Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition that often responds well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), though many patients fail to achieve full remission. Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) has been proposed as a promising alternative. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of CBT and EH against a waitlist control in 99 adults with OCD. Participants received 12 weekly online therapy sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment using the Padua Inventory-Revised, Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale–Self-Report (Y-BOCS-SR), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Both CBT and EH led to large, statistically and clinically significant reductions in OCD symptoms compared to waitlist. CBT was more effective for compulsive behaviors such as washing, while EH produced greater reductions in obsessive rumination and general anxiety. No serious adverse events occurred. These findings suggest that EH is a viable and comparably effective treatment to CBT, with distinct therapeutic benefits. EH may offer a particularly useful option for patients with obsession-dominant symptom profiles or comorbid anxiety. © 2026 International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.