Cognitive Hypnotherapy (CH) uses CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) as the basis for understanding and treating problems.  After the initial cognitive and behavioural work has been done, this approach then adds the benefits of hypnosis in aiding relaxation, enhancing long-term changes and unlocking problems at deeper levels than CBT can usually reach.

The name "Cognitive Hypnotherapy" and the approach of combining CBT and hypnosis has recently been popularised by the work of Alladin, a Canadian psychologist.  But it is a form of therapy that has been in existence for at least twenty years.  In America cognitive hypnotherapy is a recommended evidence-based treatment for obesity, and there is research to suggest that it may also be effective for treating depression, various forms of addiction, and other disorders.

As both CBT and hypnosis are relatively brief therapies with some areas of overlap, they are easily combined. Where necessary, cognitive hypnotherapy draws on techniques and theories from other schools of psychotherapy, especially if it is appropriate to investigate deeper beliefs (called "schemas") that may be at the root of long-standing problems.

As cognitive hypnotherapy has become popular many people claim to offer it, but very few actually have dedicated training in CBT.  If this is a form of treatment that you are particularly looking for, it is wise to ensure that the therapist is properly trained in both CBT and hypnotherapy.