The mind and our reactions to our thoughts have long since fascinated me. I studied this subject informally on and off culminating in my decision to train as a therapist. I wanted to learn a therapeutic technique which was not only fast and effective but which concentrated more on how people fulfilled their potential rather than why they sometimes do not (although this is important too). I also wanted to learn a therapy which would further my understanding of and respect for the innate instincts underlying human behaviour.

I chose to undertake hypnotherapy training at the Clifton Practice in Bristol (CPHT) which is an independently accredited centre of excellence in solution focused hypnotherapy and psychotherapy training.

An enduring interest of mine has been sport and the natural world. In my younger day I enjoyed archery as a participant. It was whilst participating in archery that I first became aware of hypnosis in sport. Although I was only a good club archer myself I was in contact with members of the British archery team some of whom had used hypnosis in their preparations. My participation in archery taught me how learning to focus the mind can make a difference which will radiate throughout other areas of life. In hypnotherapy we utilize the capacity of the mind to focus and discipline itself which has important implications in sport and life.

I would be delighted to help you achieve your sporting potential. If your sport is one of which I have no personal experience I look forward to learning from you the physical skills you need to perfect. I then apply my skills to releasing negative self beliefs and increasing your motivation and concentration together with helping you to “rehearse” the skills and responses needed.

My personal philosophy has been greatly informed by the information I have synthesized from both my own life experience and the books and lectures I have enjoyed over the years. The following writers/teachers have had a strong influence upon my thinking and have inspired me hugely:-

• Human Givens by Joe Griffin (Research Psychologist with graduate and postgraduate degrees from the LSE and Ivan Tyrrell (Principal of Mind and Director of the European Therapy Studies Institute)
• Trancework by Michael D Yapko (PhD, Clinical Psychologist)
• Warriors, Settlers and Nomads by Terence Watts (Fellow of the Hypnotherapy Research Society)
• Radical Knowing and Radical Nature by Christian de Quincey PhD – Professor of Consciousness Studies at John F Kennedy University
• Numerous books by Dr Deepak Chopra (Endocrinologist by training) but particularly Synchronicity, Quantum Health and The Book of Secrets
• The Brain Story by Susan Greenfield CBE
• More than Miracles by Steve De Shazer

A tailor made therapy is created for each client. For example, if people have chosen to lose weight or give up smoking, whilst the goal is the same very different difficulties are experienced by people pursuing that goal. Although I operate within a framework it is my job to work with those difficulties utilising and amplify the strengths of each client in an individual way.

Useful links: 

• Find a Hypnotherapist in the UK
• The Hypnotherapy Register
• National Council for Hypnotherapy
• The Bath Natural Health Clinic
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy  
• Hypnosis and Hypnotherapists in Avon and Somerset