Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, Meditation? What is best for you?

Recently this question has been presenting itself repeatedly. Call it coincidence, the universe in harmony, the collective unconscious manifesting or just a common question, it clearly shows that people are interested in something and that something needs explaining.

Hypnosis is the process of entering a trance-like state. Hypnosis is what most stage performers do, such as quacking like a duck, envisioning all people in a room naked, and other nutty and funny things. Hypnosis gets you to a place where all other stimuli besides the hypnotist's voice and commands are blocked out. This is a passive experience.

Hypnotherapy, which is what I do, involves entering a trance-like state (hypnosis) and communicating the experience to me while I communicate my expertise back to you (therapy). The back and forth communication ensures that I can support you during your process. You would be doing this for emotional, physical or spiritual guidance and support. The advantage of hypnotherapy is that you are an active participant in the process, thus building self-confidence in the ability to heal yourself.

Meditation is the mother of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Meditation is really a moment when you can allow your mind to either focus on something or focus on nothing. Either way, what occurs is a concentration that progressively relaxes that body. Through meditation you feel better and physically become healthier (meditation lowers blood pressure). A guided meditation, where you allow your thoughts to form from the ideas given by another, say a teacher, instructor or guru, induces a trance-like state, thus being the foundation for hypnotherapy.

To gently introduce yourself to these concepts, I recommend participating in a guided meditation group. A group setting has its advantages. First of all, it is more affordable and economical, as the price per person is lower. Second, you are with peers--people that have this same interest, so you fit right in. Third, you can make friends and network. The guided meditation can be on specific topics, health or career related, or more general, well-being, green peace. A group guided meditation session helps you practice your skills. As you gain confidence, you might want to tackle specific topics with hypnotherapy sessions.

For more information on guided meditation and hypnotherapy, or to form your own guided meditation group, contact Adriana Kugman at http://www.spiritbeyond.com/.