What I thought was possible for my life

I was 19 when I first had hypnotherapy and stumbled upon it by chance.

I was working as a receptionist at a health centre. I was a student at the time and a heavy smoker. There was a hypnotherapist there who was trying to establish a practice and so she offered us receptionists a few free sessions so we could confidently talk about it to any clients who enquired about it.

Looking back, it was such an amazing opportunity. I didn’t realise at the time how much stress that I was under. Living alone, studying at university, my father in the throes of terminal cancer. It was only by experiencing the opposite of stress for the first time that I began to become aware and appreciate an alternative state: deep relaxation.

The hypnotherapy worked. I stopped smoking. It was so easy, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even have to think about it. It was if I had forgotten how to smoke. But then, like many newbie ex smokers I started again.

Then years later as a sales manager in a high pressured publishing environment I was approach by another hypnotherapist (it’s funny how they kept finding me!) who wanted again to build her practice, this time in the field of professional development and performance.

She gave my team and I a series of free sessions to improve our sales performance. It was fantastic and the team and I really appreciated the free training.

A few more years passed and the further my career progressed the deeper addictions took root.

When I found myself pregnant to say I was surprised is an understatement. However, when I reflect now, I think pregnancy was my unconscious mind trying to save me from addiction. I could not use any of my usual coping mechanisms (drinking and drugging) to manage anxiety anymore. Parenthood made me face the addiction and anxiety and begin the slow process of learning to manage without those props.

My son was 3 years old when I began studying for a diploma in hypnotherapy. In retrospect I probably should have gone into therapy first but like many before me, I choose to learn about therapeutic practice before experiencing it as a client.

I can honestly say that my journey with hypnotherapy; from that first experience when I was 19 to this morning when I listened to a recording I had made for myself, has changed what I thought was possible for my life.

It really has allowed me to choose the life that I love, which I didn’t know was available for me before I began training as a hypnotherapist. I grew up in an environment of struggle, hardship and scarcity. I was hardwired for this experience. Don’t get me wrong, I still travel on that road from time to time but I also have been able to use hypnotherapy techniques to change direction and choose a better road more frequently.

Hypnotherapy has given me the tools to manage anxiety and as a consequence improve the relationship that I have with myself. I didn’t realise at the time that improving my relationship with me would also mean an improvement in all my relationships!

I love that the art of hypnotherapy (for a consider it to be a co creative experience) has spread to a much larger audience since practitioners Katherine Graves and Marie Mongan brought their own brands of hypnobirthing to a new generation of parents.

I believe that hypnobirthing is responsible for demystifying hypnosis (it really isn’t magic, it’s science) as well as empowering parents at a time when they need all the help they can get navigating an all too often disempowering maternity system.

I love the learning state that deep relaxation and hypnosis facilitate and how we can overcome our biggest blocks, fears and anxieties in this state. What I appreciate most is seeing the clients find their own solutions, their own peace, their own confidence when they use hypnosis. It’s wonderful to be a part of this co creation and share what I know has been so effective for me and other parents.

If you are interested in learning how hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness and a solution focused approach can be used in a number of different ways to support parents struggling after miscarriage, birth trauma, hyperemesis, breast feeding trauma, birth injury and many other common difficulties then you will want to know about the TBR Certificate course in Perinatal Emotional Health & Wellness.

We are currently accepting applications and are open for enrolment for the next cohort of TBR Certificate course that starts in September.

This course comprises of 10 modules spread over 18 months and includes live training via Zoom and regular monthly tutorials.

The course provides the practical experience of supporting 4 different case studies which really builds confidence and ability in the core skills of hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, and a solution focused approach.

If you think you are ready to develop your career to support the emotional health and wellbeing of parents, then this course could be for you. Book a call today to find out. We would love to hear from you.