Hypnosis VS Meditation – Is One Better Than the Other?

Meditation and hypnosis both have benefits. Which one do you use at which time? Know when to use either and the downsides of each, especially …

Both meditation and hypnosis have beneficial effects for us. Both of them are often used by people to become deeply relaxed, calm, and feel less stress. They help us to become more productive, not only for individuals, but also for company bottom lines too.

What are the differences between the two? Which one do you use at which time? Is hypnosis better than meditation, or the other way around? Let’s take a look at these questions.

Interestingly, you can say that meditation and hypnosis exist on the same spectrum. They are both techniques that aim to regulate the state of mind. Therefore, some of the processes and effects are similar and overlap.

The Goal of Meditation and Hypnosis

The main difference is that hypnosis has a clear goal in mind. You can do it to erase a phobia, such as fear of public speaking or fear of heights (which is what I have), or to develop a favorable trait, such as become more confident, more attractive, and others.

Meditation doesn’t have a clear goal. The main goal with it is to empty your mind from distracting thoughts, or from all thoughts, and transcend into a higher state.

Therefore, if you have a specific problem you want to solve, or a specific goal, then hypnosis is a better option. But if you want to improve your overall wellbeing, then meditation is the way.

Who Are Involved?

The American Psychological Association defines hypnosis as involving an interaction between a patient or participant and therapist/hypnotist. In meditation, you might have a guide or instructor guiding you through the meditation, but it’s not an interaction like in hypnosis.

In other words, hypnosis requires an interaction, whether a one-on-one interaction or with a self hypnosis audio track. Meditation doesn’t require interaction, it can be done alone.

The Process of Hypnosis and Meditation

Hypnosis involves suggestions that aim to change a certain thought pattern in the mind, a mental reaction or habit. Most importantly, hypnosis, when done correctly, involves a three step process that consists of the following:

1. Induction Stage, where we are brought into a deep hypnotic state
2. Script Stage, where the suggestions are implanted into our minds
3. Termination Stage, where we are brought out of the hypnotic state

You can say that meditation has a similar process of entering a meditative state, but it’s not as clear cut as the process of hypnosis. Also, in meditation we focus on our body and surroundings, while with hypnosis we focus on a past experience, situation or habit.

Which One is Better?

From the information above, we can’t conclude definitively that hypnosis is better than meditation or the other way around. Both have their purposes. Hypnosis is more useful for solving specific issues, while meditation is used as improving your life quality.

I have used both. I use meditation on a daily basis, a short 7-minute meditation for “tune up.” I’ve used hypnosis before to work on specific problems, namely on my thought patterns about money.