job, Deborah Flanagan found balance and peace through the healing arts — and now she's helping others do the same.

Read The Press
Also Featured On
Mind Body Green Logo Oprah Magazine Logo Dr. Oz Logo
Your Tango Logo ABC Network Logo Black Enterprise Magazine Logo Z Living Logo
Please share your name and email to unlock my calendar to book your Soul-Powered Breakthrough Program. Thank you!
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.