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What is the thread that links the similarities and differences between Hypnosis and Mindfulness? Let us take a moment to compare the methods used and the benefits derived from these well known therapy modalities.

What is Hypnosis:

hypnosis and mindfulness create a shift in brainwavesDefinition of hypnosis WikipediaHypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy used to create unconscious change in the patient in the form of new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours or feelings.
Hypnosis is commonly used to reduce pain, stress and anxiety and to create a sense of well-being. It is also used to change undesirable behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol dependence, and weight issues. It is used along with other methods by some mental health professionals to help patients overcome common fears, such as the fear of flying or driving, or social anxiety.

Hypnosis is occasionally used instead of anaesthetic drugs during minor surgical and dental procedures and during childbirth. Some supporters also believe hypnosis speeds recovery after operations, reduces the amount of surgical bleeding, and enhances the body’s immune system.

When our mind is concentrated and focused, we are able to use our mind more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.

Here are guided instructions to teach you skills of self hypnosis. This page for stress and anxiety also has a very beneficial self hypnosis video for improved health and wellbeing. 

Spend just 10 minutes a day practising self-hypnosis. It will be of immense benefit to reduce your stress and anxiety.

What is Mindfulness:

breathe calmly with self-hypnosisDefinition of mindfulness: – a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

Mindfulness Therapy is best described as using the power of the mind to effectively help people change their relationship to negative emotions and thoughts. By meditating on these emotions many people learn to become less reactive. Mindfulness can also create the right internal conditions to better manage anxiety, depression or other uncomfortable emotions.

Australian Pain Management Association suggests using Mindfulness exercises to centre yourself, and to connect with your environment.

    • Pause for a moment:
    • Notice five things you can see.
    • Notice five things you can hear.
    • Notice five things you can feel in contact with your body (e.g. shoes on feet, air on face, back against the chair).

    In conclusion, there are similarities between Mindfulness and Hypnosis, as there are some very important differences.

    Similarities being; that hypnosis and mindfulness create a shift in brainwaves, focus and awareness; and both methods are widely used for pain management.

    However, the differences are;

  • Mindfulness is used to acknowledge and accept one’s feelings, thoughts, sensations and to be less reactive to negative thoughts.
  • Hypnosis on the other hand, is of help to release negative emotions and habits and to create lasting subconscious change in the form of new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours and feelings.

    five-minute self-hypnosis meditation

    Above Meditation appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine BodyLove Section