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Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: a meta-analysis
I Kirsch1, G Montgomery, G Sapirstein
1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1020, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy significantly improves treatment outcomes compared to standard cognitive-behavioral therapy alone. This enhanced approach, particularly for obesity, shows sustained weight loss benefits long after treatment concludes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
- Hypnotherapy
Background:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychotherapeutic approach.
- The efficacy of CBT can be enhanced by adjunctive techniques.
- Hypnosis is a potential adjunct to traditional therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy (CBH) versus CBT.
- To assess the impact of hypnosis on treatment outcomes.
- To investigate long-term effects, particularly for obesity treatment.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 18 studies was conducted.
- Studies compared CBT with CBT supplemented by hypnosis.
- Outcome measures focused on treatment effectiveness and long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- Cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy demonstrated substantially enhanced treatment outcomes.
- Clients receiving CBH showed greater improvement than at least 70% of clients receiving CBT.
- Significant long-term weight loss was observed in obesity treatments using CBH.
Conclusions:
- The addition of hypnosis to CBT significantly improves therapeutic results.
- CBH is particularly effective for obesity, promoting sustained weight loss.
- Minimal procedural differences between hypnotic and non-hypnotic treatments highlight hypnosis's impact.