Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy for Anxiety: Integrating Evidence-Based Approaches in Counselling Practice
Australian Counselling Research Journal July 17, 2026 DOI: 10.22426/335280nyugzp (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Two clients, one with generalised anxiety disorder with perfectionism and one with panic disorder with agoraphobia |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Key points | Argues that Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy integrates hypnosis within a CBT framework to reduce physiological arousal and enhance receptivity, and illustrates through two case studies that both clients achieved meaningful symptom reduction and improved daily functioning. |
Abstract
Anxiety disorders remain one of the most prevalent mental health presentations encountered in Australian counselling and psychotherapy practice. While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) carries a strong evidence base, this paper advances the view that hypnosis, integrated thoughtfully within a CBT framework, offers a practical approach to address this problem. Combining these modalities, the paper presents Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) as an integrative approach in which brief hypnotic induction is used to reduce physiological arousal and enhance receptivity, creating the neurological and psychological conditions that enhance CBT effectiveness. The paper examines anxiety mechanisms, CBT evidence, hypnosis science, and their integration, drawing on contemporary neuroscience (Barrett, 2017) and on long-standing traditions in clinical hypnosis (Erickson & Rossi, 1979; Bandler & Grinder, 1975) and existential-relational therapy (Yalom, 1980). Two detailed clinical case studies, one involving generalised anxiety disorder with perfectionism and one involving panic disorder with agoraphobia, illustrate how this approach unfolds in practice, with both clients achieving meaningful symptom reduction and improved daily functioning. The framework is grounded in trauma-informed and person-centred values.