Adding Hypnosis to CBT Makes It Work Better
Oct 22, 2026The original paper
Kirsch I, Montgomery G, Sapirstein G. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: a meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1995.
Read the original paper on PubMed →
Summary
This classic meta-analysis looked at 18 studies comparing cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) on its own with the same therapy plus hypnosis, for problems including anxiety, pain and weight.
Adding hypnosis substantially improved results: the average client who received hypnosis did better than at least 70% of those who received the same treatment without it. For weight loss, the advantage grew over time.
Key finding
Adding hypnosis beat CBT alone across 18 studies — with gains that kept growing.
Why this matters
Insight on its own often isn't enough. Hypnosis helps the new understanding land where the old pattern lives — in the subconscious.
Research is summarised in plain language for a general audience. Hypnotherapy and energy healing are complementary approaches and are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.