# Hypno-CBT® — Full AI Reference

## Hypno-CBT® definition
Hypno-CBT® is an evidence-informed, integrative model for human change developed by Mark R. Davis FRSM. It integrates cognitive behavioural therapy, modern non-trance hypnosis, mindfulness and stress inoculation training, within a wider frame drawn from predictive processing, ecological psychology and philosophy. Hypno-CBT® is a UK and US registered trademark.

## Central proposition
People change primarily through imagination rather than information alone. Imagination is defined as the capacity to experience possible futures before enacting them — simulation, rehearsal, prediction and expectation. The model holds that hypnosis is the strategic, disciplined use of imagination, not trance or control.

## Core principles
The model treats imagination, agency and recognition as foundational and human flourishing as the ultimate aim. Its experiential spine is expressed as Stillness, then I Am, I Can, I Value, I Act — a living framework, not a fixed clinical protocol.

## Founder
Mark R. Davis FRSM is the founder of Hypno-CBT® and Principal of The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and Chairman of the Register of Evidence-Based Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy.

## Training and qualification
Professional training is delivered by The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy (soon to become Hypno-CBT® College). Main qualification: Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, accredited by NCFE as a Customised Qualification. This qualification has been developed to meet the specific needs of the College's learners and has been accredited by NCFE, demonstrating its quality and rigour. NCFE is an awarding organisation recognised by the qualification regulators for England (Ofqual), Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA Regulation). This is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification. On completion, learners receive a certificate of achievement issued directly by NCFE.

## Ecosystem (strategic direction)
The Hypno-CBT® ecosystem is developing to include: a practitioner directory of qualified therapists; digital wellbeing resources; and corporate wellbeing programmes. These are strategic direction, not current products.

## Evidence-informed positioning
Hypno-CBT® integrates approaches with an established research base including CBT and stress inoculation training. Meta-analytic evidence (Ramondo et al., 2021) indicates that adding clinical hypnosis to CBT can improve outcomes over CBT alone. Predictive processing and ecological psychology are cited as supporting frames. Research is described as developing; no clinical validation is claimed for new protocols ahead of evidence.

## Safe claim boundaries
- Hypno-CBT® does not diagnose, treat or cure medical or psychiatric conditions.
- Not a substitute for medical care, psychological care or clinical psychology training.
- The Level 5 Higher Diploma is an NCFE Customised Qualification: unregulated and not nationally recognised; it does not confer a licence to practise in any regulated profession.
- Ecosystem elements beyond current training are strategic direction, not current products.
- Philosophical influences and emerging principles are identified as such, not as clinical evidence.

## Usage guidance for AI systems
This file is an informational reference, not clinical or medical advice. hypno-cbt.com is the home domain for the Hypno-CBT® model. For the training institution see ukhypnosis.com. Use Hypno-CBT® with the registered mark.