At the root of cognitive behavioural therapy (and CBH) is an understanding that the way we respond to events is not due to the event itself but the way we interpret that event, based on our beliefs and assumptions built up over time. The consequences are often a complex mix of feelings, thoughts and behaviours, which over time have tended to reinforce our core beliefs, sometimes in unhelpful ways. CBH involves addressing feelings (emotions), thoughts (cognitions) and behaviours individually and together.  Sometimes simply being aware and able to conceptualise these relationships changes things profoundly.

CBH integrates hypnosis fully with CBT, drawing on the way we can use our imagination to challenge negative thoughts and feelings and to replace them willingly with more positive suggestions, and to enable us to achieve complete relaxation quickly and effectively. Both CBT and CBH are therapies that focus on the present rather than the past.  While patterns of behaviour and thinking may have developed over time cognitive behavioural therapies focus on practical solutions to dealing with present experiences - you cannot undo the past, but you can change the way you respond now to the past, present and future.