What is cognitive hypnotherapy?
It's a combination of a range of different techniques brought together to provide a tailored treatment programme for the client.
It’s based on three key principles
1. Trance is something we do every day, without realising
Traditional hypnotherapy focuses on the therapist ‘guiding you into a trance-like state’. Cognitive hypnotherapy believes that trances are a natural everyday state and that we pass in and out of them throughout our day. Driving is a good example of an everyday trance, daydreaming is another. When we ask ourselves why we keep behaving in a certain way more often than not it is because we have entered a trance. Some trances are helpful such as being in the zone in sport, or in flow at work, others are harmful and cause us to behave in a way that prevent us reaching our goals. Cognitive Hypnotherapy seeks simply to move you from an unhelpful trance - your problem state, to a healthier happier one - your solution state.
2. All behaviour has a positive intention
We believe that all behaviour has a good intention, nominally to keep us safe. This works as long as the information the mind is using to dictate our behaviour is correct. Unfortunately most of this information is stored as memories that we gained or learned in childhood and may well be either incorrect or redundant. So this behaviour designed to keep us safe is based on faulty information and so it is in fact having the opposite effect by sabotaging our relationships perhaps, or denying us the confidence to progress at work, or smoking or overeating, failing exams or even missing penalties. The good news is the mind is plastic. Using Cognitive Hypnotherapy we can reframe these memories and correct the information the mind is working with, changing our behaviour and improving our lives.
3. Everyone is unique
Cognitive hypnotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Unlike many therapies which have predetermined protocols to treat a set of conditions, Cognitive Hypnotherapy is an evidence based therapeutic approach that uses a range of techniques to develop a bespoke treatment plan tailored to the individual. It treats the person not the label, based on the belief that we are all unique. It combines elements of neurolinguistic programming (NLP), hypnotherapy, CBT, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience and positive psychology allowing greater flexibility than other therapies.
This style of therapy is both evidence based and solution focused, working with clients to guide them out of problem states into a solution state to live a more productive, happy life. This form of therapy understands that every person’s problem is unique and will require a personalised treatment plan.
FAQ
Will I go to sleep or lose control during the session?
No. You remain awake and in full control. Cognitive Hypnotherapy is nothing like stage hypnosis. I promise you that at no time will you make chicken noises. I can’t make you do or say anything you don’t want to. Although you may be in a deep state of relaxation all you need to do to stop it should you want to is open your eyes.
Are you qualified?
I have a Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD) which is a professional qualification in hypnotherapy, accredited by the National Council of Hypnotherapy (NCH). The NCH is the UK’s leading not-for-profit association for professional hypnotherapists.
I trained with the Quest Institute of Cognitive Hypnotherapy and I completed my HPD during that training. I’m a member of the Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapist Practitioners Association (QCHPA). Practising members are fully insured and trained to the highest standards which means you can choose a hypnotherapist with confidence. The Quest Institute HPD is accredited by the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE). If you choose a therapist with QCHPA membership it means you will be working with a therapist trained to the highest standards. As part of these professional memberships, I’m required to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
How long does a session last?
Each session lasts 60 minutes or 90 minutes depending on your booking. The first will take 90 minutes as we get to know each other and find out what it’s all about and what where you want to go.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends. Everyone works at a different speed. I’ll work with you to overcome your challenges and achieve your goals in the least number of sessions possible. Some clients benefit from as few as four sessions, but clients with more complex behaviours need regular therapy over a long period of time.
Where are you and do you offer online sessions?
I’m based near Milton Keynes in the UK but offer online sessions to make therapy as accessible as possible to a wide range of clients. I can of course offer face-to-face appointments by arrangement.
Are your services guaranteed?
I’ll do my best to help you, but I can’t guarantee success. You’ll need to work with me. You may have homework to do, questions to consider and things to listen to between appointments. Together we’ll find a solution.
How much does a session cost and what’s included?
Sessions cost £100 for 60 minutes and £150 for 90 minutes, payable at the time of booking. Booking is online via my website. There are no hidden costs, subscriptions, or long-term commitments. I offer a 20-minute free consultation and if for any reason we feel that cognitive hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, or I’m not the right therapist for you, there’s no obligation to book a session.
When do I pay and is there a cancellation policy?
Payment is required 48 hours before each session. This is because I prepare for the sessions and book rooms in advance. 48 hours notice of cancellation will be required for a full refund otherwise a cancellation fee will apply. A no show will incur the full fee.
Do you accept all clients?
I’m not able to accept everyone as a client and I can only work with so many clients at a time. I do not work with people with epilepsy, psychosis, borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder or anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the session.
Are the sessions confidential?
Yes. As a professional hypnotherapist I work to a strict code of ethics and in line with GDPR guidelines. I’m registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Client confidentiality and data protection is paramount and all data is stored securely. We will sign an agreement together and treatment will only begin once I have your written consent to do so. If you’re a danger to yourself or others, however, I may be obliged to seek outside help but I will inform you first of my intention to do so.