Why Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a cutting-edge approach in the field of psychotherapy. Developed in the internationally recognised Quest Institute, it draws on recent discoveries and ideas from Evolutionary Psychology, Positive Psychology, Cognitive theory and NLP. They are incorporated into a modern idea of hypnosis to provide a framework for therapy.

Unlike other therapies, Cognitive Hypnotherapy focuses on both “problem state” and “solution state” (rather than just the problem), by assisting the clients in re-discovering their own resources (i.e. strengths, skills and abilities), which are used to alter their perception (i.e. change their problem state), and in consolidating their solution state.

Among the presuppositions of Cognitive Hypnotherapy, is the mind and body being an integrated system, where the mind consists of subsystems that can be described as Conscious and Unconscious. The former is responsible for logical thinking, searching for the meaning of every event, while perceiving itself as the only driving force behind human behaviour. However, research suggests that it directs behaviour only 10% of the time.

On the other hand, the Unconscious, older system based on emotional intelligence and response, is responsible for generating instincts and habits. It refers to our past experience in order to understand present situations, with responses directed to protect the organism.

In a situation of conflict between different mind-systems, or in case of a strong emotional response, “trance states” may be created, during which the Unconscious takes control, reducing our logical thinking ability.

Therapist's intervention often involves solving trance states being experienced by clients. Some examples would include phobias, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc. As previously mentioned, the origins of these problems lie on the perception of the problem that the client creates on the basis of his/her previous experiences.

Through the use of NLP techniques, the therapist can look for the pattern of information, usually unconscious, that the client's mind is applying in order to create his/her model of the world. Referring to interpretation of past experiences, the mind will calculate possible present consequences by using three basic algorithms: A=B (this is the same as that), C>E (this is because of that) and A= not B (this is different from that). In other words, the Unconscious tends to move towards pleasure and away from pain.

As in Cognitive theory, central importance is given to the “belief system” (which, for example, in low self-esteem or depressed people is usually negative, often related to self or significant others), located between the stimulus and the response.

However, contrary to Cognitive theory, on the basis of Evolutionary theory, emotions are seen as older than thoughts which are then a consequence of emotions.

Hence, the Cognitive Hypnotherapist will look for the emotional root of a problem, providing a more effective intervention.

Unlike other hypnotherapy approaches which apply a “one-size-fits-all” script (as if all problems had the same origins and outcomes), in Cognitive Hypnotherapy each case is considered unique.

Hypnotic suggestions to the Unconscious are created each time on the basis of information gathered from the client.

They are delivered according to principles and techniques developed by famous hypnotherapists such as Milton Erickson, Gyl Boyne, Stephen Wolinsky, Rubin Battino, Tad James and Trevor Silvester (founder and creator of The Quest Institute and Wordweaving).