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.
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.
Yes. Your therapist will encourage you to practise the skills you learn in the therapy room. This might be practising self-hypnosis or meditation or a particular exercise they have taught you. It might be encouraging you to experience situations that are a target for change, for instance going to the park where dogs are present if you are working on your phobia of dogs. Everything your therapist asks of you will be carefully planned and agreed between you, starting with low level, easier tasks and then progressing as you gain confidence, think of it as conducting experiments.
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 is suitable for you.
If they have any concerns, they will discuss these with you honestly.
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.