My Approach

I have an empathetic approach. This is distinct from a ‘sympathetic’ approach where I simply join you down the ‘hole that represents your problem. That would be no good for either of us. An empathetic approach is as if I pass you a ladder and I help you climb out of your hole.

I work through many strategies and explanations and theories with you each time we spend time together. These form the ‘rungs’ of your ladder. Every rung you climb is a way up and out of your problem. Then, when you reach the top, you roll up the imaginary ladder, put it in your imaginary rucksack and off you go. If you need the odd reset – then I’m here for you; however my intention is to get you up and out of the problem as quickly and effectively as possible and empower you to be able to ‘do it on your own’.

I have a firm approach too – I like to work with people who want to improve themselves and resolve their problem. So I may say things you may not want to hear but that you have suspected for a long time are actually important, and true about yourself. These are perhaps things which you have hidden away from and avoided dealing with. They are the things that need to be worked on.

Often when clients call me, they focus on the clinical hypnotherapy aspect, as there is often a belief that hypnosis, because of stage shows they may have seen, offers a magical solution. Whilst hypnosis is one of my preferred tools, it still relies on us working together and there are many other tools and strategies which enhance success.

So, if you are expecting me to wave a magic wand and fix you all by myself, I’m the wrong therapist for you. However, if you want me to show you the many strategies I have learned in over ten years of full time practise – and for us to work carefully together to see the ‘magic’, we can certainly work successfully together. I look forward to it. I guarantee you respect, sensitivity and utmost confidentiality and also my commitment that even the most difficult problems, traumas and emotionally painful situations can be resolved in my safe office environment. If something is just too painful to share with me, you do not even have to tell me what it is. As long as you engage with the sessions – we can work towards helping you feel much better and to get on with your life.

Adults

When working with adults, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member for moral support if you like. You can always ask them to leave and relax in the lounge if you feel you need privacy at some point during a session. Sessions are two hours long and often include a relaxation at the end.

Kids and Adolescents

When working with young children, I recommend that you, as the parent/carer, stay in the sessions. There are often occasions with teenagers where that format is also best – you can support each other, remind them what work we have covered, join with them by using the strategies yourself and also have fun. Therapy is a serious business but I feel that it’s important to have some fun where appropriate. Where working independently is better with the teenager, I work from an annex at my home so there is a private lounge where you are welcome to relax whilst we work. Sessions are usually one hour.

Schools

I work in schools with individual children and small groups of children. I also run workshops as a guest speaker at schools to teach parents/carers/teachers and support staff the skills I have learned. My fees for these workshops are extremely reasonable as I know schools have a limited budget and I want to help you! Also,  I know that when I run workshops it is a great opportunity for me to introduce myself to you and a great source of referrals for me. I love running workshops and always get great testimonials.  It’s my pleasure.