What is the difference between CBT and hypnotherapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy are both therapeutic practices that are used to help individuals in making positive changes in their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, but they use different methods and techniques to achieve this goal.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The primary goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and change negative patterns of thought and behaviour that contribute to emotional and psychological distress. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs influence our emotions and behaviours, and that by changing these thoughts and beliefs, we can change our emotions and behaviours.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses hypnosis to help individuals make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility, during which the therapist uses verbal suggestions to help the individual to change negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviours. Hypnotherapy is often used to treat a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, phobias, pain and weight loss.

Both CBT and hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, but they use very different methods and techniques to achieve this goal. CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviours, while hypnotherapy focuses on changing one’s thoughts, beliefs and behaviours through hypnosis.

It's important to note that both CBT and hypnotherapy are not standalone treatments and should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments such as medication (where necessary) and support groups. The choice of therapy depends on the individual's preference and the therapist's expertise.