Cognitive Hypnotherapy

Cognitive Hypnotherapy in Cambridge & Huntingdon draws on a number of established psychological theories and practices.  Some of the main ones are from Evolutionary Psychology, Positive Psychology, Cognitive theory and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).  It has incorporated them into its own, modern, therapeutic model for helping individuals achieve positive change and results.

Time Line Regression Therapy – Getting to the Root of the Problem

The word ‘cognitive’ refers to our thinking processes. Instead of just focussing on surface level thoughts, cognitive hypnotherapy aims to discover and transform the emotional root of a problem.  Although we think we are in control of our thoughts and behaviour, it is our unconscious mind that is running most of our ‘programs.’

One of the tools we can get to the root of issues is through the use of Time Line Regression Therapy.  Finding the root cause of the issue can help calm down the emotional response and help the mind find new ways of looking at an old problem and to view the future differently.

The unconscious acts as a protective device and steers us away from pain and towards pleasure.  This is what Freud called ‘the pleasure principle.’  Our nervous system has developed to enable us to fight or run when faced with a physical threat.  However, we have to bear in mind the relatively short time span that we have lived in a modern society.   As a result, the unconscious interprets many modern life stressors as if you were confronted with a sabre-toothed tiger!

All Behaviour has a Positive Intention

Did you know that all behaviour has a positive intention even when it is having a negative effect?  Do you find yourself avoiding making a presentation or getting on a airplane? This is because your unconscious has decided that these things are a threat.  It made this decision at some point in the past when you experienced an uncomfortable feeling.  When you try and face these issues your body becomes flooded with stress hormones.  Your conscious mind and the unconscious protective system are struggling with the conflict!  Even when people know that smoking is bad for them, they carry on because at some level they believe it is beneficial and there is a fear attached to losing those benefits.

Using leading edge techniques, cognitive hypnotherapy also uses the trance state as a means of communicating with the unconscious part of the mind.  In this way, your brain can relearn to interpret events and issues in a positive, beneficial way.  This means you can get on with living the kind of life you want instead of continually avoiding certain things or indulging in negative behaviour patterns.

The Trance State

Hypnosis and trance states have been used by societies since the dawn of time.  Contrary to what many people think, the trance state is a naturally occurring shift in focus.  Our brain enters into different ‘trance states’ frequently during each day in response to the thoughts we are having.  You could say a trance is whatever your brain is focusing on at that moment.  To recall a relaxed trance state, think of those times when you were day dreaming, listening to music or so engrossed in something that you lost track of time.

During a cognitive hypnotherapy session people can experience trance in different ways.  Some people don’t find it much different but most people experience the trance state as very relaxing and pleasant.   Afterwards they usually feel very calm and revitalised.  Perhaps you have never considered hypnotherapy before because the thought of being in a trance seemed scary to you? Some people think they might not ‘wake up’ or be ‘in control’ but  I can assure you that this is not the case.   You will always be aware, in control and able to respond.  It is impossible to get stuck in trance as eventually you would just get bored or fall asleep.

This short video explains more about cognitive hypnotherapy:

If you would like to find out more about how Cognitive Hypnotherapy could help you achieve your goals, please contact me a for a no-obligation chat on 07703 211449.