If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, you have probably come across two options: CBT and hypnotherapy. Both can help, but they work in different ways, and the right choice depends on you. Here is a clear, honest comparison of hypnotherapy vs CBT for anxiety, so you can decide what fits.

What is the difference between hypnotherapy and CBT for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works mainly with the conscious, thinking mind. You learn to spot anxious thoughts, test them against reality and gradually change unhelpful habits. Hypnotherapy works with a deeply relaxed, focused state, helping your body and mind learn a calmer response at a more automatic level. CBT tends to change how you think about anxiety; hypnotherapy often changes how anxiety feels in the body.

Is CBT or hypnotherapy more effective for anxiety?

CBT has the largest research base and is the first-line psychological treatment for anxiety in NICE guidance. Hypnotherapy has a growing evidence base too. A 2019 meta-analysis found that people who received hypnosis reduced their anxiety more than most people in comparison groups. Interestingly, an earlier review found that adding hypnosis to CBT improved results compared with CBT alone. In practice, the two are not rivals. Many people do best with an approach that blends both.

Who might prefer hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy often suits people who:

• understand their anxiety logically, but still feel it physically
• have tried CBT and found worksheets and homework hard to stick with
• experience anxiety in the body, such as a racing heart, tension or a nervous stomach
• want a gentler, more experiential way of working

CBT may suit you better if you enjoy structured exercises and want to work through thoughts step by step.

Can you combine hypnotherapy and CBT?

Yes, and this is often where the best results come from. At London Hypnotics, I draw on my background in psychology alongside Ericksonian hypnotherapy. That means we can look at the thoughts that keep anxiety going, then use hypnosis to help new, calmer responses feel natural rather than forced. You can read more about how I work with anxiety hypnotherapy in London.

How many sessions does hypnotherapy for anxiety take?

Most people come for a short, focused course of sessions, and you will also receive recordings to practise between appointments. Sessions are available in person near Angel, London, or by online hypnotherapy from anywhere in the UK.

Key Takeaways

• CBT works mainly with thoughts; hypnotherapy works with how anxiety feels in the body.
• CBT is the NICE first-line talking therapy, and hypnotherapy has a growing evidence base.
• Research suggests adding hypnosis to CBT can improve results.
• Hypnotherapy often suits people who “know” they are safe but still feel anxious.
• Sessions are available in person in central London or online.

Not sure which approach is right for you? That is exactly what a first conversation is for. I’m Antonios, a clinical hypnotherapist and psychologist, and I’d be glad to help you work it out. Book a free consultation for sessions in person near Angel, London, or online.

References

• [1] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2011. Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management (CG113). nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113
• [2] Valentine, K.E., Milling, L.S., Clark, L.J. and Moriarty, C.L., 2019. The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), pp.336-363. doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863
• [3] Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G. and Sapirstein, G., 1995. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: a meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), pp.214-220. doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.63.2.214