How is hypnosis different from sleep, meditation or guided imagery?
Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed or focused state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the experience. Everyone at some point or another naturally experiences the hypnotic state. Although some hypnotists use the word sleep as a suggestion to enter deep relaxation, hypnosis is not sleep. Sleep is defined as a “natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored.” During sleep, the individual is not aware of what is happening.
