5 Types of Hypnotherapy: Do You Know The Difference?

One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that they’re all the same. And it surprises many people when they find out that there are actually many kinds of hypnotherapies and different techniques for hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a vast field – wider than most people realize – and it has many branches and sub-branches that are defined by its different applications and methods. Nonetheless, there are a few main types of hypnosis techniques and approaches to hypnotherapy that you might be interested to know about. It’s important to understand the type of hypnotherapy you are using with clients and to have a clear intention of why you are using that method specifically. Traditional Hypnosis Traditional hypnosis is perhaps the most popular form of hypnosis and the type that often comes to mind first when thinking of hypnosis. This type relies on suggestions and commands that are given to you when you’re in a hypnotic state, which can then affect your behavior, thoughts, or feelings about something. Traditional hypnosis is commonly used for self-improvement. Ericksonian Hypnosis Ericksonian Hypnosis – named after Milton Erickson (the father of modern hypnotherapy) – is a type of hypnosis that uses metaphors, storytelling, and indirect suggestions instead of direct suggestions or commands. The theory behind this technique is that you are less likely to resist indirect suggestions, which can help you absorb and internalize them better. It relies greatly on your unconscious mind and offers a more organic approach to suggesting change. This type of hypnosis is particularly useful for those who are skeptical of traditional hypnosis. Cognitive-Behavioral Hypnotherapy (CBH) Cognitive-Behavioral Hypnotherapy (CBH) draws heavily on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), using a variety of hypnotherapy techniques to create a positive change in your thoughts or behavior. Although there are debates in the hypnotherapy community on its exact definition and nature, it shares...