Vocational Work, Training And Ethical Guidelines

My training and background have been both vocational and academic.

Vocational Qualifications
Therapeutically, I worked as a complementary practitioner and stress management trainer before becoming a Clinical Hypnotherapist. Many complementary therapies are powerful anti-stress treatments, which change the physiological responses to stress. My work also included sports and remedial massage working directly on muscular tension, stress and related injuries. The knowledge gained from these fields of therapy have impacted and contributed to many aspects of my work as a Clinical Hypnotherapists.

Academic Qualifications
As well as attending the universities of Warwick (Art History), Worcester (Psychology and Social Economics) and the Open University (MSc. Psychology), my postgraduate qualification in Clinical Hypnosis is awarded by Thames Valley University in conjunction with the London College of Clinical Hypnotherapy.

My final Master’s dissertation focused on research into stress and its effects on many types of addictive behaviours and habits from both neurobiological and psychological perspectives. This is a direct aid to many of the issues presenting for clinical hypnotherapy.

Further work has focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), in particular Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) with the College of Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, whose patron is Professor Windy Dryden of Goldsmith University London. A Diploma in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is awarded by the Institute for NLP Trainers Association. Occupational Health (NEBOSH) and Teaching certificates have also been awarded.

Life Experience
I regard myself as a late learner, as my qualifications have been gained whilst working, making a home and raising a family – with their love and support. My life experiences have been varied with its ups and downs, however my curiosity in how people and the world work: what motivates my own behaviours and emotional responses, has led to new discoveries, interests and motivations which inform my work as a clinical hypnotherapist. Also practical experience of individual and group sessions, work as a volunteer all have given me an appreciation that central to what works for us all are our own resources and knowledge: we are our own experts. Clinical Hypnotherapy: clarifies and draws from such resources; adapts them toward the goal; then reinforces them – both consciously and unconsciously, so that solutions have real meaning for that person which they can relate to.

Governing Bodies
I am supported by, and work under the ethical guidelines of the following professional governing bodies:

The British Psychological Society (BPS)
The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH)
The International Stress Management Association (ISMA)