What is Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy also known as CogHyp is a modern approach influenced by cognitive theory, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It works with a Cognitive Hypnotherapist acting as a guide, to help a client enter a natural hypnotic state or ‘trance’, enabling them to connect with their unconscious mind, where all our learned behaviour patterns are stored to help resolve an issue.

Is Cognitive Hypnotherapy a cross between Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy?

No. This is a common misconception. Although both approaches recognise the connection between thoughts-feelings-behaviours, a CBT therapist will look at how our thoughts influence how we feel and act. In contrast, a cognitive hypnotherapist will approach an issue at an emotional level, rather than at a rational level.

It’s hard to think yourself out of a bad feeling, and a cognitive hypnotherapist will work with your feelings to change thoughts and behaviours.

How does hypnosis work?

It is thought that between 90-95% of behaviour is driven unconsciously. It uses past experiences to give context to present situations to keep us safe, but sometimes the information it uses is incorrect, or out-of-date and needs updating.

During hypnosis you are guided into a trance - a hypnotic state where you feel creative, uninhibited and free so are more open to letting go. Utilising this open state you are guided towards identifying the intention behind your issue, with the aim of updating it with the correct information. The process involves interventions and techniques to access memories connected to the issue, the use of hypnotic suggestions to prime the mind for change, and your imagination to help find a resolution.

What makes Cognitive Hypnotherapy different from other forms of hypnotherapy?

Unlike traditional hypnotherapy, Cognitive Hypnotherapy does not require you to go into a deep hypnotic state. Cognitive hypnotherapy framework works on the premise that trance is a natural occurrence, a mental state we all enter throughout the day like when we daydream.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Being in hypnosis is often described as being in an altered state of conscious - a medium between wakefulness and sleep. There is nothing uniquely special about this state. In fact, this ‘hypnotic state’ is something we naturally experience and bring on ourselves like when we are in a ‘state of flow’, and is similar to when we daydream or are in a meditative state.

Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No. Contrary to the image perpetuated by stage hypnotists you remain in full control during treatment, so you would never do anything you didn’t want to do.

How effective is Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy prides itself on being an evidenced-based approach. Findings published in the Mental Health Review Journal in 2015, conducted amongst those suffering anxiety and depression showed that 71% of clients considered themselves recovered after an average of four sessions of Cognitive Hypnotherapy. This is compared to an average of 42% for other approaches like CBT for example.

Will Cognitive Hypnotherapy work for everyone?

No one therapy will work for everyone, which is why it’s important that we speak before you book your session. This is to ensure you feel certain cognitive hypnotherapy is the right approach for you.

What makes a good candidate for Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

The number one determining factor for success with hypnotherapy is willingness. You need to want to change.

The other factor that can make you a good candidate for hypnotherapy is a good imagination.

Who shouldn’t use Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

You shouldn’t have hypnotherapy if you have certain medical conditions as it could make them worse. These include: epilepsy, schizophrenia, bi-polar, psychosis or certain types of personality disorder. If you’re in unsure of your suitability check with a GP first.