Dr Claire De La Varre

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PhD, MHGI, GQHP
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH10 5HN
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hello! As a hypnotherapist, I focus on helping my clients use their innate resources, including the power of imagination and visualisation to bring about positive change. As I am also a fully qualified Human Givens therapist. I incorporate guided imagery in treating mental health issues as well as physical symptoms that have an emotional component, such as IBS and other functional bowel disorders.  Hypnotherapy often achieves a lot in just a few sessions, whether your goal is to manage anger, break the cycle of depression, relieve anxiety, stop panic attacks, stop smoking, treat unresolved physical symptoms like pain, eliminate phobias, or improve your relationships. I also offer past life regression therapy.

What to expect in a session

My aim is to help get you back on your feet and functioning again with all the tools and resources you need to cope well with the circumstances of your life, in as few sessions as possible. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I look at the whole person, including which of your emotional needs are not being met. I will ask you about various aspects of your life including your concerns, stress level, relationships, health, sleep, and work, and will listen carefully. You can choose a one-hour or 90-minute session, either online (anytime) or in-person in Edinburgh on Saturdays or Sundays. Each session will be a mix of talk, learning practical skills and coping strategies, and hypnosis, guided imagery, and relaxation.

Speciality areas

While I work with clients on many issues, I specialise in the following areas and client populations.

  1. Adolescents and young adults: eg anxiety, depression, chronic illness, gender issues, school problems, isolation, neurodiversity, sexuality, racism, identity and belonging.
  2. Somatic (physical or medical) symptoms that have an emotional or psychological component. This includes functional gastrointestinal conditions like IBS, chronic pain, migraines, and some skin conditions.
  3. Couples. Because all relationships are unique and every relationship has problems some of the time.

I hold an advanced DBS certificate. Questions? Please call, text or email me for a free 15-minute chat.

Training, qualifications & experience

I started my hypnotherapy private practice in 2008, in North Carolina, USA. From 2015-2018 I was also an adjunct assistant professor at UNC School of Dentistry, running a hypnosis clinic for patients with dental anxiety, and teaching postgraduate students about dental hypnosis. During this time I also worked closely with UNC Paediatric Gastroenterology, who referred children and adolescents to me for symptoms relating to functional bowel disorders and IBS. 

I am a registered member of the Human Givens Institute (MHGI). I have a PhD in Educational Psychology, with a focus on child/adolescent development and disability. I hold additional certification as a hypnotherapist, Transactional Analysis Practitioner, and Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) practitioner.  AIT is a mind-body trauma treatment that incorporates CBT and energy psychology. I am a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register, Complementary and Natural Health Care Register,  American Psychological Association, the Society of Psychological Hypnosis (APA-Div30), the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, and the Advanced Integrative Therapy Institute. I am also a certified hypnosis instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists (since 2011).

Member organisations

CNHC
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

The CNHC encompasses many types of alternative therapy, including hypnotherapy.

In order to be admitted to the register a practitioner must have studied to the National Occupational Standards for that profession/discipline, or have reached the equivalent of the National Occupational Standards through other relevant training or at least three years of experience and been assessed by their peers.

A practitioner must also have professional insurance and agree to abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

GHR
The General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)

Hypnotherapists may become members of the General Hypnotherapy Register if they satisfy certain criteria with regard to both training and ongoing requirements as determined from time to time by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC).

Members are either registered at Practitioner status (which confirms that the GHR acknowledges their qualification to practice), or Affiliate status. Although Affiliate level registrants will have completed a sufficient number of training hours to equip them to commence seeing clients on a limited basis, the GHR does not acknowledge them to have yet been trained to full practitioner level.

All GHR Registered Practitioners are required to accept the published Code of Ethics and Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.

Accredited register membership

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council

Areas of hypnotherapy I deal with

Information about health conditions (*)

Hypnotherapy can enhance the well-being of individuals diagnosed with serious medical conditions, but should not take the place of medical treatment and advice. If you have been diagnosed with - or suspect you may have - any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor before starting hypnotherapy.

Other areas of hypnotherapy I deal with

Functional bowel disorders (IBS is one of these)

Fees

£75.00 - £110.00
Free initial telephone or online session

Additional information

I offer a free 15-minute chat if you are considering working with me and have questions or would like more information. Choose a 60-minute (£75) or 90-minute (£110) session.  Couples' sessions are £90/£135 for 60/90 minutes. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Further information

My work hours are M-F 9-7. Other times may be available outside regular hours - please ask.  Sessions are by appointment only, and can be pre-booked (via my online booking system) or by calling or emailing me.  Payment is due on the day of service.

If you decide you would like to work with me, I will email you paperwork to complete. All sessions are, of course, confidential. I would only break confidentiality if you expressed an intent to harm yourself or others. I do not offer emergency/crisis support: please call your GP,  111, The Samaritans helpline, or 999.

Cancellation: please provide at least 24 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. I do understand that life happens and sometimes this isn't possible due to emergencies. I give all my clients one "free pass" for cancellations. If you cancel more than once without sufficient notice there is a cancellation fee of £40.

Dr Claire De La Varre is also registered with Counselling Directory.

5 Millar Crescent, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH10 5HN

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older Adults
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

PVG Scheme

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

I am a supervisor certified with the GHR since 2020 but as a trainer for over a decade I have been supervising hypnotherapy students since 2011.

View supervision profile