Ian’s story…
My interest in hypnosis started in my early twenties when I discovered an old Victorian book on hypnosis and mesmerism.
At this time I was suffering from severe IBS, however, I was intrigued whether I could find anything in this book to help me. I adapted some of what I read and used it as a form of self-hypnosis which was to a degree, fairly successful. This created an interest in using hypnosis as a form of therapy, however, it would be many years later that I would be in a position to finally qualify as a hypnotherapist.
Eventually, myself and my wife Jackie found we were in a position to enrol in “Solution Focussed Hypnotherapy” with the Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy training provider, after shortlisting them as the best training provider for us. It was during the first few weeks of training and practicing together that I made the positive decision to come off of anti-depressants, which I had thought about many times previously, however this time it was different, something had changed my mindset and I just knew that I did not need my medication anymore.
Unfortunately, a few days before my second training weekend, I suffered a heart attack due to a blocked artery and found that I needed a bypass and that I wouldn’t be able to continue my hypnotherapy course with Jackie. Although this was to be a big operation, I found that I was still very much in a positive mindset which I believe was due to our early practice sessions, so continued to not only come off my anti-depressants but also make a successful recovery after my operation.
Within six months I was back training as a hypnotherapist and successfully helping clients along the way. This is what I consider to be the best part of being a clinical hypnotherapist, helping and watching clients transform and manage their lives, no matter what their reasons for seeing me may have been, and where they go forward into the world with a new and determined optimism.
Jackie’s story…
Quickly heading towards 50, I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up! However, I knew that whenever I would think about it, the one constant thing was the idea that I wanted to help people be happy and live life to their best potential.
I never liked it when people around me were sad, distressed, or not coping, and I always thought that one day I would like to study to become a therapist so I could help these people, however, it took some time for me to actually put this into practice.
When the time was right, and I was ready, I made the decision to start the ball rolling by looking at various courses. There was a lot to choose from, however, I got very interested in Hypnotherapy and discussed this with my husband Ian. He had also been interested in hypnotherapy for many years, and therefore upon further discussion, he decided he would join me to find the right course for us.
After a period of time and evaluation, we decided to train with the Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training School, which in my opinion offers the very best training in the UK.
Without going into too much detail, I have, like most people struggled at various times in my life, due to issues from my childhood, having my children, and past relationship choices, and have been in a position where I was off work due to my mental health and not being able to cope. Therefore, I understand that no one has a perfect life, and lots of people may be battling with their own personal struggles. These struggles can be massively destructive no matter how big or small they may appear to themselves or others.
As a Hypnotherapist, I love being able to help people work through their life struggles and be free from their past insecurities. Watching them develop a new mindset, where they can expand their potential and embrace their preferred future is massively rewarding.