Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy:
the evidence-based approach to lasting change

A typical CBH session begins with psychoeducation about the approach and your specific concerns. We then use hypnotic skills training to help you develop your ability to respond to suggestions. Once you’re in a focused, relaxed state, we engage in active therapeutic work – this might involve examining thought patterns, practising new responses to triggers, or rehearsing confident behaviours. You remain aware and in control throughout, actively participating in the process rather than being a passive recipient.

The duration of therapy varies depending on your specific goals and the complexity of your situation. For addressing specific issues like insomnia or mild anxiety, 6-8 sessions often create significant improvement. For more complex or longstanding issues, 12-16 sessions may be recommended. We’ll discuss timeline expectations during your initial assessment and regularly review progress.

This varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, whilst others benefit from longer-term work. We’ll discuss your specific situation during our initial consultation and regularly review progress. The beauty of CBH is that you’re learning skills you can continue using independently between sessions and beyond our work together.

Research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for most conditions. For some clients, the comfort of their own environment actually enhances the therapeutic experience. The addition of the “Your Mind Works” app provides continuous support between sessions, which many clients find accelerates their progress compared to traditional weekly therapy alone.

Yes, CBH can be effectively delivered online. The hypnotic state is actually easier to achieve in your own comfortable environment. Online sessions include the same therapeutic components as in-person work, and you’ll still have access to all the digital resources and between-session support through the app.

Traditional hypnotherapy often relies on direct suggestions or relaxation techniques. CBH integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches (CBT, ACT, mindfulness) within the hypnotic state. Rather than just giving suggestions, we actively work with your thoughts, behaviours, and values whilst you’re in focused attention. This creates deeper, more lasting change because you’re practicing new patterns in an optimal learning state.

The initial assessment is comprehensive but conversational. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, relevant background information, and your goals. I’ll ask questions to understand your unique situation, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach. By the end, we’ll have a clearer direction for our work together and initial recommendations.

My integrated approach combines evidence-based methods with personalized application, focusing on both understanding patterns and creating practical change. The addition of the “Your Mind Works” app provides continuous support between sessions, which significantly enhances the therapeutic process and helps create lasting change more efficiently than traditional weekly therapy alone.

CBH has strong evidence for helping with various conditions including chronic pain, anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, and stress-related issues. However, it’s important to understand that CBH works alongside, not instead of, appropriate medical care. For physical health conditions, you should always consult your GP or specialist first. CBH can be an excellent complement to medical treatment, particularly for the psychological aspects of health conditions.

This is based on a misconception about hypnosis. You already experience hypnotic states naturally – when you’re absorbed in a book, daydreaming, or completely focused on a task. CBH uses these natural abilities therapeutically. We provide skills training to help you develop your responsiveness, and remember – you don’t need to achieve deep hypnotic states to benefit therapeutically.

Additionally, you do not have to be highly hypnotisable. Research shows that only light to medium responsiveness is needed for therapeutic benefit, and hypnotic ability isn’t fixed – it’s a learnable skill that improves with practice. We focus on building your confidence and skills rather than testing your ‘hypnotisability’. The depth of hypnosis doesn’t correlate with therapeutic effectiveness – what matters is your willingness to engage with the process.

Yes, extensive research supports CBH’s effectiveness. Kirsch’s landmark 1995 meta-analysis showed that adding hypnosis to CBT substantially enhances treatment outcomes by approximately 70% compared to CBT alone. Studies demonstrate CBH’s effectiveness for depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and many other conditions. The approach is approved by professional bodies including training programmes endorsed by the British Psychological Society.

Most people feel relaxed and often report greater clarity about their patterns and goals. You might notice increased awareness of your thoughts and responses in daily situations. Some people experience immediate shifts, whilst others notice gradual changes over time. You’ll have access to recordings and exercises through the ‘Your Mind Works’ app to support your progress between session

Whilst relaxation is part of the process, CBH requires your active participation, so staying alert and engaged is important. If you do drift off occasionally, that’s perfectly normal – we can adjust the approach to help you maintain the optimal level of focused attention. The goal is relaxed awareness, not sleep.

Traditional hypnotherapy often relies on direct suggestions or relaxation techniques. CBH integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches (CBT, ACT, mindfulness) within the hypnotic state. Rather than just giving suggestions, we actively work with your thoughts, behaviours, and values whilst you’re in focused attention. This creates deeper, more lasting change because you’re practicing new patterns in an optimal learning state.

Absolutely not. One of the first tasks in CBH is reassuring clients that they won’t be under the type of control they might imagine from stage shows. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis – you’re always in control and can’t be made to do anything against your will. The therapist is simply your coach, guiding you to access a natural psychological state you already experience daily when absorbed in activities like reading or watching films.