Yes I am. I trained at the Anglo-European College of Therapeutic Hypnosis and am listed under the college directory. I was awarded the Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma, considered the gold standard in hypnotherapy qualifications, and also have a General Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice. I’m a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register and the CNHC.

As a professional I’m committed to on-going training and supervision to keep my skills and knowledge up to date. I’ve completed additional specialist hypnotherapy training in anxiety management, sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause relief, pain management and weight loss. I’m also a BWRT® practitioner and very excited to bring this rapid and dynamic therapy to Devon.

Hypnosis is an everyday experience that we’re all familiar with. When you’re driving on autopilot, absorbed in a creative project or even just day-dreaming, you’re experiencing a light state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is not like sleep, nor are you unconscious, though it’s similar to the state in between sleep and being fully awake. It’s simply a state of focused inner absorption.

People often mistakenly believe that hypnosis is a passive process, something that is done to you, but it actually requires your full participation. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve, then I’ll guide you to use your imagination in order to create the changes you’re aiming for. Hypnotherapy can help you to create lasting, positive change through simple yet powerful imagery techniques and suggestions. There’s nothing magical or mystical about hypnotherapy – it’s a practical, down-to-earth therapy, backed up by research and based on sound scientific principles.

Most people find hypnosis a very relaxing, calming and enjoyable experience. It’s common to have increased awareness of pleasant feelings and sensations in your body. Many experience a sense of comfortable heaviness, lightness or a floating sensation; although sometimes it feels just like relaxing or day dreaming with your eyes closed. While the majority of people are aware of and remember everything, others will find they only have a vague memory of the session. Everyone is different and will experience hypnosis in their own unique way. Most people find hypnosis leaves them with a deep sense of inner peace and harmony.

Each session begins with some talking therapy – not all your time with me will be in hypnosis, though most of it will. I use a variety of techniques to help you shift your mindset, so that you can achieve your goals. My aim is to help you achieve your goals as quickly as possible and in an enjoyable way. I don’t do any analytical work and won’t dig into the past unless absolutely necessary. On occasion it may be necessary to address problems or events from the past, but we can do this with minimal discussion and there’s no re-experiencing of uncomfortable or traumatic events.

I will guide you in some simple imagination exercises to help you develop a relaxed inner focus. When you’re experiencing hypnosis your mind is more open and suggestible to positive new ideas and different ways of thinking, which then leads to new habits, beliefs, feelings and behaviours. So I’ll guide you to imagine and mentally rehearse various scenarios and ideas to help you achieve the changes you’re aiming for. You’ll be seated for all hypnosis sessions – in my view lying down for hypnotherapy is very old-fashioned and doesn’t fit with my style or beliefs about the therapeutic process. I want you to be actively involved and engaged in all hypnosis sessions – not falling asleep.

In addition to the work we do together, we’ll explore various life skills for you to use at home which may include for example journaling, emotional awareness, mindfulness and self-hypnosis.

Most clients will need between four and six sessions for effective change. Simple phobias may be resolved in fewer sessions, more complex issues may require longer.

Remember that hypnosis is not something done to you. It’s a collaborative process in which the hypnotherapist is your guide and, using your imagination as suggested, you make it happen for yourself. Anyone who can understand and follow simple guidance can benefit from hypnotherapy. If you’re ready for change and approach hypnotherapy with an open mind and a positive expectation, then you’ll definitely experience hypnosis. Read more on this subject on my blog here