CMH Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which factor is assessed for hypnosis suitability? → Mental health status
2. A client asks the hypnotherapist to keep all session details confidential from their spouse. The ethical obligation is to: → Honor confidentiality as it is a fundamental client right, barring legal exceptions
3. A client reports feeling 'floaty' and hears the hypnotist's voice as if from far away. This suggests they are in at least: → Light trance (hypnoidal level)
4. The concept of 'secondary gain' in a therapeutic context refers to: → Unconscious benefits a client derives from maintaining a symptom or illness
5. Which phenomenon describes a subject's ability to experience hypnotic suggestions even after the formal trance session has ended? → Post-hypnotic suggestion
6. The LeCron-Bordeaux depth scale was significant primarily because it: → Expanded hypnotic depth classification into 50 numbered stages
7. A male client is highly resistant to the suggestion 'you are becoming slimmer.' Which reframe would be most congruent with his subconscious values? → 'Your body is becoming stronger and more athletic'
8. Which factor most strongly predicts that a person will be a good subject for forensic hypnosis? → High hypnotic susceptibility as measured by a standardized scale
9. In self-hypnosis, the 'staircase' visualization technique is used to: → Progressively deepen the trance state step by step
10. Which hypnotic technique is most commonly used to help clients access and process repressed traumatic memories? → Age regression
11. Positive hallucination in a hypnotic context means the client: → Perceives something that isn't there when suggested to do so
12. In the context of hypnotic stress reduction, 'ideomotor signaling' is most useful for: → Communicating with the subconscious mind through involuntary finger movements
13. What is a benefit of maintaining professional boundaries? → Maintains clear roles and trust
14. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for pain management & hypnoanalgesia in CMH practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
15. When using the 'Betty Erickson Self-Hypnosis' technique, what is the correct sequence for engaging the senses? → Visual, auditory, kinesthetic externally then internally, reducing counts each round
16. In Parts Therapy (Voice Dialogue), what is the role of the hypnotherapist when different 'parts' conflict? → To act as a mediator helping conflicting parts negotiate toward a shared goal
17. A client with a history of psychosis requests hypnotherapy for anxiety. What is the most ethically appropriate first step? → Obtain a referral or clearance from the client's psychiatrist
18. A client resists the standard relaxation induction. Which approach best utilizes their resistance? → Switch to a permissive, Ericksonian approach using indirect language
19. Which of the following is a contraindication for using hypnotic analgesia as the sole pain intervention? → The pain is of unknown origin and has not been medically evaluated
20. A hypnotherapist suggests a client move their chronic knee pain to a small spot on their fingertip. This technique is called: → Pain displacement
21. What does 'scope of practice' mean for a Certified Master Hypnotist? → The range of issues a hypnotist is qualified and permitted to address
22. Which pre-competition hypnotic technique helps an athlete achieve the ideal arousal level for their specific sport? → Arousal regulation (activation/deactivation suggestions)
23. Pavlov's theory of hypnosis linked trance states to: → Partial cortical inhibition and conditioned reflexes
24. Why is confidentiality critical in practice management? → To build trust and comply with laws
25. A client who is a licensed attorney wishes to use hypnosis sessions to improve courtroom performance. This goal is BEST categorized as: → Performance enhancement within a coaching and self-improvement scope
26. Which of the following pain populations has been studied in randomized controlled trials showing significant hypnotic analgesia benefits? → Burn wound care patients, cancer patients, and individuals with irritable bowel syndrome
27. Which tool helps manage client appointments efficiently? → Digital scheduling software
28. Which induction technique relies heavily on building anticipation through a compelling narrative rather than direct relaxation commands? → Storytelling or metaphor induction
29. A CMH receives a subpoena requesting client records. The first step is to: → Consult with a legal professional before releasing any records
30. A master hypnotist notices a subject's breathing has slowed and their facial muscles have relaxed. These are examples of: → Trance phenomena and non-verbal depth indicators