above posts just about covered it.
though hypnosis is more structured.as in theres a specific purpose to a session.almost could call it 'deliberate meditation' in order to focus on a chosen issue.
where the mind is specifically led in order to heal it or whatever.but in meditation no such 'agenda' is there.
infact the purpose is defeated if theres a purpose.
and pardon me for going off topic but ive been wanting to say this earlier-
but listening to tapes etc would not be called self hypnosis.its a misnomer.because one is still following somebody elses voice.
the only way to actually self hypnotize is to be first programmed with triggers, anchors and keywords 'during' a deep state. so a hypnotherapist ,while you are in deep, will give you triggers to quickly reach a deep state with the help of those. on your own
the suggestions will have to be worked on and decided 'before' you trigger a deep state.also in actual self hypnosis a lot of repetition is required because its not really possible to 'guide' yourself in too deep for obvious reasons.
though with meditation its possible to reach theta,and so it is with guided hypnosis (tapes.therapist voice etc)