Pain is a complex experience that everyone encounters at some point in their life. However, everyone experiences pain differently — with varying symptoms, intensities, and thresholds.

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Pain often serves an important purpose. If you are experiencing pain, it is essential to consult your doctor first. Medical assessment helps identify the underlying cause, whether it’s related to an injury, medical condition, or another factor. In some cases, however, no clear physical cause can be found, and the pain persists. When pain becomes a regular part of life, Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) can be a highly effective approach to managing it.

 

How CBH Supports Pain Management
 

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles with hypnosis techniques. This approach helps address not just the physical sensations of pain, but also the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that can intensify the experience of pain.

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A key focus is the mind-body connection. Research shows that stress, anxiety, and fear can amplify pain, creating a cycle where pain increases emotional distress, and emotional distress heightens the perception of pain. CBH helps break this cycle by:

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• Restructuring unhelpful thought patterns related to pain (e.g., catastrophising or fear-avoidance thinking)

• Teaching relaxation and mindfulness techniques to reduce physical tension

• Using guided hypnosis to help clients access a deeply relaxed state where they can manage their focus and develop new, more adaptive responses to discomfort

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Through these techniques, clients learn to reduce the emotional impact of pain, build resilience, and enhance their quality of life.

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Examples of Where Pain Management with CBH Can Be Beneficial:

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• Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis

• Back pain or neck pain following injury or postural issues

• Migraines and tension headaches

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where stress is a key contributor

• Post-surgical pain during the recovery process

• Phantom limb pain after amputation

• Dental pain or procedures for people with high anxiety around dental treatment

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Important Clarifications About Hypnotherapy for Pain

There is a common misconception that hypnotherapy tries to "convince" you that your pain does not exist. As a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, my goal is not to erase the reality of your pain, but to empower you to manage it more effectively. Pain may still be present, but with the right strategies, it becomes much more manageable, allowing you to engage fully in daily life with less distress and greater confidence.

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If you’re struggling with persistent pain and are ready to explore new ways to regain control, Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy may be an important part of your journey toward relief and resilience.

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