Elizabeth Brooker

By Elizabeth Brooker

Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) is an assimilative therapy rooted in cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy, with the addition of hypnosis. It is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind (implicit thoughts, actions and emotions) no longer in conscious awareness. This chapter gives a brief synopsis of the hypnotic procedures and protocols that are most pertinent for understanding the case for integration. It gives the background of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a brief history of how this therapy evolved. It further gives the rationale for the integration of hypnosis with CBT, corroborated with evidence from the literature. CH treatments are documented in some detail in a number of different domains where hypnosis is used as an adjunct to therapy for the treatment of debilitating psychological conditions. The techniques and procedures are designed to desensitise and reprocess dysfunctional cognitions, emotions and memories enabling positive change in cognitive perceptions and visualisation. The author, an academic and experienced clinical practitioner of CH for more than 10 years, recognises that there is much scepticism regarding this therapy. It is hoped that this review will give greater understanding and more credence to this highly effective therapy in both the scientific community and medical profession.

Part of the book: Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis

By Elizabeth Brooker

In the main research into cognitive anxiety has focused on the conscious mind. The aim of this chapter is to review two psychodynamic psychotherapies, cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Both therapies focus on implicit or unconscious processes for the rapid relief of cognitive anxiety. The objective is to give credence to CH and EMDR both in the scientific and medical domains. The philosophy is concerned with changing negative cognitions and dysfunctional feelings through a process of desensitisation and reprocessing, utilising positive imagery. CH and EMDR were investigated in an intervention study with advanced pianists (n = 46). Participants were of mixed gender aged 18–26 and were randomly assigned to a therapy or control group. The therapy groups received two therapies of either CH or EMDR during a two week period between two concerts. Quantitative data were collected through the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that both therapy groups (but not the control) experienced a significant reduction in state anxiety post-therapy and trait anxiety decreased significantly below baseline levels in the EMDR group. This chapter further reviews research into CH and EMDR documented through a case study allowing for qualitative assessment of the therapies where two sessions only were required to effect positive change.

Part of the book: Complementary Therapies