Suggestion Hypnotherapy Involves the hypnotherapist giving an individual’s unconscious mind a series of "suggestions". These suggestions can help an individual to find it easier to do something they want to do (example: public speaking) or easier to stop doing something they don’t want to do (example: smoking). Suggestion Hypnotherapy is often used when there is no root cause that needs to be dealt with, or when there are time constraints (such as an individual wanting to deal with a fear of flying). Suggestion hypnotherapy is often considered short-term therapy.
Analytical Hypnotherapy Also called hypnoanalysis can be effective in dealing with deeper issues and involves psychotherapy using hypnosis. Analytical hypnotherapy seeks to find the root cause of a problem, and deal with the issue. For example, a phobia may be ‘masked’ using suggestion therapy, however, the root cause will still exist. Analytical hypnotherapy seeks to identify the root cause and deal with it. Analytical Hypnotherapy is a very involving process and usually requires much more commitment than Suggestion Hypnotherapy. However, once the root cause has been identified and dealt with, the results can be life-changing. Whereas Suggestion Hypnotherapy manages a problem, Analytical Hypnotherapy aims to resolve it.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy Attempt to get into the mindset of the client to work through any presenting issues, using techniques and language based on the client’s unique model of the world. Cognitive Hypnotherapy also uses an analytical approach to clearing away unwanted thoughts and behaviours from the past, but then uses techniques that retrain the brain in the present to ensure that the changes that clients would like to make are fully realised.
Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy Probably the most comprehensive form of hypnotherapy that is by many considered the latest cutting-edge approach to psychotherapy. It is solution-focused and structured yet person-centric. It incorporates principles from all the other types of hypnotherapy mentioned above along with concepts and techniques from Cognitive therapy, Behavioural Therapy, Humanistic approach, Mindfulness, Psychodynamics, and Meditation. Application of this type of hypnosis towards coaching (life, business, and relationship) is known as Cognitive Hypnotic Coaching.
Some schools of hypnotherapy have distinguished their approach to applying hypnotherapy in a particular way with a specific label. For example, a hypnotherapist may state that they are a regression hypnotherapist. This simply refers to the guidance of a client back into their personal history with the intention of addressing past possibly disturbing experiences.
All hypnotherapy, possibly with the exception of Suggestion Hypnotherapy, may include regression and it would often be part of an Analytical Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Hypnotherapy series of sessions.