Hypnosis as a tool for therapeutic change
Hypnosis has been used therapeutically for many years to support changes in thoughts, emotions, behaviours and responses. When used alongside appropriate evidence-informed psychological approaches, hypnosis can support people in practising new ways of responding to difficult experiences.
What is hypnosis
Hypnosis is a relaxed state where all your attention is focused on images, ideas and experiences. You will never be under the ‘control’ of the therapist, you will be always awake and in control of your behaviour and will always remember the whole session. Hypnosis uses focused attention, imagery and therapeutic suggestions to help you explore thoughts, emotions and behaviours in a different way. Together we use suggestions and imagery to target the thoughts, feelings and actions desired. This practice is often found to be pleasant and relaxing.
Hypnotisability People vary in their responsiveness to hypnosis. Everyone can experience some level of hypnotic response, although the experience is different for each person. Hypnosis does not depend on losing control or being passive; it involves active participation and focused attention.
Hypnosis works by helping you engage with thoughts, images and experiences in a focused way, allowing you to practise new responses and strengthen psychological skills. focused attention increased awareness imagery therapeutic suggestions relaxation
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What issues have Hypno-CBT demonstrated help with?
Anxiety and worry
- reducing the intensity of anxious responses
- building confidence
- facing uncertainty
- practising calm and flexible responses
Fears and phobias
- supporting exposure-based work
- strengthening coping responses
- reducing avoidance
Supporting behavioural change
- reducing avoidance patterns
- encouraging engagement with meaningful activities
- practising new responses and coping strategies
- supporting progress towards personal goals
Confidence and performance
- mental rehearsal
- self-belief
- preparation for challenging situations
How Hypnosis Can Complement Psychological Therapy
Cognitive and behavioural approaches focus on understanding and changing patterns that maintain difficulties. Hypnosis may complement this work by allowing clients to practise new perspectives, emotional responses and behaviours in a focused state.
What about OCD?
For OCD, the primary evidence-based psychological treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialised form of CBT. Hypnosis is not a replacement for ERP. Its potential role as a complementary technique depends on the individual and the therapeutic context.
Misconceptions and reliable facts about Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not something that is done to you. It is a therapeutic process you actively participate in.
| Reality | Myth |
| All hypnosis, is self-hypnosis, you will always remain conscious | Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness |
| You remain responsive and aware of the surroundings at all times | You can be stuck in trance beyond the consultation |
| You remain able to accept or reject suggestions during hypnosis | You can disclosure information that you are not willing to give |
| You may remember some or all of the experience, depending on the individual | It is a deep sleep state, and you won’t remember anything that happen during the session |
| You remain in control of your actions throughout the session | You can do things against your will, lose the control |
Contra- indications on Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not suitable for everyone or every situation. As with any psychological intervention, suitability depends on your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing severe mental health difficulties, such as active psychosis, significant instability or symptoms requiring specialist care, we may discuss whether another form of support would be more appropriate.
Ready to explore whether Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy could support your goals?
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