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What Is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) and How Does It Work?



When people hear the word hypnotherapy, they often picture swinging watches or stage hypnosis—but the kind I practise couldn’t be further from that image. So let’s gently demystify things, shall we?


Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) is a therapeutic approach that blends evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the deeply calming, change-supporting state of hypnosis. It’s modern, grounded, and practical - yet beautifully holistic too.


Whether you’re navigating anxiety, unhelpful thinking patterns, low mood, overwhelm, or postnatal struggles, CBH is a flexible tool that can help you feel more in control again.


So, What Is CBH Exactly?


CBH is a blend of two powerful therapies:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you become aware of how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected. It’s all about spotting unhelpful patterns and learning more helpful ways of thinking and responding.

  • Hypnotherapy uses focused attention (think: daydreamy, calm state) to make those helpful changes sink in more deeply. It’s not mind control - it’s more like guided relaxation with purpose.

Think of CBH as rewiring your internal dialogue while your nervous system is in a beautifully calm, receptive state.


What Does CBH Help With?


CBH can be helpful for a wide range of challenges, including:

  • General anxiety and overthinking

  • Postnatal anxiety and low mood

  • Birth trauma and fear of childbirth

  • Sleep issues and racing thoughts

  • Confidence, self-esteem, and self-sabotage

  • Chronic stress or overwhelm

  • Habit change and mindset shifts (including around fertility and motherhood)


Because CBH works with both your mind and body, it can be especially supportive during times of transition - like pregnancy, postpartum, or fertility journeys.


What Happens in a Session?


Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and collaborative. Here’s what we typically explore together:

  1. Psychoeducation – I help you understand how your thoughts and nervous system are working together (or sometimes against you!)

  2. Cognitive work – Together, we gently challenge unhelpful beliefs and practice building healthier ways of thinking

  3. Hypnotherapy – I guide you into a calm, focused state and use tailored suggestions and imagery to reinforce the cognitive work

  4. Practical tools – You leave with techniques to use in everyday life - because lasting change happens outside the therapy room, too


A Word on Safety and Control


A common worry is, “Will I lose control in hypnosis?”

Nope. You’re fully aware the whole time. You can speak, move, open your eyes - anything. You’re simply in a relaxed, focused state (a bit like when you’re driving and miss your turnoff because you’re on autopilot).

You’re always in charge, and everything we do is led by you and what feels right for you.


Could CBH Be Right for You?


If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of worry, self-criticism, or overwhelm - and you want a gentle, practical way forward - CBH might be the missing piece.

It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about supporting you to feel more in tune with your thoughts, your body, and your own inner calm.



Ready to Take the Next Step?


If you’re curious about whether CBH is a good fit for you, I offer a free 15-minute discovery call. No pressure, just a gentle chat.


You don’t have to keep doing it all alone. Let’s find calm, clarity, and confidence—together.

 
 
 

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