If you search for hypnotherapists, you’ll see “cognitive hypnotherapy” a lot. It sounds clinical, but it’s a particular, NLP-influenced brand of hypnotherapy.
What it is
Cognitive hypnotherapy was developed by Trevor Silvester and taught through the Quest Institute, which he launched with Rebecca Silvester in 2000. It combines hypnosis with several other approaches, including:
- NLP techniques
- CBT ideas
- Positive psychology and evolutionary psychology
- Sometimes EFT (tapping) and aspects of psychotherapy
It also uses a system of suggestion wording that Silvester calls Word Weaving.
Not the same as “CBT with hypnosis”
The name causes confusion. Several things are called cognitive hypnotherapy:
- Cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy (such as the approach developed by Assen Alladin for depression) integrates standard CBT with hypnosis and has its own research. (Described from general knowledge; not checked here.)
- Quest-style Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a broader, NLP-influenced approach to hypnotherapy.
When someone says they practise cognitive hypnotherapy, ask which they mean.
How a session might look
- Assessment. Discussing what’s brought you, how it began and what you want instead.
- Looking for patterns. The therapist looks for the beliefs and strategies keeping the problem going. This echoes CBT.
- Hypnosis. Suggestions, metaphors and imagery tailored to you.
- Techniques. Possibly reframing, parts work or timelines.
- Homework. Practice between sessions.
What the evidence says
- For hypnosis added to CBT, several reviews suggest a modest benefit over CBT alone (see hypnosis series, parts 4 and 43).
- For Quest-style cognitive hypnotherapy specifically, my search found no peer-reviewed efficacy studies. Its practitioners cite clinical experience, and the NLP components share the weaknesses of NLP research (NLP part 2).
- Hypnosis itself has solid evidence for some conditions, such as IBS and pain (see hypnosis series, parts 7 and 11). That evidence doesn’t automatically transfer to every added technique.
Pros and cons
Possible strengths
- Individualised sessions
- Attention to beliefs and habits, not just relaxation
- Practitioners who combine tools flexibly
Possible weaknesses
- Hard to know which part is doing the work
- Little trial data for the specific brand
- Training standards vary, and hypnotherapy is not statutorily regulated in the UK
Choosing a practitioner
- Ask what training they’ve done and for how long.
- Check registration with a recognised hypnotherapy register (see hypnosis series, part 39).
- Ask what evidence they’d point to for your problem.
- Be wary of promises to “cure” a condition in a few sessions.
The bottom line
Cognitive hypnotherapy mixes hypnosis, CBT ideas and NLP in a flexible way. Hypnosis and CBT both have evidence behind them, but the particular blend hasn’t been well tested. Ask questions, and for a medical condition see your GP first.
Next in the series: The Rewind Technique: A Trauma Method with NLP Roots
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.