BCH Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield BCH facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of setting goals during a hypnosis session? → To guide the hypnotic process effectively
2. Which term describes a suggestion that takes effect only when a specific trigger (word, gesture, or situation) is encountered after the session? → Contingent post-hypnotic suggestion
3. In anxiety hypnotherapy, 'reframing' is best described as: → Changing the meaning or perspective the client assigns to a stressful event
4. For clients presenting with specific phobias, the hypnotist should: → Use systematic desensitization combined with hypnotic relaxation
5. What is 'ego-strengthening' primarily designed to accomplish in anxiety reduction hypnotherapy? → Build the client's sense of competence and resilience to handle stressors
6. What makes a hypnotic suggestion effective? → Being simple, direct, and positive
7. Which hypnotic phenomenon is most directly leveraged when a client is given a post-hypnotic suggestion to drink water instead of reaching for a cigarette? → Conditioned post-hypnotic response
8. A client is highly analytical and resistant to direct suggestion. Which approach is most appropriate? → Switch to indirect, conversational hypnosis techniques
9. In Dave Elman's induction method, what is the primary first step after initial relaxation? → Eye catalepsy test
10. What does 'ideomotor signaling' add to a client's self-hypnosis practice when used for self-exploration? → It allows the subconscious mind to communicate yes/no responses through finger movements
11. A client practicing self-hypnosis reports that their mind keeps wandering during the session. What should the hypnotist advise? → Gently redirect focus back without self-criticism each time the mind wanders
12. Negative hallucinations are BEST defined as the hypnotic subject's ability to: → Fail to perceive something that is physically present
13. A post-mastectomy client reports persistent burning pain and hypersensitivity at the surgical site. This presentation most likely reflects: → Neuropathic pain requiring a hypnotic approach targeting central sensitization
14. Which statement best describes Milton Erickson's approach to resistance in hypnosis? → Resistance should be utilized and incorporated as part of the induction
15. Which of the following best exemplifies the ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' for a hypnotist? → Avoiding techniques or suggestions that could cause psychological harm to the client
16. An ideomotor response in hypnosis is best described as: → An unconscious, automatic physical movement triggered by an idea or mental image
17. A colleague approaches you to hypnotize their spouse without the spouse's knowledge to 'fix' a bad habit. You should: → Refuse — informed consent from the actual client is non-negotiable
18. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Regression Therapy Protocols, what should a BCH professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
19. After accessing a traumatic regression memory, the FIRST priority before ending the session is to: → Ensure the client is reoriented, stable, and in a positive state
20. Why is informed consent essential in hypnosis practice? → It ensures clients are aware and agree to the process
21. When working with a client who has a phobia, systematic desensitization in hypnosis typically involves: → Graduated imaginal exposure paired with deep relaxation
22. What should a hypnotist do if a client reveals a psychiatric diagnosis during intake? → Consult with or obtain clearance from the treating mental health professional
23. Which of the following would be considered practicing outside a BCH's scope of practice? → Diagnosing a client with generalized anxiety disorder and treating it with hypnotherapy
24. Which action is considered unethical in hypnosis sessions? → Guaranteeing specific results
25. How can hypnosis assist with pain management? → By changing perception and reducing anxiety
26. In a systematic regression protocol, after uncovering the ISE, the next step is typically to: → Process and reframe the ISE, then check for earlier root events or linked SSEs
27. The 'affect bridge' technique in anxiety hypnotherapy is used to: → Follow the emotional feeling of anxiety back to its initial sensitizing event
28. When using hypnosis to address test anxiety, the most critical suggestion category to include is: → Confidence and calm recall under exam conditions
29. Which cognitive distortion most commonly underlies habitual procrastination targeted in hypnotherapy? → Catastrophizing about the difficulty of a task
30. A client with sickle cell disease uses hypnosis to manage pain crises. Which outcome goal is most realistic for this population? → Reduced perception of pain intensity and improved coping during crises