Hypno-CBT® is a specialist, evidence-informed approach to therapy that brings together two well- established disciplines: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and hypnosis. It has been developed and refined by Hypno-CBT® College (formerly The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy) over
more than a decade of training and practice.
The result is an integrative method — one that draws on the practical, structured tools of CBT while using hypnosis to help people access a focused state of mind where change becomes easier and more lasting.
How Hypno-CBT® Differs from Generic Hypnotherapy
Traditional hypnotherapy typically relies on hypnotic suggestion: a therapist guides a client into a relaxed state and offers suggestions aimed at changing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. This can be helpful, but it does not always engage directly with the patterns of thinking that underlie a person’s
difficulties.
Hypno-CBT® goes further. Rather than using hypnosis alone, a Hypno-CBT® therapist works within a CBT framework — exploring your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours in a structured way — and then uses hypnosis to deepen and accelerate that work. The two approaches are integrated, not simply
used side by side.
This means sessions are more targeted, more collaborative, and grounded in a clear understanding of your individual situation.
How Hypno-CBT® Differs from CBT Alone
Standard CBT is an evidence-based talking therapy that helps you understand and change unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour. It is widely used and highly effective for many people.
Hypno-CBT® builds on this foundation by adding hypnosis as a tool within the therapeutic process. In a hypnotic state — which feels like a calm, absorbing kind of focus, much like being deeply engrossed in something — you are more open to suggestion and more able to make meaningful shifts in how you think and feel. This can make the work of CBT faster and more deeply felt.
Research supports this. A 2021 meta-analysis by Ramondo et al., published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, found that adding hypnosis to CBT improved outcomes for approximately 70% of participants compared to CBT alone. [Citation: Ramondo et al. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2021 Apr-Jun;69. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33646087]
What the Hypno-CBT® Approach Involves
Hypno-CBT® therapists draw on a toolkit of over 35 evidence-informed interventions. Across sessions, this might include:
- Exploring your thoughts and beliefs, and the behaviours they drive (core CBT work)
- Guided relaxation and hypnotic induction — helping you reach a calm, focused state
- Therapeutic suggestion — using the hypnotic state to work with your goals directly
- Mindfulness and self-awareness exercises
- Practical tasks to complete between sessions, building on what you’ve discussed
- Self-hypnosis techniques you can use independently
The approach is highly personalised. Your therapist will work with you to understand your specific situation and tailor sessions accordingly. There is no single script or one-size-fits-all approach.
What Hypno-CBT® May Help With
Hypno-CBT® has been used to support people working on a wide range of challenges. These include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety, worry, and stress
- Phobias and fears
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Unwanted habits and behavioural patterns
- Sleep difficulties
- Performance — in professional, academic, or sporting contexts
- Emotional regulation
- Personal development and goal-focused work
Important: Hypno-CBT® is a therapeutic support, not a medical treatment. For any health condition, we recommend discussing Hypno-CBT® with your GP before beginning, or alongside any treatment they have recommended. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, NHS
111, or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Is Hypno-CBT® Right for Me?
Hypno-CBT® works best when you are ready to engage actively in the process. It is collaborative — your therapist will guide and support you, and you will bring your own insight, effort, and honesty to each session.
All Hypno-CBT® therapists on this directory offer a free initial consultation. This is a no-obligation conversation where you can find out more about how a particular therapist works, ask any questions you have, and decide whether Hypno-CBT® feels like the right fit for you. There is no pressure to
commit.
How to Find a Hypno-CBT® Therapist
Use the search on the Hypno-CBT® Directory to find a qualified therapist near you, or online. You can filter by location and session type. Browse a few profiles, read what each therapist says about their approach, and reach out to one or two for an initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on what you’re working on and how you respond to the approach. Some people notice a meaningful difference within a small number of sessions; others find longer-term work more helpful.
Your therapist will discuss this with you from the outset and review as you progress. Most therapists offer an initial block of sessions and then reassess with you.
A typical Hypno-CBT® session lasts approximately one hour. The first session is often slightly longer as your therapist takes time to understand your situation thoroughly.
Most people describe hypnosis as a pleasant, calm state of focused attention — a bit like the feeling of being very absorbed in a book or a film, where the outside world recedes a little. You remain aware and in control throughout. You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do. Many people
are surprised at how natural and comfortable the experience feels.
No. Hypnosis is not sleep and it is not a loss of control. You will be aware throughout the session and able to bring yourself out of the hypnotic state at any time. Your therapist is there to guide the process, but you are always in the driving seat.
For most people, yes. As with any form of therapy, there are some situations where it may not be the most appropriate option — for example, certain types of psychosis or personality disorder. Your therapist will take a full history at the initial consultation to make sure the approach.
No referral is needed. You can contact a Hypno-CBT® therapist directly. However, if you are currently under the care of a GP or mental health professional, it is good practice to let them know you are starting therapy.
They are entirely different. Stage hypnosis is entertainment: volunteers are selected for their responsiveness and invited to perform for an audience. Hypno-CBT® is a structured, person-centred therapeutic approach used in a private, confidential setting. The two share only the name “hypnosis”.
Yes — and many Hypno-CBT® therapists will teach you self-hypnosis techniques to use between and after sessions. This can be a valuable way to build on the work you do in therapy and maintain progress over time.
Fees vary between therapists. All therapists on this directory offer a free initial consultation so you can find out more before committing. Ask your chosen therapist directly about their fees, session frequency, and any package options available.