**1. Introduction**

Cognitive anxiety is a widespread problem. It exerts a negative effect on human behaviour with individuals experiencing a gamut of mental, emotional and physical feelings. It has psychological and physiological effects which can be devastating. A plethora of research documents the outcomes of complementary therapies for the reduction of cognitive anxiety; however in the main the therapies focus on the conscious mind (explicit processes that are in conscious awareness) and these therapies can be both time consuming and costly. Both CH and EMDR focus on

implicit or unconscious processes (thoughts and actions no longer consciously perceived) as well as explicit processes. By this means the therapies target the root cause of the condition which allows for rapid alleviation of anxiety and effects longlasting change. EMDR and CH, both hypnotically-based therapies, offer positive healing in a short space of time in comparison with other psychotherapies. As a therapeutic treatment each focuses on implicit processes and addresses the contemporary stimuli that might independently trigger the person's fear. Each offers relief of symptoms for small or 't' trauma; however EMDR is also used as a leading therapy for significant trauma, for subjects deemed to have experienced lifethreatening situations.

The chapter first discusses cognitive anxiety looking at both trait and state anxiety, how anxiety arises and manifests itself before looking at the complexity and components of this debilitating condition. The cognitive/emotional connection is discussed and the role and importance of implicit memories, thoughts and emotions in the exacerbation and maintenance of cognitive anxiety. The use of alternative therapies for the reduction of cognitive anxiety is reviewed looking at their effectiveness and outcomes and the number of sessions required to effect positive change.

To enable the reader to understand the genesis and development of CH an overview of hypnosis is given followed by a synopsis of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). The assimilation of the two therapies has become known as CH and the rationale for this integration is discussed. The background, techniques and procedures of CH are outlined and current research critiqued where CH has been the intervention for a variety of dysfunctional conditions. The chapter continues with a review of EMDR looking at the theory, protocols and practice of this psychotherapeutic treatment and documents research conducted in a number of different domains for traumatic and debilitating conditions where EMDR has been used.

The remainder of the chapter documents the quantitative and qualitative research into CH and EMDR and gives scientific evidence for the effectiveness and rapid results of both therapies. In conclusion, the future direction and importance of CH and EMDR are considered in the light of current knowledge, their effectiveness as psychodynamic therapies for the treatment of cognitive anxiety, and their relevance to current research as well as the medical practice.

#### **2. Cognitive anxiety**

Cognitive anxiety is a complex (learned) emotion where fear is combined with other emotions such as anger, guilt, shame and embarrassment; all of these can be extremely disruptive to human behaviour [1]. Research informs us that there are two types of anxiety: trait and state. Trait anxiety is an individual's normal level of anxiety when in a non-threatening situation and it has been suggested that it is influenced by genetics and as such remains roughly at the same level throughout the life-span [2]. However more recent research has shown that it is also influenced by an individual's experiences and in fact is mutable and can be lowered positively through desensitisation of traumatic memories and negative cognitions [3]. State anxiety is a temporary condition which can be heightened according to environmental situations. It is the anxiety felt for instance when individuals feel they are in the spotlight or 'on show' and are under pressure to do their best. However it returns to its generic level when the situation has passed [4].

It has been found that there is a relationship between trait and state anxiety and that individuals with high trait levels of anxiety will experience correspondingly high state levels of anxiety in what is deemed to be a threatening situation [4, 5].

*Cognitive Hypnotherapy and EMDR: Two Effective Psychodynamic Therapies for the Rapid… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101770*

Evidence from the literature emphasises the multi-dimensional aspects of anxiety, and the affective role that experiences have on primary emotions such as fear and apprehension. This can affect the degree to which cognitive processes influence assumptions, expectations, physiological symptoms and behaviour [6–11].
