Well, because i was a client of course!
I’m often asked how I got into hypnotherapy. Especially after being a Paramedic for 17 years. Well the answer is common to many hypnotherapists you ask – I was a client first.
For many years, I had suffered from depression and more recently anxiety. So, when I saw a friend had shared an advert for a hypnotherapist in Aberdeenshire, I decided to give them a try. At the time of my appointment I was feeling very down and depressed, was on anti-depressants, had anxiety and very low self-esteem.
What happened next was truly life changing and the entire process was a very positive and enjoyable experience.
Not only did the hypnotherapist made me feel that I mattered and that there was plenty of time to discuss my issues, she also put me at ease and allowed me to talk openly about things.
She explained to me that there were different types of hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists. Her technique was “client centred”, meaning the hypnotherapy was tailored to me and my needs specifically. Not a “one size fits all solution”. It meant that not only would we change things in the present and for the future but also deal with the things in the past that had caused the problems in the first place.
During my subsequent appointments, I dealt with my issues, some of them that I didn’t even know were causing me problems and found I released so much of my baggage from the past. I didn’t need my anti-depressants anymore, lost some weight, dealt with and got rid of many issues including my anxiety. It was during one of these sessions that it came up that I needed a new career and hypnotherapy seemed the perfect choice!
I knew that I had to train in the same way as my hypnotherapist. I wanted to learn how to be client centred, to tailor the therapy around the client and to do it to the best of my ability. So off to Portsmouth I went to train with renowned hypnotherapist, trainer and author Lorraine Gleeson of Hampshire School of Hypnotherapy.
Since becoming a hypnotherapist in Aberdeenshire, I make sure I use all my experiences as a client and as a retired Paramedic, to tailor my client’s sessions so they know that they are important, and I care about their issues. That I will take the time to discuss how they are feeling as well as use hypnosis with them. Many clients have commented on how much better they feel before we have even started the hypnosis part of the session! (You can have a look at some of the lovely feedback from previous clients HERE
Talking to a “stranger” in complete confidence, who listens and is unbiased can help clients to completely open up and get the most out of their sessions.
A lot of clients come with issues similar to mine like anxiety, weight loss, low self-esteem and depression and so I can truly appreciate what they are going through. This puts me in a unique position to help them. I can relate to them and understand them because I have been in their shoes (sat in that chair!).
My hypnotherapist is now my colleague and sounding board. She travels a lot and so is not around as much but when she is we enjoy working together to learn what we can for the benefit of our clients.