Hypnosis and Meditation:
What Do They Have In Common?
Mindfulness and Hypnosis:
The Power of Suggestion to Transform Experience
By Michael Yapko, PhD / Copyright 2011, W.W. Norton - Book review
In Mindfulness and Hypnosis, psychologist and hypnotherapy expert, Michael Yapko, explores the similarities between mindfulness meditation and hypnosis, arriving at the conclusion that both transform experience through the power of suggestion. Neuroscience has shown that both hypnosis and meditation bring about similar neurological changes. Behavioral research shows that both calm anxiety, reduce pain, facilitate healing, and support adaptive behavior.
The suggestions in mindfulness meditation are about awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance. The suggestions in hypnosis are about specific behavioral/emotional outcomes achieved by accessing one's inner resources.