Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy: An Evidence-Based Approach

Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy (QCH) is a modern, evidence-based therapeutic approach specifically designed to help individuals overcome Anxiety, Stress, and Depression. Founded by Trevor Silvester, a renowned therapist, author, and the founder of the Quest Institute, this approach is rooted in a unique blend of neuroscience, psychology, and hypnotherapy principles.

The Quest Institute has been at the forefront of developing this innovative therapy, emphasising its flexibility and effectiveness. QCH operates on the principle that every individual has the potential for lasting change, and therapy should be tailored to meet their specific needs. Unlike traditional forms of hypnotherapy, Cognitive Hypnotherapy incorporates a range of psychological disciplines, including Positive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, and NLP, to create a personalised therapeutic experience.

At the heart of QCH is the belief that you can reframe the unconscious patterns contributing to your problem state, enabling you to move towards a solution state. This structured yet adaptable method provides a powerful and empowering path to achieving emotional and mental well-being.

How does it work?

Harnessing Your Natural Trance States

Cognitive Hypnotherapy works with the natural trance states you experience throughout the day—often without even realising it. Have you ever driven somewhere and arrived at your destination with little memory of the journey?

This “autopilot” mode is a trance state, and research suggests we spend around 90% of our day in this state, while only 10% is spent in full conscious awareness.

In a safe and supportive environment, we use these natural trances to work with your unconscious mind. Together, we uncover the thoughts, feelings, and memory patterns that contribute to your difficulties.

By safely releasing the anxiety attached to these patterns and reframing the underlying memories, we help you create a new, positive pathway. This process empowers you to feel happier, more in control, and equipped to maintain this healthier mindset for the future.

How does it work?

An Evidence-Based Approach

Harnessing Your Natural Trance States

Cognitive Hypnotherapy works with the natural trance states you experience throughout the day—often without even realising it. Have you ever driven somewhere and arrived at your destination with little memory of the journey? This “autopilot” mode is a trance state, and research suggests we spend around 90% of our day in this state, while only 10% is spent in full conscious awareness.

In a safe and supportive environment, we use these natural trances to work with your unconscious mind. Together, we uncover the thoughts, feelings, and memory patterns that contribute to your difficulties. By safely releasing the anxiety attached to these patterns and reframing the underlying memories, we help you create a new, positive pathway. This process empowers you to feel happier, more in control, and equipped to maintain this healthier mindset for the future.

An Evidence-Based Approach

What will it feel like?

Demystifying Hypnotherapy: What to Expect

The word “hypnotherapy” can sometimes bring up misconceptions. Will you have a pocket watch waved in front of you? Lose control of your actions? Or suddenly start clucking like a chicken at random moments?

The answer is a resounding “no.” Cognitive Hypnotherapy is simply a guided conversation between you and your therapist. You remain fully in control throughout the process and will never do or say anything you’re uncomfortable with. While you may choose to close your eyes and listen to my voice, you’ll always be aware of where you are, what’s happening, and can open your eyes or speak whenever you wish.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy works by helping you access a state of deep relaxation, fostering calm and comfort. Many people notice subtle but meaningful changes even after their first session. This “butterfly effect” of small shifts in thinking and behaviour often leads to transformative, lasting change. Best of all, this process engages your unconscious mind, allowing progress to unfold naturally and without pressure.

What will it feel like?

Do you think you could benefit from Cognitive Hypnotherapy? Get in touch today!

Get in touch

What Makes Cognitive Hypnotherapy Unique

Cognitive Hypnotherapy stands apart from traditional hypnotherapy by integrating insights from cutting-edge research in neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, positive psychology, cognitive theory, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). This evidence-based approach is highly adaptive, making it a versatile and personalised form of therapy.

Unlike one-size-fits-all techniques, Cognitive Hypnotherapy tailors the process to your specific needs, recognising that everyone experiences challenges differently. By combining the best aspects of various psychological disciplines, it works to uncover and reframe the unconscious patterns behind your issues. This empowers you to create lasting, meaningful change while gaining greater control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Its unique combination of science and therapeutic flexibility makes Cognitive Hypnotherapy a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and phobias to improving confidence and overcoming negative habits. It’s designed to guide you toward the transformation you seek, in a way that’s as individual as you are.

Trance is an everyday Phenomenon

The Role of Everyday Trance in Behaviour

Research indicates that around 90% of our behaviour operates on autopilot, meaning much of what we do is driven by unconscious processes—or what we might call “everyday trance states.” These natural patterns allow us to perform routine tasks effortlessly. For example, we don’t have to consciously think through every step of tying our shoelaces or driving a car; instead, unconscious learning takes over, enabling us to multitask, like listening to the radio or planning our day while we navigate familiar routines.

While these automatic behaviours are often helpful, they can also make it challenging to break free from problematic patterns. For instance, you might logically understand that there’s no need to feel anxious about presenting to supportive colleagues. Yet, in those moments, it’s not your conscious mind in control—your automatic behaviours and unconscious responses are leading the way. Addressing these deep-rooted patterns requires working with the unconscious mind, which is where approaches like Cognitive Hypnotherapy excel.

All behaviour has a positive intention

Understanding Behaviour Through Cognitive Hypnotherapy

In Cognitive Hypnotherapy, we work on the principle that every behaviour, no matter how unhelpful it may seem, has a positive intention. For example, the shaking hands and adrenaline-fueled nausea before a big presentation might feel like your body is working against you, but your unconscious mind truly believes it’s protecting you from a perceived threat (in this case, giving the presentation). The harder you try to resist these responses, the more firmly your unconscious mind holds onto them, thinking it’s keeping you safe.

Why does this happen? Sometimes, especially during childhood, our brains make processing errors. Your mind might have mistakenly linked standing up and speaking in front of others with danger or failure. Over time, this association becomes a deeply ingrained pattern, and your unconscious works hard to stop you from facing what it perceives as “certain destruction.” Often, the original events that created these patterns are buried in the past, leaving you only with the unhelpful behaviours that disrupt your life today.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy helps to update your unconscious programming, replacing outdated responses with your conscious understanding of reality. This approach empowers you to take back control, aligning your thoughts and behaviours with the life you want to lead.

You’re an individual

A Tailored Approach with Cognitive Hypnotherapy

Cognitive Hypnotherapy recognises that everyone’s unconscious patterns develop uniquely. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on labels or diagnoses, we focus on your individual experience. While a conventional hypnotherapist might label you as “having anxiety” and use a standardised anxiety script, Cognitive Hypnotherapy takes a more personalised approach. We examine the specific elements of your challenge and create a bespoke plan to guide you toward your desired outcome.

In essence, Cognitive Hypnotherapy helps you break free from the negative trances that keep you stuck. It’s a process of “de-hypnotising,” empowering you to regain control of your thoughts, behaviours, and ultimately, your life.