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- Hypnotherapy
The question “How is our hypnotherapy training different from other courses?” is excellent.
Let's try to answer that super briefly.
1/ It is based on a cognitive behavioural model of hypnosis
The cognitive behavioural model is a non-state, or non-trance, model of hypnosis.
We drop the concept of trance or altered state of consciousness to focus instead on motivation, suggestibility, focused attention, imagination and expectation (hypnosis is closely related to placebo response).
The client is the one doing hypnosis: it is not being done to them.
So, fundamentally, “all hypnosis is self-hypnosis”.
We focus on our own special model of cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, called Hypno-CBT® (read more about our model here).
2/ You learn to integrate hypnosis with cognitive behavioural therapy
This means there is a particular focus on identifying the “maintaining factors” that keep clients stuck (rather than going on a search for traumatic childhood events or simply suggesting that symptoms change).
The approach is highly collaborative (“shoulder to shoulder” with the client), educational (more of an educator or coach) and coping skills focused (more of a coping skills trainer than a therapist doing treatments).
3/ We integrate mindfulness into the model
We see mindfulness as “de-hypnosis” – being dehypnotised from your stream of automatic thoughts.
4/ It is VERY research informed
There is a ton of experimental research into hypnosis and lots of research into what hypnosis is effective for.
5/ Effectiveness
Research shows that adding hypnosis to CBT improves outcomes over CBT alone. That's massively significant.
6/ You learn a LOT about CBT
A fundamental part of the training is learning CBT principles and ways of thinking.
And whilst the Diploma is not a CBT qualification itself, the approach taken and techniques used (and the reasons for using the techniques) are recognised by healthcare professionals trained in CBT.
7/ The training operates on multiple levels
The training is at Level 4 (on the National Qualifications Framework) for some novices – but there are plenty of people engaging with it at Level 7 (Masters level). You will find clinical psychologists and psychiatrists taking this course.
So while the assessment for the qualification is at Level 4 it far exceeds that.
8/ A rapid, in-depth training that will get you started quickly in practice – and which you can continue to unpack over several years
Most people who have taken the course would say it is a highly compressed psychotherapy training which you can then unpack over the next 4 years. Rather than doing a 4 year training.
I hope that gives you some idea!
And here's nice sharing from a senior psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital where we recently ran a special version of the Diploma course for the Psychological Services Department.
“The commitment of the team to sharing as much information as they can was evident throughout. Their energy and enthusiasm really kept the process going. The training was excellent.
“The course gave practical tips about how to incorporate hypnotherapy into our existing frameworks and practices. The lectures were all helpful in bringing us back to the fundamentals of psychology and understanding the benefits of hypnotherapy. The case examples were also incredibly helpful. The revision of fundamental principles with the addition of new skills was fantastic. It gave me fresh ideas using fundamental theories of psychology. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme.”
Dr Jane McNicholas,
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
You can read more about our Diploma course here.
And if you'd like to know more, book a call with a Course Advisor here.
About the author
Mark is a therapist, trainer, meditation teacher – and a leader in developing the integration of hypnosis with cognitive behavioural psychotherapy approaches. As Director and Principal of The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, he is at the forefront of evidence-based hypnotherapy training – and is also very involved in the the integration of yoga and non-dual philosophy into Western Psychotherapy.