What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy?

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is simply focused attention on a dominant idea - most often relaxation - with an expectation that something will happen and an acceptance of and responsiveness to suggestions.  It is not something I, as the therapist, do to you - it is something you willingly do yourself.  In this way all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The experience of deep relaxation in hypnosis can be truly transformative. 

It does not involve entering into some sort of mystical 'trance' - hypnosis in hypnotherapy is a million miles from the TV comedy magic shows (which is what they are - full of illusions). Hypnosis is a normal waking process - you may have experienced it yourself, for example, in a negative way when worrying about something and you are so focused on it that you may be completely unaware of what is going on around you, or when day-dreaming.  I can help you use self-hypnosis to relax deeply - to calm the body and the mind entirely - and to challenge and replace negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours with positive ones, changing your entire outlook on life. Using your imagination in hypnosis you can rehearse and challenge your responses to anxiety-provoking situations, freeing yourself from fears and worries.  You are in control, at all times.

Hypnosis is fully supported by peer-reviewed, evidence-based scientific research over many decades, on its own and integrated with CBT, which is the model of psychotherapy recommended by NICE and the NHS.  All the techniques I use are tried and tested - my academic background is in natural and social sciences so for me the evidence-base for CBH is crucial.

What’s involved?

You will probably have come to see me following an initial phone call discussion or email correspondence. The first session is an Assessment and Conceptualisation session and is always 90 minutes long (charged at the same rate as a normal session). Normal one-to-one sessions are of 50 minutes. That first session is important as it offers an opportunity for us to begin to understand what is going and, if cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) seems suitable for you, to agree an initial treatment plan. Many people find that first session very therapeutic in itself as we begin to unpack some of the issues and the relationship between feelings, thoughts and behaviours. CBH is typically a short term treatment programme, often around 4-8 sessions, though it could be more or fewer depending on the nature of the issues. And we will review after a few sessions to agree how many more, if any, might be needed.

Subsequent sessions will depend on the issues, and will be tailored to your specific needs, drawing on evidence-based treatments and integrated from cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), metacognitive therapy and a wide range of resilience skills, including, for example, deep relaxation and stress management, assertiveness and problem solving skills. One reason why CBH treatment is typically short-term is because it is a highly proactive therapy; it involves you practising between sessions some of the techniques and tools we will go through during the sessions. The more you practice the techniques given the more quickly progress can be observed. The first few sessions initially may be weekly and then gradually space apart a little more as you have more techniques to use and apply in everyday life.

If you’re interested in group therapy then I offer small-group therapy (for 3-4 people) for eco-anxiety, and separately for PhD students (in relation to stress, anxiety and low self-worth common when undertaking a PhD). These are two separate areas where there are often common experiences and sense of isolation within the group and where the sharing of experience provides an added benefit. Do get in touch if interested in either of these areas.

All treatment is strictly confidential (subject only to ethical considerations with respect to risk of harm to self or others, as required by my professional practice bodies). I am a registered practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and abide by their Codes of Ethics (copies available via the links above). I am also fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and provide a copy of my Privacy Notice with respect to confidentiality, security and personal data at the start of any treatment. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How much will it cost?

My fee (price) structure is very simple:

Standard rate, Central London/remote:

• £70 per session (same for first 90 minute assessment session as subsequent 50 minute sessions)

• Full-time student (UG, PGT, PGR): £45 per session (from 1 June 2024 this will be £45 online/£55 in-person)

Discounts for Imperial College London:

• Imperial College staff/alumni: £60 per session

Peer support group for PhDs (online): £8 per person per session (1.5 hrs every quarter) - book here.

Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long, except for the first assessment and conceptualisation session which is 90 minutes long (charged at the same rate). Group therapy sessions are 90 minutes long.

For many issues a programme of 4 - 10 sessions is often enough, though it may be fewer or more depending on the issue. This will be discussed in the first session.  ‘Zoom’ sessions are feasible and very practical for remote therapy - I work equally remotely and in-person. Please contact me to discuss. Longer term, periodic ‘check-in’ sessions are also possible for those who wish them.

I accept bank transfer (BACS) payments (preferred) and cash (in person); significant (30%) discount rates (for higher education students) are available (above). One-off and tailored student group sessions also available by arrangement. 

Please provide 48 hours notice for cancellation to avoid otherwise being charged for the session. 

CBH Supervision rates:

I am a GHR Acknowledged Supervisor and use an integrated CBH model of supervision (see Supervision).

• UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy (UKCHH) alumni: £50 per 1 hour one-to-one supervision session.

• UKCHH alumni Group supervision (3-4 people, via Zoom): £40 per person per 2 hour session.

• Non-UKCHH: £60 per 1 hour one-to-one supervision session.