How we work
What Is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) combines cognitive therapy, behavioural methods and hypnosis within a structured therapeutic approach. The aim is to understand what may be maintaining a problem, identify useful changes in thinking and behaviour, and practise those changes both during and between sessions.
If you are researching cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, how CBT and hypnotherapy can be combined, or how hypnosis works in therapy, this page explains the different elements and how they can be brought together.
The three components
Cognitive, behavioural and hypnotic methods.
CBH does not treat hypnosis as a separate intervention simply added onto therapy. Cognitive, behavioural and hypnotic methods can be selected according to the individual formulation and therapeutic goal.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive approaches examine how we interpret situations: the predictions we make, assumptions we hold and automatic thoughts that influence how we feel and respond.
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural methods focus on what we do in response to a problem, including avoidance, checking, reassurance, procrastination, over-preparation or other coping strategies that may keep a cycle going.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis uses focused attention, imagination and suggestion in a deliberate way. It can be used to rehearse new responses, strengthen therapeutic learning and practise useful changes in a controlled setting.
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
How the approaches work together.
The different methods are combined within a shared therapeutic formulation rather than being used at random. We first understand the problem and the patterns that may be maintaining it, then select interventions that fit the agreed goals.
Understanding hypnosis
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be understood as a deliberate way of using focused attention, imagination and suggestion.
People typically remain aware of what is happening and retain control throughout the process. Hypnosis is not sleep, unconsciousness or a form of mind control.
Within therapy, hypnotic methods may be used to rehearse a different response, develop imagery, practise coping skills or strengthen therapeutic suggestions that have already been discussed collaboratively.
Cognitive and behavioural therapy
Why thinking and behaviour both matter.
A central cognitive principle is that our emotional response is influenced not only by what happens, but by how we interpret what happens.
Behavioural work looks at what we then do in response. Avoidance, checking, reassurance, procrastination or over-preparation may provide short-term relief while unintentionally keeping a longer-term problem going.
Therapy therefore works across both domains: examining interpretations and practising different behavioural responses.
Understanding the cycle
How problems can develop — and where change can happen.
A useful cognitive behavioural formulation maps the relationship between a triggering situation, the meaning we give it, the emotional and physical response, what we do next and the consequences of that response.
The therapeutic process
What happens in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy?
Therapy begins by developing a shared understanding of the problem rather than immediately applying techniques.
Understand the problem
Explore the situations that trigger the difficulty and what happens in thoughts, feelings, physical responses and behaviour.
Develop a formulation
Identify patterns and responses that may be maintaining the problem or making it more difficult to resolve.
Agree the goal
Clarify what meaningful, observable change would look like rather than working towards a vague goal of simply “feeling better”.
Select interventions
Choose cognitive, behavioural and hypnotic methods appropriate to the agreed formulation and therapeutic aims.
Practise and test
New skills and responses are practised during sessions and, where appropriate, tested between sessions in everyday situations.
Review and adapt
We review what happened, what was learned and whether the formulation or therapeutic strategy needs to change.
Additional methods
Where does mindfulness fit?
Mindfulness-based techniques may also be used where appropriate to develop present-moment attention, emotional awareness, cognitive distance and a less automatic response to thoughts or feelings.
Mindfulness is therefore one possible therapeutic skill rather than a separate treatment philosophy that must be used with every client.
Common questions
Questions about Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy.
How does Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy work?
Therapy begins with an understanding of the problem and the factors that may be maintaining it. Cognitive, behavioural and hypnotic interventions can then be selected according to the agreed formulation and therapeutic goals.
Will I be unconscious or lose control during hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is not unconsciousness or mind control. You remain able to hear, think, respond and choose whether to engage with suggestions throughout the process.
How long is each therapy session?
A standard therapy appointment is approximately 55–60 minutes.
Is online therapy different from face-to-face therapy?
The therapeutic framework remains broadly the same. Some exercises may be adapted to the setting, but formulation, discussion, behavioural planning and hypnotic methods can all be used online where appropriate.
How often would I come to therapy?
This depends on the presenting problem, goals and treatment plan. Session frequency can be discussed during the initial consultation and reviewed as therapy progresses.
Is what we discuss confidential?
Therapy is treated as confidential, subject to the usual professional, safeguarding and legal limits. These are explained as part of the client agreement before therapy begins.
How do I arrange an appointment?
You can begin with a short discovery call to discuss what you would like help with and whether the practice is likely to be a suitable fit. Appointments are available in Greenwich, Soho and online.