Abstract
Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) is an assimilative therapy rooted in cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy, with the addition of hypnosis. It is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind (implicit thoughts, actions and emotions) no longer in conscious awareness. This chapter gives a brief synopsis of the hypnotic procedures and protocols that are most pertinent for understanding the case for integration. It gives the background of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a brief history of how this therapy evolved. It further gives the rationale for the integration of hypnosis with CBT, corroborated with evidence from the literature. CH treatments are documented in some detail in a number of different domains where hypnosis is used as an adjunct to therapy for the treatment of debilitating psychological conditions. The techniques and procedures are designed to desensitise and reprocess dysfunctional cognitions, emotions and memories enabling positive change in cognitive perceptions and visualisation. The author, an academic and experienced clinical practitioner of CH for more than 10 years, recognises that there is much scepticism regarding this therapy. It is hoped that this review will give greater understanding and more credence to this highly effective therapy in both the scientific community and medical profession.
Highlights
Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH), rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the addition of hypnosis, focuses on the ways in which individuals think and act in specific circumstances, and how emotional and behavioural problems may be overcome
CH is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind and targets implicit or automated processes no longer consciously perceived
There is a growing body of scientific literature attesting to the fact that hypnosis enhances CBT, and a plethora of research suggesting that combining CBT with hypnosis is effective for a variety of psychological, behavioural and medical disorders
Summary
Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH), rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the addition of hypnosis, focuses on the ways in which individuals think and act in specific circumstances, and how emotional and behavioural problems may be overcome. The fusion of hypnotic techniques with the cognitive and behavioural therapies was proposed in 1994 to strengthen the therapeutic outcome and was termed cognitive hypnotherapy. This offered an addition to therapy by facilitating the resolution of resistant symptoms [1]. Gives an overview from a scientific stand-point of the techniques and protocols of hypnosis that are most pertinent for understanding the case for integration with CBT. It gives a brief review of the background of CBT from its roots in cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy. This chapter concludes with the premise that there appear to be few guidelines for practitioners for an integrative procedure for the treatment of diverse psychological conditions and this needs to be addressed in future research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
