FAQs

Hypnotherapy is a safe effective way of working with your subconscious mind and your nervous system - to help you feel calmer, happier and more in control. It helps me to get beneath the surface of your Misophonia trigger so that I can direct you toward healing. Many of your body's processes are subconscious - such as breathing or your heartbeat. These processes are not under your conscious control just in case you forget to do it! In a very similar way, your mind "automates" certain feelings and responses especially to keep you safe or to be more efficient. This is the essence of Misophonia. Hypnotherapy helps you to identify unhelpful patterns which are formed by thoughts and beliefs that you have held for many years often without realising. During our talking, you will have an opportunity to examine them with compassion and decide if you might need to change them. I look at you as a whole person, not just your Misophonia. Your whole life can be relevant too, it is not helpful just looking at your Misophonia trigger in isolation. The talking part of the therapy is followed by a hypnotic technique. This is to help your mind relax quickly and deeply, in order for you to feel very safe. When this happens, your nervous system relaxes. You are then more able to process past events, or create empowering solutions. It is NOT mind control and you are always aware of what is happening. You will never be "stuck" in a trance state. I use techniques that are gentle, compassionate and above all, ethical. As a trauma specialist, I take great care to use the right technique for you. I very rarely use any technique that involves exposure to the trigger or re-living trauma. Many of my clients find that they feel so much calmer and happier after having hypnotherapy with me.

Yes I work with children and teens. I generally work with children aged 8 and over, although I am willing to discuss working with a younger child. I love the work I do with children - I have a lot of experience helping young children not only with Misophonia but with emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), anxiety, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and many different phobias. I have had considerable experience working with neurodivergent children. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure Barring Service) which means I can safely work with children and vulnerable adults. Working with children is always a genuine privilege and pleasure - they mostly love the fun and creative way I approach sessions which predominantly focus on their strengths. I tend not to be too problem-focused, preferring instead to help them use their creativity and natural curiousity to embrace solutions. Children respond very well to hypnotic techniques because their brains are already primed for learning, and they have far fewer barriers than adults! Please note that I always carry out a full consultation with the parent/guardian first, covering health, safeguarding and consent/privacy. I generally require a parent to be present for the first session or two, then after that, the child can see me alone as long as a parent/guardian has approved this in writing - and of course the child feels comfortable doing so. I also require a parent/guardian to be present in the home when working over Zoom. One of the benefits of allowing your child to see me alone is that they may be more likely to say what's really on their mind and what they hope to gain from sessions. I offer privacy and confidentiality when working with children - but will always give the parent/guardian an update on progress. If the child discloses anything of concern, especially if it falls under Safeguarding definitions in the UK, I will always inform the parent/guardian. This is my legal duty. If you would like to talk to me about working with your child, please get in touch.

Yes, I can help you online all over the world! I tend to use Zoom which is very easy to access. At the time of booking a consultation to discuss your Misophonia, I will email you a Zoom link. You don't need to have Zoom installed on your device. The time difference can present a challenge sometimes as I am based in the UK but I do my very best to be flexible. I do so much work over Zoom now that I have ironed out most of the issues - usually technical! Most of my online clients love being able to relax in their own personal space. As long as you have a good wifi connection and some privacy, we are good to go. Occasionally I use Whatsapp video which is free and very easy to use - this would be where Zoom is slow or clunky or you cannot access it for some reason. Again, you will need a decent wifi connection. If you do decide you would like my help, it is important to be aware that I am insured and registered to practice in the UK and governed by the law of England and Wales - not those of your own Country. It would be as if you were travelling to see me in my practice in person.

Many people think of hypnosis as being some kind of magic, like the stage shows. In a clinical practice, hypnosis is used safely and ethically. If you don't believe it will work, you may still be thinking of hypnosis as "magic". It is not magic at all! Rather it is your brain utilising a deep focused state of attention to help you find a solution to a problem. The clients I help understand that I am not a magician and I don't have a magic wand. Many will come with an open mind without any fixed expectation. This enables them to discover the power of their own mind for themselves, which can often be surprising. If you have an expectation that I am able to "fix" you or "cure" you by tinkering around in your subconscious mind or using some kind of magic, then you may be disappointed! But back to the original question - can you help me if you don't believe you can be hypnotised? Yes - because you are likely to be feeling very unhappy with how things are right now. It can feel as though nothing will ever work for you. But my approach can help you see things that you never believed were relevant, and find ways of living that did not seem possible. I don't make promises but I do invite you to trust in the process and trust in the power of your own mind. Please see some of my reviews and testimonials.