What is the difference between hypnosis, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, meditation, visualization, and relaxation techniques?
Hypnosis is the method used to put yourself (or with the help of a therapist) into a relaxed state of consciousness that is common to everyone everyday. Hypnosis may be used just to be put into the state of relaxation only, or to feel pleasant, or as a therapy to help change behavior, etc. Hypnosis as used by professionals is not to be confused with stage hypnosis, which is entirely different from this discussion and is employed as entertainment rather than therapeutic. Generally a person who administers hypnosis is a hypnotist, though this term sometimes has bad connotations due to stage and theatrical hypnosis. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a therapy to help individuals improve their lives whether it be just general relaxation or stress reduction, or for other medical or emotional concerns, such as helping individuals reduce pain, cope with trauma, endure medical procedures when medication is contraindicated, reduce symptoms of functional disorders or just general well-being. Hypnoth
