Lucinda Leo
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi, I'm Lucinda!
I'm an experienced cognitive hypnotherapist with a special passion for making the world a better place for sensitive and intense people. Before I trained as a hypnotherapist in 2006 I worked in the corporate world, so I understand some of the pressures my clients in that area face.
I'm based in Brighton but I also work with clients online via Zoom.
If you’re considering hypnotherapy, you’ve probably tried to make a change in your life and are struggling to do so alone.
It can be frustrating knowing where you want to get to (or away from), but not how to get there. Perhaps you’ve tried a few things others have suggested, maybe you’ve read a few books, but nothing’s worked.
What’s different about cognitive hypnotherapy?
Cognitive hypnotherapy is an extremely effective change tool because it harnesses the enormous power of your unconscious mind.
Cognitive hypnotherapy is based on three principles:
1. Trance is an everyday phenomenon
Research suggests that about 90% of our behaviour is unconscious – that is, not within our conscious control. This doesn’t mean we’re being controlled by anyone else, but it does mean that about 90% of the time our behaviour is automatic. In other words, we’re on a kind of behavioural autopilot - or everyday trance - for large parts of our day.
‘Trance’, then, is an everyday phenomenon. And these everyday trance states are useful. Who would want to have to start from first principles every time we tie our shoelaces, or drive our cars? Instead, our unconscious learning takes over, so that we can listen to the radio and think about our upcoming meeting as we go about our daily routines.
But it’s these everyday trance states that explain why it can be so difficult to change problem behaviours. Consciously, we know there’s no need to be anxious about giving a presentation to a group of friendly colleagues, but unfortunately our conscious minds aren’t running the show in this situation.
2. All behaviour has a positive intention
In cognitive hypnotherapy we say that every behaviour has a positive intention. Even though shaking like a leaf and feeling sick with adrenaline before a big presentation doesn't feel useful, your unconscious truly believes that these symptoms are saving you from a far worse evil (giving the presentation). Which is why the harder you push against these negative trance states, the more they push back.
So what’s going on? The answer is that occasionally – and especially when we’re young - our brains make processing errors. Somehow, your brain has equated standing up to give a talk with certain destruction. No wonder it does everything in its power to stop you from doing it!
?Often we don’t even remember the initial events that triggered these programming errors and set in motion the consequent negative behavioural patterns. We only know that we’re stuck with unhelpful behaviour patterns that are getting in the way of our lives.?
Cognitive hypnotherapy updates our unconscious programming with our conscious mind’s understanding of reality – leaving you fully in control.
3. You’re an individual
Because everyone’s unconscious programmes have developed differently, cognitive hypnotherapy doesn’t use labels or diagnoses.
Whereas a traditional hypnotherapist might decide you have ‘anxiety’ and read you their ‘anxiety’ script, in cognitive hypnotherapy we look at the elements of your individual problem and devise a plan to take you towards your solution state.
You might say that cognitive hypnotherapy helps you wake up from negative trances, or that we de-hypnotise you, giving you back control of your life.
Book a free no-obligation introductory conversation with me, to explore if we are a good match to work together:
https://bookme.name/lucindaleo
Training, qualifications & experience
B.A. (Oxon), HPD, DipCHyp, NLP (Master Prac.)
Quest Institute Trained Therapist
I trained as a cognitive hypnotherapist at the internationally renowned Quest Institute under the founder of Cognitive Hypnotherapy, Trevor Silvester. I have also completed the 10 month Diploma course twice again at Quest as an assistant.
My hypnotherapy qualifications include:
HPD (Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma)
DipCHyp (Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy)
NLP Master Prac (Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner)
I learned NLP from its co-creator Richard Bandler together with Paul McKenna, John LaValle and internationally renowned supercoach Michael Neill.
Other qualifications and experience:
I completed an undergraduate law degree at Balliol College, Oxford University and subsequently qualified as a solicitor. I worked as a lawyer for 8 years, doing corporate litigation, public law and entertainment law (my claim to fame is that I was the Spice Girls' lawyer at one point!).
I then worked for several years as Director of Member Relations at the Performing Rights Society.
My commercial and managerial background helps me relate to many of the issues facing my clients who work in the corporate world.
Languages
I'm also a qualified TEFL teacher (English as a foreign language) and speak fairly fluent Spanish. While I don't conduct hypnotherapy sessions entirely in Spanish, I have successfully worked with native Spanish-speaking clients using a combination of English and Spanish!
CPD & Further Training
I have been privileged to train with some of the best coaches and trainers in the world, including:
Trevor Silvester
Michael Neill
Maria Sirois
Rubin Battino
John La Valle
I also present trainings on sensitivity and intensity in adults and children.
Member organisations
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.
Accredited register membership
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
Highly Sensitive Persons
Gifted individuals
Overexcitabilities
Emotional Intensity
Intensity
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£80.00 - £105.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
I offer a number of differently priced therapy and coaching packages, balancing my need to sustain my practice with my commitment to ensuring my services are available to those who can benefit from them most.
Let's have a chat about what works best for you.
Book a free no-obligation conversation with me to explore whether we're a good match to work together:
https://bookme.name/lucindaleo
When I work
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I mostly work weekday daytimes, but occasionally make exceptions, so please get in touch if this is a problem for you.
Further information
Sensitive and Intense Individuals
While I have 13 years' experience working with all types of clients and issues, I have a special interest in working with sensitive and intense individuals.
These people benefit from working with therapists who understand their unique way of being in the world and who can validate their experience.
Many have grown up feeling ashamed of their intensity and sensitivity, and feeling that they need to suppress these traits to be acceptable in society and find success.
I begin by helping you identify your unique intensity profile. Next, where appropriate, I help you heal from past traumas, and and together we work towards harnessing the strengths your intensity and sensitivity bring, to help you achieve your goals and create your happiest, healthiest, most fulfilling life.
Sensitivity and intensity is often found in the gifted population, with whom I also work.
Book a free no-obligation conversation with me to explore whether we're a good match to work together:
https://bookme.name/lucindaleo
