One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that they’re all the same.
But 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 realise – 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:
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 behaviour, thoughts, or feelings about something. Traditional hypnosis is commonly used for self-improvement, and fun fact: it’s often the type of hypnosis used in variety shows.
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 internalise 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 sceptical of traditional hypnosis.
Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)
Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) draws heavily on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), using a variety of hypnotherapy techniques to create a positive change in your thoughts or behaviour. Although there are debates in the hypnotherapy community on its exact definition and nature, it shares many similarities as other types of hypnosis. This form of hypnotherapy uses different psychological tools and factors such as imagination, conceptualisation, and suggestion to help you understand whatever issue you’re facing.
Regression Hypnotherapy
Regression hypnotherapy involves a hypnotherapist taking you back to your past with the goal of uncovering the reason for an issue or problem in the present. It involves being guided through your memories and analysing past events to understand your current state better. Regression therapy is considered a very delicate and intrusive hypnotherapy technique, and it is often used as a last resort for creating a change in behaviour or perspective. This technique requires a highly trained hypnotherapist since some past events may be traumatic and painful to revisit.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
This type of hypnotherapy focuses on evaluating your current situation and deciding how you would like your future to look. It relies heavily on goal-setting and focuses more on finding a solution to a particular issue or problem rather than uncovering its cause/s. This type of hypnotherapy is client-centred, where you take the lead in sessions and your hypnotherapist acts as a facilitator in helping you determine the right solution. It is collaborative in nature, and its success relies on you and your hypnotherapist working together to find the best solutions for achieving your goals.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Although there are disagreements on whether this is a form of hypnotherapy, there’s no doubt that neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy share many similarities. In fact, it is used by many hypnotherapists as a tool for helping a client produce a desired change. NLP explores the relationship between your senses and the way you process language as a way to produce a positive change in your life.
Want to learn more about hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is known to be just as effective whether your hypnosis sessions are conducted online or face-to-face. If you’re interested in hypnotherapy for self-improvement, including sexual hypnosis, hypnosis for anxiety or to quit smoking, get in touch with us to find out more. We can help you figure out which method is right for you and provide suggestions on how to help you achieve your goals.