Putting the best online AIs to the test

So, what are the best online AIs? It’s generally thought that the online AIs that are worth using are Claude from Anthropic, ChatGPT from OpenAI, Gemini from Google, Llama from Meta, and Perplexity from Perplexity AI. In addition, there are DeepSeek’s DeepSeek V3 and Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5. The last two are recent arrivals from China.

I tested them by asking, “Tell me about solution-focused hypnotherapy”. Why did I choose that question? I qualified as a solution-focused hypnotherapist in 2009. It’s a topic that I think I know something about, but it’s not something that lots of people are aware of.

Here are the answers I got to my questions (with original spelling and punctuation)…

 

Claude

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a modern therapeutic approach that combines solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with clinical hypnosis. Here are the key aspects:

Therapeutic Approach:

• Focuses on solutions rather than problems, helping clients imagine and work toward their preferred future
• Uses positive, goal-oriented strategies rather than dwelling on past issues
• Combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with hypnotic trance work

The Process:

• Initial consultation typically explains how the brain works and how thoughts affect behavior
• Subsequent sessions combine solution-focused discussion with relaxation and trance work
• Uses techniques like guided visualization and positive suggestion
• Generally involves fewer sessions than traditional psychotherapy

Key Components:

• Scaling questions to track progress
• Miracle questions to help envision positive outcomes
• Future-focused dialogue
• Trance work to reinforce positive changes
• Homework assignments to practice new skills

Common Applications:

• Anxiety and stress management
• Depression
• Phobias
• Sleep issues
• Confidence building
• Weight management
• Smoking cessation

The hypnosis component helps access the subconscious mind while in a relaxed state, making it more receptive to positive suggestions and new patterns of thinking. The solution-focused aspect keeps clients oriented toward their goals rather than analyzing problems.

Unlike traditional hypnotherapy, this approach spends less time exploring past events or traumas, instead emphasizing forward movement and positive change. The therapist acts more as a facilitator helping clients access their own resources rather than as an authority fixing problems.

 

ChatGPT

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a modern approach to hypnotherapy that combines solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with hypnosis. It helps individuals focus on their goals and the solutions needed to achieve positive change, rather than dwelling on problems or past traumas.

Key Principles of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

1. Goal-Oriented Approach – Rather than analyzing past difficulties, SFH emphasizes what the client wants to achieve.
2. Positive Focus – Clients are encouraged to focus on their strengths, resources, and successes.
3. Collaborative Process – The hypnotherapist and client work together to create small, achievable steps toward the desired outcome.
4. Use of Hypnosis – Hypnosis is used to help clients access a relaxed, focused state where positive suggestions can be more effectively integrated.
5. Neuroscience-Informed – SFH often incorporates an understanding of how the brain works, particularly in relation to stress, anxiety, and habits.

How a Typical SFH Session Works

1. Discussion & Goal-Setting – The therapist helps the client define clear, achievable goals.
2. Positive Psychology Techniques – Clients are encouraged to reflect on what is already working well in their lives.
3. Trance/Hypnosis – A guided relaxation and visualization process helps reinforce solutions and new ways of thinking.
4. Review & Action Steps – The client leaves with a clearer mindset and practical steps to continue progress.

What Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help With

• Anxiety & Stress
• Depression
• Phobias & Fears
• Sleep Issues
• Confidence & Self-Esteem
• Habits & Addictions (e.g., smoking, overeating)
• Sports & Performance Enhancement

How It Differs from Traditional Hypnotherapy

While traditional hypnotherapy may focus on regression and uncovering past events, SFH is future-focused and does not dwell on past trauma. Instead, it works on reinforcing positive thought patterns and behaviors.

 

Gemini

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a modern and effective therapeutic approach that combines the principles of solution-focused brief therapy with the power of hypnosis. It focuses on helping individuals identify and achieve their desired outcomes by utilizing their inner resources and strengths.  

Key principles of solution-focused hypnotherapy:

• Focus on solutions: Unlike traditional therapies that delve into past problems and traumas, solution-focused hypnotherapy emphasizes identifying and working towards desired solutions and future goals.  
• Utilization of inner resources: This approach recognizes that individuals possess the necessary resources and capabilities to overcome their challenges. The therapist guides the client in accessing and utilizing these resources to create positive change.  
• Hypnosis as a tool: Hypnosis is used to induce a relaxed state of focused attention, allowing the client to access their subconscious mind and explore new possibilities and solutions more effectively.  
• Collaboration and empowerment: The therapist and client work together collaboratively, with the therapist acting as a guide and facilitator, empowering the client to take control of their own progress.  

Benefits of solution-focused hypnotherapy:

• Effective for various issues: It can be applied to a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, phobias, low self-esteem, sleep problems, and habit change.  
• Relatively short-term: Compared to traditional therapies, solution-focused hypnotherapy often requires fewer sessions to achieve significant results.  
• Positive and empowering: By focusing on solutions and inner resources, this approach promotes a positive mindset and empowers individuals to create lasting change in their lives.  

What to expect during a session:

A typical solution-focused hypnotherapy session involves a combination of discussion and hypnosis. The therapist will begin by exploring the client's goals and desired outcomes. They will then guide the client into a relaxed state of hypnosis, where suggestions and visualizations are used to reinforce positive thoughts and behaviors. The client remains in control throughout the session and is gently guided back to full awareness at the end.  

Finding a qualified practitioner:

It is essential to seek a qualified and experienced solution-focused hypnotherapist. Look for practitioners who are registered with professional organizations and have undergone appropriate training.

 

Llama

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that combines the principles of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with hypnotherapy. This approach focuses on helping individuals identify and build on their strengths, rather than dwelling on their problems.

Key Principles:

• Focus on solutions: The therapist helps the client to identify and focus on solutions, rather than problems.
• Goal-oriented: The therapy is goal-oriented, with the client setting specific, achievable goals.
• Empowerment: The client is empowered to take control of their life and make positive changes.
• Positive thinking: The therapy encourages positive thinking and a positive outlook.

How it Works:

1. Initial consultation: The therapist and client meet to discuss the client's goals and what they hope to achieve from the therapy.
2. Induction of trance: The therapist induces a state of trance, which allows the client to access their subconscious mind.
3. Solution-focused questioning: The therapist asks the client solution-focused questions, such as "What would you like to achieve?" or "How will you know when you have achieved your goal?"
4. Reframing negative thoughts: The therapist helps the client to reframe negative thoughts and focus on positive outcomes.
5. Visualization: The client is guided to visualize themselves achieving their goals and overcoming challenges.

Benefits:

• Rapid results: Solution-focused hypnotherapy can produce rapid results, with some clients experiencing significant improvements in just a few sessions.
• Increased confidence: The therapy can help to increase confidence and self-esteem.
• Improved mental health: Solution-focused hypnotherapy can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.

Conclusion:

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a powerful and effective form of therapy that can help individuals to achieve their goals and improve their mental health. By focusing on solutions, rather than problems, and empowering the client to take control of their life, this approach can produce rapid and lasting results.

 

Perplexity

Solution-focused hypnotherapy (SFH) is a modern therapeutic approach that combines hypnosis with principles from solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to help individuals achieve positive changes in their lives. Unlike traditional therapies, SFH focuses on solutions and future goals rather than delving into past problems or traumas124.

Key Features of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

• Focus on Solutions: SFH emphasizes identifying and working toward desired outcomes rather than analyzing the causes of issues. Clients are encouraged to visualize their preferred future and set realistic, actionable goals145.
• Combination of Techniques: SFH integrates structured questioning from SFBT, relaxation and trance states from hypnosis, and tools from CBT and NLP to create a holistic approach to change24.
• Present and Future Orientation: The therapy avoids exploring past traumas, focusing instead on current strengths and future possibilities. This makes it particularly appealing for clients who find traditional approaches too emotionally taxing35.
• Hypnosis and Relaxation: Hypnosis is used to induce a deeply relaxed state, enabling clients to focus on positive suggestions and create new neural pathways that support desired behavioral changes46.

Benefits of SFH

• Short-Term Therapy: SFH often leads to significant results within 4–12 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed2.
• Wide Applicability: It has been found effective for treating anxiety, stress, phobias, PTSD, weight management, and other challenges by helping clients break negative thought cycles and adopt healthier patterns of thinking36.
• Empowering Process: By focusing on solutions and achievable goals, SFH helps clients feel empowered and capable of making positive changes in their lives27.

Typical Session Structure

1. Goal Setting: The therapist works with the client to identify specific goals for therapy.
2. Exploration of Solutions: Discussion focuses on what has worked in the past and potential strategies for improvement.
3. Hypnosis: The client enters a relaxed state where positive suggestions are introduced to reinforce desired outcomes.
4. Progress Review: Sessions include an assessment of progress toward goals, adjusting strategies as needed14.

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a structured, practical approach that appeals to individuals seeking rapid, goal-oriented results without revisiting painful past experiences.

 

DeepSeek

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a therapeutic approach that combines principles from solution-focused brief therapy with clinical hypnotherapy. It is a forward-looking, positive, and practical form of therapy designed to help individuals achieve their goals and overcome challenges by focusing on solutions rather than problems. Here’s an overview of its key aspects:

Key Principles

1. Solution-Focused Approach: Instead of delving deeply into the root causes of problems, SFH emphasizes identifying and building on existing strengths, resources, and successes. The focus is on what the client wants to achieve (their preferred future) rather than what they want to avoid.
2. Collaborative and Client-Centered: The therapist works collaboratively with the client, respecting their expertise in their own life. The client is seen as the expert in their own experiences, and the therapist acts as a guide to help them uncover solutions.
3. Future-Oriented: SFH encourages clients to envision a positive future and take steps toward it. This helps shift focus away from past difficulties and toward achievable goals.
4. Utilization of Trance: Hypnotherapy is used to induce a relaxed, focused state (trance) where the subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and change. This state helps clients access their inner resources and creativity to find solutions.

How It Works

1. Initial Assessment: The therapist gathers information about the client’s goals, strengths, and past successes. This helps tailor the therapy to the individual’s needs.
2. Goal Setting: Clients are encouraged to define clear, realistic, and achievable goals. These goals are often framed in positive terms (e.g., "I want to feel more confident" rather than "I don’t want to feel anxious").
3. Hypnotherapy Sessions: During sessions, the therapist guides the client into a relaxed trance state. While in this state, the therapist uses positive suggestions, metaphors, and imagery to help the client reframe their thinking and focus on solutions.
4. Building on Success: Clients are encouraged to notice and build on small successes and positive changes, reinforcing progress and motivation.
5. Homework and Action Steps: Clients may be given tasks or exercises to practice between sessions, helping them integrate new skills and perspectives into their daily lives.

Applications

SFH can be used to address a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Phobias and fears
• Insomnia and sleep issues
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Weight management
• Habit control (e.g., smoking cessation)
• Pain management

Benefits

• Efficiency: SFH is often a short-term therapy, with many clients seeing improvements in just a few sessions.
• Empowerment: Clients feel empowered as they focus on their strengths and take active steps toward their goals.
• Positive Focus: The emphasis on solutions and positive outcomes can create a more optimistic and hopeful mindset.

Limitations

• Not Suitable for Everyone: SFH may not be appropriate for individuals with severe mental health conditions or those who prefer to explore the root causes of their issues in depth.
• Requires Active Participation: Clients need to be motivated and willing to engage in the process for it to be effective.

Overall, solution-focused hypnotherapy is a practical, positive, and empowering approach that helps individuals make meaningful changes in their lives by focusing on their strengths and future possibilities.

 

Quen

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy: An Overview

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a modern, evidence-based approach to therapy that combines elements of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with hypnosis. It is designed to help individuals overcome psychological and emotional challenges by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. The approach is goal-oriented, positive, and forward-looking, making it particularly effective for people who want to make rapid and lasting changes in their lives.

Key Principles of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

1. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems : Unlike traditional forms of therapy that may spend significant time exploring the root causes of issues, SFH emphasizes identifying and building on existing strengths and resources. The therapist works with the client to envision a preferred future and develop practical steps to achieve it.
2. Positive Psychology : SFH draws heavily from positive psychology, which focuses on fostering well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Clients are encouraged to focus on what is working well in their lives and how they can build on these positives.
3. The Role of the Subconscious Mind : Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained habits, beliefs, and emotions reside. By accessing this part of the mind, SFH helps clients reframe negative thought patterns and replace them with more constructive ones.
4. Neuroplasticity : SFH incorporates the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Through guided visualization and positive suggestions during hypnosis, clients can create new, healthier pathways in the brain, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being.
5. Empowerment and Self-Efficacy : A core tenet of SFH is empowering clients to take control of their own healing process. Clients are seen as experts in their own lives, and the therapist acts as a facilitator, guiding them toward discovering their own solutions.

How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Works

1. Initial Consultation : The process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the therapist gathers information about the client’s goals and challenges. This session also serves to educate the client about how the brain works, the role of stress, and how hypnosis can help.
2. Goal Setting : Clients are encouraged to set clear, achievable goals. These goals are often framed in positive terms, such as "I want to feel more confident" or "I want to sleep better," rather than focusing on what they want to avoid.
3. Hypnosis Sessions : During hypnosis sessions, the therapist guides the client into a relaxed, trance-like state. In this state, the client is more open to positive suggestions and can access the subconscious mind more easily. The therapist uses techniques like guided imagery, metaphors, and affirmations to help the client reframe negative thoughts and reinforce positive behaviors.
4. Homework and Practice : Clients are often given tasks or exercises to practice between sessions, such as mindfulness techniques, journaling, or visualization exercises. These activities help reinforce the work done in therapy and encourage ongoing progress.
5. Progress Monitoring : Throughout the process, the therapist regularly checks in with the client to assess progress toward their goals. Adjustments are made as needed to ensure the therapy remains effective and aligned with the client’s evolving needs.

Applications of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

SFH has been successfully used to address a wide range of psychological and emotional issues, including:

• Anxiety and Stress Management : SFH is highly effective for reducing anxiety and managing stress by helping clients develop coping strategies and shift their focus away from worry.
• Depression : While not a substitute for medical treatment, SFH can complement other therapies by helping clients break free from negative thought cycles and focus on positive actions.
• Sleep Disorders : Many people struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality. SFH can help clients relax and reprogram their minds to establish healthier sleep patterns.
• Phobias and Fears : Whether it’s fear of flying, public speaking, or social situations, SFH can help clients confront and overcome irrational fears through gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement.
• Confidence and Self-Esteem : SFH can help individuals build self-confidence by reinforcing positive self-beliefs and encouraging them to take small, manageable steps toward their goals.
• Weight Management and Healthy Habits : SFH can support clients in adopting healthier lifestyles by addressing underlying emotional triggers for overeating or sedentary behavior and promoting mindful choices.
• Pain Management : For chronic pain sufferers, SFH can be a valuable tool for reducing the perception of pain and improving overall quality of life.

Benefits of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

• Rapid Results : Because SFH is goal-oriented and focused on solutions, many clients experience noticeable improvements in a relatively short period of time.
• Empowerment : Clients are actively involved in their own healing process, which fosters a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.
• Holistic Approach : SFH addresses the mind-body connection, promoting overall well-being rather than just alleviating symptoms.
• Non-Invasive : Hypnotherapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to mental health care, making it appealing to those who prefer natural methods.
• Customizable : SFH is highly adaptable and can be tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual.

Limitations and Considerations

While SFH is a powerful therapeutic tool, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some considerations include:

• Severe Mental Health Conditions : Individuals with severe mental health issues, such as psychosis or certain personality disorders, may require more specialized forms of therapy.
• Client Readiness : Success in SFH depends on the client’s willingness to engage in the process and commit to making changes. Those who are resistant to change or skeptical about hypnosis may not benefit as much.
• Not a Substitute for Medical Treatment : SFH should not replace medical treatment for conditions that require medication or other interventions. It is best used as a complementary therapy.

Conclusion

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a dynamic and effective approach to mental health and personal development. By combining the power of hypnosis with solution-focused techniques, it empowers individuals to take control of their lives, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Its emphasis on positivity, empowerment, and rapid results makes it an appealing option for those seeking meaningful change in a relatively short period of time.

 

My conclusion

So, what did I think of the responses? They all seem to give a good general overview in so far as solution-focused hypnotherapy (SFH) is focused on the future the client wants and doesn’t dwell on the past. Clients are informed about how the brain works in order to understand what is going on inside them. And the process is usually over in four to 12 weekly sessions, whereas traditional psychotherapy can last much longer. Perplexity was the most interesting because it included links to show where it got the information from.

While they are all very similar, only Claude mentions the miracle question which is a core feature of SFH. ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek mention the need for client participation or collaborative working. Llama. Perplexity, DeepSeek, and Quen mention client empowerment, which again is important. ChatGPT and Llama mention positive thinking. And only DeepSeek highlights building on success as a technique.

All of the AIs tested are good – if you wanted to write some text about SFH on a website – but they need to be taken together in order to produce something that is closest to what solution-focused hypnotherapy really is.

What we can learn from this is that the answers we get from an AI to the kinds of question we might ask them is that they are not 100% complete or accurate. The one bright spot is that I didn’t find any inaccuracies in their responses. It will be interesting to compare the responses from the different AIs in, say, a year’s time to see whether they have improved and by how much.

 

 

References:

https://claude.ai/new
https://chatgpt.com/
https://gemini.google.com/app
https://www.meta.ai/
https://www.perplexity.ai/
https://chat.deepseek.com/
https://chat.qwenlm.ai/