The UK College of
Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy Ltd.
Providers of the highest-level vocational award in hypnotherapy available in the UK.  (Details)

Hypno-CBT^®
The Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Hypnotherapy

It was first developed by philosopher and psychotherapist Donald Robertson. 

Hypno-CBT^® is unique in that it integrates the practical techniques of hypnotherapy within a wider philosophical tradition, based on classical Socratic philosophical therapy.

Online Self-Hypnosis Lessons
Click above for our (free) online self-hypnosis lessons for an example of some Hypno-CBT^® techniques and concepts.

The key concepts were introduced in an article entitled "REBT, Philosophy & Philosophical Counselling", published in the Journal of Practical Philosophy in November 2000 and in a series of articles and conference seminars over the following years.

Between 2000-2005 a detailed system of hypnotherapy techniques were developed along with a philosophical and conceptual system which was delivered in a variety of training courses and seminars.

Introduction to Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy
(A short article providing a technical overview for therapists.)

In 2005 a comprehensive training course in Hypno-CBT^® was developed which allows hypnotherapists to train to diploma level in the system.  The training is externally validated and accredited by several major, independent, hypnotherapy organisations in the UK.

Stoicism as Philosophical Psychotherapy
Click above for a detailed article on the philosophical framework of Hypno-CBT^®, first published in the journal of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).

Hypnotherapy is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
We believe that hypnotherapy is the original cognitive-behavioural therapy.  James Braid, who introduced the concept of hypnotism in 1843, came to define hypnosis as a state of heightened suggestibility, i.e., a cognitive state. 

Braid, the first genuine hypnotherapist, introduced the technique of using hypnosis to "break down the pre-existing, involuntary fixed, dominant idea in the patient's mind, and its consequences." (James Braid, Hypnotic Therapeutics, 1853)  The identification and restructuring of negative cognitions is, likewise, the basis of modern cognitive therapy.

Braid also introduced the notion of using contrary physiological states to counter-act symptoms, in Neurypnology (1843).  In doing so he clearly pre-empted Joseph Wolpe's technique of "reciprocal inhibition" which formed the basis of modern behaviour therapy.

Another early hypnotherapist, Morton Prince, openly expounded a system of "rational" and "re-educative" hypnotic psychotherapy which clearly pre-empts the cognitive restructuring in modern CBT, as far back as 1906.  Click here for a brief introduction to his pioneering work.

Philosophical Hypnotherapy™
The techniques of hypnotherapy have traditionally lacked a coherent theoretical framework.  Hypno-CBT^® is based on a true synthesis of hypnotherapy technique with the concepts of cognitive-behavioural and Socratic philosophy.

Hypno-CBT^® therefore also contains a number of therapeutic techniques and concepts which are not found in any other system of hypnotherapy or CBT.

The View from Above
Click above for a short article on the famous Socratic meditation and its classical exemplification in Cicero's Dream of Scipio.  Click here for a free MP3 download of the View from Above taken from our audio CD.