About me
Hello! I’m James a qualified Hypnotherapist and Head of Hypnotherapy at BCS Mental Health Services.
How can I help?
I know that taking the step to see a hypnotherapist can seem daunting! Working with me I can promise a safe, confidential space which is non-judgemental, where we will work together to get to the best version of you that you can be.
Hypnotherapy is a wonderfully powerful way of working toward the goals you would like to reach whether it be to free yourself from the grip of anxiety or depressive thoughts, to manage your weight or to conquer your fear of flying!
I use a wide variety of techniques in the therapy room to help you get to where you want to be. Primarily I am a ‘Solution Focused Hypnotherapist’ which means that we work together on building a pathway to achieve your goal. In my practise I use a variety of techniques such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Coaching, Mindfulness, Neurolinguistic programming, CBT and, of course, hypnosis during our time together.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Each hourly session is guided by you.
What I will offer is a safe place that is:
- Friendly
- Comfortable
- Non-judgmental
- Open
- Honest
- Confidential
- Working toward your best interests
- Empowering you
In the first session, we will meet either in person or online and we will talk about the challenges that you are facing and the goals you would like to achieve. We will then have a chat about how the brain works and why you are feeling the way that you do. For many of my past clients this is the first time that they can begin to understand their own thoughts and feelings and to understand that they are natural processes that were useful to us at one point in our lives, but no longer serve a purpose.
In the first session, I will also give you an MP3 recording to listen to after the session. This will start the process working and get you used to the sound of my voice.
The ‘Hypno’ part of the session is something that people sometimes worry about. I don’t have a swinging watch, wear a sparkly waistcoat… I won’t make you cluck like a chicken or do anything against your will. I’ll simply talk to you… it’s a bit like being told a story when you were little… and you’ll drift off into a state of relaxed concentration. The closest analogy I can make is that it is like being in a daydream… or lost in a stare! You know where you are, but your mind is able to wander and solve problems in a way which it can’t when you’re feeling anxious.
In each follow-up session we will spend the first part of our time together talking, I’ll ask you questions and together we look at what successes you’ve had during the week, talk through any challenges you’ve faced and look to the week ahead and plan for your successes. The second part of the session you’ll be in hypnosis to cement the work from our talking.
How often do I need to visit?
Some clients will visit weekly, others every few weeks and some monthly. We work quickly and you are in control of how many times and how often you would like to see me.
We work quickly, and you will never have more sessions than you need.
The ending of the sessions is guided by you. There will be a gradual ending so that you feel empowered and ready to move forward in a space that is right for you.
How are the sessions conducted at the moment?
I am a specialist in Online Therapy - Skype, Zoom or easy access video link (no software needed).
A little bit more about me, my training and my associations...
I’m a registered member of the Complimentary Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH). Being a member of these organisations means you can be assured that I am well qualified, adhere to their strict ethical frameworks and undertake ongoing continued professional development which ensures competent in a wide range of hypnotherapeutic techniques and styles.
I trained at (among others) the prestigious Clifton Practice under David Newton (HPD DHP SFBT(Hyp) SFBT Sup(Hyp) FAPHP MNCH MNCP SHS SQHP Sup Hyp, Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist!). This means I have an outstanding grounding in the practices of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy and that the work that I do is based on the latest neuro-science research.
Training, qualifications & experience
Clifton Practice, Bristol - ASFH (Dip)
Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma
Hypnotherapy Certificate from the Scottish Strategic Life Academy
PGCE (Secondary with QTS)
1st Class BA (Hons)
Member organisations

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
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.

National Council for Hypnotherapy
The National Council for Hypnotherapy holds one of the largest registers of independent Hypnotherapists in the United Kingdom and strives to maintain the highest standards among its members.
There is an agreed Code of Conduct, an established Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure and all members are obliged to maintain comprehensive Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance, maintain regular CPD (continuing professional development) hours, and attend Supervision when needed.
Accredited register membership

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.

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
Hypnotherapy has wide-ranging benefits and can help in a multitude of challenges. Why not send me a message to find out how I could help?
Therapies offered
Fees
- Sessions are £35
Further information
I am always happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have either by phone email or message. Why not take that first step today and do something the future you will be proud of!