Cognitive Hypnotherapy Versus Tradytional Hypnosis

Both modalities utilise the trance for therapeutic purposes.

Traditional hypnotherapy involves the therapist reading a generalised script to their patient to put them into a state of trance. The script could be for example to stop smoking or to lose weight.  This can be very successful, providing that the script fits that patient. But the “one size fits all” approach can be ineffective if the script doesn’t align with the patient

 

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is more dynamic, individualised and interactive (not based on strict scripts) and combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and hypnosis with theories based on modern neuroscience such as Evolutionary Psychology, Positive Psychology, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt approach, it utilises every day trance. A good example of every day trance is during exercise class, when we are “hypnotised” by yoga teacher and are able to adjust our breathing and relax. Another every day example would be when we use our phones, we often disconnect from the external world, either get lost in the music we listen to, watch a video or read an article. As the trance is our everyday state we are used to it and during the session you never lose control and are certainly never put under the control of anyone else.

 

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is based on a collaboration between therapist and patient where their assumptions and beliefs are identified and tested and distorted and unrealistic thoughts are challenged.  Once those thoughts have been challenged, one's feelings about the subject are more easily subject to change.

This style of therapy focuses on guiding the patient out of any problematic states (fear of dogs, phobias, low self-esteem) to live a more productive, happy life. This form of therapy understands that every person’s problem is unique to them and will require a personalised treatment plan.

 

​What happens in a cognitive hypnotherapy session?

This therapy takes the form of a conversation, where we discuss the issue, any underlying habits connected to it and what patient would like to achieve. On the first appointment we would look at the issue, how they experience it and how it affects their life. Next, we would work towards a personal treatment programme, tailored to the patient.

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The second appointment would include a treatment, during which, you will be placed into a pleasant, light trance state. In this state, you will be listening to your therapist providing beneficial corrections directly to your unconscious mind. You will remain conscious of what is going on around you, with full mental control and will not do anything or say anything that you do not want. At any time, you can simply open your eyes and stop therapy.

 

Patient would also be given tasks to complete at home, between sessions. This may include listening to individualised recordings of hypnotic suggestions and/or a therapy diary to record their thoughts and development. They may also be taught self-hypnosis techniques, to help them continue treatment outside of sessions and long after treatment is over.

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Online appointments

Online hypnotherapy is a safe and convenient alternative to face to face sessions. It is just as effective as working together in the clinic and follows the same structured approach. It's useful if you are restricted by time, location, family commitments or medial conditions, making it accessible to all. Some people feel even more relaxed and comfortable working from their own home or office which can only add to the positive outcome as we work together.

I offer online appointments via Google Meet/Skype. I would advise the patient to have a good, stable internet connection on a PC or a laptop. Safe, comfortable space to be in, if you feel you may need a support, it is a good idea to have someone in the house so they can enter when called. I would have a glass of water and some tissues, comfortable seating and computer positioned so we can see each other well. Some people feel they need the headphones while others are ok with computer’s system. If you haven’t used Google Meet before I would encourage you to try it out so you know how it works. I would send you a contract to be read and signed before the appointment, and all my details would be there.

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What can Hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy can resolve clashes between conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

If you consciously want to stop doing something but you keep doing it or if you want to do something but you feel you can’t, then Cognitive Hypnotherapy can probably help you. Few examples  of commonly treated conditions are:

• Stress

• Phobias

• Motivation

• Work – Life balance

• Lack of confidence

• Pain controll

• Anxiety

• Panic Attacks

 

Contraindications to Hynotherapy

Hypnotic trance is all about concentrating, so it is not suitable for people with severe mental health problems, those with low IQ, comprehension difficulties or dementia patients may also find it difficult. Hypnotherapy is not suitable for people experiencing psychotic episode, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, personality disorder, narcolepsy  or epilepsy it could make this worse. I don't offer sessions for drug  or alcohol additction, and will refuse to work with anyone under influence of alcohol or drugs.

Eventhough that hypnosis is safe to conduct while you are pregnant, I don't currently offer hypnotherapy sessions to pregnant ladies.

 

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions will depend on what you want to achieve and the speed of your progress, each person will be different, and after our first meeting I will tailor a programme specifically for you. It is possible that you will begin to see changes after just few sessions, and it might surprise you to notice how quickly these positive changes can grow. I would encourage my patients to take a reflective approach towards these sessions and maybe run a diary for some time to help them process things and notice changes. Email me to book in for a free phone consultation and we can get a better idea of what will work best for you.

 

Code of ethics

I am registered with the NCH and QCHPA and as such, am bound by their code of ethics. I hold a DBS check and as a member of the governing bodies, all my work is held in the strictest of confidence.

Circumstances might occur where confidentiality would have to broken – for example, if I had a concern regarding patient’s safety or that of someone else, in which case I would contact their GP. Patient’s data is retained in compliance with The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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