Is Guided Mindful Meditation (GMM) the same as hypnosis?
The concept of Mindfulness has come up quite a lot in the last several years in the healing communities (including psychotherapy). It originates in the teachings of Buddhism, but a secularized version of this “thought practice” has caught on in a big way in the United States. It has even made it’s way in to psychological theoretical practices such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Theory).
The dictionary defines it as this:
mind·ful·ness
ˈmīndfəlnəs
noun:
1.) “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.”
“their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”
2.) “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, used as a therapeutic technique.”
The second definition sounds a lot like what patients experience during hypnosis. When utilized as an adjunct to hypnotherapy this practice of mindfulness can achieve great results in uncovering and releasing unhelpful negative thought practices and behaviors.
Because hypnosis often times has a negative or stigmatized connotation in both the lay and professional fields of psychology therapist have looked to describe hypnosis with a new language. One that fits a bit better within the framework of modern day healing therapies. Using Guided Mindful Mediation in place of hypnosis is perhaps a way forward. Personally, I love the word hypnosis. Even if it is a bit of a misnomer. But I have to admit that before I became a hypnotherapist I had reservations about what it meant or what it was. It was mysterious and perhaps that is the reason I still like it. Because hypnosis is mysterious.
Science has tried to explain for two centuries what happens to a person when they are hypnotized. They have not been able come to a consensus. I do believe they are getting closer as neuroscientists study the brain. In fact i’ve met a few brain scientists who are studying this strange and elusive phenomena of hypnosis in relation to how the brain processes information. But the fact is hypnosis is not so “out there’. People enter in hypnotic states every day whether it be watching an episode of “Game of Thrones”, and getting entranced in the show, or driving down the highway and “zoning out” so much so that they miss 3 exits. What occurs with a patient under hypnosis is really no different except that there is a guide along with them when they “zone out”.
I believe that hypnosis and mediation are about memory and imagination. Combined those two things can take people places that amaze me on a daily basis. And don’t forget relaxation! Some hypnotherapists will say you don’t need relaxation to affect change in a patient. I agree, but it sure does help. Just as with mediation I also want my hypnotherapy client relaxed. Many patients come in needing my help but are on edge and in a state of agitation. Relaxation for them in this face paced world can be fleeting and is usually a welcome aspect of the session. I do quite of lot of work with anxiety. Stress and anxiety are reason why the body and mind breakdown. Connecting the body and mind are very important aspects of optimal health. Creating a feeling of centeredness and balance in my clients is a goal of mine. This is very much akin to what a yoga teacher, or meditation guide might hope to instill for their clients as well.
So while i’m not quite sure if guided mindful meditation is the same as hypnosis they sure seem to have a lot in common.
Sean Brannan, MA, CHt
