About me
Take a breath. You don’t have to keep “acting” like everything is fine.
If your worries feel as though they’re in the driver’s seat, or you’re stuck repeating patterns you can’t quite break, I can help you gently reconnect with the part of you that already knows how to heal. I work with people across the Rhondda and online to ease anxiety, emotional overwhelm and unhelpful behaviours through warm, person‑centred and trauma‑aware hypno‑psychotherapeutic work.
Who I am
I’m Symantha, a hypno‑psychotherapeutic counsellor on the path toward full UKCP accreditation. My background is rooted in the arts including Fine Art and Professional Acting which shaped my understanding of what it means to shift from “performing” life to inhabiting it.
Those early years taught me how profoundly creative expression, story-telling, breathwork, imagery, and compassionate presence can transform emotional wellbeing. All of this naturally weaves into the therapist I’ve become: warm, grounded, and deeply curious about the truth beneath your surface struggles.
Is this you?
People often come to me because they feel:
- Constantly “on edge” or overwhelmed by everyday life.
- Burdened by anxiety, intrusive thinking or a restless, “busy” mind.
- Stuck in habits or behaviours that no longer serve them.
- Disconnected from who they feel they really are.
- Feeling disconnected.
- Exhausted from holding everything together for everyone else.
- Unsure how to move forward after trauma, even trauma they can’t fully articulate.
If any of this resonates, you’re in the right place.
How I work
Therapy with me is a collaborative, person‑centred process. I believe you already hold the inner resources needed for change. My role is to help you rediscover them with compassion and curiosity.
About the hypnosis part
Hypnosis is simply a natural, focused state think purposeful daydreaming.
You remain in full control while we gently update the old, unconscious “software” that drives your current stress, coping mechanisms, or automatic responses.
We can work indirectly through metaphor, imagery and suggestion without re‑exposing you to painful memories. For many clients, this makes the process feel safer, lighter and surprisingly empowering.
My areas of special interest
While I work with a wide range of concerns, I am particularly experienced in:
- Anxiety and chronic worry
- Addictive and compulsive behaviours
- Trauma‑aware healing (including developmental and “unseen” trauma)
- Creative identity and performance‑related stress
- Emotional reconnection and authentic self‑development
- A neuro‑inclusive and affirming therapeutic space
I offer a neurodivergent‑affirming environment where we adapt therapy to your brain not the other way around. Whether you are autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive or simply wired a little differently, you are welcome here just as you are.
Together, we soften old protective patterns so you can live more authentically without the strain of emotional “performance.”
What to expect
Clients often describe sessions with me as:
- Warm and reassuring
- Creative and reflective
- A place they can finally stop “masking”
- A gentle but meaningful space for change
Ready to take the next step?
Reaching out can feel daunting, I get that. To make the first step easier:
🌿Book a free, no‑pressure 15‑minute discovery call
Use the Email me button to get in touch. We’ll talk through what’s bringing you to therapy and explore whether my approach feels right for you.
You don’t need to have the perfect words. You just need to begin.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy - The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy - ongoing (on the pathway to full UKCP accreditation)
- Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapeutic Counselling - The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy - awarded July 2024
- Certificate in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy - The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy - awarded April 2020 [CHP(NC)]
- Diploma in Fitness Training & Sports Therapy (including lifestyle and nutrition) - Premier Training & Development Ltd - awarded June 1999
- Advanced Diploma - The Institute of Clinical Hypnosis - awarded December 1996 [DHP]
- Diploma - The Institute of Clinical Hypnosis- awarded July 1996 [DCH]
- Professional Actor's Course (2 years)- The Academy Drama School 1993
- BA (Hons) Fine Art - awarded June 1987
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
info 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.
Fees
£65.00 - £210.00
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
Initial Consultation 90 minutes £65.00 (£75.00 after 5.30 pm M-F)
Subsequent Therapy sessions 1 hour £65.00 (£75.00 after 5.30 pm M-F)
Smoking Cessation 90 minutes £200.00 (£210.00 after 5.30 pm M-F)
Closing Therapy Session 30 minutes £0.00
Weekend sessions by arrangement £100.00 (* excluding Smoking Cessation)
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
My core client sessions are Wednesdays to Fridays inclusive. I can offer Monday, Tuesday, weekend, and evening sessions when needed, so please do not hesitate to ask.
Further information
I work from home in a designated therapy space that is peaceful and confidential.