What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy?
The cognitive behavioural approach to hypnotherapy is the main evidence-based approach to hypnotherapy, supported by a range of research around hypnosis and suggestion.
Through this approach the client is conscious and in control throughout the course of therapy, there is no "trance" involved.
Cognitive behavioural therapy works to identify thoughts, actions and feelings meaning it is one of the most effective forms of therapy for a range of issues. However, used alongside hypnotherapy, it can be up to 70% more effective than CBT alone (Kirsch, 1995).
This therapy can lead to exceptional, long lasting results for those suffering with anxiety and stress as well as a range of other issues.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a psychological technique that can help to change the way you feel and act. In hypnosis, you are conscious and in control of your behaviour and actions. You may feel sleepy and very relaxed, but the aim is not to sleep (although sometimes this can be difficult!). During the process, you use focused attention and the strength of imagination to evoke positive emotions and rehearse behaviour change. It is a collaborative process where you allow yourself to follow the pre-agreed suggestions given by the therapist.
What happens during hypnosis?
The therapist will perform an induction procedure. There are various ways in which this can be done, such as asking you to focus your eyes on a spot in the ceiling until your eyelids feel heavy and want to close. The induction process usually involves some form of count down and instructions for relaxation to ensure that you are completely relaxed and comfortable before any further work is conducted. During hypnosis, The British Psychological Society identified the following experiences: ● People become very absorbed in the suggested ideas and images during hypnosis ● People usually retain awareness of their environment and respond appropriately to it ● Afterwards they are usually able to recall most, if not all of what they attended to in the session Hypnosis cannot force people to act against their will. There is no set time frame for how long the hypnotic session should last, but most will be between 20-50 minutes. At the end of the session, you emerge from hypnosis by the therapist using a counting technique and instructing you to open your eyes at the appropriate point. You cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis. The you are always in control and will not accept any suggestions that you disagree with. At any point, you are able to open your eyes and emerge from hypnosis, although you may not feel like doing this due to the extreme sense of relaxation you are likely to experience. Due to the nature of hypnotherapy, it is considered an extremely low risk form of therapy.
How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) work with hypnotherapy?
This therapy is a collaborative therapy meaning the therapist conducts a full assessment of the client’s concerns and they work together to identify a desired goal or goals. The therapist will formulate a bespoke treatment plan (usually for a minimum of 4 sessions) and share this with you. As a result, there is a strong focus on the following elements: ● Identifying and changing underlying emotional, behavioural and cognitive habits that maintain problems. ● Psycho-education so that you can become your own hypnotherapist ● Teaching and rehearsing coping skills ● Using the collaborative model whereby you and therapist work together ● Using relaxation, imagery work and expectancy/beliefs to bring about change
Does it work?
Like any therapy, results cannot be guaranteed. However, CBT is currently the best evidenced psychotherapy for conditions such as anxiety and there is good evidence that adding hypnosis to CBT improves outcomes over CBT alone (Kirsch, 1995) (Valentine, 2018). As this approach is collaborative, you are often required to undertake or practise tasks in between the sessions. These tasks are then further developed in the one to one sessions. It is essential that you are invested and fully committed to the whole process with a positive attitude and high motivation in order to increase the chance of a successful outcome. Further information visit The British Psychological Society website. Specifically articles about ‘The Hypnotised Brain’ and ‘The Nature of Hypnosis’.
