What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnosis (CBH)
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnosis combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with clinical hypnosis to create positive, lasting change. CBT is recommended by NICE and widely researched; hypnosis works alongside it as a state of deep relaxation in which the mind is more receptive to positive change.
What happens in a session?
You'll explore the thought patterns and beliefs behind the issue, then learn techniques to shift how you think, feel, and behave — with realistic goals and simple tasks between sessions. Hypnosis itself is a safe, pleasant state of focused relaxation. You stay aware throughout and can stop at any time.
Neuroplasticity
Scientists used to believe that the brain was fixed and rigid once we reach adulthood. The brain is more “plastic” (changeable) than scientists thought 20 years ago and recent advances in the last decade show that the brain does change throughout our lives. Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brains to change in response to learning or injury and involves the development and strengthening of new neural pathways, sometimes even structural changes. The good news is that we all can learn and change! With repeated and directed attention toward a desired change, aligning beliefs, feelings, thinking, vision, and actions, you will experience lasting changes in your brain.
So What Can It Help With?
“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” ~Arthur Somers Roche
Anxiety often shows up as:
- Persistent negative thoughts or erratic behaviour
- Avoiding people, events, or situations
- Insomnia or poor-quality sleep
- Tension headaches, migraine, or muscular pain
- Muscle tension, jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Digestive upset (nausea, appetite changes)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Panic attacks or hyperventilation
- Racing heart or chest tightness
- Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
- Compulsive behaviours and habits (hair-pulling, skin-picking, nail-biting)
CBH is also effective for:
- Self-esteem & confidence
- Assertiveness & resilience
- Phobias
- Public speaking & exam/performance anxiety
- Menopausal symptoms
- Guilt release & relaxation
Not on this list? Get in touch — most issues can still be helped.
Facts about Hypno-Psychotherapy
About Hypnosis
A few things worth knowing:
- It's not mind control. You can't be made to do anything against your will — you actively choose to accept and act on suggestions.
- You're not unconscious. Around 90% of people remain aware throughout.
- It's safe. No one has ever been "stuck" in hypnosis.
- It's evidence-based. Recognised by the British Medical Association since the 1950s, and used for IBS in NICE/NHS guidance.
- Stage hypnosis isn't clinical hypnosis — don't judge one by the other.
Hypnotic behaviour is meaningful, goal-directed striving, its most general goal being to behave like a hypnotised person as this is continuously defined by the operator and understood by the client. (White, 1941)
What Is Neuro Linguistic Programming – NLP?
NLP as an owner’s manual for the brain! It is about how the brain works and stores information of your life’s experiences. Using NLP techniques you can successfully make changes to limiting beliefs, addictions, health issues and phobic responses and many more!
Is It Right for You?
Hypnosis works well for most people who can concentrate and use their imagination — it isn't suitable for young children, and isn't recommended if you have epilepsy or clinical depression (consult your doctor first; other treatments may suit better).
Sue Sawyer is a Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), and a Certified Master Practitioner of Hypnosis and NLP (ABNLP/ABH).
“Free your expectation of the future from the grip of past failure.”
― John Seymour
