Cognitive Restructuring is an evidence-based technique from the field of cognitive science (an interdisciplinary study of psychology and neuroscience). Simply explained, Cognitive Restructuring means altering the way we think about things. This can include our core beliefs, habitual thinking patterns and our ‘response sets’, i.e. how we automatically react to certain things.

 

So, why might you wish to change the way that you think? Well, the way that you approach and respond to anything in life - whether it's a problem, challenge, opportunity or decision, always begins with a thought. Or, to put it more accurately, with a collection of habitual thoughts which are influenced by a set of unconscious core beliefs.

 

Therefore, whether you are striving to overcome specific difficulties or would like to make positive changes in any area of your life, adapting your habits of thought around that thing is crucial. 

 

Cognitive Restructuring involves identifying unhelpful thoughts known as ‘cognitive distortions’, assessing and disputing them, and then replacing them with something more helpful. In Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, we combine this technique with evidence-based hypnosis to help better establish these new preferable ways of thinking and responding. This particular protocol of combining CBT with hypnotherapeutic techniques has been proven to lead to even greater improvements than using either method alone.

 

Historically, hypnosis has carried a rather mysterious air to it and is still a widely misunderstood technique. But the contemporary understanding of the method is that by giving focussed attention to a dominant idea whilst you are in what’s called a ‘highly suggestible state’, you create new patterns of thinking and ways of being.

 

In more traditional methods of hypnotherapy this process would be described as ‘reprogramming the subconscious mind’. What is actually happening in the brain though, is that by systematically and repeatedly refining your focus, and giving consistent attention to a set of thoughts or ideas - your brain is creating new implicit memories. These are formed by neurons in the brain firing and wiring into connections and networks, which govern your thinking habits and automatic responses.

 

Rewiring your habitual thoughts and beliefs can have profound effects across many areas of life, including:

​

• Confidence

• Improve self-esteem & self-talk (read more)

• Career Direction & Progression

• Establishing Healthy Habits & Behaviours

• Personal, Familial & Professional Relationships

 

Shifting your outlook and perception can also fundamentally shift the way you manage change, navigate life’s ups and downs and overcome challenges.​​

​