Hypnotherapy is a talking therapy and as such the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is crucial to achieving positive results. It is important that you get along with your therapist and that you feel comfortable sharing and spending time in their company, so here is a little bit about me:
I’m known for being calm, thoughtful, empathetic and a good listener as well as fun. When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as playing the saxophone in a community orchestra, crafting, hiking and keeping fit.
Before retraining as a hypnotherapist, I had a long career in law and executive search — professions which deepened my understanding of people, communication, and the stresses that can accompany high expectations and demanding environments. I also worked with a national bereavement charity where I gained a deep insight into the ways that grief, loss, and major life changes can deeply affect our wellbeing and saw the huge difference that effective psychological support can make. These experiences have reinforced my belief that empathy, listening, and genuine understanding are at the heart of meaningful change.
In addition to hypnotherapy I also work for a children and young people’s charity where I provide support to both children and parents who are struggling with mental health problems and or disability over the telephone as well as face to face mentoring for children who are not in full time education due to social, emotional or communication difficulties. I understand the particular pressures faced by younger clients — including exam stress, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and navigating change.
Why Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has long been practised and recognised for its powers of increasing suggestibility and resolve and the capacity for growth and change. and there have been many different approaches taken to the practice over the years.
I would describe myself as a naturally sceptical person so the no nonsense approach of the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy where I trained appealed to me. I hold their Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, the highest level of hypnotherapy qualification in the UK and the only qualification recognised by the British Psychological Society as CPD for pyschotherapists due to its rigourous scientific approach. The model it follows combines evidence-based cognitive and behavioural techniques with the therapeutic use of hypnosis.